Super Contra 2

"Super Contra 2" is a fan-made hack of the original "Super Contra" game (also known as "Super C" in North America), which is an official sequel to the classic "Contra" game developed by Konami. Fan hacks like this are quite common in retro gaming communities, where enthusiasts modify existing games to create new challenges or to correct perceived issues with the original game design.

The original "Super Contra" is a run-and-gun action game that was released in the late 1980s. It built upon the success of the first "Contra" game with new levels, improved graphics, and additional weapon options. The game maintained the series' reputation for high difficulty, with fast-paced action and numerous enemies on-screen at once.

In the fan hack you're describing as "Super Contra 2," the following changes have been noted:

1. Difficulty: The hack significantly increases the difficulty by redesigning all eight levels. These types of fan edits usually appeal to players who are looking for an even greater challenge than the original game provided.

2. Weapon Retention: Unlike in the original game, where the player would lose their upgraded weapon upon death and revert to the basic gun, this hack allows the player to retain their weapon post-mortem, which is a significant change that alters the game's balance and potentially its strategic approach.

3. Increased Lives: The hack starts the player with five lives instead of the traditional three. However, the creator of the hack suggests that even with the increased number of lives, the difficulty of the modified levels is so high that players may find it incredibly challenging to progress.

These fan hacks are often shared in retro gaming forums or websites dedicated to classic gaming and can usually be played using emulators that run the original game ROMs modified with the hack files. Playing such hacked versions can breathe new life into old classics for those who have mastered the original games and are seeking a fresh experience with a beloved title.