When it comes to highly challenging 2D platformer/shooters, people will tend to think of a series like Mega Man, Metal Slug, or Contra. Hard Corps: Uprising, from Arc System Works and Konami, belongs to the latter’s school of thought (and appears to be an official Contra game in all but name), giving players very responsive yet ’loose’ controls and powerful weapons that you’ll need against a series of brutal stages. Blatantly ’old school’ in its design, this game lives up to its name and should appeal to those who really want to work for their victory.
Long-time Contra fans may be 
worried about Uprising since its visual style is a huge departure from the series’ norm; it’s far less gritty, and instead has a distinct anime style sharing a lot in common with BlazBlue or Guilty Gear; no surprise considering Arc System Works is the developer. Despite the graphical differences, players should rest assured that the ’feel’ of Contra is intact. You still have excellent controls, most of the series’ classic weapons are present, and the stage designs ensure you’ll find yourself being simultaneously attacked from several directions; dodging skills are vital.
You’ll need every advantage you can get, because unlike some modern games... Hard Corps: Uprising is not your friend. It doesn’t want you to win. It gives you the tools to do so between powerful weapons and great controls, but after that it is out for blood. You’ll be attacked on all sides, fall into deadly pits if you don’t keep a careful eye on the floor, sometimes face multiple bosses per stage, and even a defeated enemy’s flaming wreckage can still be a threat to you. The normal Arcade Mode is straight Contra; you get pre-set capabilities, limited lives and continues, and have to go through every stage in one sitting.
