Contra Hard Spirits is basically the GBA version of Contra III: The Alien Wars—you know, that ridiculously hard SNES run-and-gun classic. They trimmed a couple levels and tweaked the graphics a bit, but it’s still the same chaotic, bullet-dodging madness. Two-player co-op is where it really shines, though good luck finding someone who can keep up with the insanity.

First thing you’ll notice? The screen feels cramped compared to the SNES original, but you adjust. And yeah, they cut the overhead tank levels, which is a bummer if you loved those. Still, blasting through hordes of aliens with spread shots never gets old.