Customer Reviews

Contra 4

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Konami's legendary Contra series makes it's debut on the DS in all it's old school, arcade shoot 'em up action glory. Proving that the series is best in the realm of 2-D, Contra 4 is a throwback to the glory days of the original arcade game and the 8 and 16-bit era of gaming, as it provides huge levels, insane weapons, and unnerving difficulty. The game's grueling levels are spread about using both of the DS' screens, as enemies come at you from all sides. This alone makes Contra 4 worth checking out, and only adds to the game's difficulty, which even on Easy mode, is provides quite a bit of challenge. The controls are dead-on, the level designs are flawless, and the boss battles are epic; all of which adds up to one of the best action games to hit the DS yet. There are extras included as well to celebrate the Contra series' 20th Anniversary, including a Museum that reflects the series' run on consoles over the years, and an interesting Challenge mode that once completed, can unlock the NES versions of Contra and Super C. The only downside to Contra 4 is what has already been said: the difficulty. The difficulty may be a turn-off for new age gamers who didn't grow up with the Contra series, but for the rest of us who did, Contra 4 is a sheer blast.

In the mid to late eighties a run and gun shoot 'em up game called Contra hit store shelves. It's a game mostly remembered for being insanely difficult. So much so that the developers gave players a code (which would later be dubbed the "Classic Konami Code") that would give them thirty lives and they'd still end up seeing the game over screen. But with persistence (and a good memory) Contra could be conquered. Later, we got Super C as a follow up and later the all time best: Contra III: The Alien Wars. Unfortunately, after that, many Contra games to follow (save for Hard Corps on the Genesis) were not good games at all. The Playstation games were said to be the worst of the series, and even though Shattered Soldier returned to old roots, it just wasn't enough.

Now, fifteen years after Contra III: The Alien Wars, we finally get a true Contra sequel. And it's everything the original Contra back in the 80's was. That is to say it's insanely hard, you only have so many lives and you'll see that game over screen millions of times, maybe within the first level alone. When I say this game is difficult, it's no joke. This game was specifically made for Contra fans. So if you didn't like the series before, you are surely not going to like this game by any means.

Contra 4 takes the basic run and gun gameplay of the original and does nothing to mess with a tried and true formula. You'll go through the levels blasting anything and everything that moves while you jump from one platform to the next to avoid falling in chasms. You'll also be avoiding enemy gun fire and watching out for enemies that are running blindly from one side of the screen to another. Your eyes must be sharp if you want to survive. You begin with a basic rifle, but along the way you'll be able to find other guns. Such as the Machine Gun, the Laser, and the Contra classic: The Spread Gun. There are more weapons to collect. You can carry two guns at a time and switch between them on the fly. You can also "upgrade" a weapon by collecting it a second time on top of the original for an extra punch. Very simple game to play, but insanely difficult to master. Luckily, there are difficulty levels to choose from, but choosing Easy will cause you to miss out on the real experience of what Contra is.

Unfortunately, like the previous games, once you get enemy movements down, it will actually become insanely easy. That is to say if you memorize where every enemy appears and when you'll succeed. The problem is learning this trick of trade as you'll have to die several times. Each level also ends with a boss who is just as difficult as the level itself. Many times you'll do well in a level only to be killed by the bosses. This Contra has the biggest, baddest boss battles yet.

Contra is also unforgiving in the fact that its one hit and you're dead. You have a set number of lives to begin with, depending on which difficulty level you choose. Once all those lives are gone its game over. You have a set number of continues to use. This is not a game for the casual gamer. It doesn't let up for a second.

That may ultimately be the problem with Contra 4. The simple fact that it's just an insanely difficult game overall. So much so that most gamers will be turned off simply because of being frustrated to death. Not even the first level is simple. If you really want to test how good a gamer you are, by all means, pick up Contra 4. Another small problem is that it spans two screens and keeping an eye on both screens when there is literally danger coming from all around can take a moment to get used to. It doesn't help that the little space in between can hide some of those dangers as well.

Contra 4 doesn't use the DS to its full potential. This is a 2D side scroller through and through. There are some 3D effects brought out, but not a whole lot. Your character sprites are a little pixilated. It doesn't push the DS to its limits but the levels are incredibly detailed with great looking backgrounds. The level design of this game is ingenious. For anyone who is a fan of the Contra series, there's a lot of nostalgia in the level designs (the very first level, for example, is a jungle). The game also sounds fantastic, with some great sound effects. Some of which were lifted from the original games. Even better, some levels use old classic tunes that are remixed.

There is also challenge mode. This is a mode where Contra veterans can really test their skills by having to do certain task in some stages. Here you'll do some things like go through a challenge without missing a single enemy or going through a challenge using limited ammo or sometimes even no ammo at all! There are 40 challenges in all and they'll test even the best Contra players.

Contra 4 really is a good game. A game that relies heavily on the old school roots that made the first three games such a heaping success. If you stick with it and don't wimp out, Contra 4 is rewarding.

