About the game
Contra is a legendary run-and-gun action game developed and published by Konami. Originally released in arcades in 1987, it was ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System the same year and became one of the most iconic titles on the platform.
Players control commandos Bill Rizer and Lance Bean as they battle the alien Red Falcon organization. The game is famous for its fast-paced action, two-player co-op mode, and the legendary Konami Code — a cheat that grants 30 extra lives.
With its tight controls, memorable level design, and brutal difficulty, Contra remains a high point of NES-era gaming and a must-play for retro action fans.
Key features
- Full 2-player co-op mode
- 8 stages of intense run-and-gun action
- Power-ups: spread, machine gun, laser, fire
- Iconic vertical and 3D-style stages
- Challenging boss fights
- Classic Konami chiptune soundtrack
- Famous Konami Code cheat (30 lives)
- Legendary difficulty and replay value
Cheat codes
The most famous cheat in gaming history originated here:
Enter this on the title screen (before pressing Start).
On the NES version, this gives you 30 lives.
Tip: In this browser emulator, use your keyboard to input the code on the title screen.
Tips & strategy
- Stay moving — standing still is death in Contra.
- Grab the Spread Gun whenever possible; it's the best weapon in the game.
- In 2-player mode, don't scroll the screen too fast or you'll kill your partner.
- Learn boss patterns — every boss has a safe spot or timing window.
- Use the 3D-stage sections carefully; one hit and you're down.
- Memorize enemy spawn points to avoid cheap deaths.
- Save the Konami Code for tough runs — it works on the title screen.
Emulator & system info
Console: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Core: EmulatorJS (NES core)
Controls: Arrow keys to move, Z to shoot, X to jump, Enter to start/pause.