Contra: Evolution Now Available On IOS

"Relive all the action of the original Contra!" That statement alone makes me wish I had an iPhone. Konami's classic 1987 arcade game is back and now available for iOS. The screenshots boast that the remake has classic level design, fast paced run-and-gun gameplay, and new characters/power ups for the next generation of Contra players. Here is the official description from the iTunes store and a gameplay video:

Contra: Evolution is the first official Contra game for iOS, bringing all of the run-and-gun action of the 1988 original with 21st century graphics and controls to the palm of your hands.

Bill “Mad Dog” Rizer and Lance “Scorpion” Bean are back to business fighting aliens in the jungles of South America--but can you survive one of the hardest games ever? Collect power-ups, unlock new levels and characters, and take on challenges in this arcade blast from the past. With updated HD graphics and future iOS 7 compatibility, get ready for a whole new Contra experience!

I haven't read many reviews, but obviously the touch screen is probably not the best experience for retro gamers like me. I've also seen reviewers complain that some of the weapons and extended lives cost extra. But aren't most app games like that nowadays? And hey, it's still Contra! That's why we had to enter the Konami code back in the day anyway because the game was so freakin' difficult! 

According to Polygon, when it was released in China the game shot straight to the top of the paid apps iOS games chart. Toucharcade also makes mention that the game's producer Punchbox made several improvements since it's accidental release last month. Good enough for me!

You can purchase the iPhone version for just $.99 and the HD iPad version is $2.99

Click the image below to jump back into the irresistible force of Contra!

And somebody please try the Konami code and tell me if it still works! 

Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start!