Operation C
Description official description
Operation C is a Game Boy sequel to the popular NES titles Contra and Super C and is, essentially, a side-scrolling shooter. You play a Rambo-esque character that goes around shooting everything in sight, collecting weapon upgrades and bonuses.
The game introduces the character of Black Viper to the series' oft-jumbled continuity. Black Viper would later return in the Nintendo DS title, Contra 4, as the primary villain.
The game features only five levels, two of which are played from an overhead perspective similar to Super C. Operation C is also notable in featuring the upgradable Spread Gun (from three to five shots) and introducing the Hunter Gun.
There is also the occasional platform element such as jumping puzzles, moving platforms etc., and the mandatory end-level boss.
Spellings
- コントラ - Japanese spelling
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Screenshots
Promos
Credits (Game Boy version)
9 People (6 developers, 3 thanks)
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Reviews
Critics
Average score: 82% (based on 20 ratings)
Players
Average score: 4.0 out of 5 (based on 24 ratings with 2 reviews)
The Good
The gameplay is amazing in Operation C. Everything about this game is a shining masterpiece! The music and graphics are okay for the time and the levels are pretty fun too! The map design of the first level is where the true greatness shines from this game.
The Bad
The only flaws about Operation C are the controls. Sometimes when jumping you will over or undershoot a jump. The plot isn't very interesting either. All the plot describes is that you need to kill an alien called the Black Viper. Also, some levels seem way to hard for the lives you are given (levels 2 and 4). These levels are put at a top perspective other than side perspective. Enemies hide around corners of narrow hallways and wait for you to walk out, or they just bombard with bullets, or charge at you. It also doesn't help that the controls are horrendous at these parts. You can't shoot in every direction on these levels also.
The Bottom Line
A short Contra game that gives everyone a challenge. Even the most experienced Contra player will die at least more then once. Despite some minor flaws, Operation C has some very solid game play. Any true Contra fan would enjoy this game and play it once or twice, other people not so familiar with Contra may not enjoy it.
Game Boy · by Elliot H (4) · 2011
Bad conversion of a real classic.
The Good
I really loved the original NES version of Contra, so I can't help but compare the Game Boy version to that, at least where gameplay is concerned. But more about that later.
What's particularly good about Contra is its excellent graphics, at least if you consider the limited hardware. Lush landscapes and more-or-less detailed enemies provide for a very immersive gaming experience - relatively speaking, of course. The music isn't bad either.
The Bad
Gameplay, however, pales in comparison to the NES classic. The controls aren't as smooth as with the NES control pad, which often means you'll find yourself shooting in the wrong direction, or not being able to complete a jump. It is very frustrating.
Moreover, the game itself just isn't FUN compared to the NES version; I can't quite put my finger on it, but while I played the NES version to its completion a number of times, I was never able to play the Game Boy version for more than 30 minutes at a time. It's just frustrating, boring and not in any way as good as it is on the Game Boy's sibling.
The Bottom Line
Plain bad.
Game Boy · by Tomer Gabel (4535) · 2001
Trivia
Version differences
There were a total of five versions of this game released. The original Japanese version, an American version, a European version, a version included in the Japanese release Konami GB Collection Vol. 1 (a compilation of older Game Boy games with full Super Game Boy support for each game) and another version for the European release of Konami GB Collection Vol.1.
The original Japanese version, titled Contra, was in black and white and has a stage select mode as a default feature in the game.
The US version is titled Operation C and has the stage select disabled from the game. Instead, the player has to input a code to unlock it.
The initial European version was titled Probotector, was based on the US version, but it had the main characters and some of the enemies replaced by robots, much like the previous Probotector games released in Europe.
The version included in the Japanese Konami GB Collection, is almost the same as the initial Japanese, only upgraded with Super Game Boy support such as a custom border and limited color.
The version in the European Konami GB Collection is called Probotector, but unlike the initial European version, none of the characters were replaced and the stage select is kept. The game is upgraded to full color with GBC-support.
Also, in Germany, the player character is replaced by a cyborg/robot, like in every Contra game in Germany. Also the name "Contra" is replaced by "Probotector"
Awards
- Game Informer Magazine
- August 2001 (Issue 100) - voted #13 in the Top 100 Games of All Time poll
Information also contributed by Chemischer_Kuckuck and Johnny Undaunted
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Related Sites +
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Contra Encyclopedia page for Operation C
Fan site dedicated to the official games in the Contra series. All versions of each game are covered. Information includes release dates, detailed game descriptions, regional differences, lots of trivia and interesting information about the games' developmental stages. There is also plenty of screenshots, links and additional resources. -
The Contra Headquarters
A hosted fan "shrine" site devoted to all the games of the Contra series, including the Game Boy game Contra. Content includes game info/descriptions, plot summaries, various kinds of media (images, MP3s, etc.) and links to other Contra-related sites.
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Contributors to this Entry
Game added by Tomer Gabel.
Additional contributors: PCGamer77, Satoshi Kunsai, Alaka, Chemischer_Kuckuck, lights out party, Jason Smith.
Game added June 13, 2001. Last modified June 15, 2024.