Difference between revisions of "Contra: Hard Corps"

From Sega Retro

m (Text replacement - "digital manual.pdf" to "MDMini manual.pdf")
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| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Nintendo Switch Online]]
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Nintendo Switch Online]]
 
| sounddriver=
 
| sounddriver=
−
| peripherals=
+
| peripherals=[[Six Button Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Six Button Control Pad]]
 
| players=1-2
 
| players=1-2
 
| genre=Action{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200702232146/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html}}
 
| genre=Action{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200702232146/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html}}
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}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
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{{stub}}'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''', known in Japan as '''''Contra: The Hard Corps''''' (魂斗羅 ザ・ハードコア) and in Europe and Australia as '''''Probotector''''', is a side-scroling run and gun-style shoot-em-up for the Sega Genesis by Konami. It is one of the only two ''Contra'' installments on any Sega console, the other being ''[[Contra: Legacy of War]]''. The game is also notable for being one of the hardest games in the ''Contra'' franchise in the west, as the hit points system from the Japanese version was removed.
+
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''', known in Japan as '''''Contra: The Hard Corps''''' (魂斗羅 ザ・ハードコア) and in Europe and Australia as '''''Probotector''''', is a side-scrolling run-and-gun game for the [[Sega Mega Drive]] by [[Konami]].
  
−
The game's story takes place after ''Contra III: The Alien Wars'' (which was never released on the Sega hardware) and revolves around the theft of an alien cell. The story unfolds in a nonlinear fashion due two two crossroad points in the game. Depending on the players selection, the following stages become different. A total of 5 endings exist, one is a spoof ending found by clearing the secret arena in stage 3 (climb up the wall before going to the boss)
+
It is one of the only two ''[[:Category:Contra|Contra]]'' installments on any Sega console, the other being ''[[Contra: Legacy of War]]''. The game is considered one of the hardest games in the ''Contra'' franchise in the West, as the hit point system from the Japanese version was removed.
 +
 
 +
==Story==
 +
In 2641, an elite team of commandos called the "Unified Military Special Mobile Task Force K-X," also known as the "Contra: Hard Corps," has been assembled to combat the rapid spread of crime and illegal activities following the war. When an unknown hacker infiltrates the city's security system and reprograms a group of unmanned robots to cause havoc, the Hard Corps are deployed to handle the situation. Members include male soldier Ray Poward; female soldier Sheena Etranzi; Brad Fang, a wolf-like humanoid; and Browny, a small robot.
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
−
Each player can shoot with {{B}} (aiming and rapid-fire work the same as with any Contra title or other Konami titles like ''[[Sunset Riders]]''), change weapons with {{A}} (as unlike other Contra games, you accumulate weapons), and jump with {{C}}. {{Down}}+{{C}} slides, which also grants full body invincibility for the duration of the slide. Pushing {{A}} and {{B}} simulatneously switches shooting mode between "I" and "II". "I" allows to run and fire at the same time, while "II" forces the player to stop while firing.
+
The game is a side-scrolling run-and-gun. The objective of each stage is to reach the end, shooting enemies and fighting numerous bosses along the way. Players can choose between one of four unique player characters, which have their own unique weapons. Two players can play simultaneously (but they are not allowed to choose the same character). The second player can join at any time during the game by pressing {{Start}}. Bosses are tougher and require more hits to defeat when playing with two-players. The story is advanced through story cutscenes, and some stages present the players with branching paths. A total of six different endings exist (including a hidden spoof ending).
 +
 
 +
Characters move with {{left}} or {{right}} and lie prone with {{down}}. In two-player games, the screen only scrolls if both players are moving. They jump with {{C}} and jump off platforms with {{down}}+{{C}}. They can slide along the ground with {{down}}+{{C}}. The character is invulnerable for the duration of the maneuver; some enemies can also be damaged by sliding through them. Characters grab walls and ceilings automatically and move along them using the D-Pad.
 +
 
 +
Characters shoot with {{B}} (which can be held for continuous fire). The character can shoot in any of eight directions by holding the D-Pad while firing. There are two shooting modes, Type I and Type II: Type I allows the character to run and fire at the same time, while Type II fixes the character in place while firing. The shooting mode is switched by pressing {{A}}+{{B}} (or {{X}}, {{Y}}, or {{Z}} when using a [[Six Button Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Six Button Control Pad]]). Players can change the shooting mode while the game is paused (with {{Start}}). While using Type II, pressing {{down}} while holding {{B}} fires directly downwards; otherwise, pressing {{B}} while holding {{down}} fires while lying down. When using Type I, the player cannot fire directly downwards and instead always fires while lying down when holding {{down}} and {{B}} together. Weapons can also be fired while jumping.
  
−
The functions of {{A}}, {{B}} and {{C}} can be remapped from the default key config via the options menu. With a [[6 Button Arcade Pad]], {{X}}, {{Y}} or {{Z}} can be used to switch between shooting modes without the need to press two buttons.
+
Characters can now carry up to four different weapons, as well as a supply of bombs. Weapons are cycled through with {{A}}. Characters are initially armed with a standard machine gun, but additional weapons are obtained from flying capsules. The weapon items are labeled A, B, C, or D, each corresponding to a different weapon depending on the character controlled by the player. The starting weapon is upgraded by collecting an A item. Bombs are held in slot E (and behave the same regardless of which character is selected).
  
−
A parody of Simon Belmont, from the ''Castlevania'' series (also by Konami) is featured as an optional boss. He also has his respective theme, Simon1994RD, a remixed version of Vampire Killer.
+
In the Japanese version, characters have a life gauge that allows them to take three hits from enemies before losing a life. The Western releases remove this, so characters lose a life when they are hit one time. A fallen character revives in place with a short period of invulnerability if the player has extra lives remaining. Losing a life costs the equipped weapon (but the player's supply of bombs is untouched). Players earn an extra life at 2,000 points and then every 6,000 points after that. The Japanese version also features unlimited continues, while the Western versions only allow a player to continue five times.
  
