The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a legendary console that brought countless hours of entertainment to gamers worldwide during the late 1980s and early 1990s. One of the most iconic and challenging games of this era is Contra III: The Alien Wars, a side-scrolling action game that has become a staple in the gaming community. In recent years, Nintendo has released various re-releases of this classic game, including the SNES version, which we will be discussing in this article.

Contra III: The Alien Wars was first released in 1992 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and later ported to other platforms such as the PC Engine and Sega Genesis. The game is set on the planet Dinosaur Island, where an alien invasion has occurred, threatening humanity's existence. Players take on the role of Bill and Lance, two commandos who must fight against the alien forces to save their home.

The gameplay in Contra III: The Alien Wars is fast-paced and action-packed, with a focus on shooting, platforming, and combat. Players can choose between three characters, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Bill is a skilled soldier with high health, while Lance is more agile and has better jumping ability. The third character, Rose, is an expert marksman who excels at long-range combat.

One of the most notable features of Contra III: The Alien Wars is its difficulty level. The game is notoriously hard, with tough enemies, treacherous terrain, and limited lives. Players must master the art of platforming and shooting to progress through the game's 30 levels. The game also features a variety of power-ups and upgrades that can be used to enhance players' abilities.

The SNES version of Contra III: The Alien Wars is considered one of the best ports of the game, with crisp graphics and smooth gameplay. The game's sound effects and music are equally impressive, with catchy tunes and explosive sound effects that immerse players in the game's world.

In recent years, Nintendo has released a restored version of Contra III: The Alien Wars for the SNES Classic Edition console, which features improved graphics and sound quality compared to the original release. This restoration also includes additional features such as a hint system, which provides players with subtle cues to help them navigate the game's challenges.

Contra III: The Alien Wars has been praised by critics and fans alike for its challenging gameplay, engaging storyline, and iconic characters. The game is often cited as one of the best games in the Contra series, and its influence can be seen in many other action-platformer games that followed.

The game's age rating varies depending on the region and platform it is released on. In Japan, Contra III: The Alien Wars was initially rated Z (for "zombie" or "adults only"), indicating a high level of violence and mature themes. However, after some censorship, the game was later re-rated C (for "all ages") in 1994.

In Europe, Contra III: The Alien Wars was released with a PEGI 7 rating, indicating that it contains "violence" and is suitable for players aged 7 and above. In North America, the game was rated E for "Everyone" by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which suggests that it is suitable for all ages.

Overall, Contra III: The Alien Wars is a classic action-platformer that has stood the test of time, offering countless hours of challenging gameplay and entertainment to fans worldwide. Its restored SNES version, available on the SNES Classic Edition console, offers improved graphics and sound quality compared to the original release, making it an essential title for any retro gaming collection.

Age Rating Availability:

• Japan: Z (censored)
• Europe: PEGI 7
• North America: E for "Everyone"

System Requirements: The game is compatible with various platforms, including:

• Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
• SNES Classic Edition console
• PC Engine
• Sega Genesis

Gameplay Genre: Action-platformer

Release Date: 1992 (original release), 2017 (restored version on SNES Classic Edition)

Developer: Namco

Publisher: Konami

Note: The information provided is accurate as of the knowledge cutoff date mentioned above and may have changed since then.