The game provides 5 Continues (4 in the European version).Autofire returns and the weapons are represented with mini-blimps.

This was not typically common in Contra games, which were usually only gameplay-oriented (although the Famicom version of Contra had cutscenes between levels that told the game's storyline).

The game is distinct in having dialogue in the form of mission briefings and exchanges between characters.

Depending on the paths taken throughout the game, a different ending will be awarded.

The game is story-driven and there are multiple paths the player can take these are generally chosen by taking a decision at the end of certain stages.

In addition, certain characters have special moves particular to them (like the ability to hover).

Characters come with a sliding move which renders them temporarily invincible.

Every character has their own particular weaponry, with variations of the same type of weapons for different characters or all new ways of firing.

These generally range from a standard machine guns, homing missiles, grenade launchers, etc., with a fifth slot reserved for bombs.

Player characters have four main weapon slots.

Although Contra Force is technically the first game that allows the player to choose other characters, Contra: Hard Corps is the first legitimate Contra game that allows the player to select their character at the start of the game, as well as when they use a Continue.

The game follows its predecessor, Contra III: The Alien Wars, in many aspects, but also introduces several new gameplay mechanics, including: Through their efforts, the Hard Corps manage to thwart Bahamut's plans and restore peace once a more. Geo Mandrake to create a biological weapon using the stolen alien cells as a form of leverage to overthrow the present government.

They discover that retired Colonel Bahamut is implicated and that he has conspired with Dr. The Contra Hard Corps, comprised of Ray Poward, Sheena Etranzi, Brad Fang and Browny, are assigned to the investigation. Alien cells kept at a military research facility are stolen in a terrorist attack.

Set in 2641 A.D., five years after the ' Alien Wars'.

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