Spiritual successor to Konami’s old-school 2-D shooter Contra, Hard Corps: Uprising brings back the series’ trademark run-and-gun action and updates it with new play mechanics like bullet repelling and evasion moves.
Rebel heroes Bahamut and Krystal storm through eight devilishly difficult stages filled with numerous enemies, death traps and plain jaw-dropping moments. In one, you ascend an elevator shaft by hitching a ride, ninja-style, on exploding missiles.
At first, the game seems insurmountable. But play through a stage several times and you will be able to recall enemy attack patterns effortlessly. Then it is all down to executing your jumps and dashes skilfully.
This challenging formula makes repeat play throughs a lot of fun. I felt a rush of adrenaline whenever I managed to beat a boss without dying.
Dying here never feels overly frustrating, unlike in Mega Man 10, as there are frequent checkpoints in this game.
There is a ‘Rising’ mode where points earned can be used to purchase upgrades like more lives, stronger weapons and a triple jump that eventually makes the game a cakewalk.
While you can go at the game solo, the game is best played with a co-op buddy as you can ‘borrow lives’ from your partner.
This game is without a doubt one of the best download titles I have played, up there with Castle Crashers and Shadow Complex. However, I have a few gripes.
The game does not explain how and when you can use evasion manoeuvres, which are necessary to escape certain-death scenarios. Also, because the left analog stick is used for both movement and aiming, I died many times while struggling to aim 45-degrees upward.
More: Hard Corps: Uprising
