Published by: Retro Arsenal
Reading Time: 8 minutes
If you are booting up Super C today:
You now hold the keys to the kingdom. Whether you play legitimately for pride or use the code for nostalgia, Super C remains a masterpiece—and the 30 lives cheat is your permission slip to have fun.
Call to Action: Did the code work for you? Do you prefer the Spread Gun (S) or the Laser (L) for the final boss? Share your Super C memories below, and never forget: Now try the Japanese version—it has cutscenes!
To master Super Contra (better known as Super C on the NES), you need to look beyond the classic "30 lives" myth of the original game and understand how Konami evolved the formula. While the original Contra popularized the 30-life Konami Code (↑↑↓↓←→←→ B A Start), Super C famously "nerfed" this to just 10 lives in North America to maintain its "NES Hard" reputation. The "New" Code: Securing 10 Lives
In the North American NES version, the standard Konami code will not work for lives. Instead, use this specific sequence on the title screen:
10 Lives Code: Press Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B, then Start.
2-Player 10 Lives: Highlight "2 Players" and enter the same code: Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B, Select, Start.
Note: The 30-life code still exists in the Japanese Famicom version and the European version (Probotector II) using this same Right-Left-Down-Up sequence. Weapon Mastery: The "S" Power-Up
The Spread Gun (S) remains the undisputed "game breaker" of the series. Unlike the Laser, which requires you to wait for a beam to clear before firing again, the Spread Shot allows for massive screen coverage.
Pro Strategy: Getting up close to bosses with the Spread Gun allows all five projectiles to hit at once, dealing damage comparable to the Laser while maintaining a much higher safety margin.
The "S" Evolution: In Super C, the Spread Gun’s formation is tighter than in the first game. If you fire too rapidly, the bullets lose their wide formation and spread less. Why the Code Matters SUPER CONTRA – NES VERSION
The year was 2634, and the dust from the first alien invasion had barely settled when the signals started again. Bill Rizer and Lance Bean stood on the deck of a South American transport chopper, checking their pulse rifles. The "Red Falcon" wasn't just back; it was evolving.
"Intelligence says the base is crawling with mutated soldiers and gravity-defying xenomorphs," Lance shouted over the roar of the rotors. "It’s a suicide mission, Bill. We’re going in with standard-issue gear and a prayer."
Bill didn’t look up. He was focused on his hands, tapping out a rhythmic sequence on the console of his tactical computer: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Select, Start.
"What are you doing?" Lance asked, eyeing the flickering screen. "Creating a safety net," Bill grunted.
As they leaped from the chopper into the ruins of the first stage, the air immediately filled with lead. In any other reality, a single stray bullet would have ended the legend then and there. But as Bill took a direct hit from a sniper in the watchtower, something strange happened. Instead of falling, his body flickered with a ghostly blue light. He stumbled, shook his head, and stood right back up, a fresh rifle appearing in his hands as if plucked from the ether.
"How are you still breathing?" Lance yelled, rolling behind a concrete barrier.
"I’ve got thirty chances today, Lance," Bill smirked, leveling his Spread Gun at a charging wall of alien infantry. "Don't waste yours."
They tore through the high-tech ruins. When the giant helicopter boss in Stage 2 shredded their position with missiles, Bill simply "re-materialized" mid-air, landing on his feet and continuing the barrage. The psychological weight of death had vanished. They became a two-man whirlwind of destruction, sprinting through the boiling caverns of the alien hive and descending into the heart of the beast.
By the time they reached the final chamber—the pulsing, horrific core of the alien queen—Bill had "died" twenty-four times. He had been crushed by falling ceilings, melted by acid, and shot more times than he could count. But the Konami code had woven him into the fabric of the mission.
With his twenty-ninth life, Bill leaped into the maw of the beast, planting a thermal charge directly into its brain. The explosion rocked the cavern. As the facility began to collapse, Lance grabbed Bill’s arm, dragging him toward the extraction point. "We're out of lives, Bill! This is the last one!" super contra s power 30 lives nes
They breached the surface just as the island vanished in a plume of fire. Sitting on the rescue chopper, bruised and exhausted, Lance looked at his partner. "Thirty lives... we actually used almost all of them."
Bill looked at the sunset, his thumb still twitching in the pattern of the code. "In this war, Lance, sometimes youYou need a cheat code for destiny."
Are you looking to use the 30-lives code for a playthrough on a specific emulator or the original hardware?
To get extra lives and "S" power-ups in Super Contra on the NES), use the following codes and weapon strategies. Note that while the original offers 30 lives, the American version of typically limits this to 10. 10/30 Lives Codes Codes must be entered at the Title Screen before starting the game. North American Version (Super C): 10 Lives (Single Player): Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B, Start 10 Lives (Two Players): Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B, Select, Start
Japanese (Super Contra) & European (Probotector II) Versions: Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B, Start The "S" Power-Up (Spread Gun)
The Spread Gun is widely considered the best weapon in the game due to its wide range, making it easier to survive difficult sections.
