S4E09: Contra Hard Corps -or- One-Hit Thrills
Markivus Nious from 40 Something Gamers is ready to run and gun through Contra: Hard Corps (Sega Genesis / Mega Drive, 1994) with Mike and Jaymo as part of The Old SwitchAroo’s epic quest to research and review every retro game in Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo Classics catalog.
In this episode, Markivus shares his perspective as a musician on video game music, we discuss how the American version of Contra: Hard Corps was much more difficult than the Japanese version of the game in order to stymie the American rental market, how the Contra franchise turned into Probotector in some parts of Europe, and the way a Castlevania cameo in Contra: Hard Corps stands in between the player and primate romance. We also get a bit more serious with a look at Contra’s roots in the Iran-Contra Affair and how games like Contra relate - or don’t relate - to violence in the real world.
Thanks for listening, and a very special thanks to Kristal Fields of The Lazy Circles for our catchy theme song! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!
Game on, everyone.
(0:00) Intro
(1:10) Welcoming Markivus from 40 Something Gamers
(5:30) Contra: Hard Corps
(56:12) NintenDO or NintenDON’T
Check out Markivus Nious on 40 Something Gamers and his other projects at https://www.spreaker.com/user/nious-media--8222146 and on Youtube @markivus: https://youtube.com/@markivus
Contra Hard Corps manual: https://manuals.sega.com/genesismini/pdf/CONTRA_HARD_CORPS.pdf
Strangest Thing Cinematic Instrumental by Markivus Nious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU0s4ItMip8
Contra: Hard Corps by NickBGoHard in 18:04 - AGDQ2020 | Games Done Quick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5zpRvCwkZ8
[ESA Winter 2023] Contra Hard Corps Speedrun in 18:19 (JP Browny - Lab/Surrender route) | Greenalink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJfbfaIhQ-o
Contra: Hard Corps – 1994 Developer Commentary | BEEP! Mega Drive, October 1994 via shmuplations: https://shmuplations.com/contrahc/
CEO Nious Media
Markivus Nious is a creative entrepreneur, music producer, and podcast host based in North Carolina, and the founder of Nious Media—a growing multimedia ecosystem built on music, storytelling, and culture.
As an artist, Markivus creates cinematic, globally inspired instrumental music under his own name, while also releasing hip-hop under his persona Furyus. His compositions have reached listeners in over 80 countries, reflecting his passion for music without borders.
He is also the host of multiple podcasts, including 40 Something Gamers, where he explores retro gaming culture through a nostalgic yet analytical lens, and Deeper Than Music with Markivus, where he highlights creative journeys and untold stories from artists and innovators.
With a background in aviation and a deep love for 90s gaming culture, Markivus brings a unique perspective that blends discipline, creativity, and lived experience. Whether he’s discussing music, media, or classic games like Contra: Hard Corps, his voice centers on growth, legacy, and building something meaningful over time.
