Regional Differences [41] Contra (NES) Side by Side Comparison (Region Comparison)

VCDECIDE | Region Comparison - Japanese Version vs American Version - Contra Graphics Comparison- Japan vs Usa Version Comparison / Famicom vs NES.

[@stezton]

Japanese Contra has an opening story?! Mind blown.

[@SamuraiTacos1]

yep i just picked up a copy

[@dis_8724]

какая в жопу разница
все равно ж ничерта не понятно там каракули нах

[@Rhovanion85]

I'm more blown away why it is completely in katakana, even the Japanese words and okurigana is in katakana. Wtf.

[@y0sh1rulez]

This game is very special to me. I was visiting my uncle in Japan as a kid and he took me and my brothers to a pachinko parlor, where he won kinda big and exchanged the balls for anything we wanted. There in the display case was a copy of Contra for the famicom.
When I took I played it back home, I played the hell out of it. There was no 30 man code like the NES version.
The most dramatic difference is the last level, where the whole level pulsates as you progress, making it feel like you're inside an alien body - very immersive at the time.
I remember showing a friend and he was like wow, there's snow in the snow level!
Decades later i find out that the reason why the famicom version is better is because Konami used a custom mapper chip in their carts that allowed for these special effects like animated backgrounds. Custom chips weren't allowed in the U.S, since game companies had to by chips from only Nintendo.

[@SamuraiTacos1]

there is i just picked up a copy for the famicom kontora im half japanese and i just did the 30 man code up up down down left right left right start then you hit a

[@EricCartmanez125]

Cartridge or disk system

[@johnlrka7324]

Bright side ... Respect

[@TheSycoalexio]

This was awesome to read. Thank you for sharing.
Also, good on yer uncle.
Yeah, when i saw the intro video and sequences after levels i thought "Why the fuck isnt this in our version!?" I felt a mite-bit ripped off, but its all good. Ive gotten over it by now ;)
However, was Konami just being "cheap" by not allowing the custom chip in with the US version? I feel like they were super lucky it wasnt as well-known the differences between both versions regionally, or they might have ended up with some unhappy consumers over on this side of the Pacific.
Also, Probotector didnt seem to get good scores in the UK...interesting...
Awesome anecdote, Brother!

[@y0sh1rulez]

@@TheSycoalexio Thanks for the comment! Konami wasn’t being cheap, it’s just that the strict licensing agreements by Nintendo prevented anyone from manufacturing their own chips. These license agreements came as a result to the US video game crash where anyone manufactured carts and flooded the market with junk. In Japan, none of this existed so companies like Namco and Konami made their own chips and that’s why their carts also look unique.

[@Pan_Z]

The reason for the cut content and graphical downgrade stems from the custom chip in the Japanese cartridge of Contra. Developers were allowed to modify the Famicom cartridge in Japan to give the console more power, add extra audio channels, ect... These modifications weren't allowed on the NES's cartridges.

[@ChristianCastle]

Wow, i didn't know that

[@rolandbaron5813]

That's good to know. Thanks for sharing.

[@gmon7940]

That theme in the opening of the Famicom version though. ♥

[@jeabl]

Yeah. Ninja gaiden style

[@feiwong3634]

As the majority, didnt know this until a few years ago i got my AV Famicom and the original japanese game, i was blown away!

[@davidvfx]

JPN WINS

[@TafferDP]

...FATALITY

[@ryancollins1087]

Not really

[@davidvfx]

@@ryancollins1087 well then tell us the reasons why "not really". If not your words are not worth.

[@ryancollins1087]

@@davidvfx the story intro slows the action down, and the waving palmtress can become distracting to the player

[@davidvfx]

@@ryancollins1087 really !!! ?? Dude, I don't know about you, but in that era, that a video game was an arcade or console that gave you an image and the map between the finished stages was a great prize for the effort ... I suppose that for you to receive a dark screen with nothing is the best right? and that it makes you lose the rhythm, it is not true against Nes it is so difficult that having a longer intermission gives you a break to prepare for the next level ... I do not see sense in your arguments, which makes me think that you are very young and non-gamer this game in the 80's.