 
===Characters===
 
===Characters===
−
In the game you can control one of four characters.Each character has his or her own special weapons special to them. The only shared weapons are the standard gun and smartbombs. Also, a second player can join in at any time during the action.
+
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
−
*'''Ray Poward''' a male soldier
+
{{InfoRow
−
*'''Sheena Etranzi''' a female soldier
+
| title=Ray Poward
−
*'''Brad Fang''' a cyborg genetically-altered werewolf
+
| sprite={{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Characters.png | crop_width=128 | crop_height=168 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
−
*'''Browny''' a tiny robot.
+
| desc=A male soldier. He is a well rounded character with average height and a versatile arsenal.
 +
 
 +
{{{!}} class="breakout" style="width: auto;"
 +
! '''Slot''' !! '''Weapon''' !! '''Description'''
 +
{{!}}-
 +
{{!}} A
 +
{{!}} {{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png | 2 | crop_width=14 | crop_height=14 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}} Vulcan Laser
 +
{{!}} Rapid-firing laser beams that penetrate barriers.
 +
{{!}}-
 +
{{!}} B
 +
{{!}} {{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png | 2 | crop_width=14 | crop_height=14 | crop_x=14 | crop_y=0}} Crash
 +
{{!}} Fires high-damage shells in a straight line.
 +
{{!}}-
 +
{{!}} C
 +
{{!}} {{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png | 2 | crop_width=14 | crop_height=14 | crop_x=28 | crop_y=0}} Spread
 +
{{!}} A conical spread of five bullets that deal moderate damage.
 +
{{!}}-
 +
{{!}} D
 +
{{!}} {{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png | 2 | crop_width=14 | crop_height=14 | crop_x=42 | crop_y=0}} Homing
 +
{{!}} Fires a barrage of homing missiles.
 +
{{!}}}
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Sheena Etranzi
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Characters.png | crop_width=128 | crop_height=168 | crop_x=128 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=A female soldier. She is a slightly smaller target than Ray and has a similar selection of weapons.
 +
 
 +
{{{!}} class="breakout" style="width: auto;"
 +
! '''Slot''' !! '''Weapon''' !! '''Description'''
 +
{{!}}-
 +
{{!}} A
 +
{{!}} {{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png | 2 | crop_width=14 | crop_height=14 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=14}} Genocide Vulcan
 +
{{!}} Rapid-firing bullets that grow larger as they travel further away.
 +
{{!}}-
 +
{{!}} B
 +
{{!}} {{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png | 2 | crop_width=14 | crop_height=14 | crop_x=14 | crop_y=14}} Shower Crash
 +
{{!}} Fires high-damage shells in a downward arc.
 +
{{!}}-
 +
{{!}} C
 +
{{!}} {{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png | 2 | crop_width=14 | crop_height=14 | crop_x=28 | crop_y=14}} Break Laser
 +
{{!}} Fires a long but slow penetrating laser beam that penetrates barriers.
 +
{{!}}-
 +
{{!}} D
 +
{{!}} {{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png | 2 | crop_width=14 | crop_height=14 | crop_x=42 | crop_y=14}} Ax Laser
 +
{{!}} A conical spread of five lasers that home in on targets for moderate damage.
 +
{{!}}}
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Brad Fang
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Characters.png | crop_width=128 | crop_height=168 | crop_x=256 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=A genetically altered, cyborg werewolf with two cybernetic arms. He has the largest hitbox and the shortest slide. His weapons are very strong but tricky to use effectively, and he is the only character without a homing attack.
 +
 
 +
{{{!}} class="breakout" style="width: auto;"
 +
! '''Slot''' !! '''Weapon''' !! '''Description'''
 +
{{!}}-
 +
{{!}} A
 +
{{!}} {{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png | 2 | crop_width=14 | crop_height=14 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=28}} Beast Shooter
 +
{{!}} Shoots a stream of large fireballs that ripple up and down.
 +
{{!}}-
 +
{{!}} B
 +
{{!}} {{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png | 2 | crop_width=14 | crop_height=14 | crop_x=14 | crop_y=28}} Power Punch
 +
{{!}} A burst of fireballs in a ring. Very powerful but short-ranged and can only be shot left and right.
 +
{{!}}-
 +
{{!}} C
 +
{{!}} {{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png | 2 | crop_width=14 | crop_height=14 | crop_x=28 | crop_y=28}} Flame Thrower
 +
{{!}} Shoots a jet of flame a medium distance in a line.
 +
{{!}}-
 +
{{!}} D
 +
{{!}} {{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png | 2 | crop_width=14 | crop_height=14 | crop_x=42 | crop_y=28}} Psychic Blaster
 +
{{!}} This weapon is charged by holding the fire button and fired by releasing it. The color of the energy radiating around Fang's weapon indicates the attack: blue shoots a single blue ball, while orange fires a large, fast-moving shockwave across the screen.
 +
{{!}}}
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Browny
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Characters.png | crop_width=128 | crop_height=168 | crop_x=384 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=A tiny robot. He is the smallest character and has the longest slide. He can hover using his jetpack by holding {{C}} while airborne, which gives him a short vertical boost before floating down. He has a selection of potent weapons that benefit from his increased mobility.
 +
 