Super Contra Cheats, Codes, and Secrets for Xbox 360 - GameFAQs
Mastering the Madness: How to Conquer Super C on the NES If you grew up in the 8-bit era, you know the legend of . You also likely know that its sequel, Super Contra
), is just as brutal. While the original game gave us the iconic Konami Code for 30 lives, the sequel changed the rules, leaving many players staring at a "Game Over" screen far earlier than they’d like.
Here is your essential guide to surviving the alien onslaught with the right codes and power-ups. The Legend of the Extra Lives Code In the original , the Konami Code (
) was your golden ticket to 30 lives. In the North American version of , however, that classic sequence won't work. The 10-Life Trick (North America):
At the title screen, before the music starts or during the player selection, quickly press: Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B, Start
This gives you 10 lives—not quite 30, but a much-needed cushion for those tough overhead stages. The 30-Life Code (International Versions): If you are playing the Japanese (Famicom) or European ( Probotector II ) versions, the same code— Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B, Start —actually grants the full Power-Up Breakdown: Gear Up for Victory You can't win on lives alone. You need firepower. In
, power-ups are found by shooting flying capsules or wall sensors.
What's the code to get 30 lives in the original Contra? - Arqade
Super Contra S (often titled as "Super Contra S Power") is a widely recognized pirated hack or bootleg cartridge of the official NES game,
(the sequel to the original Contra). Reviewers generally highlight it as a "forgiving" way to experience one of the system's most notoriously difficult run-and-gun titles due to its built-in cheats. Core Gameplay & Features The "30 Lives" Advantage : Unlike the official U.S. release of
, which only offers a 10-life cheat code (Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B, Start), this specific version often starts the player with 30 or even 50 lives
by default or via a simplified button press (like A + Start). Refined Weapons : Reviewers from note that while the iconic "Spread Gun" is still top-tier, weapons are more balanced than the first game. The Flame Thrower
now fires large exploding fireballs instead of slow circling loops, making it much more viable for clearing screens. New Perspectives : The first game's "3D" bunker stages are replaced with top-down overhead levels
, providing a fresh tactical feel that excels in co-op mode. Technical Review Super C or Contra? : r/retrogaming Published by: Retro Arsenal Reading Time: 8 minutes
"Hey! To get 30 lives in Super Contra on NES, try this cheat code: On the title screen, press Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start. If done correctly, you'll hear a beep and you'll start with 30 lives! Good luck, and have fun taking down those Red Falcon Organization aliens!"
Super Contra S: Power 30 Lives on NES
Super Contra S, also known as Super Contra III: The Alien Wars in some regions, is a classic run-and-gun action game developed by Konami. Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1990, it's the third installment in the Contra series. The game is renowned for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging levels, and, notoriously, its difficulty.
The game follows the same formula as its predecessors, with players taking on the roles of Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, or their female counterparts, as they battle against an alien invasion. The storyline is straightforward: an alien force, known as the Red Falcon Organization, has taken over the Earth, and it's up to you to stop them.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Super Contra S is where it truly shines. Players can move left or right, jump, and fire their weapons. The game introduces new weapons, such as the spread gun and the laser gun, adding variety to the combat. The game also features boss battles at the end of each level, which require strategy and quick reflexes to overcome.
Power-Ups and Lives
The game includes power-ups such as the Super Dorai, which increases the player's firepower. A notable cheat code allows players to start with 30 lives, enhancing their chances of completing the challenging game. This code has become legendary among retro gamers, symbolizing the game's difficulty and the nostalgia of the NES era.
Impact and Legacy
Super Contra S on the NES has a special place in the hearts of many gamers who grew up in the 80s and 90s. Its challenging gameplay, coupled with the iconic Contra series' reputation for difficulty, made it a staple of late-night gaming sessions and marathon attempts to beat it. The game's graphics, while dated, still retain a charm that nostalgic gamers fondly remember.
The Contra series, including Super Contra S, has inspired numerous sequels, spin-offs, and even a movie. Its influence on the run-and-gun action genre is undeniable, with many modern games drawing inspiration from its fast-paced action and challenging gameplay.
Conclusion
Super Contra S: Power 30 Lives on the NES is more than just a game; it's an experience. For those who played it growing up, it brings back memories of late nights, controller-wearing finger cramps, and the sweet satisfaction of beating a level or defeating a tough boss. For newcomers, it offers a glimpse into the challenging yet rewarding world of classic video games. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking to experience a piece of gaming history, Super Contra S is a title worth exploring.