[@AirshBornely]

I can see why speedrunners don't use the Japanese version since the American version is so streamlined. I do wish we got those story bits and map though. Seeing that made the game feel more complete.

[@HGSSubStudio]

Incorrect. You can skip stage screen and intro in Japanese version by pressing START. This feature makes you save more time in speedrunning.

[@lcunha1900]

Caramba não conhecia a versão Japonesa! Quanta diferença, achei o movimento da vegetação na primeira fase muito legal.
Ótima comparação Marota!

[@1983parrothead]

Let me explain. According to GameFAQs, both versions came out in February 1988. FC version came out on the 8th, but NES version is unknown day.
However, the NES version looks to me with deep thinking as an unfinished port of the arcade version. The FC version added the rest of the unadded content. Scrolling title screen was laziness and didn't emulate the fiery title screen from the arcade version one like the FC one did. The Game Clear jingle was added to the FC version, but during the rush of releasing the NES version, perhaps the Game Clear jingle wasn't made yet, so they used the Pattern Clear jingle.
As for exclusives such as animation sequences and intro, they were extras.
And what about Probotector? The name is two words merged together: "Robo"/"Robot" and "Protector". Most of this version is based on the NA NES version, but sadly released over 2 years later on December 28th.
Konami, as a Japanese game developer, perhaps paid a bit more attention to their homeland than elsewhere.

[@kanzenchowa9868]

Watching this, my hatred of konami of america has risen quite abit. Bastards, they cut corners on the US/EU version and took out the nice cutscenes and pre-stage map display etc. This awesome classic game would have been even better if they had kept those things.

[@Innerste]

Yōjinbō 用心棒 I could be wrong, but I think the reason why the US/EU version took out these details and cutscenes was because the US/EU version actually came out first, and because Nintendo of America and Europe put more priority on the 10NES Chip and anti-piracy than allowing 3rd party devs to add their own chips to a cartridge to give it better sound and extra details. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely despise Konami as well, but it's Nintendo of America and Europe's fault in this case.

[@mistertagomago7974]

Subversive_Sn4ke Late response but youre correct.

[@HGSSubStudio]

All graphics in Japanese version was possible thanks to a special chip created by Konami for their games called VRC-2. However, because Nintendo manufactured standard boards for the commercialization of all games in America and Europe (which did not include the chip), none of these features appeared.

[@turbokiller]

I only found out about this difference TODAY! WTF! Playing it right now :D thanks for the video.

[@EdgarIX]

a un que la version Original de japon es mucho mejor en algunos aspectos, pues yo me quedo con la version USA, por que fue la 1era que jugue y curiosamente me gusta mucho la portada Covert Art que usaron, me recuerdan a Arnold y Sylverster, jaja

[@TetraTitanio]

De hecho se basaron en ellos, pues eran iconos en los 80's.
Igual me quedo con la versión de USA, aunque tengo entendido que sacaron un hack con la traducción (en inglés)

[@okami4683]

Also of note there was snow falling on the snow stage, and the Alien Lair's ground, walls and ceilings pulsated

[@Kevangelo14]

As an adult, I often used to emulate the USA version.
Now I tested this Japanese version and I remember all along that this was the version I used to play with my dad when I was young!

[@atrailofblood]

no fucking way, they got a whole ass INTRO TO THE LORE AND EVERYTHING!?

[@jjsquire706]

😲Now the question becomes why was the US version cut short of the intro and storyline😳🤔 In a game as popular as contra how could they do this to us🤕😔

[@jimgreene3914]

Played us version more times than I can count, and just did a fc playthrough. Fc is significantly more difficult and ultimately better all around game.

