Oh yeah, I love this game and I'd love to see a 3D version of the giant "alien statue" at the top of the waterfall.
You turned Contra's "charge" into "finding the boss in the maze." Although the game system is not perfect and lacks some content, it is a good start. There used to be some 2D-3D design works, but they all stopped development in the end, such as Turrican3D, Power Blazer3D, ThunderJaws-3D, etc., which is a pity. I hope the author doesn't give up on this project.
I don’t know if the author wants to recreate the “bad third-person version of PSX Contra”, or turn this game into a refreshing “Duke Nukem Mod” in the future. Because after 3D, you have to consider bullets from all directions and the protagonist. As well as attacks on the blind spots of the player's vision. (Ambush around the corner) The enemy building and defense systems in the game must also be designed to make common sense rather than a confusing heap. This is a test of design. Enemies appearing out of nowhere also need to be changed. Because the enemies in Contra do not appear out of thin air in the player's field of vision, but appear outside the screen.
I hope the author keeps up the good work and you've got a great start.