Contra Advance The Alien Wars EX: A Deep Dive into the GBA Classic Shooter

Contra Advance The Alien Wars EX is a testament to the timeless appeal of classic action shooters. As a definitive entry in the iconic shooter games genre, this title takes the beloved mechanics of the Contra series and adapts them for the Game Boy Advance. In this review, we’ll explore why this game remains a standout in the realm of retro gaming, offering intense shooter action, engaging missions with bosses, and an unmistakable nostalgic charm.

The Premise of Contra Advance The Alien Wars EX

Contra Advance The Alien Wars EX is set in a dystopian future where Earth faces an overwhelming alien invasion. Players step into the boots of elite commandos Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, who are humanity’s last hope against the extraterrestrial threat. What makes the game unique isn’t just its fast-paced shooter retro mechanics but also its ability to evoke the thrill of war themed action games from the 90s.

From the moment you start, you’re thrust into an environment of intense shooter action, battling waves of aliens and massive boss enemies. Styled as an action platformer game, it perfectly captures that old-school action game feel, designed to test your reflexes, strategic thinking, and teamwork, especially in its two-player co-op mode.

Storyline: A Classic Military Shooter Narrative

The narrative of Contra Advance The Alien Wars EX is straightforward but effective. The game opens with Earth under siege from alien forces, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle for survival. Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, the protagonists, are tasked with fighting through hordes of aliens and thwarting their plans. The game’s story, though simple, is packed with enough military shooter tropes to satisfy fans of the genre.

Despite its brevity, the narrative manages to inject sufficient tension and urgency, compelling players to push forward. Whether you’re new to the Contra series for GBA or a long-time fan, the storytelling hits the right notes, making the alien invasion scenario both engaging and thrilling.

Gameplay: An Engaging Shooter Game with Nostalgic Mechanics

Contra Advance The Alien Wars EX excels in delivering top-notch gameplay that embodies the essence of old school shooters. Players navigate through various side-scrolling levels, armed with an array of weapons designed to obliterate alien foes. The game is segmented into missions with bosses, each presenting distinct challenges that keep players on their toes.

The core gameplay mechanics are straightforward yet demanding. Precision jumping, timely shooting, and strategic weapon use are crucial to success. The game’s difficulty is indisputable, mirroring the stringent standards set by the best 90s shooters. This challenging nature is softened by the cooperative mode, allowing two players to team up and tackle the extraterrestrial threat together, enhancing the replay value of this GBA classic game.

What sets Contra Advance The Alien Wars EX apart is its incorporation of diverse shooting stages. The mix of traditional platforming levels and overhead shooting segments keeps the gameplay fresh and varied. This diversity ensures that players remain engaged, constantly adapting to new threats and combat scenarios.

Graphics and Sound: A Retro Aesthetic with Modern Flair

The visual presentation of Contra Advance The Alien Wars EX is a masterclass in retro gaming aesthetics. The game retains the pixelated charm of its predecessors while enhancing the visual quality for the GBA hardware. Environments are richly detailed, with vibrant backgrounds and fluid animations bringing the alien-invaded world to life. The art direction maintains the series’ iconic look, making it instantly recognizable to fans of the Contra alien shooter genre.

Sound design also plays a critical role in immersing players. The energetic soundtrack, filled with adrenaline-pumping tracks, complements the on-screen action perfectly. Each explosion, gunshot, and alien screech is meticulously crafted to heighten the intensity of the combat, drawing players deeper into the thrilling atmosphere of this old school action game.

Conclusion: Is Contra Advance The Alien Wars EX Worth Playing?

If you’re a fan of engaging shooter games, nostalgic GBA games, or the Contra series for GBA, Contra Advance The Alien Wars EX is a must-play. It successfully captures the spirit of classic action shooters and pairs it with the portability of the Game Boy Advance, offering a distinct blend of retro charm and modern gaming sensibilities.

This game is perfect for those who appreciate fast-paced shooter action and the nostalgic feel of GBA retro games. Its challenging gameplay, engaging co-op mode, and visually appealing presentation make it a standout among war themed action games. Whether you’re revisiting this title or discovering it for the first time, Contra Advance The Alien Wars EX delivers a compelling and rewarding experience.

In summary, Contra Advance The Alien Wars EX isn’t just a game; it’s a celebration of the best 90s shooters, now available on the GBA. For fans of iconic shooter games, this title remains an essential part of their collection, offering hours of exhilarating gameplay.