 +
{{{!}} class="breakout" style="width: auto;"
 +
! '''Slot''' !! '''Weapon''' !! '''Description'''
 +
{{!}}-
 +
{{!}} A
 +
{{!}} {{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png | 2 | crop_width=14 | crop_height=14 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=42}} Victory Laser
 +
{{!}} Rapid-firing, V-shaped energy waves that penetrate barriers.
 +
{{!}}-
 +
{{!}} B
 +
{{!}} {{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png | 2 | crop_width=14 | crop_height=14 | crop_x=14 | crop_y=42}} Gemini Scatter
 +
{{!}} Shoots small explosives that return to Browny like boomerangs.
 +
{{!}}-
 +
{{!}} C
 +
{{!}} {{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png | 2 | crop_width=14 | crop_height=14 | crop_x=28 | crop_y=42}} Electromagnetic Yo-Yo
 +
{{!}} A powerful weapon that swings on a chain like a yo-yo and seeks targets automatically.
 +
{{!}}-
 +
{{!}} D
 +
{{!}} {{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png | 2 | crop_width=14 | crop_height=14 | crop_x=42 | crop_y=42}} Shield Chaser
 +
{{!}} While the fire button is held, a six balls spin around Browny. These balls damage enemies and neutralize projectiles (but disappear after hitting something). When the button is released, the remaining balls shoot off towards an enemy.
 +
{{!}}}
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Items===
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Item Capsule
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=28 | crop_height=11 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=66}}
 +
| desc=Shoot to release an item.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=A
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=32 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Equips the character's A weapon, which replaces the standard machine gun.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=B
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=32 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Equips the character's B weapon.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=C
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=32 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=32}}
 +
| desc=Equips the character's C weapon.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=D
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=32 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=48}}
 +
| desc=Equips the character's D weapon.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Bomb
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Contra Hard Corps, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=80}}
 +
| desc=Gives the player another bomb. Bombs explode and damage all enemies on the screen. The player can hold multiple bombs at a time.
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
 
===Stages===
 
===Stages===
−
Levels in ''Contra: Hard Corps'' are not played in a linear order - the player is given the opportunity to choose a path at several points in the game. While the level select suggests there are 13 stages in total (many of these actually being cutscenes or bosses), the manuals only allude to 6.
+
At several points in the game, players are given the opportunity to choose between two branching paths, which determines the next stage. These paths converge at certain points, so some of the stages are played regardless of which previous paths were chosen.
−
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=200|
+
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
−
| title=Stage 1:  
+
| title=Stage 1
−
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-4.png
 +
| screenshot5=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-5.png
 +
| screenshot6=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-6.png
 +
| screenshot7=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-7.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=Players are given a choice at the end: go after Deadeye Joe (go to Stage 2A) or rescue the Research Center (go to Stage 2B).
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Stage 2A
 +
| screenshot=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 2-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 2-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 2-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 2-4.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=This stage has the player riding a "Motoroid," a hoverbike that can transform into an ostrich-like walking robot.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Stage 2B
 +
| screenshot=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 3-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 3-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 3-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 3-4.png
 +
| screenshot5=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 3-5.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 
| desc=
 
| desc=
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
−
| title=Stage 2:  
+
| title=Stage 3
−
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-1.png
−
| desc=
+
| screenshot2=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-4.png
 +
| screenshot5=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-5.png
 +
| screenshot6=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-6.png
 +
| screenshot7=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-7.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=This stage is played on all paths. There is a hidden alien in this stage who offers the players the choice to "make some money in the battle arena": plays can choose to "give it a try" (skip the rest of Stage 3 and go to the Hidden Stage) or "forget about it" (finish Stage 3).
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Hidden Stage
 +
| screenshot=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 13-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 13-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 13-3.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=This is a hidden stage that consists of three boss fights (including a parody of Simon Belmont from the ''Castlevania'' series, with remixed theme music). If it is completed, the game ends with the secret ending.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Stage 4
 +
| screenshot=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-4.png
 +
| screenshot5=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-5.png
 +
| screenshot6=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-6.png
 +
| screenshot7=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-7.png
 +
| screenshot8=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-8.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=This stage is played on all paths. Players are given a choice at the end: fight to the end (go to Stage 5AB) or surrender and fight later (go to Stage 5C if previously played Stage 2A or go to Stage 5D if previously played Stage 2B).
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Stage 5AB
 +
| screenshot=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-4.png
 +
| screenshot5=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-5.png
 +
| screenshot6=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-6.png
 +
| screenshot7=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-7.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=This stage is followed by Stage 6A if the players have previously played Stage 2A or by Stage 6B if the players have previously played Stage 2B.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Stage 5C
 +
| screenshot=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 12-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 12-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 12-3.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=The game ends after completing this stage.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Stage 5D
 +
| screenshot=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 7-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 7-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 7-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 7-4.png
 +
| screenshot5=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 7-5.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=This stage is followed by Stage 6D.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
−
| title=Stage 3:
+
| title=Stage 6A
−
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-1.png
−
| desc=
+
| screenshot2=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-4.png
 +
| screenshot5=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-5.png
 +
| screenshot6=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-6.png
 +
| screenshot7=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-7.png
 +
| screenshot8=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-8.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=The game ends after completing this stage.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
−
| title=Stage 4:
+
| title=Stage 6B
−
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 8-1.png
−
| desc=
+
| screenshot2=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 8-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 8-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 8-4.png
 +
| screenshot5=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 8-5.png
 +
| screenshot6=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 8-6.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=This stage is followed by Stage 7.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
−
| title=Stage 5:
+
| title=Stage 6D
−
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 11-1.png
−
| desc=
+
| screenshot2=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 11-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 11-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 11-4.png
 +
| screenshot5=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 11-5.png
 +
| screenshot6=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 11-6.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=The game ends after completing this stage.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
−
| title=Stage 6:
+
| title=Stage 7
−
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-1.png
−
| desc=
+
| screenshot2=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-4.png
 +
| screenshot5=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-5.png
 +
| screenshot6=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-6.png
 +
| screenshot7=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-7.png
 +
| screenshot8=Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-8.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=Colonel Bahamut offers the players to join forces with him. If the players accept, the game ends with the bad ending (and the players are given the chance to restart the stage if they have continues remaining). Otherwise, players fight the Colonel for one of the good endings.
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
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==History==
 
==History==
 
===Development===
 
===Development===
−
The development team called themselves "TEAM機知GUY" (Team Kichi Guy). This is actualy pun and not present in the western staff roll. The Japanese "機知"(Kichi) alone translates to "wit", but together with "GUY" is sounds like "きちがい" (Kichigai), a slang word for crazy.
+
The development team called themselves "TEAM機知GUY" (Team Kichi Guy). This is actually a pun and not present in the Western staff roll. The Japanese "機知"(Kichi) alone translates to "wit", but together with "GUY" is sounds like "きちがい" (Kichigai), a slang word for crazy.
  
