Bill Rizer
An elite soldier and the principal playable hero of the Contra series.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Arrow LeftArrow Right | Move left or right |
|---|---|
Arrow UpArrow Down | Aim upward or downward when supported by the current stance |
A | Jump |
B | Fire the equipped weapon |
L | Switch weapons |
R | Switch weapons |
Start | Pause the game |
Control notes
The game supports directional aiming while standing or jumping; exact aiming behavior depends on the player’s position.
The Game Boy Advance version is designed for one player.
How it plays
How does Contra Advance: The Alien Wars EX play?
The game uses a side-scrolling perspective. The player advances through stages, destroys enemy soldiers, creatures, turrets, and vehicles, and defeats a boss at the end of each major area.
Players can run, jump, fire in multiple directions, collect weapon upgrades, and switch between carried weapons. The campaign is divided into linear action stages with checkpoint-based progression, and losing all lives returns the player to a continue screen.
Contra Advance is primarily a single-player game. Its level selection and boss encounters draw heavily from Contra III, but the handheld version uses a different selection and arrangement of stages.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Contra Advance: The Alien Wars EX?
Keep moving while firing, but avoid jumping without checking the landing area. Enemy shots and contact damage are often more dangerous than the enemies themselves.
- Preserve spread or other powerful weapons for dense formations and bosses.
- Learn boss attack patterns before spending continues.
- Use diagonal aiming and controlled bursts to eliminate threats from different heights.
- When a weapon carrier appears, collect the upgrade only when the route ahead is safe.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Lance Bean
Bill’s fellow soldier and recurring Contra operative; he is part of the series’ central military team.
Red Falcon
The alien military force responsible for the invasion and the game’s principal enemy organization.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Treat every unfamiliar screen as a pattern-learning exercise; rushing usually costs a life.
- 2
Prioritize weapon carriers and destroy dangerous turrets before ordinary enemies.
- 3
The handheld version is single-player, so practice enemy patterns rather than relying on cooperative firepower.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0