Bill Rizer
A member of the elite Contra force and one of the two playable soldiers.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Arrow keys | Move and aim Use directional inputs to move and aim in eight directions. |
|---|---|
Y | Fire weapon Hold or press to shoot. |
B | Jump |
A | Switch weapon Cycles between the two carried weapons. |
L | Rotate aim left Used for directional aiming in applicable situations. |
R | Rotate aim right Used for directional aiming in applicable situations. |
Start | Pause |
Control notes
These are the standard SNES controller functions; weapon and aiming behavior can vary by situation or stage.
How it plays
How does Contra III: The Alien Wars play?
The main campaign is viewed from the side in most stages and from above in selected Mode 7 missions. The objective is to reach each stage's boss while defeating infantry, machines, aliens, and environmental hazards.
Players run, jump, shoot in eight directions, switch between two weapons, and deploy limited bombs. The six-stage campaign alternates between platforming battles, vehicle encounters, and overhead combat. One or two players can play cooperatively, with continues allowing progress after a defeat.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Contra III: The Alien Wars?
Keep moving, but use short pauses to line up shots against bosses and large enemies. Collect weapon capsules whenever possible and switch weapons rather than wasting the strongest shot on ordinary targets.
Save bombs for crowded encounters, falling hazards, and boss patterns that are difficult to avoid. In two-player mode, spread out enough to avoid sharing the same danger, while staying close enough to revive the other player after a death.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Lance Bean
Bill's partner and the second playable soldier in cooperative play.
Red Falcon
The alien military force responsible for the invasion and the campaign's central enemy.
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
Documented unlockNo widely accepted, reliable official cheat codes are commonly documented; progression is usually based on normal play and score chasing.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Learn the layout of each stage before attempting speedier runs.
- 2
The spread weapon is useful against groups, while rapid fire is safer for many bosses.
- 3
In overhead stages, watch the radar and destroy targets efficiently before the timer becomes restrictive.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0