RF Generation Message Board

GAMES:
Contra
Rolling Thunder 2
Metal Slug 3

PARTICIPANTS:
Disposed Hero
douglie007
Father Jack
Fleach
GrayGhost81
MetalFRO
Project Nintendo
singlebanana
SirPsycho
wattswc

SCHEDULE:

Period 1 (Dec. 1st - 9th): Contra/Probotector (NES)
Game Specific Rules - NO 30 man code allowed, you may use continues, but please be aware that when you continue, your score resets to zero, but you are still allowed to post your high score no matter what part of the game you obtain it in. SEE CONTRA TIPS ON PAGE 5 OF THIS THREAD!!!

Period 2 (Dec. 10th - 18th): Rolling Thunder 2 (Genesis/Mega Drive)
Game Specific Rules - The game has unlimited continues, but like Contra, when you continue, your score resets to zero. You are allowed to post your high score no matter what part of the game you obtain it in.

Period 3 (Dec. 19th - 27th): Metal Slug 3 (XBox & several other anthologies/compilations)
Game Specific Rules - Unlike Contra and RT2, your score does not reset. Due to different ports of the game and as a result, various continue options, there will be a LIMIT OF 5 CONTINUES.  If you cannot change your setting and your game offers more continues, please stop playing after 5, and take a picture of your score. Honor system in effect.

Period 4 (Dec. 28th - 31st): BATTLE ROYALE!!!!! - Improve your standing on any of the games for 4 days only (must have posted a score for each game during its previous week).  ALL game specific rules still apply to each game during this period.

Enjoy!

GENERAL RULES: (**please also see Game Specific Rules above**)

As we did last December with the shmup competition, this year we will be holding another competition to see who is the Top Run n' Gunner on RF Generation.  This year, we will play only one title for 9 days, and at the end, there will be a 4 day Battle Royale in which participants can improve their scores (*see more details about this Battle Royale below).  Everyone will be required to post a photo of their best scores. You can post as many scores as you need to, if you better your score, but to avoid confusion, do not post lower scores than the highest one you already have posted for each game.  Scores will be accepted each period starting at midnight server time (not necessarily your time) for the beginning date listed for each game, and likewise, scores will be accepted until midnight server time for the end date of each game. Any scores submitted even within a fraction of a second past this end time WILL NOT be counted, so plan your playing and posting of scores accordingly. The participant with the highest point total for each game per week will earn 10 points, second place earns 9 points, and so on down to 5 points (everyone who participates each week will earn at least 5 points).

This process will continue for three 9 day periods listed above, and the last 4 days of the month will consist of a Battle Royale where participants will have the opportunity to improve their overall standing for each game played during the month. At the end of the month, each participant's score will be totaled and the participant with the highest score will be deemed RF Generation's Top Run n' Gunner and receive the ultimate prize. 

*NO SCORES WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR GAMES PLAYED OUT OF TURN UNTIL THE BATTLE ROYALE BEGINS ON 12/25. FOR EXAMPLE, YOU CAN ONLY SUBMIT CONTRA SCORES DURING THE FIRST 9 DAY PERIOD, ROLLING THUNDER 2 SCORES DURING THE SECOND 9 DAY PERIOD, AND SO ON. SCORES ACCUMULATED DURING THESE THREE 9 DAY PERIODS WILL GO TOWARD YOUR FINAL TOTAL, BUT OF COURSE, YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO IMPROVE YOUR SCORES DURING THE 4 DAYS OF THE BATTLE ROYALE. DURING THE BATTLE ROYAL, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO IMPROVE YOUR SCORES, WHICH MEANS YOU HAVE TO HAVE PLAYED THE GAMES ALREADY IN THE PREVIOUS WEEKS. NO "NEW" PARTICIPANTS SCORES WILL BE ALLOWED, ONLY IMPROVED SCORES FROM PRIOR WEEK PARTICIPANTS.

IN THE SPIRIT OF KEEPING THE CONTEST FAIR, WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE PLAY ALL GAMES ON THEIR NORMAL SETTING OR WHATEVER SETTING THE GAME STARTS UP WITH, AND THAT YOU DO NOT USE ANY CODES (LIKE THE KONAMI CODE FOR CONTRA), GAME GENIES OR LIKE DEVICES, OR RAPID FIRE CONTROLLERS/DONGLES. IN ORDER TO INCREASE PARTICIPATION FOR THIS EVENT, EMULATORS ARE FINE. IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT DEVICES OR OTHER AIDS YOU ARE CONSIDERING USING DURING THIS COMPETITION, PLEASE POST TO THE FORUM OR SEND US A PM AND WE WILL BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION FOR YOU. THANKS.

PLEASE ABIDE BY THE HONOR SYSTEM WHEN POSTING SCORES. ALSO, DO NOT USE SAVE POINTS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE IF YOU ARE PLAYING ONE OF THE MODERN CONSOLE VERSIONS OR ON ANY CONSOLE WITH A SAVE FEATURE. COMPETITION HERE IS ENJOYABLE AND WE HAVE A VERY TRUSTWORTHY COMMUNITY, SO LET'S KEEP IT THAT WAY. IF YOU HAVE ANY ISSUES, DO NOT POST THEM ON THE THREAD, SEND ONE OF THE HOSTS A DIRECT PM. THANK YOU.

**Contest rules subject to change or be added to prior to December 1st. If you have any suggestions for rules or restrictions, please contact singlebanana via PM. Photos of high scores are required and fun pics of you playing with a friend(s) are highly encouraged. Further questions concerning these rules should be directed to singlebanana, GrayGhost81, Fleach, or Disposed Hero.**

PRIZES:

A really sweet a%* trophy to display on your shelf, mantle, gameroom, or kitchen table will be awarded to the month's Top Run n' Gunner. The winner will also receive the title of: 2015 RFGen Top Run n' Gunner added to his/her forum avatar.


SCORES:

Contra (December 1st - 9th)

singlebanana - 3,976,600 (10 pts)
Disposed Hero - 836,300 (9 pts)
FatherJack - 148,600 (8 pts)
GrayGhost81 - 146,100 (7 pts)
MetalFRO - 117,400 (6 pts)
wattswc - 105,300 (5 pts)
Fleach - 103,700 (5 pts)
douglie007 - 49,400 (5 pts)

Rolling Thunder 2 (December 10th - 18th)

FatherJack - 376,350 (10 pts)
singlebanana - 312,090 (9 pts)
douglie007 - 271,200 (8 pts)
MetalFRO - 256,670 (7 pts)
Disposed Hero - 229,190 (6 pts)
wattswc - 40,720 (5 pts)
Fleach - 18,200 (5 pts)

Metal Slug 3 (December 19th - 27th)

FatherJack - 1,130,344 (10 pts)
Disposed Hero - 1,047,404 (9 pts)
singlebanana - 1,014,234 (8 pts)
MetalFRO - 894,914 (7 pts)
douglie007 - 704,023 (6 pts)
Fleach - 164,865 (5 pts)

Overall Point Standings:

FatherJack - 28 pts
singlebanana - 27 pts
Disposed Hero - 24 pts
MetalFRO - 20 pts
douglie007 - 19 pts
Fleach - 15 pts
wattswc - 10 pts
GrayGhost81 - 7 pts

I have Contra and Metal Slug 3. Sign me up!

Thanks SirPsycho! Grab RT2 and spread the word on social media. Let's get some participation for this event.

You know I'm in.

I'll have a go at all three.  :slick:

I'm pretty sure I can find Contra so I should be in on that.  The other 2 I don't have.

The other two titles are relatively cheap. There is time.  You won't have a chance to win the trophy without playing all three, but even if you can join us to play a game or two for fun, that would be cool.

Rules are up!

Contra score isn't too difficult to max out. It takes a couple hours.

Meh, I disagree. I'm a great Contra player and it's not easy to do.  The game gets more difficult as you progress and after you reach a certain score, you can't earn any more extra lives.

I'm going to play Metal slug 3 on MAME which gives me infinite credits. How many continues can I have if any or will it be when my first lot of lives are gone.

