SUPER CONTRA

1. Introduction

Welcome to the world of SUPER CONTRA, an intense run-and-gun action game developed by Konami for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Famicom platforms. This manual provides essential information for setting up, playing, and maintaining your game cartridge to ensure an optimal gaming experience. Prepare to join Bill Rizer and Lance Bean in their mission to defeat alien invaders!

Image 1.1: The SUPER CONTRA game cartridge, showcasing the iconic box art with the game title and main characters.

2. Setup

Follow these steps to set up your SUPER CONTRA game on your NES or Famicom console:

1. Connect Your Console: Ensure your NES or Famicom console is properly connected to your television or display unit according to its own instruction manual. This typically involves connecting the AV cables (yellow for video, red/white for audio) or RF switch.
2. Insert the Game Cartridge: Gently insert the SUPER CONTRA game cartridge into the cartridge slot of your console. For NES consoles, push the cartridge down until it clicks into place. For Famicom, simply insert it firmly. Do not force the cartridge.
3. Connect Controllers: Plug your NES or Famicom controllers into the designated controller ports on your console. SUPER CONTRA supports two-player simultaneous gameplay.
4. Power On: Turn on your television and select the correct input channel. Then, power on your NES or Famicom console. The game should load automatically.

Image 2.1: The SUPER CONTRA game cartridge, typically stored in a protective plastic case.

3. Operating Instructions (Gameplay)

Master the controls and objectives to succeed in SUPER CONTRA:

3.1 Basic Controls

• Directional Pad (D-Pad): Move your character (Bill Rizer or Lance Bean) left, right, up, and down.
• A Button: Jump.
• B Button: Fire your weapon. Hold down for rapid fire.
• START Button: Pause the game. Press again to unpause.
• SELECT Button: Not used during gameplay in most versions.

3.2 Game Objective

Your mission is to infiltrate enemy bases, eliminate alien forces, and destroy their core structures across various stages. Each stage presents unique challenges, including side-scrolling, overhead, and pseudo-3D perspectives. Defeat the boss at the end of each stage to advance.

3.3 Power-Ups

Collect flying capsules or destroy specific enemies to obtain weapon power-ups. These include:

• M (Machine Gun): Rapid fire.
• L (Laser Gun): Powerful, piercing shots.
• S (Spread Gun): Fires multiple shots in a wide arc.
• F (Flame Thrower): Short-range, continuous fire.
• R (Rapid Fire): Increases the firing rate of your current weapon.
• B (Barrier): Grants temporary invincibility.

Image 3.1: The back of the SUPER CONTRA box, featuring gameplay screenshots and information about the game's action and two-player mode.

4. Maintenance and Care

Proper care will extend the life of your SUPER CONTRA game cartridge:

• Storage: Store the cartridge in its original box or a protective case in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity.
• Handling: Always hold the cartridge by its plastic casing. Avoid touching the gold connector pins at the bottom, as oils and dirt can interfere with connectivity.
• Cleaning: If the game fails to load, the connector pins may be dirty. Gently clean the pins with a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Allow to dry completely before reinserting into the console. Do not use abrasive materials or excessive liquid.
• Avoid Magnets: Keep the cartridge away from strong magnetic fields, which can potentially damage the game data.

5. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues, try these common troubleshooting steps:

• Game Not Starting:
  • Ensure the cartridge is fully and correctly inserted into the console.
  • Clean the cartridge connector pins as described in Section 4.
  • Try another game cartridge to verify the console is functioning correctly.
• Garbled Graphics or Sound:
  • This often indicates a poor connection. Re-insert the cartridge and ensure it is clean.
  • Check your console's AV or RF connections to the television.
• Controller Not Responding:
  • Ensure the controller is securely plugged into the console.
  • Try a different controller or controller port if available.

6. Specifications

Image 6.1: The side of the SUPER CONTRA game box, displaying the title and brand information.

7. Warranty and Support

As SUPER CONTRA is a vintage game, direct manufacturer warranty from Konami for new purchases is typically no longer applicable. For support regarding gameplay, technical issues with vintage hardware, or general inquiries, it is recommended to consult:

• Online Gaming Communities: Many dedicated forums and websites exist for retro gaming enthusiasts who can offer advice and solutions.
• Konami Official Website: While direct support for this specific title may be limited, their official website (www.konami.com) may provide historical information or links to relevant resources.
• Retailer Support: If purchased from a reseller, refer to their specific return or support policies.