 
===Legacy===
 
===Legacy===
 
Two levels from ''Contra: Hard Corps'' would be recycled for the [[Game Boy Advance]] release of ''Contra Advance: The Alien Wars EX'' in 2002.
 
Two levels from ''Contra: Hard Corps'' would be recycled for the [[Game Boy Advance]] release of ''Contra Advance: The Alien Wars EX'' in 2002.
 +
 +
The game spawned a series of follow-ups featuring the same characters, including the [[Appaloosa Interactive]]-developed sequels, ''Contra: Legacy of War'' and ''C: The Contra Adventure'', and the [[Arc System Works]]-developed prequel, ''Hard Corps: Uprising''.
 +
 +
In 2019, it was re-released as part of ''Contra: Anniversary Collection'' for [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Xbox One]], and [[Windows PC]]s. It was also included in all version of the [[Mega Drive Mini]] the same year. The game was re-released on [[Nintendo Switch Online]] in 2021.
  
 
==Versions==
 
==Versions==
−
Like many ''Contra'' games released both before and after ''Hard Corps'', the game differs significantly depending on region. In the Japanese version, a three point health bar exists for for each character, where getting hit removes one point and grants a short timeframe of invincibility. Continues are also unlimited, and there are also various cheat codes that were disabled in the other versions such as a stage select and a 70-lives code.
+
Like many ''Contra'' games released both before and after ''Hard Corps'', the game differs significantly depending on region. In the Japanese version, a three point health bar exists for for each character, where getting hit removes one point and grants a short period of invincibility. Continues are also unlimited, and there are also various cheat codes that were disabled in the other versions such as a stage select and a 70-lives code.
  
 
Conversely, the North American release removed the health bar system, meaning a single hit results in death (which is consistent with most games in the series). Continues here are limited to four retries.
 
Conversely, the North American release removed the health bar system, meaning a single hit results in death (which is consistent with most games in the series). Continues here are limited to four retries.
  
−
In Europe the game was reskinned as ''Probotector'' (not to be confused with the original ''Probotector'' on the NES - a reskinned version of the first ''Contra'' game), replacing living humans and an anthropomorphic animal with robots or aliens, and consequently replacing Ray, Sheena, and Fang with CX-1, CX-2, and CX-3, respectively. Browny was simply renamed to CX-4. The story was rewritten to remove elements of human betrayal and the alien cell was replaced with the mechanical X-Drive. This version also lacks the health bar and the number of continues have been reduced to three retries.
+
In Europe the game was reskinned as ''Probotector'' (not to be confused with the original ''Probotector'' on the [[NES]], a reskinned version of the first ''Contra'' game), replacing living humans and an anthropomorphic animal with robots or aliens, and consequently replacing Ray, Sheena, and Fang with CX-1, CX-2, and CX-3, respectively. Browny was simply renamed to CX-4. The story was rewritten to remove elements of human betrayal and the alien cell was replaced with the mechanical X-Drive. This version also lacks the health bar and the number of continues have been reduced to three retries.
  
−
Aside from the aforementioned changes and an added langauge select option (which was uncommon for the era), ''Probotector'' is the same game as the North American release of ''Hard Corps''. This extends to the game's performance, with no optimisations put in place for PAL systems, resulting in a slower game that only runs at the correct speed on 60Hz systems.
+
Aside from the aforementioned changes and an added language select option (which was uncommon for the era), ''Probotector'' is the same game as the North American release of ''Hard Corps''. This extends to the game's performance, with no optimisations put in place for PAL systems, resulting in a slower game that only runs at the correct speed on 60 Hz systems.
  
 
===Localised names===
 
===Localised names===
Line 138: Line 392:
 
*'''Special Thanks:''' Yutaka Haruki and all Konami staff
 
*'''Special Thanks:''' Yutaka Haruki and all Konami staff
 
*'''Producer:''' [[Tomikazu Kirita]]
 
*'''Producer:''' [[Tomikazu Kirita]]
−
|source=In-game credits (English)
+
| source=In-game credits (US)
−
|pdf=Contra Hard Corps MD credits.pdf
+
| pdf=Contra Hard Corps MD credits.pdf
−
|console=MD
+
| console=MD
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
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| region=JP
 
| region=JP
 
| cover=Contra Hard Corps MD JP Box.jpg
 
| cover=Contra Hard Corps MD JP Box.jpg
−
| cart=ContraHardCorps_MD_JP_Cart.jpg
+
| cart=ContraHardCorps MD JP Cart.jpg
−
| carttop=ContraHardCorps_MD_JP_CartTop.jpg
+
| carttop=ContraHardCorps MD JP CartTop.jpg
 
| manual=Contra md jp manual.pdf
 
| manual=Contra md jp manual.pdf
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox

Revision as of 07:30, 14 March 2023

n/a

  • NTSC-U
  • NTSC-J
  • PAL

ContraHardCorps TitleScreen.PNG

ContraHardCorps MD JP title.png

Probotector MD title.png

Contra: Hard Corps
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Nintendo Switch Online
Publisher: Konami
Developer:
Peripherals supported: Six Button Control Pad
Genre: Action[1]

















Series: Contra series
Number of players: 1-2
Official in-game languages:
  • 日本語
  • English
  • Français
  • Deutsch
    • Release Date RRP Code
    Sega Mega Drive
    JP     		¥9,000 (9,270)9,000e[2] T-95093
    Sega Mega Drive
    US     		T-95106
    Videogame Rating Council: MA-13
    Sega Mega Drive
    EU     		T-95106-50
    ELSPA: 3+ OK
    Sega Mega Drive
    DE     		DM 129.95129.95[8]
    Sega Mega Drive
    UK     		£44.9944.99[6][5] T-95106-50
    ELSPA: 3+ OK
    Sega Mega Drive
    AU     		$109.95109.95[7]
    OFLC: G8
    Sega Mega Drive
    KR     		GM94017JT
    Nintendo Switch Online
    JP ▼
    Nintendo Switch Online
    US ▼
    Nintendo Switch Online
    EU ▼
    Nintendo Switch Online
    UK ▼
    Nintendo Switch Online
    AU ▼

    Contra: Hard Corps, known in Japan as Contra: The Hard Corps (魂斗羅 ザ・ハードコア) and in Europe and Australia as Probotector, is a side-scrolling run-and-gun game for the Sega Mega Drive by Konami.

