Super C is the official follow-up to the run & gun legend: Contra! Now, while it's generally true that sequels are never as good as the original, we hope that this list will convince you that Super C was an exception to this rule. Here are the 5 reasons that Super C is worth another look:

5. THE CODE CAN'T SAVE YOU NOW!

Remember the Konami code from Contra? Just press "↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A" and BAM!, you got another 30 extra lives! Yeah. That's gone. There's no easy way to get through Super C. It was designed to put your Contra skills to the test. It's tough love, but it will make you a better player whether you like it or not.

4. TOP-DOWN THROW-DOWNS!

The faux-3D hallway battles from the original Contra were replaced with equally awesome top-down sections, reminiscent of Ikari Warriors or SMASH TV. It's a great new way to experience Contra, and definitely worth checking out.

3. IT'S AN UPHILL BATTLE!

Super C utilized cutting-edge technology to create a state-of-the-art gaming experience: Inclined Slopes! Now, I realize that having diagonal platforms hardly seems revolutionary by today's standards, but in 1988? Yeah, this was ground-breaking stuff. It gave enemies a chance to get the jump on you if you weren't careful about where you were aiming, and could even give you tactical advantages if you knew where to stand. It literally added another dimension to the complexity of Contra's combat system!

2. BRING OUT THE BIG GUNS!

All the original ordinance from the first game is back and better than ever. Konami tweaked the mechanics of each weapon to make them more balanced and increase the variety of gameplay offered in Super C. For instance the flame shot can now be charged up to release an enormously destructive fireball. And while the spread shot still covers most of the screen with your bullets it also causes enemies to have more health. Super C makes you choose your weapons more carefully.

1. IT'S STILL CONTRA!

If something isn't broke, don't fix it! Super C knows it would be stupid to stray too far from Contra's winning formula, so it doesn't try. Instead, it takes what worked and polishes it even further to offer a rare sequel that's just as fun as the original. If you liked Contra,  you will like Super C. Maybe even more so once you get a chance to handle its improved controls and retooled guns. I cannot recommend this game enough to any 8-bit action fan.

Buy Super C - For the NES

How many of you have played through Contra's sequel? Are we forgetting anything from our list? Or did we hit everything that made this game great? As always, let us know in the comments section!