[@MartellThaCool]

Japanese Contra wins. Hope Konami translate the Japanese version of Contra for their upcoming Konami games for the Nintendo Switch

[@SinisterServal]

You're in luck, contra anniversary is available now for Xbox one, PS4 and Nintendo Switch

[@MartellThaCool]

@@SinisterServal awesome sauce!

[@juniornobre9750]

Excelente vídeo, cortes e mais cortes imagina quantos jogos na época que já chegavam "meia boca" aqui.

[@EpicLebaneseNerd]

the first time i saw the leaves get blown by the wind on the first boss...i was like mind blown...why did they take that small thing out ?

[@princeblue_flipaclip_animation]

0:28 what opening says?

[@nandoyusuf6041]

Japanese so good!

[@lucasger89]

La gente dice "meh no hay grandes diferencias, vean el stage 5 y después el stage final y piensen en lo aterrador que pudo haber sido jugar ese final stage siendo niño...

[@ayrton4856]

¿Porque?.

[@robinwillians3506]

Por nada

[@sylasDC]

Yes I like the opening story type stuff would have been interesting to see it in English

[@trozaperrenos4003]

Ni idea del porque cortaron la historia de la versión americana. Por lo menos existe una versión occidental con la historia, pero con el nombre cambiado a Gryzor.

[@MGSTHEBEST1]

cuestiones de hardware sino me equivoco

[@trozaperrenos4003]

No es posible, la versión japo para NES tiene todo el enredo.

[@MGSTHEBEST1]

por eso cuestiones de hardware en los cartuchos la version japo tenia mas por eso la americana quitaron las escenas y el extra que tiene la japonesa

[@trozaperrenos4003]

¿Los cartuchos de la NES japo tienen más espacio?. Eso no lo sabía.

[@MGSTHEBEST1]

no es que tengan mas espacio sino que tenian unos chips especiales asi como el super chip fx de starfox en el snes

[@ElricSowrd]

I've noticed after the Justice League TaskForce Dual Play your Videos have been lacking in the 60 FPS lately.

[@alkabul]

I played Japanese version first, here in Costa Rica received a lot of famicon games, i always thought Famicon Version was superior by far

[@ericmatheus2890]

As versões são idênticas, mas a versão niponica possui mais detalhes que a versão estadunidense, que parace mais "crua" digamos assim. Excelente vídeo!!!

[@darkerfalcon3747]

Hey VC you use konami code

[@Fritzv.D.]

Hmmm...the Japanese version looks good.

[@TimKapow]

Stage 5 (Snow field) is also significantly harder on the Japanese version, the pine forest section with the bombs and the turret gunners? Yeah those trees are animated and there is a snow storm in the Japanese version that doesn't exist on the international version and that snow and the movement and general chaos makes those cross screen shots particularly treacherous!

[@Dabirdisdaword5]

If theres something we can agree it’s that these games are both hard as hell

[@EspadasYCopas]

y en jugabilidad ? como andan los controles y la dificultad?

[@manuelrico1593]

Es básicamente lo mismo, pero con historia y más detalles

[@ViDiGames1]

There are also some differences on 3rd, 5th and last levels.

[@wes788411]

I can’t remember which level it was, but I believe that the snow level has falling snow in the Japanese version.

[@Gui.Vieira_]

I'd like to know what is the story being told in the intro of the Japanese version.

[@y0sh1rulez]

Guilherme I'm Japanese so lemme give a stab at the translation:
The Year is 2631.
A mysterious meteor crashed off the coast of New Zealand on the islands of Galga.
Two years later..
A hostile invasion force that called itself "red falcon", whose main purpose is the destruction of mankind, has occupied the Galga islands as its main base of operations.
The Terran Naval Command mobilized the special ops group "Contra" - Bill and Lance. Its orders: to destroy the enemy base.
That's the best I can do while typing on an iPhone :)

[@Gui.Vieira_]

Thank you very much!!! You're the best!!!!! :)

[@johnlrka7324]

@@y0sh1rulez thank you soo much

[@Freetrumental]

Japanese Version, Interested More About Story.