Good job I have the Olympic spirit, it's not the winning it's the taking part.  ::)

Good question.  I haven't had a chance to play the game yet, but I will fire it up soon and let you know the typical number of lives and/or continues that the console port provides and we can figure it out from there. :)

I have Contra on XBLA, which is a little different than the NES version (mainly controls and the lack of 1 or 2 levels). What say you?

note - I'm not really competing, I don't own the other 2 games.

The exclusion of the levels is what concerns me and I wouldn't suggest this version for other members. However, if you're not competing, it doesn't matter.  Join in and have some fun with us.

I'm on ebay tonight and my only question is 'Where did all the Rolling Thunder 2 manuals go?'

Ha!  No idea man. I bought my copy a few years ago, and sadly it is loose.

I just popped in my PS2 Metal Slug Anthology, and there's an options menu on the main menu screen that lets you set the number of continues.  The choices are 5, 10, 20, and Free Play (unlimited continues).  It defaults to Free Play.  Any thoughts on what we should go with?

There's also a difficulty setting, but I'm assuming we'll just roll with Normal.

Since it defaults to Free Play, we will have to set a certain number of continues.   I want it to be fair and fun, but I don't want it to be too easy.  Let me pop in my XBox copy tonight and see what the defaults are before making a decision.

BTW, I found an XBox copy locally for $12 (no manual) if anyone needs it.

PSP Anthology defaults at 20.

Good to know. Do you have other options to choose in the menu?

There are no options to change credits. I'm locked

I just checked the Steam version.  It has the same options as the PS2 Anthology.

I popped in the XBox version last night and it looks like the game only allows for 5 continues. There is actually no way to change the amount of continues you can have.....

Here are the options and my thoughts and let me know what you think.

XBox - defaults to 5, no other options
PS2 Anthology/Steam - allows for 5, 10, 20, and Free Play
PSP Anthology - defaults to 20, no option to change


I say we allow 5 continues for this game since XBox is set and PS2/Steam can be set to 5. Graham, can you just stop playing after 5 continues?  We'll just have to use the honor code for this game.  This seems like the only solution that fits. It kind of stinks, but the purpose of next month is to get together and have fun, so I'm good with this option as long as everyone else is.

Also, if you are interested in an XBox copy Graham, I could pick one up for you locally. Not necessary, but I thought I'd give you the option if you were interested.

Metal Slug 3 on XBLA has infinite credits, AFAIK, but each credit usage drops your score.

My Xbox disc drive is stuck closed. I can just stop after five credits so any pictures I take should all say 15 credits left in the corner.

According to Gamespot, you can limit your credits in the PSP version: http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/metal-slug-anthology-review/1900-6166273/

It might just be hard to find the option.

I had a little trouble finding the continues option on the PS2.  It was on the main menu (stage select) screen under Profile Options or something like that.

I'm locked at Limited or Unlimited. So 20 vs infinite.

If that's the case, then just stick to playing the five credits and taking a picture like you mentioned. Thanks

Cool with me.

Are you participating shaggy?

RULES UPDATE:

As noted in the initial post, "Contest rules subject to change or be added to prior to December 1st."  Earlier this week there was concern regarding the amount of continues allowed for the various ports of Metal Slug 3.  After checking out the options for the XBox version and other members also checking out their various versions, we have determined that at least 5 continues are allowed for each game, so we will stand by this number in December. If your game allows more than 5 continues, please stop playing or pause the game and take a picture of your score. I know this will be aggravating for some, but this is the best we can do for this game and we want to keep all port options open to maximize participation. That's what it's all about, right?

Last night, I also spent a little time trying to figure out the continue options for Contra and Rolling Thunder 2. Both games do not have any settings, so they are simple in that you just pop them in and press "start." In terms of continues, Contra offers a limited amount and RT2 offers unlimited. However, when you continue, your score resets. As a result, you will be allowed to post your highest score no matter where you are in each game.  Simple enough.

These rule additions are now in the initial post. If you have any concerns with these updates, or any other concerns in the game, please send me a PM.  Thank you and good luck to all!

I'm in...a third of the way. :)  I only own Contra.

Sign me up for this!  I need a good excuse to spend some time to finally beat Contra, and this gives me an excuse to finally snag a copy of Rolling Thunder 2 for my collection ;D


That brings up a good question - with most arcade games, the score resets after you continue.  Does Metal Slug 3 carry the score over, or is the point to ensure no one credit feeds to a later level where they can milk a later stage for score in some way?

Metal Slug 3 carries the score over when you continue. At least this is what happens with the XBox version. I understand that some areas may offer more points than others, but my opinion is that if you can reach those higher levels, you deserve to be at the top of the hill anyway.

So........... I finished the Run n' Gun trophy last night. Just have to remove the plaque on the front and replace it with something related to our competition.

[img width=700 height=937]http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/necrom99/Playthroughs/769655C9-7D50-40E9-95EF-295D1E183501_zpswssnhpdo.jpg[/img]

I don't know if any people will be playing Metal Slug 3 on Steam but it's on sale for half price until December 1. Just in time for our competition. :)

It's also worth mentioning that online co-op is an option with the Steam version of MS3.

I'll be participating for all three games but only competing in Rolling Thunder and Metal Slug. I couldn't find a copy of Contra in time so I'm emulating that game and I don't feel that's fair for competition purposes.

As the rules in the initial post state, emulation is fine.

I missed that part. Well then, I guess I'll throw in my hat for all the games. Gonna be fun!

Don't forget, our competition starts tomorrow!

And oh yeah, I grabbed an extra copy of Metal Slug 3 if anyone needs it.

Hi! As promised, this is me signing up. Looking forward to playing some Contra.

Pish Pish, 1 Nintendo game. Well I suppose I could play some Contra :).

Welcome Will. Glad you signed up.

I'm curious, what system?  Complete?

Here's my first go and score

Well, I was going say "Gentlemen start your console engines," but it appears that we've already had someone log a score! :)  I have modified the initial post so that you can now track the current high scores and I will be diligent in updating them during the month. After the first week, I will update the points standings.

Start playing Contra now and post pics of your high scores until midnight server time on December 9th.  Good luck to all!

If this was athletics then that would have counted towards a false start  ;D

My first score was just a taster and could be beaten with eyes closed so here's my next score, much better.  That got me near the top of the waterfall. Enjoying Contra a lot better than I thought because my previous plays was screenshot capture with cheats. Great Game. 8)

No way, the competition began at midnight server time on the 1st, so that score is good. Since you're across the pond, I know your scores may be posted at a different time of day for us, so anything posted within the allotted times are fine.

Got to Base 2 now

Just wanted to point out, that if you beat the game, keep on going. Your score will not reset on subsequent playthroughs and you can keep racking it up.

Here's my first score for Contra. Damn, is this game tough! But it's fun, I like it.

I got to the waterfall stage.

[img width=503 height=396]http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o736/Fleach/contra%20score%201_zps1ar5agxd.jpg[/img]

First score from me:

[img width=700 height=525]http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm155/DisposedHero/Community%20Playthrough%20Scores/CAM01706.jpg[/img] (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/DisposedHero/media/Community%20Playthrough%20Scores/CAM01706.jpg.html)

Second attempt, first score. I debated which photo to submit, but ultimately, this one you can read the score more clearly:
[img width=700 height=525]http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q388/MetalFRO/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-12/F6D953F3-EA84-4FE8-9BB3-C58B47C3696D.jpg[/img] (http://s349.photobucket.com/user/MetalFRO/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-12/F6D953F3-EA84-4FE8-9BB3-C58B47C3696D.jpg.html)

2nd score, and probably final attempt this evening:
[img width=700 height=525]http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q388/MetalFRO/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-12/7C57AFCC-C5F4-4C5C-8600-95D34188B9A0.jpg[/img] (http://s349.photobucket.com/user/MetalFRO/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-12/7C57AFCC-C5F4-4C5C-8600-95D34188B9A0.jpg.html)

Getting the hang of things now

Whoa!  You and Fleach had the same score. LOL

I think we should win.