In the NES version of Super Contra (released as Super C in North America), the traditional Konami Code for 30 lives from the first game does not work. Instead, the sequence is modified and varies slightly by regional version. Cheat Codes for Super C (NES)
10 Lives (North American Version)On the title screen, before the menu disappears, press:Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B, Start. For 2 Players, press Select before Start.
30 Lives (Japanese Famicom Version)If you are playing the Japanese version (Super Contra), you can still get 30 lives by pressing:Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B on the title screen.
Sound Test ModeTo access the hidden music and sound effect menu, hold A + B and press Start at the title screen.
Stage Select (Japanese Version Only)At the title screen, press and hold Down on the D-pad, then press Start and immediately hold Select. Essential Power-Up Guide
To survive even with extra lives, focus on these weapon pickups found in flying item capsules: Description S Spread Gun
The most effective weapon; fires five bullets in a wide arc. F Fire Ball
Fires a large projectile that creates a small explosion on impact. M Machine Gun You now hold the keys to the kingdom
Rapid-fire automatic bullets; hold the button down for continuous fire. L Laser Rifle High-damage piercing beam, but narrow and slow to fire. R Rapid Fire
Increases the travel speed of your current weapon's projectiles. B Barrier Grants temporary invincibility. NES Super Contra: Secret Extra Lives Trick!
(the NES sequel to ), the 30-lives code is region-specific and differs from the famous Konami Code. While the Japanese and European versions offer 30 lives, the North American version was "nerfed" to provide only 10 lives using the same input. Extra Lives Codes
Input these sequences at the title screen before the game begins: North American (NES - 10 Lives): Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B, Start For 2 players: Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B, European (Probotector II - 30 Lives): Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B, Start Japanese (Super Contra - 30 Lives): Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B (Start is not required for the code itself). Essential Power-Ups
The game features several weapon upgrades that are critical for survival: NES Super Contra: Secret Extra Lives Trick!
To get extra lives in the series on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), the codes vary significantly depending on whether you are playing the original game or its sequel, Super Contra (known as Super C). The Original Contra (NES)
The legendary Konami Code is used in the first Contra to jump from the standard 3 lives to 30 lives. The Code: ↑up arrow ↑up arrow ↓down arrow ↓down arrow ←left arrow →right arrow ←left arrow →right arrow B A Start.
Two-Player Mode: Press Select then Start to give both players 30 lives.
When to enter: At the title screen while the music is playing. Super Contra / Super C (NES)
In the NES sequel Super C, the traditional Konami Code does not grant 30 lives. Instead, there is a different secret code that provides a smaller boost. The 10-Lives Code: →right arrow ←left arrow ↓down arrow ↑up arrow A B Start.
Two-Player Mode: Press Select then Start for both players to have 10 lives.
When to enter: While the title screen is scrolling or the "Super C" logo is visible. Summary Table Extra Lives Controller Input Contra ↑up arrow ↑up arrow ↓down arrow ↓down arrow ←left arrow →right arrow ←left arrow →right arrow B, A, Start Super C →right arrow ←left arrow ↓down arrow ↑up arrow A, B, Start
Note on 30 Lives in Super C: In the standard North American release of Super C, there is no official 30-lives code; 10 lives is the maximum intended secret. However, some modern game patches or "ROM hacks" have been created by the community to enable a full 30-life version of the code for players who want the original Contra experience in the sequel. NES Super Contra: Secret Extra Lives Trick!
When players search for "super contra s power 30 lives nes," they are essentially asking for the "God Mode" experience: infinite attempts (30 lives) plus the ultimate offensive tool (S weapon). With both, you transform a punishing arcade port into a power fantasy.
Weapon capsules appear when you destroy specific red or silver "power-up ovals" held by floating carriers or stationary turrets. The S power is typically the third or fourth capsule to appear in a cycle.
Pro Strategy: If you see a "F" (Fireball) or "L" (Laser), do not pick it up unless you are desperate. Wait for the capsule to cycle. It takes about 5 seconds per cycle. Let the capsule flash through M, F, L, and B until you see the glorious red "S" .
Most people know the classic Konami Code for the original Contra (Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start). However, Super C uses a slightly modified version of this code to achieve the coveted 30 lives.
To get the 30 lives in Super C, you must input the code at the Title Screen (the screen showing the game's logo). Do not press Start first.
Good luck, and enjoy the extra firepower!
Complete successive side-scrolling and vehicle/vertical stages, defeating enemy forces and bosses to stop an alien invasion. The player progresses through themed stages, collecting power-ups and conserving lives/continues to reach and defeat the final boss.
No. The official cheat only provides 30 lives. However, in the NES version, if you game over and use the continue code (which also requires button inputs), you can theoretically restart with 30 lives again.