Contra III - The Alien Wars

Your objective is to fight through six stages of alien-infested terrain, defeating bosses and surviving relentless enemy attacks. You control a soldier who can run, jump, crouch, and fire in eight directions.

You start with a standard rifle but can collect power-ups by destroying specific enemies or capsules, which upgrade your weapon to options like the Spread Shot, Laser, or Homing Missiles. You can also carry two weapons at once and switch between them.

In some stages, you ride a vehicle or hang from grappling hooks. The game alternates between traditional side-scrolling levels and top-down stages where you can aim in all directions.

A key strategy is to memorize enemy patterns and boss attack sequences. In the early game, focus on acquiring and keeping a powerful weapon like the Spread Shot.

During tense moments, use bombs (activated by pressing the shoulder button) to clear the screen of bullets and enemies. The challenge rhythm is fast and demanding, requiring quick reflexes and careful positioning to avoid instant-death pitfalls and overwhelming enemy fire.