Contra: Rogue Corps Update v1.2.0 Review (Incl. Codex)
The Contra series has been a staple of the gaming world for decades, known for its fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and nostalgic value. Contra: Rogue Corps, the latest installment in the series, was released in 2015 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows. The game received mixed reviews at launch, but with the release of Update v1.2.0, the developers aimed to address some of the concerns and add new features to enhance the overall experience.
What's New in Update v1.2.0?
Update v1.2.0 for Contra: Rogue Corps brings several changes, improvements, and additions to the game. Some of the key features include:
Codex Feature Review
The Codex is a comprehensive database that provides detailed information about the game's characters, enemies, and stages. The feature is designed to enhance the player's understanding of the game's world and mechanics. Upon accessing the Codex, players can browse through various sections, including:
The Codex is a valuable resource for players, especially those new to the series or looking to improve their gameplay. It provides a wealth of information that can help players strategize and overcome challenges.
Gameplay Review
Contra: Rogue Corps is a side-scrolling action game that features fast-paced gameplay, challenging enemies, and a variety of power-ups and upgrades. The game offers several playable characters, each with their unique abilities and playstyles.
The gameplay is a mix of action and exploration, with players navigating through stages, fighting enemies, and collecting power-ups and upgrades. The game features a variety of enemy types, from standard foot soldiers to more complex and challenging foes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Conclusion
Contra: Rogue Corps Update v1.2.0 brings several welcome changes and additions to the game, including new characters, stages, and the Codex feature. While the game still has its limitations, the update enhances the overall experience and provides a more enjoyable gameplay experience. If you're a fan of the Contra series or side-scrolling action games, Contra: Rogue Corps is definitely worth checking out. contra rogue corps update v1 2 0 incl dlccodex
Score: 7.5/10
Recommendation:
The request refers to a specific version of Contra: Rogue Corps
released by the "CODEX" scene group. The "v1.2.0 incl DLC" update was a significant post-launch patch that addressed many initial criticisms of the game, such as weapon overheating and progression speed. Overview of Contra: Rogue Corps v1.2.0
Contra: Rogue Corps, released in 2019, deviated from the classic 2D side-scrolling formula of the series to become an isometric, twin-stick shooter focused on loot and character customization. The v1.2.0 update was part of a series of patches designed to improve the "feel" of the game following a poor critical reception. Key Features and Changes in v1.2.0 Weapon Heat Management
: One of the most controversial mechanics at launch was the aggressive weapon overheating. This update significantly adjusted the overheating parameters for main weapons, allowing for longer periods of continuous fire. Damage Buffs
: To reduce the "bullet sponge" feel of enemies, the base damage for Special Weapons, Bombs, and Kaiser’s "Magnum Ignition" skill was increased. Progression and Quality of Life Exploration Missions and Couch Co-op
: These modes were made available immediately after completing the tutorial, removing previous rank-based unlock requirements. Damned Spirits
: The range for pulling in Damned Spirits (in-game currency/resource) was increased for easier collection. DLC Content
: The "incl DLC" portion of this version typically refers to the Season Pass
content released alongside the game's early lifecycle. This includes:
Unique character skins, such as the "Retro Bill" skin for Kaiser and T-shirt designs for the Hungry Beast panda.
Additional in-game items and currency to assist with character and weapon upgrades. Gameplay Context Contra: Rogue Corps Review - IGN
Contra: Rogue Corps version 1.2.0 (often bundled with "CODEX" scene releases) was a post-launch update that primarily focused on quality-of-life improvements and balancing character mechanics. Released in late 2019, it addressed major community criticisms regarding weapon cooldowns and progression . Update v1.2.0 Key Highlights Contra: Rogue Corps Update v1
Weapon Overheat Improvements: Substantially reduced the overheating parameters for main weapons, allowing for longer periods of continuous fire .
Increased Level Caps: The Mastery Level cap was raised (eventually reaching 80 in subsequent patches), allowing further character power progression .