Pros:

+Intense gameplay to keep you on your toes
+Really great soundtrack
+Simplistic gameplay
+A good challenge

Cons:

-When I say a good challenge... I'm not kidding. And while many will like a good challenge, there will still be some gamers--perhaps even Contra fans--who will believe this game to be a little much

Instead of trying to experiment with new gameplay mechanics, WayForward decided to just use the old mechanics and update the presentation. So basically you have the "feel" of the old games, but with more frames of animation, better graphics with great colors, and so on.

The best thing about this game is how they managed to capture the "feel" of the old Contra. They made certain things right, like the arc of the jumps, the travel speed of the bullets, the way they blink that certain way, the noise that your character makes when he lands on a platform, or the particular noise that a bullet makes when it hits a target. They also kept a lot of the enemies in the same poses and gave them similar animations to the ones in the older games. It's the subtle details like this that let you know that this is a genuine Contra game and not some experimental project that they just slapped the Contra name on.

You see many other franchises lose sight of the little things that made a particular game stand out. They may have similar characters and other qualities that justify it as a franchise game, but the qualities that made the original special are not there. Many of the later Sonic games have been accused of this, as well as the 3D Castlevania titles, and of course the 3D Contra titles as well. Contra: Shattered Soldier, while a decent game, suffered from this as well. In contrast, Contra 4 really is a true franchise title.

Overall, the game plays like a mix of Contra for the NES and Contra III: the Alien Wars for the SNES. If you liked those games, you will enjoy Contra 4.

CONTRA 4 is on the verge of becoming another Citizen Kane --- its greatness is being tarnished by its reputation. What is this game's reputation? According to Amazon reviews, CONTRA 4 is the pinnacle of toughness; therefore it either won't appeal to the masses, or is fundamentally flawed. CONTRA 4 fans have defended the game's challenge because it's designed that way. I'm gonna side with the supporters on this one.

First off, what is the game? Simply put, it's a side-scrolling shooter where you kill bad guys and aliens. CONTRA has been that way for 20 years, as have hundreds of other franchises. This "fourth" game (it's actually the 12th one, I think) has some throwback levels & bosses to pay tribute to the series' history. But it never feels stale, because there's always a barrage of enemies trying to stop you. NEW SUPER MARIO BROS did the same thing, and just like the platforming plumber's DS debut, CONTRA 4 is fresh and familiar.

There are 9 levels --- three are the "3D" perspective that first saw in CONTRA back in 1987, one is an on-rails vehicle stage, and the other five are traditional side-scrolling. You shoot, jump, and make your hands sweat.

What separates CONTRA from other shooter franchises is its level design, music, weapons, and enemies. There's practically no story in the game, and other than the style, nothing distinguishes CONTRA from other shooters. If you're looking for a conceptual reason why this series has been a leader in the genre, there really isn't one other than CONTRA is more fun. It's a toughie, but I'll address that later.

Unlockables for CONTRA 4 include:
Challenge Mode - a variety of short but difficult tasks. Examples include finishings levels with no ammo, time limits, and/or no civilian casualties.

Unlockable Characters - other than their appearance and voice, each character plays identically.

NES Games - the original CONTRA and SUPER C. Each have two screen ratio options. One fits the game to the DS screen. The other improves the resolution, but makes you use the shoulder buttons to see the top or bottom of the screen.

There are a few other things like an interview, comic pages, and the history of CONTRA.

Alright, now onto the main event! What is the deal with the difficulty of CONTRA 4? Let me confess that I think having the Easy Mode only have 7 of the 9 stages is kinda cruel, especially because it isn't exactly "easy". Other than that minor gripe, my take is that CONTRA 4, while it might frustrate from time to time, is tough for all the right reasons. The controls respond perfectly, I've found no glitches, each challenge is beatable, and it's always a blast to play. Games in 3D (i.e. DEVIL MAY CRY 3 or NINJA GAIDEN) are hard because they have camera issues, detailed animations, and combos to execute. But CONTRA 4 is a test of pure reflex & skill. You will improve as a gamer for going through it.

CONTRA 4 is one of the best action titles I've ever experienced on a handheld. Don't look at it like it's some sadistic machine. You'll utter a few F-bombs, but "FUN" is the one you'll use the most.

Let's see, how can I make myself feel old... hmmm... ah yes, by simply saying "boy does this take me back."

When it comes to throwback videogames, Contra 4 nails it. It takes everything that made the original NES game great and throws in a little extra to make the perfect portable platformer (say THAT ten times fast.)

Two weapons slots, a grappling gun, and upgradeable weapons added an amazing amount of depth. Both screens are used well, I'd say it even trumps the two Sonic games, to the point where I didn't ever think "oh, I'm playing on two screens."

