Contra: Hard Corps

Contra: Hard Corps is a side-scrolling run and gun-style shoot-'em-up video game released by Konami for the Sega Genesis in North America, Japan and Europe in 1994.

It was the first game in the Contra series released for a Sega platform and serves as a departure from preceding games in the series in many ways.

Why It's Hardcore

 * 1) Four playable characters, each one with their own weapons and abilities.
 * 2) Amazing graphics and soundtrack.
 * 3) Addicting gameplay.
 * 4) The game features a branching storyline with multiple possible endings.
 * 5) Face off against different bosses and complete different stages depending on your choices.
 * 6) More than 20 bosses to defeat, there is a huge quantity of bosses here, almost as much as there is in a Treasure game.
 * 7) Considered by many as one of the best Contra games and one of the best for the Sega Genesis.
 * 8) High difficulty offers a good level of challenge.
 * 9) High replay value.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) This game introduces a life bar to the franchise, but it was only included in the Japanese version.
 * 2) * The lifebar was removed in favor of one hit kills likely to milk renters for more money.
 * 3) The U.S. and PAL versions of the game are way too difficult.

Reception
GamePro gave the game a positive review, praising the impressive bosses, "eye-catching" graphics, explosions "which test the limits of TV speakers", simple control configuration, and intense action.

The four reviewers of Electronic Gaming Monthly also gave the game a recommendation for its four character selection, intense action, and impressive graphical effects.