Resource Balancing: Increased the drop rates of Core Parts and the amount of Credits earned in Main Missions to reduce late-game grinding . Gameplay Adjustments: Improved control responsiveness in Single Player mode .
Adjusted Carnage League balance for better PvP/Multiplayer pacing .
Fixed various clipping, LOD (Level of Detail), and animation issues . Included DLC Content
The "incl DLC" portion typically refers to the Season Pass content released during the game's first few months :
Character Skins: Unique outfits like the Retro Bill skin for Kaiser and the Beetle skin for Gentleman .
Themed T-Shirts: Custom cosmetic items for Hungry Beast, including designs featuring the Konami Code and Rogue Corps logo .
In-Game Items: Bonus resources and consumable items to aid in early character upgrades . System Requirements (PC)
For those playing on Windows, the Steam requirements remain standard for this version: OS: Windows 10 - 64-bit . Processor: Intel Core i7-4790 (3.60GHz) or equivalent . Memory: 8 GB RAM . Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 (2GB) . Storage: 14 GB available space . CONTRA: ROGUE CORPS - Steam DLC Page
Transform your characters with new Skins. Plus, get in-game items.” bonus T-Shirt skin for Gentleman and in-game items.” Release Notes Archive - Squanch Games
The v1.2.0 update for Contra: Rogue Corps , released in late 2019, focused on refining the core gameplay mechanics and expanding character customization options. This update addressed several community concerns regarding weapon handling and progression pace. Key Gameplay Improvements
The most significant change in v1.2.0 was the substantial improvement to weapon overheating parameters. In previous versions, the "cooldown meter" was criticized for slowing down the traditional fast-paced Contra combat; the update made these meters more forgiving, allowing for longer sustained fire. Other technical and quality-of-life adjustments included:
Increased Drop Rates: Core Parts now drop more frequently in Main Missions, easing the grind for weapon upgrades. New Characters: Two new playable characters, Rick and
Resource Boost: Players earn more credits from missions, facilitating faster character and gear progression.
Control Responsiveness: Single-player mode received responsiveness tweaks to make the twin-stick shooting feel tighter.
Progression Cap: The Mastery Level cap was increased to level 80, providing high-level players with more runway for growth. DLC and Character Customization
The update was released alongside various DLC packs, often bundled in the Season Pass available on Steam. These expansions primarily focused on cosmetic variety and specialized items:
Character Skins: New cosmetic transformations, such as the Beetle skin for Gentleman and the Retro Bill skin for Kaiser, allowed players to customize their scoundrels.
T-Shirt Packs: Additional skins for characters like Hungry Beast and Ms. Harakiri.
New Weapons: The update introduced S+ rarity weapons like Angel Fall, Kingfisher, and Frog Prints to provide more end-game variety. New Challenges
To test these new weapons and higher level caps, the update added a new Exploration Mission titled "Unstable Anomaly Area Finale," a challenging survival-based arena designed to test a player's gear and reflexes. New Fiends (enemies) and Medals were also introduced to broaden the PVE experience.
The update represents Konami's attempt to bridge the gap between the game's initial polarizing reception and the expectations of long-time fans by emphasizing the series' hallmark "run and gun" intensity. Contra: Rogue Corps Season Pass
Contra: Rogue Corps – Update v1.2.0 (incl. DLC) – CODEX
Weapon balance
Enemy tuning
Difficulty scaling
A Japanese cyber-ninja who was previously a boss in the story mode, Ms. Harakiri is the speedster of the roster.
When Konami revived the legendary Contra franchise with Contra: Rogue Corps, it was met with a mixed reception. Long-time fans of the run-and-gun genre were surprised by the shift toward a twin-stick shooter mechanics, base-building elements, and an irreverent, gritty aesthetic. However, the development team committed to refining the experience based on player feedback.
The release of Update v1.2.0 marked a significant turning point for the game. This patch was not merely a collection of bug fixes; it was a substantial overhaul of the gameplay mechanics, progression systems, and visual fidelity. For those utilizing the CODEX release (which includes the base game bundled with all available DLCs and updates), v1.2.0 represents the most polished and content-rich version of the game available.