Xbox 360 Critic Reviews

It's got all of the classic gameplay of its predecessor, and most of the graphics are terrific. Couple this with some excellent music, and you definitely have a winner. Unfortunately, the incredibly high level of difficulty is going to turn off almost everyone except the most hardcore of gamers.

It’s extremely challenging and demanding, so those looking for a more casual shooter might be best served going for another game. Additionally, the lightweight “enhanced” graphics and audio don’t bring the game as far into the next-gen era as some XBLA titles have done.

Old-time arcaders will dig the ramped-up challenge: Super's tough even with a partner, and we had to lower the difficulty and hoard the spread gun - our sidearm soulmate - to beat all five levels solo. [Sept 2007, p.76]

Super Contra's blistering level of difficulty makes it best suited for those looking for an exceptionally punishing arcade run-and-gun experience.

With limited continues and a good level of challenge, this game definitely won’t be a cakewalk. Just don’t expect anything that spectacular, either.

Super Contra should only be downloaded by the most experience arcade players. Its difficulty will make the learning curve too high for novice players giving it a run-through for the first time.

Insanely hard. [Issue#24, p.101]

From ugly borders and out of place visual effects to choppy net code, it's clear that a lot more work could have gone into this title.

Another cheap money-spinner. [Nov 2007, p.107]

Super Contra might appeal to the extreme hardcore retro apologists out there with oceanic reserves of patience and superhuman skills. It's certainly a challenge, and if that sounds like you, go for it. But if you're a mere mortal and squeal when the going gets tough, then the chances are you'll agree that the sequel is just too damn bloody minded by design to warrant much attention 19 years on.