How often does that happen? That's so cool!

I agree ;D


I missed that - you're right!  Something else we share is a sentiment that the game is HARD, but fun to play.  I haven't pulled Contra off the shelf for quite a while, and when I do, I always forget how difficult it is.  I have some muscle memory for Stage 1, and can usually get through it okay, but man, those base stages are a pain.  I think I prefer the Super C/Operation C overhead stages.

When I first played it a couple of weeks ago to get a feel for the game I thought it was quite chaotic and hard and a big score wouldn't be coming but after a few plays now it's not as hard as first seems. Every new stage I think here we go again but once you play a stage a couple of times it's a lot simpler. Still finding my feet with Base 2 and finding the Base Boss a bit of a pain. Great game and thought I wouldn't enjoy it this much.

Played the C64 version to compare and it doesn't come close to the NES version and won't be playing that again.

I'm playing the version on Xbox360, which is the arcade version, and it doesn't come close to the NES version either. It's not nostalgia for the NES kicking in.

The NES already has a leg up because of the 2 extra stages, but it's not just that. The arcade version just feels like it has stiffer controls. I'm not sure if the hit detection is different, but when you jump in the arcade version, you don't tuck your legs in tightly like on the NES. They are kind of jack-knifed and hanging out there.

One more vote for the NES version being the best. I wish I owned it  :'(

 

CONTRA TIPS:

As we all know, the December playthrough is a competition, but it's still a time for all of us to get together, have fun, and talk about the games. Contra is a game dear to my heart and one that I played and beat countless times as a kid. Hell, I even remember the first time I played it; it was at a soccer team sleepover at the local community center. One of the kids brought his 13" TV and NES to the event, and needless to say, no one slept a lot that night.  For some of you newcomers to the game, and even for some of you more familiar, I thought I'd share some tips for each of the game's 8 levels:

1. Jungle - Be sure to get the Machine Gun, "M", at the beginning of the stage; this is the only weapon that you can hold the button down and it auto-fires (this is my favorite weapon behind the Spread, "S"). Though the bridges are the seemingly more direct approach, you risk dying from turret fire below and combined with from the snipers behind the bushes and the runners. The only advantage to taking the upper path is getting the Spread early. There is another one just a little further in the stage, so it's not really worth it. While firing at turrets from below, you can push down on your controller to go underwater and avoid gunfire. Clear all the turrets at the bottom of the screen before facing the stage boss (tower). Take out the sniper first, then stand very far left on the ledge just across from the cannons to take them out. Lastly, take out the door.  

2. Base 1 - If you've lost your Spread, you can still upgrade your weapon by taking out the red enemies. In the bases, I typically press down on my controller to lay down just left of center (kind of around the left outline of the bolted door). You should be able to hit the jumping enemies and if miss the green/blue ones before the red one gets there, simply adjust your placement a little. I like the machine gun here, but the Fireballs "F" are good for the boss. There is no Spread in the base. Anytime you can grab a Rapid Fire, "R", do so; it will not change your weapon type and only make it fire faster. A rapid Spread is the bee's knees. I like to move with the final boss from side to side; with the Fireballs or Spread, it's pretty easy to take out it's projectiles. If you have the regular gun, you'll have to dodge a little more, but staying in motion helps. Take out the left and right squares that fire projectiles first; if you take out the center first, the boss will begin and you will have to dodge a lot more incoming fire.

3. Waterfall - Other than the Hanger, this is the level where I typically lose the most lives. The trick is to keep moving as quickly as you can, while efficiently taking out all of the turrets.  What makes this level so aggravating is that it is vertical scrolling you can die by falling past the bottom of the screen; your jumps will have to be on point. The boulders at the beginning are intimidating at first, but you can actually walk through them when they first appear; you will not take damage from them until they start falling. I constantly fire while working my way up the waterfall and many times firing while I am flipping takes out many of the one-shot runners. The guys that fire grenade launchers from below are annoying and it's best just to keep moving up until they are out of the screen instead of trying to shoot them. There is a Spread midway through the level from an obvious item square.  With the alien fortress at the top of the waterfall, take out the "arms" first. You will have to dodge some fireballs, but after a few, the arms will extend straight down and you can get up close and rapid fire them to take the out quick. Once the arms are toast, stand left or right of center under the alien mouth. Move in and out between its fireballs and shoot it in the mouth; if you have a Spread, you can just stand left or right of center and not have to worry about dodging.

4. Base 2 - Same as Base 1, but with a few more enemies and rolling mines. There is a spread in here in the next to last room (the wall in the room does not have any guns and only one of the bubbles). Use the same technique described for Base 1 to position yourself and obtain the Spread. For this boss, you need to also take out the left and right sides first. If you destroy the center first, the enemy will start.  Try to shoot the bubbles when you can, but if you miss them, they can be jumped over. The bubbles will sweep under you after they fall and swing back to hit you, but if you jump over them (by jumping toward and over them), they will float back up to the top. The enemy "faces" take damage if you hit them with fire only when they merge together.  

5. Snowfield - Another tough stage due to all the runners, the grenades, and the cannon firing enemies. Though it seems frantic the best thing to do is take your time in maneuvering through the grenades. I constantly run and fire on the board and when I hear the "ping" from hitting the cannon firing enemies, I immediately lie down to fire because I know that a big red projectile is coming in a split second. There is a Spread on the level close to the tight jumps across the water; three flying item containers will come out just before these jumps and the bottom one contains the Spread. The two large trucks on the board seem daunting but are actually pretty easy and can be taken out even with the regular gun. As soon as the truck approaches, go immediately to the far left of the screen, lightly tap your control once to the right, and fire like hell. The bullets from the trucks will just graze your toes, but will not harm you (unless you pressed to much to the right). The boss here is pretty simple; start by firing at the center of the ship and once the UFOs start coming down, move from the center of the mother ship and alternate firing right and left to take out each UFO with a single shot. Rinse and repeat until the boss is done.

6. Energy Zone - Another one of those levels where the environment is tougher than the enemies, but once you figure it out, it's pretty easy. Lots of times in the level you have to wait for the flame throwers to fire before moving past them; the best way is to get close to them, but not so close that they can hit you. This will cause them to fire. Once they fire, you can jump across the holes. In this stage, I stay at the bottom; though some holes look to far to jump across, if you time your jumps correctly, you can barely make it (there is a lot of this in the later levels). Staying up top will make passing the flame throwers almost impossible, so take your chances with jumping. In the middle of the level, there are three sets of flame throwers. After the second set, quickly take out the sniper at the top of the platform and you will notice two flame throwers, one that fires downward and one that fires across the bottom of the floor. Nudge over to the let to get the one that fires down to activate. These flame throwers are on different timers, so what you need to do is wait for them to sync up. As soon as they do and retract, fall to the floor and quickly jump up the ledges on the right. You will notice an item box here. Shoot it from the lower ledge and fall down to retrieve the invincibility, "B", when the flamethrower retracts. With this item you can run to the end of the level through enemies and flamethrowers, if you are quick enough. This boss is annoying; he charges at you and throws projectiles. You have to jump over him when he charges and if you stay close enough to him, he will keep charging and throw very few projectiles. Jump over projectiles two at a time instead of each one.

7. Hanger - Annoying level that requires a lot of tricky platforming and precise moves. Like the Snowfield, continue firing and listen for the ping of the cannon guys and drop to the floor as soon as you hear it. Moving slowing is key and will keep you from running into the spiked walls that come up from the ground. The spikes that lower from the ceiling all have patterns, so stop and watch these patterns to figure them out before proceeding. On the big bank of spikes that drop, you have to nudge through them one at at time; a wall of spikes will come up from the ground before the last one and if you only have the regular gun, you may need to backtrack through the spikes just a little until the wall comes down. There is a Spread about halfway through this level. If you ride the second set of rail carts and jump up on a stand alone platform just ahead, the next platform will have a sniper; take him out. Jump on the sniper's platform, and proceed to the far right of the platform while staying on it. A flying item container will appear moving left to right. Time you fire diagonally right/down and the Spread will fly out of the container and onto the next upper right tier. Though this jump seems improbable, it can be made and is the best way to traverse this part. The boss is simple; run all the way to the right and fire up/right diagonally directly into the flashing square at the top of the door. With an upgraded weapon, you will take it out quickly and before enemies or fire hits you. If you have the regular weapon, do the same thing, but with runner appear from the left, shoot and take them all out, and then jump far right just before the grenade hits the ground. Continue to fire on the square after this.

