Track allies and enemy firing positions
Read the original soldier sprites and use cooperation to cover the screen.
Original 1988 North American NES Contra. The 1987 arcade game has a different stage structure; Japanese Famicom presentation and PAL Probotector character replacements are outside this guide.
4 characters · one picture per entry · open a picture for full size.
Character directory
Bill Rizer
Bill is the first playable soldier in the NES game. His rifle and movement follow the same rules as Lance’s, and his blue trousers distinguish the sprite.
Lance Bean
Lance joins simultaneous cooperative play. His red trousers help players track each other during crowded firefights, while his movement and pickup rules match Bill’s.
Enemy soldier
Running soldiers enter the route from different sides. Keep firing lanes clear and avoid letting a new soldier occupy the platform where you plan to land.
Rifleman
Riflemen defend particular sight lines rather than chasing the player. Read their shooting direction and use height or a safe diagonal angle to attack.
Quick notes
- Distinguish Bill from Lance. Bill’s blue trousers and Lance’s red trousers make the two playable soldiers easier to follow in a crowded scene.
- Cover separate angles together. Two players can aim along different lines while sharing the same route.
- Recognize fixed and moving threats. A running soldier needs a different response from a rifleman holding a firing position.
Use the trouser colors to track the two players, then give each a clear lane.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.