    It is one of the only two Contra installments on any Sega console, the other being Contra: Legacy of War. The game is considered one of the hardest games in the Contra franchise in the West, as the hit point system from the Japanese version was removed.

    Story

    In 2641, an elite team of commandos called the "Unified Military Special Mobile Task Force K-X," also known as the "Contra: Hard Corps," has been assembled to combat the rapid spread of crime and illegal activities following the war. When an unknown hacker infiltrates the city's security system and reprograms a group of unmanned robots to cause havoc, the Hard Corps are deployed to handle the situation. Members include male soldier Ray Poward; female soldier Sheena Etranzi; Brad Fang, a wolf-like humanoid; and Browny, a small robot.

    Gameplay

    The game is a side-scrolling run-and-gun. The objective of each stage is to reach the end, shooting enemies and fighting numerous bosses along the way. Players can choose between one of four unique player characters, which have their own unique weapons. Two players can play simultaneously (but they are not allowed to choose the same character). The second player can join at any time during the game by pressing  START . Bosses are tougher and require more hits to defeat when playing with two-players. The story is advanced through story cutscenes, and some stages present the players with branching paths. A total of six different endings exist (including a hidden spoof ending).

    Characters move with Left or Right and lie prone with Down. In two-player games, the screen only scrolls if both players are moving. They jump with C and jump off platforms with Down+C. They can slide along the ground with Down+C. The character is invulnerable for the duration of the maneuver; some enemies can also be damaged by sliding through them. Characters grab walls and ceilings automatically and move along them using the D-Pad.

    Characters shoot with B (which can be held for continuous fire). The character can shoot in any of eight directions by holding the D-Pad while firing. There are two shooting modes, Type I and Type II: Type I allows the character to run and fire at the same time, while Type II fixes the character in place while firing. The shooting mode is switched by pressing A+B (or X, Y, or Z when using a Six Button Control Pad). Players can change the shooting mode while the game is paused (with  START ). While using Type II, pressing Down while holding B fires directly downwards; otherwise, pressing B while holding Down fires while lying down. When using Type I, the player cannot fire directly downwards and instead always fires while lying down when holding Down and B together. Weapons can also be fired while jumping.

    Characters can now carry up to four different weapons, as well as a supply of bombs. Weapons are cycled through with A. Characters are initially armed with a standard machine gun, but additional weapons are obtained from flying capsules. The weapon items are labeled A, B, C, or D, each corresponding to a different weapon depending on the character controlled by the player. The starting weapon is upgraded by collecting an A item. Bombs are held in slot E (and behave the same regardless of which character is selected).

    In the Japanese version, characters have a life gauge that allows them to take three hits from enemies before losing a life. The Western releases remove this, so characters lose a life when they are hit one time. A fallen character revives in place with a short period of invulnerability if the player has extra lives remaining. Losing a life costs the equipped weapon (but the player's supply of bombs is untouched). Players earn an extra life at 2,000 points and then every 6,000 points after that. The Japanese version also features unlimited continues, while the Western versions only allow a player to continue five times.

    Characters

    Contra Hard Corps, Characters.png
    		 Ray Poward
    A male soldier. He is a well rounded character with average height and a versatile arsenal.
    Slot Weapon Description
    A
    Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png
    Vulcan Laser     		Rapid-firing laser beams that penetrate barriers.
    B
    Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png
    Crash     		Fires high-damage shells in a straight line.
    C
    Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png
    Spread     		A conical spread of five bullets that deal moderate damage.
    D
    Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png
    Homing     		Fires a barrage of homing missiles.
    Contra Hard Corps, Characters.png
    		 Sheena Etranzi
    A female soldier. She is a slightly smaller target than Ray and has a similar selection of weapons.
    Slot Weapon Description
    A
    Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png
    Genocide Vulcan     		Rapid-firing bullets that grow larger as they travel further away.
    B
    Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png
    Shower Crash     		Fires high-damage shells in a downward arc.
    C
    Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png
    Break Laser     		Fires a long but slow penetrating laser beam that penetrates barriers.
    D
    Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png
    Ax Laser     		A conical spread of five lasers that home in on targets for moderate damage.
    Contra Hard Corps, Characters.png
    		 Brad Fang
    A genetically altered, cyborg werewolf with two cybernetic arms. He has the largest hitbox and the shortest slide. His weapons are very strong but tricky to use effectively, and he is the only character without a homing attack.
    Slot Weapon Description
    A
    Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png
    Beast Shooter     		Shoots a stream of large fireballs that ripple up and down.
    B
    Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png
    Power Punch     		A burst of fireballs in a ring. Very powerful but short-ranged and can only be shot left and right.
    C
    Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png
    Flame Thrower     		Shoots a jet of flame a medium distance in a line.
    D
    Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png
    Psychic Blaster     		This weapon is charged by holding the fire button and fired by releasing it. The color of the energy radiating around Fang's weapon indicates the attack: blue shoots a single blue ball, while orange fires a large, fast-moving shockwave across the screen.
    Contra Hard Corps, Characters.png
    		 Browny
    A tiny robot. He is the smallest character and has the longest slide. He can hover using his jetpack by holding C while airborne, which gives him a short vertical boost before floating down. He has a selection of potent weapons that benefit from his increased mobility.
    Slot Weapon Description
    A
    Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png
    Victory Laser     		Rapid-firing, V-shaped energy waves that penetrate barriers.
    B
    Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png
    Gemini Scatter     		Shoots small explosives that return to Browny like boomerangs.
    C
    Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png
    Electromagnetic Yo-Yo     		A powerful weapon that swings on a chain like a yo-yo and seeks targets automatically.
    D
    Contra Hard Corps, Weapons.png
    Shield Chaser     		While the fire button is held, a six balls spin around Browny. These balls damage enemies and neutralize projectiles (but disappear after hitting something). When the button is released, the remaining balls shoot off towards an enemy.