This game is not for the faint of heart. Contra 4, like the original, is hard. Mind bogglingly hard. Luckily, the folks over at Konami give you three difficulty settings, allowing you to have fun in a way that doesn't involve laughing as you burn through another continue on Level 1.
That's really a credit to the designers of this game - in any other game, I would have tossed the controller down, rambling off a series of my favorite swear words, until I couldn't take it any more and had to find something else to occupy my time. The game is so challenging, yet so fun, I can't help but just smile, shake my head, and dive right back in.

If you consider yourself a "hardcore gamer," you need to buy this game.

For those who are not familiar with the Contra series, it is a platform shooter which began as an arcade series and made it's way unto the NES, SNES, Genesis, PS1, PS2, and now the DS. This is the 4th version of Contra, but it is worthy to be called the "true sequel" to Treasure's Contra III: The Alien Wars.

The game is very similar to many of the Contra games in the past, for instance the 1st stage is almost an exact replica of the 1st stage from Contra I, and there are many other stages that are heavily borrowed from other games as well (most notably Contra I, Super C, and Contra III). This is not a bad thing at all mind you and for those who think that taking ideas from older games is a step back in development does not know about how the series took a major fall ever since Contra III.

This game is not easy and that's how Contra games are supposed to be played. There are 3 modes of game play: Easy, Normal and Hard. On easy you get 5 continues and 10 lives, on Normal you get 3 continues and 5 lives and so on (the game is very difficult so if you never had any experience with any Contra games, be prepared to lose a lot of lives on the 1st stage). The game includes 6 power ups which are: Machine Gun, Spread Gun, C Cannon/Blast, Homing Missiles, Fire and Laser. You are allowed to have 2 different weapons (which can be switched with the 'L' button) and the weapons can be powered by twice (normal and hard mode), otherwise if you are playing on Easy, the weapon is powered to the max after getting it.

The game play is very similar to Contra III, except for a few minor inclusions such as a grappling hook and with the DS you will utilize both screens for playing the game. You will not use the bottom touch screen as all functions are done by the button pads.

Conclusion: If you have been waiting for a true sequel for Contra III, then get this game as it will satisfy you with the tight controls and challenging game play. For those who never tried out the series I advise you that this game is not easy at all (even on easy) so be prepared to be frustrated if you cannot pass the 1st stage. Also, this game requires 2 DS carts to play multi player mode (trust me you do not want to play solo and this game was always meant to be played together)

I purchased this game for my son. Since I remembered the original contra for nintendo as a young kid, I thought I would give it a shot. He absolutely loves the game, And I must admit I enjoy playing it as well.
I will strongly recommend this game to anyone.

Contra is a well renowned series with my generation. Graphics and gameplay are great, but this game is so incredibly hard. Only get if you want a true old school challenge.

Konami took a huge gamble with this game. Instead of developing the game themselves, it passed off the opportunity to a then unknown third party studio named Wayforward. Then, Contra 4 was released on the Nintendo DS in 2007 just in time for the 20th anniversary of Contra. Believe me when I saw Wayforward did an excellent job of keeping old school Contra alive and modernizing it for today's modern gaming.

Contra 4 is all about blasting aliens and that's it. Choose a difficulty level, then pick one out of 4 characters and you're off to take on 9 stages. Beating the game on all difficulty levels and completing the challenge mode scenario missions, you unlock all kinds of bonus content (gallery, interviews, NES oldies Contra & Super C, etc.)
Convince your friend who has a DS to buy this game and the both of you can play together with 2 player support.

The PROS: This is classic Contra action with upgraded graphics and music with elements from previous Contra titles mixed in and it works perfectly. Get ready to shoot everything and anything in sight while having fun as well. The controls work fine so you will get into it quickly. Going the extra mile to complete everything in the game really pays off with the bonus content. Unlocking the original NES Contra and NES Super C means you can play them anytime. The gallery and museum really give you an accurate perspective of the entire series with a little background information for each title as well. And of course, there are secret characters as well that you get to unlock too.

The CONS: Warning!! Warning!! This game is brutally difficult. It's not just hard, it's numbingly pain inducing frustrate worthy hard. On normal and hard modes, you will curse, scream, get mad and even throw your DS across the room or out the window. The Contra series was known for its no nonsense challenging game play that separates the men from the boys and makes grown men cry. Anyone who grew up to the likes of NES Mega Man, Ghosts N Goblins and Ninja Gaiden games will know exactly what I'm talking about. It's still a great game but be wary of the challenge it brings.

Contra 4 is not for everyone. Then again, the Contra series isn't for everyone to begin with. For those who get mad easily or isn't willing to put themselves through a game like this should stay away. However, those of you who haven't played this yet but loves this kind of challenge and withheld from buying a DS, you should take the plunge as it won't be too expensive to buy either one. I did and I recommend you do the same.

This game is insane. I was playing the original Contra on NES when I was 2 years old and I was getting slaughtered then, and 19 years later I still am. This game handles just like the old ones, and is a worthy addition to the Contra library of nearly impossible games.