Hard Corps Uprising

Hard Corps Uprising is a fresh run-and-gun action game that puts you at the center of an intense resistance. Acting as a prequel to one of the greatest action games of all time, this shooter provides some excellent context with impressive style. Meshing anime-inspired art with a super chaotic gameplay experience, Hard Corps Uprising is a challenging title that will push your skills to the limit. There are some ways to lessen the difficulty, but Hard Corps Uprising is a great game made for veterans of the genre.

Main Game Features

• Hectic run-and-gun action
• Two main modes of play
• Solo or two-player cooperative play

Story

Hard Corps Uprising is technically a prequel to the classic arcade action game Contra, and is set 20 years before the events of the original game. In 2613, the world has been become oppressed by a tyrannical group known as the Commonwealth. However, as people around the globe start to rebel, the Commonwealth pushes for even more restrictions. This results in the birth of a fierce resistance group where the best of the best are pushed to the front lines to fight back.

Like most other run-and-gun games, the story in Hard Corps Uprising is basically just the motivation for the action. There are a handful of characters, mainly the grizzled team of rebel veterans led by the heroic Bahamut. However, the story is less about their plight and more about the war and rebellion unfolding around them. The main adventure takes you to various interesting locations, making it a battle worth fighting.

Gameplay

There are two main modes in Hard Corps Uprising, including Arcade and Rising mode. Arcade is the default mode, but beginners may want to start with Rising mode, due to its easier difficulty. In both modes, you fight across 8 different stages, blasting down enemies with an arsenal of awesome technologically advanced weapons. Movement is quicker and more versatile than games like Super C and Contra III Alien Wars, as players can double-jump, dash, and even parry incoming projectiles. There are also multiple weapons to use, including classics like the spread shot and new ones like the katana.

The biggest difference between Arcade and Rising modes is the difficulty. In Arcade mode, you have limited lives and enemies are much more challenging. On the other hand, Rising mode lets you upgrade your character and weapons by spending Contra Points. You'll earn Contra Points as you play each level, collecting them by killing enemies and clearing stages quickly. These points can be spent in the Shop menu, where you can unlock weapon upgrades, better armor, and more moves. Both modes can be played either solo or in two player co-op, either on the same console or online.

Conclusion

Hard Corps Uprising is an interesting new take on a classic arcade formula, featuring nonstop action and extremely cool weapons. It's a challenging experience that can be frustrating for new players, but veteran run-and-gun players will embrace the tough difficulty.

Pros

• Awesome anime art style
• Great selection of weapons
• Upgrades make the experience easier

Cons

• Arcade mode is very hard
• Only 8 levels
• Unfair deaths and enemies