If you grew up in the 8 and 16-bit eras then you'll no doubt be familiar with the concept of writing down notes and drawing maps to help you beat tricky games.
In the days before the internet and readily-available guidebooks, players had to make their own luck - and that usually involved putting pen to paper and creating your very own game-busting tips guide.
Artist Philip Summers has attempted to reclaim this lost art with a hand-drawn guide to Konami's classic NES title, Contra. The guide features tips, maps and much more besides, and has been created entirely by hand.
It's available from today on Gumroad; you can download it for free or pay whatever you think is appropriate. Just remember that this guide could save your life one day, soldier.
[source gumroad.com]
Comments 17
I’m all over this! And yes, the Spread Gun is the Best Weapon. Ever.
(@NL: links are reported as broken.)
...I need this. Hey Hamster...this is your cue!
@bluedogrulez spread was always my favorite. I remember being able to clear the entire game with one life back when I was in 8th grade. Now I’m 43 and it takes me like 3 continues to get through the first stage lol.
That's really cool, would love to see other classic games get the same treatment. Kind of interested in printing these on high quality paper and binding it
Very cool.
@bluedogrulez https://gumroad.com/l/LcKFf. Found a link from the creators Twitter.
Sean Connery approves of this
@th3r3ds0x: Ha! I'm of similar vintage! I play it sometimes when the kids are hogging the HDTV with the modern consoles. I can't get past the snowfield level without The Code.
@Pandagess: Thanks, but that link isn't working for me either. I just entered [NOGumball.com] Gumroad.com and searched for Contra. Bought the guide for $5 and resisted the smut.
Awesome. I remember making maps for Metroid and Legend of Zelda, and having a notebook full of notes on games to refer back to when revisiting games. Or loaning them out to friends so they could use them. Good memories.
None of the links work.
@bluedogrulez I can only see Gumball machines at Gumball.com. Now I am super confused!
@GrailUK Same for me. Perhaps the project was taken down. I was looking forward to seeing it.
@GrailUK : Sorry, Gumroad. Click features. Search Contra. IT'S ON PAGE 2. You do not need an account to search or download/buy.
None of the links work.
@bluedogrulez Bless you
Congratulations! You've destroyed the vile Red Falcon and saved the universe! Consider yourself a hero.
This is indeed awesome
This is what I see when I play old style video games. People might say, "Those old school graphics look horrible." They just don't see what I see. I know this is true to a lot of old school gamers.
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