    Items

    Contra Hard Corps, Items.png
    		 Item Capsule
    Shoot to release an item.
    Contra Hard Corps, Items.png
    		 A
    Equips the character's A weapon, which replaces the standard machine gun.
    Contra Hard Corps, Items.png
    		 B
    Equips the character's B weapon.
    Contra Hard Corps, Items.png
    		 C
    Equips the character's C weapon.
    Contra Hard Corps, Items.png
    		 D
    Equips the character's D weapon.
    Contra Hard Corps, Items.png
    		 Bomb
    Gives the player another bomb. Bombs explode and damage all enemies on the screen. The player can hold multiple bombs at a time.

    Stages

    At several points in the game, players are given the opportunity to choose between two branching paths, which determines the next stage. These paths converge at certain points, so some of the stages are played regardless of which previous paths were chosen.

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-1.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-2.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-3.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-4.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-5.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-6.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-7.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-1.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-2.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-3.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-4.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-5.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-6.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 1-7.png

    		Stage 1
    Players are given a choice at the end: go after Deadeye Joe (go to Stage 2A) or rescue the Research Center (go to Stage 2B).

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 2-1.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 2-2.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 2-3.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 2-4.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 2-1.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 2-2.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 2-3.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 2-4.png

    		Stage 2A
    This stage has the player riding a "Motoroid," a hoverbike that can transform into an ostrich-like walking robot.

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 3-1.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 3-2.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 3-3.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 3-4.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 3-5.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 3-1.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 3-2.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 3-3.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 3-4.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 3-5.png

    		Stage 2B

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-1.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-2.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-3.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-4.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-5.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-6.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-7.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-1.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-2.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-3.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-4.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-5.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-6.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 4-7.png

    		Stage 3
    This stage is played on all paths. There is a hidden alien in this stage who offers the players the choice to "make some money in the battle arena": plays can choose to "give it a try" (skip the rest of Stage 3 and go to the Hidden Stage) or "forget about it" (finish Stage 3).

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 13-1.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 13-2.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 13-3.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 13-1.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 13-2.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 13-3.png

    		Hidden Stage
    This is a hidden stage that consists of three boss fights (including a parody of Simon Belmont from the Castlevania series, with remixed theme music). If it is completed, the game ends with the secret ending.

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-1.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-2.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-3.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-4.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-5.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-6.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-7.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-8.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-1.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-2.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-3.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-4.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-5.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-6.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-7.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 5-8.png

    		Stage 4
    This stage is played on all paths. Players are given a choice at the end: fight to the end (go to Stage 5AB) or surrender and fight later (go to Stage 5C if previously played Stage 2A or go to Stage 5D if previously played Stage 2B).

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-1.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-2.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-3.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-4.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-5.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-6.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-7.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-1.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-2.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-3.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-4.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-5.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-6.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 6-7.png

    		Stage 5AB
    This stage is followed by Stage 6A if the players have previously played Stage 2A or by Stage 6B if the players have previously played Stage 2B.

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 12-1.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 12-2.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 12-3.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 12-1.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 12-2.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 12-3.png

    		Stage 5C
    The game ends after completing this stage.

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 7-1.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 7-2.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 7-3.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 7-4.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 7-5.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 7-1.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 7-2.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 7-3.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 7-4.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 7-5.png

    		Stage 5D
    This stage is followed by Stage 6D.

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-1.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-2.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-3.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-4.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-5.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-6.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-7.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-8.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-1.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-2.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-3.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-4.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-5.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-6.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-7.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 10-8.png

    		Stage 6A
    The game ends after completing this stage.

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 8-1.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 8-2.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 8-3.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 8-4.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 8-5.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 8-6.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 8-1.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 8-2.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 8-3.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 8-4.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 8-5.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 8-6.png

    		Stage 6B
    This stage is followed by Stage 7.

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 11-1.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 11-2.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 11-3.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 11-4.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 11-5.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 11-6.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 11-1.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 11-2.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 11-3.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 11-4.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 11-5.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 11-6.png

    		Stage 6D
    The game ends after completing this stage.

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-1.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-2.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-3.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-4.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-5.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-6.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-7.png

    Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-8.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-1.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-2.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-3.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-4.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-5.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-6.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-7.png

    • Contra Hard Corps, Stage 9-8.png

    		Stage 7
    Colonel Bahamut offers the players to join forces with him. If the players accept, the game ends with the bad ending (and the players are given the chance to restart the stage if they have continues remaining). Otherwise, players fight the Colonel for one of the good endings.

    History

    Development

    The development team called themselves "TEAM機知GUY" (Team Kichi Guy). This is actually a pun and not present in the Western staff roll. The Japanese "機知"(Kichi) alone translates to "wit", but together with "GUY" is sounds like "きちがい" (Kichigai), a slang word for crazy.

    Legacy

    Two levels from Contra: Hard Corps would be recycled for the Game Boy Advance release of Contra Advance: The Alien Wars EX in 2002.

    The game spawned a series of follow-ups featuring the same characters, including the Appaloosa Interactive-developed sequels, Contra: Legacy of War and C: The Contra Adventure, and the Arc System Works-developed prequel, Hard Corps: Uprising.