8. Alien's Lair -  Not too bad if you take the proper precautions. Your first encounter will be with the alien's mouth. Stand at the large wall and fire up/right into it when it opens. The little guys that come out of the mouth should be dealt with, but sometimes require a little dodging; they are a little slow and it is manageable. There is a Spread just after the mouth; it floats from left to right in an item container right at the first set of eyes and is a must to obtain. The alien's eyes aren't so tough, but when you encounter multiple eyes at the same time, things can get hairy. Angle your fire and continue to shoot at them, but when the white projectiles they release appear, you MUST immediately take them out. They come out slow, but if you don't hit them quick, they swoop at you exceedingly fast. The alien's heart is the final boss; if you have the spread you can run up into it and fire up/right into it while being sure to fire up and right sometimes to take out the spider-like creatures. You can take out the pods on the bottom that release the creatures, but they take lots of shots and this should only be done if you are good at dispatching the creatures and jumping over them. It can be tricky when the creatures fall from the ceiling, but with time, you can figure this jumping pattern out. Taking out the heart will destroy everything.

I hope these tips help. GOOD LUCK!

It's for XBox, but it's already on its way out. Sorry, this happened before your post, I just neglected to reply.

Great guide there  8)

No problem.  Do you know why?  Cuz my Xbox isn't hooked up.  :laugh:

Agreed!  I tend to take my time a bit more on the waterfall stage, but I can see the advantage of keeping a more brisk pace through it, because enemies can sometimes respawn quickly, so moving through the stage fast eliminates the possibility of getting picked off by one.  There's a bit of risk/reward going on there, as you can milk some of the popcorn enemies for score, if you can stay alive long enough.

I have to admit, it's hard not playing Contra on an NES controller. The simple fact that the shoot controls are on the left rather than right for emulation screws with my brain.

Definitely! Though my controls are little simpler (WASD to move and J/K are B/A) it's still much harder than an actual NES controller. It just doesn't feel the same.

I'm pretty sure the scoring will be the same for all platforms, but just to make sure, if anyone can keep a mental note and post it - how many points do a standard soldier provide (the first enemy you kill). Arcade gives you 500 points.

The Xbox isn't great either. Shoot is A (the bottom button) and jump is B (the right button). I'd prefer Y (left) shoots and A jumps, but you can't change it.

Regardless of points, this will not change the nature of the competition. High score on any format will be determined the winner for the first period.

I know Contra is a tough as nails game, but are the base stages especially hard? That's where I die the most because I have to juggle enemy fire and those rolling things.

Are you pushing down on the d-pad and lying down? You can dodge fire and shoot the rolling bombs from that position. Just lie down below your target and raise up for a second to get a few shots off before returning to the ground.

I've been doing that but didn't know I could shoot the rolling bombs. Thanks for the tip! :)

Another difference between the NES and arcade version are the base levels. In the AV, the level is timed and after you blow up the "thing on the wall", you have to run forward and run left or right at the end to proceed to the next corridor. It makes it a little bit harder.

Also, while playing last night I realized that the AV of the game overall is harder for one reason. You're too big. Simply put, you're more likely to get hit by a bullet. On the NES, you're much smaller.

Speaking of Contra:

http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=NEC12785&mode=retail&utm_source=site&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=Twitter

Oh crap, Super C is the copy I can find.  I guess I won't be posting my score for Contra.

Yep, I saw a Pixel Dan review of these figures today.

Hey!  This is a competition. Let's see some more scores posted! :)

I'm doing that, and it's helping, but I'm still dying a lot on the bases because, for some reason, my Wiimote D-pad is a little fiddly.  Sometimes when I intend to hold down, I'm pushing to the right a little, and end up standing up right in the thick of the gunfire.  I'll just have to be more careful I guess.


I'm going to keep hammering away this evening until I can break 100K, then I'll post something :D

Okay, now I'm cooking with gas! Just broke 100K:
[img width=700 height=525]http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q388/MetalFRO/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-12/82BD2343-955D-4A1B-92B5-BA9EC446BA3B.jpg[/img] (http://s349.photobucket.com/user/MetalFRO/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-12/82BD2343-955D-4A1B-92B5-BA9EC446BA3B.jpg.html)

Darn, that's a pretty good score!

Thanks! I can't seem to crack the stupid Stage 4 boss, though. And that 2nd base level is BRUTAL!

Yeah, I agree.  Despite being relatively inexperienced at Contra, I can usually get through the end of Stage 3 without losing a life, but Stage 4 gets me every time.

Made a little progress tonight. Those tips really helped.

[img width=497 height=375]http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o736/Fleach/contra%20score%202_zpsusbrjjx7.jpg[/img]

Good to hear.

A little Contra for breakfast.

[img width=481 height=370]http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o736/Fleach/contra%20score%203_zpss6vcoqss.jpg[/img]

A little tip to rack up points: at the top of the waterfall, before you fight the alien, you can pick off all the enemies as they spawn.

And Floyd takes the lead!

We're not doing that, right? Cuz there's a few places in this game where you can just stand there and shoot and rack up points.

Good point. As a first time Contra player (that score was my fourth time playing the game) I wasn't aware of these point farming spots. I don't want to say it's fair, but it's not exactly the right thing to do. I guess Rich can make the call if point farming isn't acceptable.

I never knew you could farm points in the game and I guess the reason is that there is no score counter on the screen, so I never even thought about it; you can only check your score after you die or in between stages. I'd say that to keep the integrity of the competition high, participants should not intentionally farm. I'm okay with Floyd keeping his last score, as I don't see any malice behind it and it's not overwhelmingly out of reach for other competitors. PARTY ON!

I think I got to a point in the game where I thought I could just stand here and keep shooting but I got bored pretty quick and I really wanted to progress and get further than I have before. Although we're playing for the high score, a big part of the game for me is to get past the last stage I'm stuck on.

Finally got past the 2nd Boss

FatherJack moves up and Disposed Hero moves to the unfamiliar position of last. Tight race.

Disposed in last?! How could it be?

I'm so excited to start Rolling Thunder. That game looks so great. This competition has been a blast so far and I'm really enjoying playing all these games for the first time.

What!?  Looks like I'll be playing some more Contra today!

is it too late to join ? I just got my Streaming computer built and want an excuse to do more then my Sega on Thursday.

Not at all.  We're still in the middle of week 1 so there's plenty of time to play all three games.

I will be awful But I alway like to try the run n guns. to bad no sunset riders. I was good at that one

Yeah, we considered Sunset Riders, but decided that it was too expensive and wanted to keep the cost of the games lower to encourage more participation.  It would have been a fun one though!

Got to a truck with spikes on the Snowy Stage

Read my tip about the truck. You gotta fire fast, but you can take it out with the normal gun.

Allow me to raise the bar a bit:

[img width=700 height=525]http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm155/DisposedHero/CAM01718.jpg[/img] (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/DisposedHero/media/CAM01718.jpg.html)

I got to Stage 6 which is a personal record for me.  Those streams of fire can be tough to avoid, but I can tell it's just a matter of getting the patterns down.

Yep, the Energy Zone isn't bad once you get it down.

If your streaming computer has Steam check out Gunman Clive. It's also a western style run n gun.

I stream from real NES hardware :) I will check it out.   I played some last night, and wow I suck at Contra I have not made it to the end of the first stage yet.

Disposed - very nice! You've definitely set the bar for the rest of us slops!

Put me down for 115900. Made it to the snow level.

