Contra Advance (prototype) on the GBA is basically a rough-around-the-edges version of the classic run-and-gun chaos you remember—except now it fits in your pocket. You jump in, guns blazing, and within seconds you're dodging enemy fire while trying not to fall into pits (which happens way more than I'd like to admit).

The sprite work still holds up, and those chunky explosions feel satisfying when you finally take down a screen-filling boss. It's tough as nails, though—expect to burn through lives fast unless you've got the old-school reflexes. The prototype quirks make it interesting, like occasional janky hitboxes or weird sound glitches, but that kinda adds to the charm.

If you ever spent hours memorizing enemy patterns in the original Contra, this one’s a fun little time capsule. Just don’t throw your GBA when you die to the same cheap shot for the tenth time.