Konami unveils the full lineup for Contra Anniversary Collection

Probotector strikes back!

Konami has unveiled which games will be included in the Contra Anniversary Collection and the list is pretty solid. Containing a few variants that technically push the pack beyond eight games (the limit set for each collection), fans of old-school Contra will be well accounted for when the compilation lands this summer. If you like Probotector, then get ready for the robo-duo’s comeback!

The games you’ll be able to play include the following:

• Contra (Arcade)
• Super Contra (Arcade)
• Super C (NES)
• Contra III: The Alien Wars (SNES)
• Contra: Hard Corps (Sega Genesis)
• Contra (NES)
• Contra (Famicom)
• Operation C (Game Boy)
• Probotector (Sega Mega Drive)
• Super Probotector: Alien Rebels (SNES)

Along with that selection, Japanese variants of games will be included. This was announced to be coming in an update to the recently released Castlevania Anniversary Collection and will be handled the same way for Contra. Those will be:

• Contra (Arcade)
• Super Contra (Arcade)
• Super C (Famicom)
• Contra III: The Alien Wars (Super Famicom)
• Operation C (Game Boy)
• Contra: Hard Corps (Sega Mega Drive)

While I initially scoffed at the idea of Contra III and Super Probotector being included (they are functionally the same game with swapped character sprites), I noticed that this collection comes with 10 titles instead of the regular eight. If you look closer at the list, Contra on Famicom and Super Probotector aren’t taking away from other games’ inclusion. Maybe it’s a little silly that three versions of the original Contra are present, but each one has a unique feel that makes them worth expericing.

I also have to admit that I have a fondness for the Probotector characters. I didn’t actually grow-up playing Contra and my first real exposure to the series was when Contra 4 launched on DS. You were able to unlock the robots in that title and I preferred playing as them for how neat they looked. Maybe I’m a weirdo, but I like that I have the choice of playing Contra III or the far superior Super Probotector.

Anyway, Contra Anniversary Collection will be launching for $20 at some point in the near future. It will be available on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch.

Konami Announces Contra Anniversary Collection Lineup [IGN]