[img width=700 height=393]http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h32/grayghost81/1206151615_zps9dgw0x06.jpg[/img] (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/grayghost81/media/1206151615_zps9dgw0x06.jpg.html)

This is a personal triumph for me.  Today I beat Contra without continuing and no Konami code!

[img width=700 height=525]http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm155/DisposedHero/Community%20Playthrough%20Scores/CAM01719.jpg[/img] (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/DisposedHero/media/Community%20Playthrough%20Scores/CAM01719.jpg.html)

And just in case any of you were creeping up on my score, I'll raise the bar again by just a tad:

[img width=700 height=525]http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm155/DisposedHero/Community%20Playthrough%20Scores/CAM01722.jpg[/img] (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/DisposedHero/media/Community%20Playthrough%20Scores/CAM01722.jpg.html)

Congrats, man, that's quite a feat! I've only ever been able to down the game with the code thus far. You've given the rest of us a real run for our money!

I'm actually playing Contra right now in co-op with a friend, and it is so much more difficult with two players.  We've given it 3 or 4 good attempts but haven't beaten it yet.  We're getting further and further each time though.

@Disposed - Very nice, that's a difficult feat!! 2 players is tough because you both need to be on the same page. You can't have someone run ahead too far because the tail man will often get hit from behind if he doesn't have enough screen behind him.

Agreed. And the Waterfall level is especially more difficult. If you leave your partner behind, you can kill him by going too far up screen.

Haha! That's what I kept doing when I played Contra on Bil's Playchoice. Crabby and I did a co-op run and on the waterfall stage I kept going to fast which caused the screen to scroll up. I also died A LOT from getting hit by enemies, but we had fun.

Just a small improvement

Nice!  Everyone, please be sure to check your scores in the initial post. I think I have kept them pretty up to date.

Reminds me of when I played Contra co-op, as a kid. Someone would always yell "Screen!" to let the other person know, they were getting too far, and needed to wait for the second player.

http://imgur.com/VtNvvyB i suck, but its my best so far

That's not too bad. This game is tough so every score is an achievement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ806yWbzqs

One of my "no death" runs from last week. Sorry for the poor video quality, my first capture and I'm working with the settings.

Rich, we're not worthy!

I stopped trying to get a high score, I just want to beat the game now. The Snowfield keeps kicking my ass, but I did make it all the way to the boss of Base 2 without dying. Improved my best score slightly to 118400:

[img width=700 height=393]http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h32/grayghost81/1207151945_zpsgafwhr9u.jpg[/img] (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/grayghost81/media/1207151945_zpsgafwhr9u.jpg.html)

Yeah, I think Rich hustled us with Contra!  He never told us he was capable of a no death run!  :P

I think getting to the end of Base 2 without dying is pretty impressive.  Base 2 was the hardest level for me personally.

105k, which feels so crappy compared to others! I'll be back with something better soon :p   :drool:

Not a bad score Will. I'll throw you on the board.

Okay, Rich, should I break out the NES? I used to do deathless runs as a kid. :D
I remember most of the patterns.

I think you should.

Gonna have to play this game in the mornings from now on because the shredded nerves made it hard to get to sleep last night afterwards.

Got to the boss of Energy Zone and just lost it. Increased my high score to 146100.

[img width=700 height=393]http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h32/grayghost81/1208150537a_zpskvzhmirw.jpg[/img] (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/grayghost81/media/1208150537a_zpskvzhmirw.jpg.html)

PS - @wattswc, are you cosplaying as Bill or Lance in that picture?

after playing for about an hour I have now got to level 3 and a new high score for me.  I guess I could just stay on level one and kill the same guy over and over and get a better score :)  [img width=700 height=393]http://i.imgur.com/4orW0st.jpg[/img]

Got to the boss at the end of the Snow Level

Check this out.

[img width=610 height=343]http://media1.gameinformer.com/filestorage/CommunityServer.Components.SiteFiles/imagefeed/featured/konami/contra/contra610.jpg[/img]

http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/12/07/contra-action-figure-2-pack-coming-next-year.aspx

I just want to mention for those of you concerned about Disposed Hero's high score, don't be too overwhelmed. The game gives you a large bonus for finishing it, so if you can also finish the game, you still have a good chance to post the high score depending on how deep you get on your second run.

Remember, this competition is not based on the overall total points for the three games we play, but instead you earn points for your rank at the end of each period. (Rule from initial post) The participant with the highest point total for each game per week will earn 10 points, second place earns 9 points, and so on down to 5 points (everyone who participates each week will earn at least 5 points).  So, no matter where you are in the current standings, it's always good to try and bump up your rank before the end of the gameplay period.

Also, if you have not posted a score for this game yet, you have until midnight server time tomorrow night. As long as you post some score for each game during its nine day play period, you can improve that score later in our Battle Royale at the end of the month.

If you have any questions or need any clarification of the rules, please let me know.

Good luck to all!

I've been to the Dang... sorry Energy Zone

Good point, Rich.  I don't know for sure, but I think you get 500k points for completing the game.  Then be sure to continue playing after that to keep racking up the points.

I also recorded a co-op run while playing the game with a friend.  Video should be live later today.

And with that score, FatherJack moves into 2nd place!

I was looking forward to playing Contra this weekend, then I get a good half hour of practice in and I get the blinking light.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaR1670mGXk

Here's my co-op run I recorded with a friend.  I hope you guys enjoy it

Great video Disposed!

Alright, here's my score:

[img width=576 height=1024]http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/necrom99/Playthroughs/IMG_20151201_232013170_zpslblcgorz.jpg[/img]

Damn, how many consecutive playthroughs did you have to do to get that score?

Made it to the Alien Lair on my 7th time through.

Haha, I'm out!  I'm going to admit defeat on this one.

I've had this score since the first day of the competition, but I didn't want to post it for fear of frustrating others and preventing them from playing.  I have really enjoyed seeing everyone's scores improving and I hope you guys will keep going until you finish the game. Remember, no matter how high I score on this game, second place means that you're only 1 point behind me in the competition. Third place this period means you are only 2 points behind me, and so on.  I played this game a lot as a kid and throughout my life, but I'm relatively new to the other two games. What I am saying is that everyone still has a very good chance to take the trophy, so please, keep playing and enjoying these games. :)

god I feel stupid putting up such a crappy score  :)

Don't feel bad at all. I have been playing this game for years and years, and it's one of a handful of games that I can really groove on. It's a game of patterns and memorization that has taken me a long time to master. Keep plugging away and remember that you can even better your score and standing in this game during the Battle Royale at the end of the month.

My advice is this: Put in the 30 man code and play it before the Battle Royale. Of course you can't post this score, but running it this way will allow you to see more of the game and as such, you will be more prepared for what lies ahead and not be so stressed about dying a few times. Once the Battle Royale is here, play normally and post your best score; I'm sure it will be much better.  To be honest, I'd didn't start running this game "normally" until about 5 years ago. One day, I put in the code, got to the end, and realized that I could probably now make it through the game without it.

Every point helps  ;D

If you are submitting scores in this final evening of the Contra competition, please be aware that all SCORES must be submitted by 12:00 A.M. SERVER TIME.  Server time is the same for everyone, but may not match up with the time set for your region.

@Rich hahaha F*ck you with that score. Love ya, I'm out.

Can we play Sin & Punishment instead?

I was going to submit another score this evening, but as I write this, it's 20 minutes away from midnight server time. I can't even find a groove in 20 minutes, let alone get a decent score :P

I guess I'll have to keep practicing and hope I can do better during the Battle Royale. Rich, you are truly the Contra zen master. I would love to meet you someday and just watch you play Contra, because I suspect it would be quite the ride. And congrats to everyone else who posted scores. It's a difficult game, and can be intimidating if you let it frustrate you.

Congrats to everyone who posted a score and especially to singlebanana for winning and Disposed Hero for beating me. Really enjoyed that and the game but now it's on to Rolling Thunder 2. I really liked the first one and it's nice to play the sequel in the fresh air. Here's my first submission and good luck to everyone.