    In 2019, it was re-released as part of Contra: Anniversary Collection for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PCs. It was also included in all version of the Mega Drive Mini the same year. The game was re-released on Nintendo Switch Online in 2021.

    Versions

    Like many Contra games released both before and after Hard Corps, the game differs significantly depending on region. In the Japanese version, a three point health bar exists for for each character, where getting hit removes one point and grants a short period of invincibility. Continues are also unlimited, and there are also various cheat codes that were disabled in the other versions such as a stage select and a 70-lives code.

    Conversely, the North American release removed the health bar system, meaning a single hit results in death (which is consistent with most games in the series). Continues here are limited to four retries.

    In Europe the game was reskinned as Probotector (not to be confused with the original Probotector on the NES, a reskinned version of the first Contra game), replacing living humans and an anthropomorphic animal with robots or aliens, and consequently replacing Ray, Sheena, and Fang with CX-1, CX-2, and CX-3, respectively. Browny was simply renamed to CX-4. The story was rewritten to remove elements of human betrayal and the alien cell was replaced with the mechanical X-Drive. This version also lacks the health bar and the number of continues have been reduced to three retries.

    Aside from the aforementioned changes and an added language select option (which was uncommon for the era), Probotector is the same game as the North American release of Hard Corps. This extends to the game's performance, with no optimisations put in place for PAL systems, resulting in a slower game that only runs at the correct speed on 60 Hz systems.

    Localised names

    Also known as
    Language Localised Name English Translation
    English Probotector Probotector
    English (US) Contra: Hard Corps Contra: Hard Corps
    Japanese 魂斗羅 ザ・ハードコア Contra: The Hard Corps

    Production credits

    • Director, Scenario Writer, Graphic Supervisor: N.Nakazato
    • Programmers:
      • Main Program: Miyaoka♪Kenji
      • Enemy Program: Takeda☆Takashi, Hamada Hidemi, K.Karasawa
      • Help Man: Kenichiro Horio
    • Design Works:
      • Nice Guy: S.Shimamura
      • Bike Man: K.Suzuki
    • Sound Works: H.Devi Kobayashi, Akiropito, Miyaoka♪Kenji, Chiru2 Yamane, Gajokai, Nitachigu
    • Package Design: S.Kumasaka
    • Special Thanks: Yutaka Haruki and all Konami staff
    • Producer: Tomikazu Kirita
    Source:
    In-game credits (US)
    Contra Hard Corps MD credits.pdf
    [14]

    Uncredited


    Digital manuals

    • Mega Drive Mini US manual

    • Mega Drive Mini EU manual

    • Mega Drive Mini JP manual

    Magazine articles

    Main article: Contra: Hard Corps/Magazine articles.

    Promotional material

    Logo-pdf.svg
    Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1994-08: "August 1994" (1994-07-08)
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1994-10: "October 1994" (1994-09-08)
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Print advert in GamePro (US) #64: "November 1994" (1994-xx-xx)
    also published in:
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Print advert in Joypad (FR) #36: "Novembre 1994" (1994-1x-xx)
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Print advert in GamePro (DE) #1994-12: "Dezember 1994" (1994-11-25)
    also published in:
    • MAN!AC (DE) #1995-02: "02/95" (1995-01-11)[8]
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Print advert in Velikiy Drakon (RU) #60: "xxxx xxxx" (2002-09-05)
    also published in:
    Logo-pdf.svg

    Physical scans

    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Score Source
    {{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
    Based on
    0 review
    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Version Score
    1700 igr dlya Sega (RU) NTSC-U
    80
    		[18]
    1700 igr dlya Sega (RU) PAL
    50
    		[19]
    Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
    78
    		[20]
    CD Consoles (FR) PAL
    60
    		[21]
    Cool Gamer (RU)
    80
    		[22]
    Computer & Video Games (UK) PAL
    92
    		[23]
    Electronic Games (1992-1995) (US) NTSC-U
    75
    		[24]
    Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
    73
    		[25]
    Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1 (RU)
    80
    		[26]
    Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 3 (RU)
    60
    		[27]
    Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
    60
    		[28]
    Game Players (US) NTSC-U
    92
    		[29]
    Game Players (US)
    92
    		[30]
    GamePro (US) NTSC-U
    90
    		[31]
    GamePro (DE) PAL
    80
    		[32]
    GamesMaster (UK) PAL
    93
    		[33]
    Games World: The Magazine (UK) PAL
    89
    		[34]
    Game Informer (US) NTSC-U
    81
    		[35]
    Hobby Consolas (ES) PAL
    90
    		[36]
    Joypad (FR) PAL
    88
    		[37]
    Mega (UK) PAL
    88
    		[5]
    Mega Fun (DE) PAL
    87
    		[38]
    Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
    94
    		[39]
    Next Generation (US) NTSC-U
    50
    		[40]
    Player One (FR)
    89
    		[41]
    Play Time (DE) PAL
    87
    		[42]
    Sega Power (UK) PAL
    74
    		[43]
    Sega Pro (UK) PAL
    74
    		[44]
    Sega Mega Drive Review (RU)
    90
    		[45]
    Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
    84
    		[46]
    Todo Sega (ES)
    89
    		[47]
    Tricks 16 bit (RU) NTSC-U
    78
    		[48]
    Tricks 16 bit (RU) PAL
    74
    		[49]
    Video Games (DE) PAL
    82
    		[50]
    VideoGames (US) NTSC-U
    90
    		[51]
    Sega Mega Drive
    		 80
    Based on
    35 reviews

