CONTRA: ROGUE CORPS

The gameplay of this title is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating its nostalgic run-and-gun mechanics and customization options, while others criticize it for being repetitive, grindy, and overly complicated with convoluted RPG elements. The twin-stick shooter mechanics are solid but can feel unexciting, and the game suffers from issues like poor camera angles and frustrating difficulty spikes. Overall, while there are moments of fun, many reviewers find the gameplay lacks polish and depth, leading to a less enjoyable experience.

The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players noting that it resembles early PS3/Xbox 360 titles and feels dated for a 2019 release. While certain aspects, like character models and dynamic lighting, are praised, many criticize the overall visual quality as drab and generic, with poor optimization leading to performance issues. Overall, the graphics are seen as a significant drawback, detracting from the game's potential enjoyment.

The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing it for being largely unmemorable and generic, lacking the heavy metal and electronic elements that fans expect from the Contra series. While some tracks are noted as good, they are often overshadowed by repetitive ambient music, leading to disappointment among long-time fans who recall the iconic soundtracks of previous titles. Overall, the consensus suggests that the music fails to capture the essence of the franchise, leaving players wanting more.

The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding the leveling and upgrade mechanics tedious and overly time-consuming. While some enjoy the grind for weapon and character upgrades, others feel it artificially extends gameplay and detracts from the overall fun, leading to a repetitive experience. Overall, the game appeals to those who appreciate grind-heavy mechanics, but many players express frustration with the lack of polish and balance in the grinding system.

The game offers significant replayability due to its responsive controls, engaging gameplay, and a wealth of unlockable upgrades. Players can enjoy both story and replayable missions, with a strong emphasis on customization and cooperative play, making it a standout in the twin-stick shooter genre. Overall, the combination of challenging scenarios and humorous presentation enhances the game's replay value.

The humor in the game is characterized by its over-the-top and absurd moments, such as comical animations and exaggerated character designs that evoke a sense of silliness. Players appreciate the blend of funny gameplay mechanics, like the rocket punch and cross-eyed take-downs, which contribute to a lighthearted atmosphere despite the game's serious undertones. Overall, the humor is described as a mix of intentional goofiness and chaotic presentation, appealing to those who enjoy a quirky gaming experience.

The game suffers from significant optimization issues, with players reporting extremely low frame rates even on high-end hardware, such as an i7 processor and RTX 2070 graphics card. Many users have to lower settings to medium to achieve playable performance at 1080p, indicating that the game's optimization is inadequate despite its impressive graphics.

The reviews indicate that the character development in the game is lacking, with users expressing dissatisfaction not only with the depth of the characters but also with the overall artwork and design, which detracts from the experience.

Overall, users report that while the game is playable, it does experience some buggy issues that may affect stability. Players have taken steps, such as verifying file integrity, to address these problems.

Reviews indicate that players of "Contra" prioritize action over emotional depth, emphasizing a straightforward gameplay experience focused on combat rather than a dramatic narrative.