New Score

So how are you liking the game FatherJack?

Since the first week is over, the overall points standing has been tabulated.  And is as follows (also tracked in initial post):

Overall Point Standings:

singlebanana - 10 pts
Disposed Hero - 9 pts
FatherJack - 8 pts
GrayGhost81 - 7 pts
wattswc - 6 pts
Fleach - 5 pts
MetalFRO - 5 pts
douglie007 - 5 pts

Please check the scores you posted for the Contra period to make sure that I have your highest score down.  Good luck with Rolling Thunder 2.  If you played the first game and enjoyed it, I think you will find this one a lot of fun.

It's good stuff, just hard to get used to after Contra at the moment. Slower, bullet management and having to get used to not being able to fire in multiple directions. After a few goes I'll get used to it.

Rolling Thunder 2 is slower because Albatross and Leila are so bad a$$ they don't need to run. This is a walk n gun!

I think I'm enjoying this more than Contra even though I can't get past the first stage yet.

Loving it now

Very nice!  A little tip: If you press up and hold it down after going into a door, you can stay in there until it's clear to come out.

Enjoying the ride

First score:

[img width=700 height=525]http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm155/DisposedHero/Community%20Playthrough%20Scores/CAM01723.jpg[/img] (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/DisposedHero/media/Community%20Playthrough%20Scores/CAM01723.jpg.html)

So now I found Contra. :laugh:  I'll post during the last week!  Here I come Nanner!

Gave it another shot and made it to Stage 6 this time:

[img width=700 height=525]http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm155/DisposedHero/Community%20Playthrough%20Scores/CAM01724.jpg[/img] (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/DisposedHero/media/Community%20Playthrough%20Scores/CAM01724.jpg.html)

Wow!

First attempt!
[img width=700 height=525]http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q388/MetalFRO/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-12/224883C2-712C-4E71-A5A7-23DE685ADACD.jpg[/img] (http://s349.photobucket.com/user/MetalFRO/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-12/224883C2-712C-4E71-A5A7-23DE685ADACD.jpg.html)

Aaaaaaaand, 2nd try!
[img width=700 height=525]http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q388/MetalFRO/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-12/6A7E5075-3321-425F-8C6E-9C930D5AED26_2.jpg[/img] (http://s349.photobucket.com/user/MetalFRO/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-12/6A7E5075-3321-425F-8C6E-9C930D5AED26_2.jpg.html)

New score

You guys are really good.

[img width=700 height=393]http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o736/Fleach/20151210_230524_zpsx2iwa3bs.jpg[/img]

This game is pretty tough but I love it. The visuals, gameplay, especially the music are all so good!

Round 4 seems to go on forever  :D

Glad to see these RT2 scores coming in. I'm going to put some time into it this weekend and post my score. I won't be dropping a score at the end of the week again. ;D

Here's my 3rd real attempt.  I decided to take a few minutes over lunch and bang out another try:
[img width=700 height=525]http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q388/MetalFRO/BB0E818A-AFA7-4729-8B12-5F2BF81311D1.jpg[/img] (http://s349.photobucket.com/user/MetalFRO/media/BB0E818A-AFA7-4729-8B12-5F2BF81311D1.jpg.html)

Totally agree with you Fleach - the presentation in this game is pretty top notch, and the control is tight.  I have my setup connected to a surround sound system, and holy cow, the bass thumps, and the music sounds fantastic that way.  Totally digging the music.  Also, FatherJack hit the nail on the head - Round 4 does seem to go on forever, I haven't been able to reach the end of it yet.  Anyone else have trouble with the blue bomb-rolling dudes?  Seems like if I don't take them out almost immediately, I take damage, and sometimes can't get the timing right to jump over their bombs and end up wasting a life.  I'm having fun with this game, though.  It seems like it's WAY easier than the original.  That game is freaking hard, but this seems a bit more forgiving.  I think the control is a bit tighter, and I like that they kind of kept the same basic gameplay, but the setting is more interesting, and the whole international spy team thing is a nice touch.  I also like the passwords in the game; they seem like semi-random sentences, but there's bits of spy biz jargon in there, and it just adds a little extra atmosphere to an otherwise straightforward action game.

I am really happy to hear that you guys are really enjoying this game!  I think that a lot of people have played the original Rolling Thunder and maybe even remember it from the arcade, but I'm not sure that many have picked up on the sequels. I have a pretty "memorable" history with the original, which I will save for the podcast, but have to say that RT2 took and already good game, and made it great!  I agree MetalFRO, the difficulty in this game is much lighter than in the original. I think this is a good thing and to me, it seems still difficult, but more fair. Controls are good and yes, the music is awesome!  I've owned this game for a few years, but never played it; it wasn't until about 3-4 months ago that my friend came over one night and mentioned popping it in that I first played it and I think we played it for most of the night.  If you get a chance to couch co-op the game, please do so. What makes the playthroughs great for me is picking a game that some have either never heard of or played and seeing them enjoy it. Best of luck to all!

http://www.twitch.tv/douglie007/v/29208937   Here is my first play through got 80030 thought  it was good, then I seen the scores posted..

The first rolling Thunder is good.  I've never played the other two but I hope I do at some point.  Another game similar to this that I enjoy is Codename: Viper for the NES.  We should do that as a playthrough sometime!

Rolling Thunder: The OG Minions.

[img width=208 height=225]http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/necrom99/Playthroughs/Minion_zpsk1wrc0tk.png[/img]

Finally got past that dastardly stage 4, but only squeezed out a few more points:
[img width=700 height=525]http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q388/MetalFRO/C44EA56C-446C-48F1-8B9B-F21080E88FFF.jpg[/img] (http://s349.photobucket.com/user/MetalFRO/media/C44EA56C-446C-48F1-8B9B-F21080E88FFF.jpg.html)

I'm coming for you, Disposed Hero!
[img width=700 height=525]http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q388/MetalFRO/05199B07-68E4-4305-91AF-B5D6A42F1D03.jpg[/img] (http://s349.photobucket.com/user/MetalFRO/media/05199B07-68E4-4305-91AF-B5D6A42F1D03.jpg.html)

I made it to the Stage 5 boss twice, but couldn't last. Not sure if you're supposed to just wait it out, or if there's a way to attack that I'm not seeing, but I think I'm close to reaching stage 6!

I think the Stage 5 boss is a set number of enemies, but they just seem to keep coming forever.  I'm actually not sure how I even got through that part.  Blind luck I guess.

I saw you post about the Stage 2 panthers on Twitter, but wanted to respond here so everyone else would see.  I've found that a good way to bypass the panthers is to lure them off the balcony, then jump back up on the balcony and walk past them.  They will jump off the balcony, but they won't jump back up.

And if you push up at the cutouts at the bottom of the screen, you can hide until its safe to jump up.

Is there a difference between Albatross and Leila? I've been playing as the guy and it seems most of the people here have been too.

None that I know of Floyd. Much like Contra I assume. I think there may be some differences we need to be aware of with Metal Slug 3 though.

I'm pretty sure there are no differences between the characters, in both RT2 and MS3.

I don't feel any difference in RT2.

Well then... I think I'd rather play as a sexy secret agent. ;)

And is it just me or is this game harder than Contra? I mean, I'm loving it but damn is it tough! Giving it my best shot.

It's more random than Contra. Enemies come out in standard spots, but sometimes their actions can be more unpredictable it seems.

[img width=700 height=393]http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/necrom99/Playthroughs/IMG_20151212_150814441_zps9oeqgc94.jpg[/img]

Yes, I noticed that, and didn't mention it on Twitter, but you're absolutely right. I've been using that strategy for the panthers, and it works pretty well.

[img width=700 height=393]http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/necrom99/Playthroughs/IMG_20151213_244634148_zps2qriy57u.jpg[/img]

 8)

 :ninja:

Nice work FatherJack

And, we have a new leader!

