10 Features You Didn't Know Were Cut From Classic Video Games
2. The Infamously Difficult Contra For NES Had A Helpful Level Select... In Japan Only
Contra for the NES was released solely to test the strength of Nintendo controllers when thrown against a wall. It was so frustratingly difficult that even beating it with the famous Konami code is still considered an accomplishment.
That's probably why the Japanese version had a hidden level select screen, allowing you to begin on any stage you wanted. Pressing Left, Up, A, and Select simultaneously as the title screen faded out would load Stage Select Mode, a menu of all seven level areas. And, for reasons that have never been explained, it was cut from the North American and European releases.
In a game that eats through your lives like they were popcorn and then drops you back to the title screen in shame, this would have been an awesome feature to have. Can't get past that weird sphere arm alien thing from the waterfall? Boot up Stage Select Mode and skip it.
Could never make it to the final level? Choose AREA7 ALIEN'S LAIR and prepare for death. Best friend keeps dying in the first jungle, leaving you high-and-dry for the rest of the game?
Actually, Stage Select Mode can't help you there. Your friend is just bad at Contra.