Contra
News, coverage and analysis tracking Contra across the outlets.
Legendary Video Game Concert "Heroes" And Composer Akira Akira Yamaoko Arriving To Toronto ThisThe "Heroes: A Video Game Symphony" concert is coming to Toronto on September 17, featuring music from various iconic video games and special guest composer Akira Yamaoka, known for his work on Silent Hill. The orchestral experience aims to take the audience on a hero's journey through music and accompanying visuals.
Konami Code 40th Anniversary Projects & Merchandise RevealedKonami Digital Entertainment is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Konami Code, which first appeared in Gradius on the Family Computer on April 25, 1986. To commemorate the event, the company has released original soundtracks from several Gradius and Nemesis titles for digital purchase and streaming, partnered with manga artist Shota Hattori for two short manga pages, and collaborated with Amazon for exclusive T-shirts in Japan.
Picross S Konami Antiques Supports Switch 2 Mouse ModeJupiter announced that Picross S Konami Antiques will be released digitally on the Nintendo eShop worldwide on April 30, 2026. The game will feature 150 Picross puzzles, 150 Mega Picross, 30 Color Picross, and 200 Clip Picross, with puzzles based on over 80 classic Konami titles. For Nintendo Switch 2 users, the game will support Mouse Mode using the right Joy-Con controller.- Picross S Konami Antiques Edition announced for Nintendo SwitchKonami has announced Picross S Konami Antiques Edition for the Nintendo Switch, set to release on April 30, 2026, with a demo available on April 16. The game will feature characters and elements from classic Konami titles including Gradius, TwinBee, Castlevania, Ganbare Goemon, and Contra, offering over 80 different puzzles.
Picross S Konami Antiques Edition Features Castlevania, Contra, And MoreJupiter Corporation announced Picross S Konami Antiques Edition, a new entry in the Picross series featuring classic Konami franchises like Castlevania, Contra, and Gradius. The game will launch on the Nintendo Switch eShop on April 30, 2026, for $17.99, with a free demo available from April 16, 2026. This installment will include representation from over 80 titles across the featured Konami series.
Why Older Games Where more Difficult to CompleteOlder video games, particularly from the NES, SNES, and Nintendo 64 eras, were often more difficult due to limitations in cartridge storage space and the high cost of games. Developers extended gameplay by increasing difficulty and puzzle complexity, as well as omitting features like mini-maps. This design choice contrasted with modern games that prioritize accessibility and shorter completion times.