Sorry FatherJack, I was on a "roll" this morning. I somehow always play better while my kids are cheering me on:

[img width=700 height=393]http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/necrom99/Playthroughs/IMG_20151213_081226098_zps5gzrt4bz.jpg[/img]

No worries, thats fun of it. Didn't think it would last too long anyway.  ;D

What platform are you playing RT2 on, FatherJack? You're screenshots look so nice!

Just a quick question for Metal Slug 3, on Steam I have difficulty settings ranging from Easy to Very Hard. What setting should I use for the competition?  Those setting are: Easy, Medium (which the game defaults to), Hard, and Very Hard.

I'm using an emulator called Fusion364 where you can save screenshots.  :)

Use the default setting Floyd, so medium

 8)

Nice work FatherJack!

I found Rolling thunder 2 harder to play on the Emulators, shoot I found it easier to play on the Genesis even over the PSP.  Father Jack what controller are you using ?

I have a GamePad for my PC. I find using a ThumbStick easier to use.

Something like this

 :)

[img width=700 height=393]http://i.imgur.com/jPPobwSh.jpg[/img] http://imgur.com/a/awbKg ok finally a respectable score :) i might try using the analog, with the psp i can use the ps3 controller thanks for the tip

My latest attempt. Finally got through Stage 5 and its "boss" battle. As mentioned, it really is just an endurance round. Stage 6 is challenging as well:
[img width=700 height=525]http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q388/MetalFRO/F788C0AD-1851-4AB3-97E3-7DB5AA457BAD_7.jpg[/img] (http://s349.photobucket.com/user/MetalFRO/media/F788C0AD-1851-4AB3-97E3-7DB5AA457BAD_7.jpg.html)

I'm emulating via my Xbox because I wasn't able to get a cart copy ordered in time, at least not as inexpensively as I wanted. Maybe for the final round.

Scores updated. Lots of lead changes. This has been a fun game to compete with everyone on.

Im sad, I more then doubled my score, and didnt move in ranking :) I guess I have to put more time into it.

It's definitely a game that takes some memorization, so more play is the way you have to go. The best thing to do is write down passwords and practice those areas you are having trouble with before making a full run. Best of luck.

 :)

Man, FatherJack is killing it! You are the man. Nice score!

Stage 7 is handing my backside to me and laughing maniacally. It's pretty tough, though, to be fair, I thought that about a couple earlier stages, until I had played them enough to get the patterns down.

The 2nd half of Round 7 is partically tough as the enemies shoot at you and kneeling or standing won't hit them. I think I've reached my limit with Round 8 now, the guys with the lasers in the doorways are back but you just can't stand in the doorways or get to the doorways as easy as Round 5 to kill them. Keep going everyone.

You've made it to the same stage I have FatherJack. I would really like to finish this game at some point, but I'm sure I don't have it in me to do it this month.

Got to the end of Round 8 but seems quite chaotic. Lots of jumping moving and firing to beat that boss.

I got to Round 8 without losing a life and only got around 270,000. Seems I only get a bigger score if I lose a life or two on earlier rounds. Don't know where and don't plan to find out a pattern but it's something for the others to see if they choose.

I've noticed that too. Seems that there are levels where you earn many more points.

Here's a pretty cool review of RT2 on the MegaDrive from a reviewer named Barry O"Brien: http://negativeresistance.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/review-rolling-thunder-2-on-sega-mega.html

[img width=700 height=393]http://i.imgur.com/JmnU2wRh.jpg[/img]  im good, this is tough

Nice score douglie! You jumped up a few spots on the leaderboard. :)

You know, one of the things I really like about RT2 is that you don't take damage for simply running into enemies (unless you get punched). There is a quick kind of knockback, but nothing major and I often you this to my advantage when I play, since I don't have to fear jumping into/onto enemies. Anyone else do this?

I can't get used to it and don't like it. Like you said, there are times where you don't take damage, but it doesn't feel right when you flash and jump back. There have been times when I've been hit a couple of times in quick succession and look at my damage and nothing has been removed. There is a part in Round 7 where I have to do it to progress and it usually happens at the end of Round 5 but still feel uncomfortable.  ;D

I believe the first RT was damage every touch, so I definitely prefer this

Its how i beat the lazer thing with all the enemies on the 5th board

So is anyome else going to use their neogeo x for metal slug?

Yep, you can pretty much just bury yourself in the bottom right corner and keep kneeling and firing. When the beam hits the ground in front of you, simply jump up to the next level, fire off a few shots, and jump back down.

One better, I think someone is playing on a cab!

Now that think about it i can do that lol, its from a crappy 120 in 1 cart, but its on the mvs

Just be sure to read the rules in the initial post about continues

Final day. Looking forward to the next game  :)

Yep, last day of Rolling Thunder 2 until the Battle Royale. This has been a fun play-along!

You meant Metal Slug 3, right?

Nope, I meant RT2. This is the last day to play that game for points until the Battle Royale. Metal Slug 3 starts tomorrow.

Just making a post with the first score I got using a Genesis emulator on PC. Getting an actual cart tomorrow, so I can put in a real score for the BR. Onto Metal Slug!

@wattswc: Glad to see you getting in here and mixing it up!

I thought you meant to write last day for RT2 until you can play Metal Slug 3,

Here's my first score. :)

I'm so hyped to play Metal Slug. It's such a gorgeous game.

You're setting a good first score, FatherJack. One thing I love about these year end competitions is seeing how good many people are at the games we play. Some of them aren't that easy and you guys are pulling all these high scores like it's nothing.

Alright guys, the RT period is up and the overall scores have been updated. Please check to make sure your scores are correct.

On to Metal Slug 3!

Another great game to play  8)

Alright guys, help me not have to ship this trophy overseas. ;)

I guess I dropped the ball with RT2.  I'll have to improve my score during the battle royale.  In the meantime, here's my first score for MS3:

[img width=700 height=525]http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm155/DisposedHero/CAM01730.jpg[/img] (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/DisposedHero/media/CAM01730.jpg.html)

744194.  The SNK initials went in by default.  Word of warning for those of us not using an emulator, the high score screen only stays up for a couple of seconds, so be quick with taking those pics.  If you wait a bit on the main menu screen, it will eventually cycle back to the high score screen.

;D

[img width=700 height=525]http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q388/MetalFRO/563BDD28-1CB2-4C5B-931C-107E6A2C6485.jpg[/img] (http://s349.photobucket.com/user/MetalFRO/media/563BDD28-1CB2-4C5B-931C-107E6A2C6485.jpg.html)

Holy buckets, this game is hard! For some stupid reason, my Xbox won't boot up the game, it just has a garbled screen, so I had to resort to NeoRageX for the time being.

Once you start to learn enemy patterns and get into a rhythm, the game becomes a bit easier, though it's still pretty brutal. Here's my highest so far, that I haven't been able to top:
[img width=700 height=525]http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q388/MetalFRO/0FC26681-EF93-4DE0-A166-845310C7650F.jpg[/img] (http://s349.photobucket.com/user/MetalFRO/media/0FC26681-EF93-4DE0-A166-845310C7650F.jpg.html)

A ton of house guests this weekend has left me frail and feeble, but I shall persevere and put up a score soon.

The Steam version has such different menu screens than what I'm seeing here. It feels like I'm playing a different game.

Anyway, here's my first score.

[img width=700 height=393]http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o736/Fleach/20151221_135320_zps2pmyrrqt.jpg[/img]

Not too far off from moose loose in a hoose. ;)

Good wholesome family blast the hell out of everything.  8)

[img width=700 height=393]http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/necrom99/Playthroughs/IMG_20151223_091532081_zps1unuefsj.jpg[/img]

My arcade initials are always III. The result of being the 3rd male legacy in my family...

Had a look at the score chat. I'm not last! I'm not as bad at run and guns as I thought.

That reminds me, I've had another high score pic sitting around that I need to post:

[img width=700 height=525]http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm155/DisposedHero/Community%20Playthrough%20Scores/CAM01731.jpg[/img] (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/DisposedHero/media/Community%20Playthrough%20Scores/CAM01731.jpg.html)

I'm determined to have the highest score for one of these games, and I highly doubt it's going to be either Contra or Rolling Thunder 2, so that means it has to be Missile Sludge 3.