[@filiberto9729]

Infancia arruinada, este videojuego lo jugué apenas tenía uso de razón, también nos privaron del Súper Mario Bros 2, Castlevania con opción de guardado igual que Metroid además de más canales de audio y todo eso y más no vio luz fuera de Japón, ¡bien hecho "Nientiendo"!. De la censura ya ni hablamos.....

[@ChristianCastle]

Japanese version > American version > Arcade version > European version

[@markomk9761]

dudes when importing the game to different regions said: "we are not translating all of that"

[@hoodmistressreloaded]

I chuckled at that. My bad if I sound a little nerdy, but Nintendo of America wasn't willing to cough up the dough to import Konami's VRC4 chip that gave the Famicom version of Contra those lovely cutscenes that told the game's story, and added little things like the trees in the jungle and snow field swaying in the breeze (along with a blizzard for the latter) and the alien's lair coming to life. Here's the kicker: The same VRC4 chip was also the reason that Gradius II never got a Western release for the NES. For its time, that game was graphically beautiful and would've sold like crazy had it come out in the West

[@markomk9761]

@@hoodmistressreloaded oh wow that's interesting, those little enchantments such as the breeze make the game much more appealing and beautiful to the eye that's for sure

[@leavewolfalone]

from Gameboy to Contra, from Beyblade to Dragon Ball it was natural I was gonna turn into a weeb

[@pesxbox5801]

There is also Resident Evil 1, the Japanese version is the best.

[@chandramartika2779]

5 alien Red Falcon dislike this video. The JP version had so many addition, including sound test cheat and also stage select cheat.

[@CrysisFear]

Haha even when the Japanese Version is superior i still prefer the US version. Simply because skipping cutscenes becomes tedious in the longer run.

[@emremessi]

u can skip this cutscenes

[@DonnyKirkMusic]

One thing everyone is ignoring is that the Japanese version is definitely harder. It plays like the second loop of the game (in the US version), but on the first playthrough.

[@mstcrow5429]

Japan is Best America.

[@danielbueno8474]

Japan is my favorite America too! :D

[@ryancollins1087]

No it's not the best

[@lordraptor5042]

This is simple. Japanese screwed us on this one.

[@SusuperHands]

To be fair, trees don't blow in the wind in America so they got that right.....

[@damin9913]

I'm American i can read it in America better and understand it il
I'm not japanese

[@SopaDoEspaco]

In my opinion japanese version its a better

[@jorgecardoso2184]

Holly shit! Contra has a story mode!??? 😾

[@ps-lover8380]

Both are good but I like nes version because we can go direct into the action

[@bumbumwcs3674]

Japan ver so fk badass

[@wallacefung]

魂斗羅 is better!

[@ZukaTheSoilderZebra]

I LOVE BOTH

[@กฤตพจน์โฮมละคร]

Contra

[@townnet]

This sounds like PS4 vs PS4 Pro. lol

[@sirdonkey3001]

Simply Japaneses>

[@leonardopapareli3895]

geral falando das diferenças e eu pensando "como não morreu ainda? É CONTRA ESSA PORRA "

[@AirFerno]

A versão americana é uma cópia "capada" da versão japonesa.

[@tiago10918]

like..

[@javiergonzalezcalvo2233]

Japan v. wins !!!!

[@Pokaroquai]

Tana.... keymaro... contra desipisaso wit Kontra Originalle On Takashebiside
(So.....kinda.....contra Japanese with contra original on comparision)

[@Lancellot_BR]

Caparam bonito, hein? Japão detona , até a vegetação mexe na primeira fase...

[@bachelorsensei9437]

Japanese version looks like a remastered NES version of Contra.

[@Dyna2084]

que diferença absurda :o