Board and tabletop games are a very popular medium, and continue to increase their presence in the public consciousness through video game adaptations like CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077. However, there are also an increasing number of video games being adapted into board games, such as a Kickstarter for a Resident Evil 3 board game announced in April. Now it appears Konami is also jumping into this marketplace with an adaptation of Contra.
Contra: The Board Game was announced by developer Blacklist Games on July 22, turning the arcade and NES run-and-gun shooter from the late 80s into a cooperative tabletop experience for up to four players. The game features a mix of miniatures, dice rolls, and over 200 cards for players to mix-and-match so they can create various experiences with Contra commandos trying to reach bosses of the alien Red Falcon Army.
Blacklist Games' title is meant for ages 14 and up, and each round can last between 45 minutes and two hours according to its news release. Despite getting its start in the 80s, Contra continues to be a popular and lucrative property for Konami, with the company having released multiple games including the Contra Anniversary Collection and Contra: Rogue Corps in the last year.
Pre-orders for Contra: The Board Game will begin on July 30 and include a bonus commando pack, while the game is estimated to release sometime in the first half of 2021. Though not an entirely unique creation, Nintendo is also releasing Mario-themed Jenga and Monopoly sets this year to celebrate the franchise's 35th anniversary.
Contra: The Board Game is planned to release in Q1/Q2 2021.
Source: Blacklist Games