Contra

In addition to the 9 original generals, Contra adds 3 more: USA Cybernetic, China Flame, GLA Assault, each with their own unique units, buildings and playstyle.

One of the main features of Contra is that the mod transforms each general, who previously differed from others only by a few unique unit types, buildings and special abilities, into a full-fledged separate faction with completely different unit types, technologies and abilities. Generals have also gained "superunits" which are very powerful but require substantial resources to produce.

Although Contra doesn't add a new campaign and the old ones don't work, the mod features the classic Generals Challenge mode; new challenges featuring the new generals from this mod have also been added.

Another key change that Contra introduces is the rank system: units and buildings are divided into three technology tiers — early (available from the start), mid (unlocked at rank 3), and late (require rank 5). Upon reaching rank 5, "superunits" become available — extremely powerful units, one per player, that can single-handedly change the course of battle.

Beyond this, the mod introduces reworked artificial intelligence that performs brilliantly on the battlefield, a "rock-paper-scissors" system for army balance, restoration of neutral tech structures, and numerous bug fixes from the original with a focus on PvP, new maps, custom interface, graphics and sounds.

And all of this launches through a convenient launcher with numerous options, where you can configure graphics, camera height, launch modes, choose new or standard music, change general portraits, interface language, hotkey sets, unit voice options and much more.

As a result, Contra transforms Zero Hour into a much deeper, richer and strategically thoughtful game that has been an example for nearly two decades of how a quality fan mod can completely reimagine the original.