Contra Returns
Contra Returns is a free-to-play mobile take on Konami’s classic run-and-gun formula, rebuilt as a side-scrolling shooter with modern progression systems. You pick from more than four playable characters, clear PvE stages for rewards, then bring your loadouts into competitive PvP modes to chase better weapons and armor.
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Publisher: Tencent Playerbase: Medium Type: Mobile Side-Scrolling Shooter Release Date: June 06, 2017 Pros: +A solid mix of PvE missions and PvP playlists. +Multiple playable characters (4+) with distinct skills. +Deep gear chase with weapons, armor, upgrades, and rarity tiers. Cons: -Progression can lean into pay-to-win pressure. |
Contra Returns Overview
Contra Returns (also known as Contra: Hero Returns) is Konami’s Contra IP reimagined for phones through a partnership with Tencent. At its core it is still a fast, horizontal shooter built around dodging fire, keeping pressure on enemies, and leveraging character skills at the right moments, but the surrounding structure is distinctly mobile, with currencies, gear tiers, and upgrade loops driving long-term progression.
Players can select from over four characters, each bringing their own abilities and playstyle differences rather than being simple cosmetic swaps. The main PvE content is delivered through a campaign of action-heavy stages designed for short sessions, with additional co-op style levels that lean into team composition and survivability. On the competitive side, Contra Returns offers multiple PvP options, including real-time ranked 3v3 matches that focus on loadout strength and skill timing.
Progression revolves around earning both premium currency and standard gold, then funneling those resources into higher-rarity weapons and armor. Equipment is slotted directly onto characters, and some characters can carry a larger set of armor and weapon slots (up to six armor slots and three weapon slots), creating clear differences in build potential. Gear can also be strengthened over time using upgrade items like EXP tickets, and evolving equipment requires collecting specific materials, encouraging repeated runs of stages and modes for targeted drops.
Contra Returns Key Features:
- Classic series, phone-friendly format – Contra’s run-and-gun identity adapted to mobile controls and session-based play.
- 4+ Unique Characters – choose from more than four characters, including familiar names like Bill Rizer and Brad Fang.
- PvE Stages – fight through campaign missions and additional co-op focused levels for rewards.
- Ranked 3v3 – queue into online 3v3 battles with a competitive ladder and real-time action.
- Loot-driven power growth – chase rarity upgrades, then enhance and evolve gear to push damage and durability higher.
Contra Returns Screenshots
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Contra Returns Featured Video
Contra Returns Review
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Contra Returns System Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
Operating System: Android 4.4 and up / iOS 8.0 or later.
Contra Returns Music & Soundtrack
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Contra Returns Additional Information
Chinese Title: 魂斗罗：英雄归来
Developer(s): Konami and Tencent
Publisher(s): Tencent
Platform(s): iOS, Android
Language(s): Chinese
Release Date: June 06, 2017 (China)
Release Date (Taiwan): August 08, 2018
Release Date (SEA): September 20, 2018
Global Release: January 26, 2021
Development History / Background:
Contra Returns is a free-to-play mobile side-scrolling shooter developed by Konami and Tencent and based on Konami’s long-running Contra franchise. The collaboration between Konami and Tencent was revealed in November 2015, setting the stage for a mobile-focused entry that keeps the familiar action template while adding character selection and gear progression.
The game first launched in China on June 06, 2017. It later arrived in Taiwan on August 08, 2018, followed by a Southeast Asian release on September 20, 2018. For players looking for an English-language option, the Southeast Asian version published by Garena served as the accessible route for some time.
That SEA release later transitioned into the global English version once IP restrictions were lifted (on July 26th), opening access beyond its original regions. As a result, the same client became available to a broader audience, including players across North America, Latin America, and Europe.