Holy cow, you guys are hardcore! Nice scores, gentlemen!

[img width=700 height=393]http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/necrom99/Playthroughs/IMG_20151224_103539734_zpssx05k9w5.jpg[/img]

Missile Sludge right back at cha!

In case any of you didn't catch the "Missile Sludge" reference. I posted something similar on Twitter, "My daughter said she was tired of me playing Missile Sludge 3..."

And, why are you not following me on Twitter?.....

I snuck in a round today before heading to a family Christmas Eve dinner:

[img width=700 height=525]http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm155/DisposedHero/Community%20Playthrough%20Scores/CAM01732.jpg[/img] (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/DisposedHero/media/Community%20Playthrough%20Scores/CAM01732.jpg.html)

Man, it took me a while to get through that alien battle. Once I learned how to manipulate the zombie status, it got easier to get to the end with more lives. For those who don't know, while you are a zombie, bullets do not affect you. You are slower and can't crouch, but all you have to worry about are other zombies.

I have found that if I don't find a rhythm on the Mission 1 boss, I have a hard time through my whole 5 credits.  You can really score big in the first mission if you can free all the soldiers during the boss and not die - with each one worth 10K, and at least 2 of them offering a 50K bonus item to collect, you can hit that 200K mark by the end of the boss fight.  I have a lot of trouble with the alien boss at the end of Mission 2.  Not the big egg thing, that's easy enough, but the aliens that circle around and shoot big glowing green energy balls at you.  I almost always get hit by one of them when they shoot them fast.  I end up burning at least a credit, if not 2, during that boss fight.  It's very frustrating.

The Energy balls come out in waves of threes. Dodge the first three, then run across the screen before the next three start. As for the Aliens, spam the hell out of your grenades and they go down quick.

Which path are you taking on the 1st stage FRO?

I got that part - it's when they start firing quickly that I run into trouble.  Playing a little last night, I'm starting to get the hang of it.  When they start shooting in sets of 5 rapidly, and that's usually 5 or 6 sets, that's when it really gets hairy.  I usually don't have many grenades when I get to the aliens, so maybe I need to start conserving them a bit more...

I take the upper path on Stage 1, down the elevator thing and into the warehouse with the giant crabs, then to the boss after that. 

I've realised if you can do Mission 1 without losing a life then you can get over 500000. Can't do Mission 2 at the end without losing a life yet but I managesd to get a score over 700000 and I messed up trying to save a pic of the score. I can't do it it again to prove it it  :)

My fault but I realise that if I can do the first two missions without losing a life then I can get a score to compete. Loving the competition, cheers guys. Merry Christmas to you all.  8)

Thanks Jack, this month has been great! Lots of fun competing with you guys.

Wow, that's insane!  I didn't realize it compounded that much in a single life.  I'm going to have to try harder to get through Mission 1 w/o a scratch!

Now THIS is more like it!  I kept playing Mission 1 until I got through on a single life, and you're right, FatherJack - I ended up with 530K points on the first mission alone!  This puts me in either 3rd or 4th place at the moment, I can't remember which:

[img width=700 height=525]http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q388/MetalFRO/7887F908-636C-46AF-B189-3C86D8965F74.jpg[/img] (http://s349.photobucket.com/user/MetalFRO/media/7887F908-636C-46AF-B189-3C86D8965F74.jpg.html)

 8)

^ that's crazy on only 5 continues :D or I just suck   [img width=700 height=393]http://i.imgur.com/FV9M1kk.jpg[/img]

What version are you playing douglie

Metal Slug Anthology on the PSP,  I also plan on getting some playtime in on my MVS, its just portable I can get more time in.

So, on the first level, does under water or above ground get you more points?

Not sure which is more points. I go overhead without getting on the boat. To me, its easier and a better way to conserve lives. Underwater is tough

I take the boat.  I'm not sure if you get more points that way, but by going that way I can clear the first level without dying (don't think I could manage that going underwater), plus you get a bunch of POWs that drop from the vines.  I usually clear the first level with 600k-700k points.

 8)

Last official day for Metal Slug 3. If you have not played it yet, you need to do so today to improve your Battle Royale score over the last few days.

 8)

[img width=700 height=393]http://i.imgur.com/UXIn4Uah.jpg[/img] im duh because i was to slow to get to g

So wow lots of points for ending with the tank

 :)

Alright everyone, I have updated the scores for Metal Slug 3, and have revised the standings. Please check your scores to ensure that they are correct and remember that we are now in the Battle Royale. This means that if you have posted scores on games already, you can improve those scores and move around in the standings until the server time ends for December 31st.  Good luck!

singlebanana - 28 pts
FatherJack - 26 pts
Disposed Hero - 25 pts
douglie007 - 19 pts
MetalFRO - 19 pts
wattswc - 11 pts
Fleach - 15 pts
GrayGhost81 - 7 pts

 8)

FatherJack, you're just whittling away at MS3 until you get to the top, aren't you? ;)

Not sure if this improves my standing on Contra or not, but I finally passed that stupid Stage 4 boss and reached the snowfield!
[img width=700 height=700]http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q388/MetalFRO/A8197B25-1549-4F4C-9B05-7D80601CDCAE.jpg[/img] (http://s349.photobucket.com/user/MetalFRO/media/A8197B25-1549-4F4C-9B05-7D80601CDCAE.jpg.html)

 8)

And with that score..........WE HAVE A NEW OVERALL POINTS LEADER!!!

Nice work FatherJack!  :D

You noticed  ;D

Cheers

On Mission 2 there is another path not so clear. At the steep hill with Zombies at the bottom there is a sign with Iceman on it. Blast the gates a couple of times and in you go. It's hard and I lost a few lives but it seems to give you a big score when you get back out. Being a Zombie with the giant aliens makes it easier with your blood breath.

On Mission 3 I found that going into the big pipe at the top of the screen on the second wall that fires missiles an easier route to get to the final robot. Like the Giant Crab on Mission 1 it's pattern is quite simple.

Well good luck everyone on the final few hours and have fun.  :)

You've caught me with my metaphorical pants down sir!  I have guests arriving at my house for New Years tonight and no time for gaming. I should have played over the last few days and tried to give myself some more cushion. But alas, that was some fantastic work you did chipping away and bettering your score. Well deserved if you are able to pull it out!

I bet you excuse yourself for the bathroom a couple of times tonight for a few smeaky games of MS3.  ;)

I think thats me as well now because it won't be long before the alcohol emerges.  :evilhappy:

Have a good night tonight.  8)

Same to you Happy New Year!  :drunk: :freakboy: :gunpistols:

I don't know if this will make any difference, but here's what will probably be my final attempt at Contra.
[img width=700 height=700]http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q388/MetalFRO/D21B5EBE-2D2C-49BF-8CA0-97E7E6E551AA.jpg[/img] (http://s349.photobucket.com/user/MetalFRO/media/D21B5EBE-2D2C-49BF-8CA0-97E7E6E551AA.jpg.html)

Congratulations to FatherJack, 2015 RF Generation Run n Gun Champion!

Well I would like to thank my Wife and kids, Kira the Dog, my Mother ...................  ;D

Cheers for that, it was great fun and really enjoyed it. Well done to everyone who took part.  :)

As I have said before, Happy new Year and hope everyone has a great 2016.   

It was a close competition and a lot of fun while it lasted.  Congratulations FatherJack!

Great job, FatherJack! You really are a master run n gunner!

This was a fun competition and I really enjoyed the back and forth, up and down of our leaderboards. Congrats to everyone!

Congratulations, FatherJack! You are truly the Run'n'Gun Whisperer.

Bil and Russ playing Contra on the Playchoice 10:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWKyWay34lw&feature=youtu.be

Cool and informative video there.  8)

Look what arrived in the post today   ;D

 8)

Damn, that was quick!  Did the gun come off?  Sorry man, but good thing is it can be reglued. :)  Thanks for participating all and congrats again FatherJack!