Contra III - The Alien Wars (USA)

What is Contra III - The Alien Wars (USA)?

Contra III - The Alien Wars (USA) is a legendary SNES run-and-gun shooter that pits elite commandos Jimbo and Sully against an alien invasion. Set in a dystopian 27th century, players blast through six stages of relentless action, battling extraterrestrial forces across war-torn cities, alien bases, and other hazardous environments. Known for its blistering difficulty and iconic boss fights, this title amplifies the series' signature chaos with multi-directional shooting, explosive set pieces, and vehicle sequences.

Game Features

• Two-player co-op for simultaneous alien-blasting action
• Dual-scaling gameplay with top-down and side-scrolling perspectives
• Dynamic weapon system including Spread Shot, Laser, and Homing Missiles
• Epic boss encounters requiring pattern recognition and quick reflexes
• Mode 7 effects for rotating and scaling environments during vehicle segments
• Multiple difficulty settings catering to both newcomers and veterans

How to Play Contra III - The Alien Wars (USA)?

1. Select your character: Choose between commandos Jimbo or Sully at the start.
2. Master controls:
   • Move with arrow keys or WASD
   • Shoot with X key (B button equivalent)
   • Jump with Z key (A button equivalent)
   • Toggle weapons using C key (SNES Select button)
3. Navigate levels: Run, jump, and climb while avoiding environmental hazards like pits and lava.
4. Combat aliens: Destroy enemies and collect floating power-up icons to upgrade weapons.
5. Ride missiles: During on-rails segments, dodge obstacles while automatically firing.
6. Defeat bosses: Target weak points during elaborate multi-phase battles.
7. Utilize lives and continues: Restart from checkpoints after dying, but game over occurs if all lives are lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Contra III so challenging?
The game demands pixel-perfect jumps, rapid enemy pattern memorization, and efficient weapon management, with limited continues amplifying the tension. Later stages require near-flawless execution.

Can I save my progress?
No, the game must be completed in a single session using limited continues. Practice and muscle memory are key to conquering later levels.

Are there any secret techniques?
Yes! Holding the fire button while rapidly tapping jump performs a stationary "rapid fire" shot, and certain weapon combinations (like Spread + Laser) create devastating overlapping attacks when mastered.