    Contra: Hard Corps

    Mega Drive, JP
    Contra Hard Corps MD JP Box.jpg
    Cover
    ContraHardCorps MD JP CartTop.jpg
    ContraHardCorps MD JP Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Contra md jp manual.pdf
    Manual
    Mega Drive, US
    ContraHardCorps MD US Box.jpg
    Cover
    Contra MD US alt cart.jpg
    Cart
    Contrahardcorps md us manual.pdf
    Manual
    Contra MD US pcb.jpg
    PCB
    Mega Drive, US (alt)
    Contra MD US alt cover.jpg
    Cover
    Contra MD US alt cart.jpg
    Cart
    Contra MD US alt pcb.jpg
    PCB
    Mega Drive, US (cardboard)
    Contra MD US cb back.jpgContra MD US cb left.jpgContra MD US cb front.jpg
    Cover
    Contra MD US cb cartback.jpgContra Hard Corps MD US Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Contra MD US cb pcb.jpg
    PCB
    Contra MD US cb pcb back.jpg
    PCB back
    Mega Drive, EU
    Probotector MD EU Box.jpg
    Cover
    Probotector MD EU Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Probotector MD EU Manual.jpg
    Manual
    Mega Drive, PT

    Mega Drive, AU
    Probotector MD AU cover.jpg
    Cover
    Mega Drive, KR
    ContraHardCorps MD KR Box.jpg
    Cover
    Contra MD KR carttop.jpg
    Contra MD KR cartback.jpgContraHardCorps MD KR cart.jpg
    Cart

    Technical information

    ROM dump status

    System Hash Size Build Date Source Comments
    Sega Mega Drive
    ✔
    CRC32 c579f45e
    MD5 2bd30479556da5c310d8f2a1fe66e8fa
    SHA-1 68ea84146105bda91f6056932ff4fb42aa3eb4a7
    		2MB 1994-09 Cartridge (US)
    Sega Mega Drive
    ✔
    CRC32 bc597d48
    MD5 22289fe42b00a5fe5df3299747480fc0
    SHA-1 69d905751ffa6a921586767263e45ddeb73333c2
    		2MB 1994-10 Cartridge (EU)
    Sega Mega Drive
    ✔
    CRC32 2ab26380
    MD5 3d94f57af4258416e65197a9da854219
    SHA-1 0a9d263490497c85d7010979765c48f98d9927bd
    		2MB 1994-09 Cartridge (JP)

    References

    1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-02 23:21)
    2. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "August 1994" (JP; 1994-07-08), page 9
    3. ↑ Game Players, "Vol. 7 No. 9 September 1994" (US; 1994-0x-xx), page 10
    4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Sega Magazine, "November 1994" (UK; 1994-10-15), page 76
    5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Mega, "November 1994" (UK; 1994-10-27), page 42
    6. ↑ Sega Magazine, "November 1994" (UK; 1994-10-15), page 74
    7. ↑ Sega Megazone, "December 1994" (AU; 1994-1x-xx), page 36
    8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 MAN!AC, "02/95" (DE; 1995-01-11), page 15
    9. ↑ https://store-jp.nintendo.com/list/software/70010000046986.html (Wayback Machine: 2021-10-26 03:04)
    10. ↑ @NintendoAmerica on Twitter (archive.today)
    11. ↑ @NintendoEurope on Twitter (archive.today)
    12. ↑ @NintendoUK on Twitter (archive.today)
    13. ↑ @NintendoAUNZ on Twitter (archive.today)
    14. ↑ File:Contra Hard Corps MD credits.pdf
    15. ↑ @JeremyBlaustein on Twitter (Wayback Machine: 2018-08-27 17:06)
    16. ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 52
    17. ↑ Velikiy Drakon, "xxxx xxxx" (RU; 2003-02-07), page 68
    18. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 50
    19. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 181
    20. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "October 1994" (JP; 1994-09-08), page 20
    21. ↑ CD Consoles, "Décembre 1994" (FR; 1994-xx-xx), page 140
    22. ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 55
    23. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "November 1994" (UK; 1994-10-15), page 94
    24. ↑ Electronic Games (1992-1995), "October 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 88
    25. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "October 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 34
    26. ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 1999-xx-xx), page 302
    27. ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 3, "" (RU; 2000-xx-xx), page 28
    28. ↑ Famitsu, "1994-09-30" (JP; 1994-09-16), page 41
    29. ↑ Game Players, "Vol. 7 No. 10 October 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 92
    30. ↑ Game Players, "Vol. 7 No. 12 December 1994" (US; 1994-1x-xx), page 51
    31. ↑ GamePro, "November 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 78
    32. ↑ GamePro, "Oktober 1994" (DE; 1994-09-30), page 40
    33. ↑ GamesMaster, "November 1994" (UK; 1994-10-20), page 40
    34. ↑ Games World: The Magazine, "December 1994" (UK; 1994-10-28), page 15
    35. ↑ Game Informer, "November 1994" (US; 1994-1x-xx), page 28
    36. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Diciembre 1994" (ES; 1994-xx-xx), page 110
    37. ↑ Joypad, "Novembre 1994" (FR; 1994-1x-xx), page 122
    38. ↑ Mega Fun, "11/94" (DE; 1994-10-19), page 63
    39. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "November 1994" (UK; 1994-09-30), page 60
    40. ↑ Next Generation, "Premiere Issue 1995" (US; 1994-12-08), page 105
    41. ↑ Player One, "Novembre 1994" (FR; 1994-1x-xx), page 128
    42. ↑ Play Time, "12/94" (DE; 1994-11-09), page 102
    43. ↑ Sega Power, "November 1994" (UK; 1994-09-29), page 53
    44. ↑ Sega Pro, "December 1994" (UK; 1994-11-03), page 70
    45. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Review, "1" (RU; 1995-04-03), page 33
    46. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 85
    47. ↑ Todo Sega, "Enero 1995" (ES; 199x-xx-xx), page 40
    48. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 11
    49. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 201
    50. ↑ Video Games, "10/94" (DE; 1994-09-28), page 96
    51. ↑ VideoGames, "November 1994" (US; 1994-1x-xx), page 83


    Contra: Hard Corps

    ContraHardCorps TitleScreen.PNG

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    Contra games for Sega systems
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    		 Contra: Hard Corps (1994)
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