Konami may not tout the Arc System Works’ developed Hard Corps: Uprising as being an official entry in the Contra series, but it’s hard to overlook the game’s Contra spirit.

Associate producer Kenji Yamamoto shared some Hard Corps: Uprising information with me while on the E3 2010 floor. Hard Corps: Uprising, from its inception, was envisioned as a 2D video game, as Konami wanted a produce a title that was both accessible to the average gamer, and packed a unique visual style. According to Yamamoto, that was why Arc System Works was tapped to developed the game: they are chock full of  ”excellence in 2D programming.” And it shows.

Kenji Yamamoto, Hard Corps: Uprising

Hard Corps: Uprising feels very much like a modern take on Contra. Arc System Works has layered the run-and-gun action, spread guns, weapon pods, and big explosions with beautiful HD anime-style sprites that can perform more actions than Bill and Lance ever could. They can dash (both on the ground and in the air), melee strike, and reflect incoming gunfire. They also have lifebars! Old school Contra aficionados may scoff at that, but it brings a needed sense of fairness to what could be an otherwise hair-pulling game. It’s because of all of these factors that Konami decided not to make Hard Corps: Uprising part of the Contra universe.

Still, I learned a couple of interesting factoids. One: Hard Corps: Uprising is only a working title. Two: A certain code may be implemented into the game. We’ll see what becomes of the game by the time it hits PSN and XBLA in late 2010.