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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good game, just don't like the view, November 2, 2004
Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars
The Contra series has a bit of a checkered past. Konami's attempts to update its 17-year-old side-scrolling shooter have met with mixed results. But Neo Contra moves the franchise to a 3D engine, and its look is far from the original's, it's still a well-paced and very entertaining action romp. Since side-scrolling shooters are deader than disco, Neo Contra is mostly played from an overhead perspective. Imaginatively, it often moves the camera as you progress through the levels -- one minute you'll be negotiating a top-down combat segment. The next you'll be dodging bullets while riding a velociraptor creature. Then you'll leap from its back and scale a wall while a giant menacing silver demon chases you. Neo Contra's level design never lets you get bored... or complacent. Ogle the scenery too much and you'll be in trouble. It's rare that you're not facing a threat of some sort, and Contra's one-hit-you're-dead simplicity makes it punishing. If you have lives left, you'll respawn in a few seconds, but die enough and you'll be put back to the beginning of the level or the most recent restart point --there are generally two of these per stage. All the same, Neo Contra is not a forgiving game. There are often four or five threats to keep track of, while aiming and returning fire. Constantly dodging is the only way to survive, and if you wind up in a situation you don't instantly understand, you'll likely burn through a chunk of lives before getting to the bottom of it. It's still not as challenging as the infamously tough original, but nothing is these days.
Controls are everything in a fast-paced shooter like this. Thankfully, Neo Contra's system works reasonably well. Although a two-stick Smash TV-style setup would have worked best, the controls use the single left stick for movement with buttons reserved for weapon firing, selection, and a quick dash move used to dodge incoming fire. Each of the weapon kits has a guided shot, which locks on to airborne enemies with the press of a button. It's all reminiscent of Panzer Dragoon, and thanks to some intelligent audio cues, it's second nature after a while. Neo Contra's music does a great deal to underline the game's sense of action and urgency. It manages to combine modern techno staples with electronic themes very reminiscent of '80s arcade games, and doesn't sound cheesy doing it -- quite an accomplishment. This, combined with thumping gunfire and explosion effects, make Neo Contra the kind of game that wakes neighbors. Boss battles are a major part of each level, and they're nothing short of spectacular. Prepare to dust off those old-school pattern-recognition skills, because each of the game's array of big bad enemies will bring back happy memories of games gone by. True to the Contra heritage, the entire game can be played in two-player cooperative mode. Indeed, it's at its most satisfying when played with a partner; players with different weapon loadouts can complement each other well. Although there can be occasions where one player is left stranded as the second moves away, the linear nature of the levels keeps these problems to a minimum. If you enjoy taking on hordes of aliens with nothing more than an arsenal of weapons and a friend to watch your back, Neo Contra is highly recommended. On your own, it's a less convincing proposition. Although the action is just as entertaining, its back-to-basics nature is more obvious, and you'll grow tired of its unrelenting pace. The unlockables will only keep you going so long. Neo Contra isn't as true to the original games as fans might wish, but nevertheless, it's a good attempt at recapturing the original's magic and a respectable action game in its own right.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fast paced action Shooter that is not to insane, December 17, 2004
Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars
Let's set the record straight on this game real quick, there is no way it can compare to the legacy of the origional Contra. With that being said Now it is time to actually talk about the game. What we get is a psuedo 3D Contra title that is fast paced and overlly enjoyable to play.
the story here is the Bill Raizer the lead from the last game has returend to eliminate the Contra Generals and stop the new Biological threat. This time he teams up with Jaguar, a warrior with a Samurai code of ethics. Together they blast through initally four missions to stop the generals. If you are playing on easy (which grants you 30 lives) you can only do these four missions. However if you play on Normal, once you beat these four missions additional ones are unlocked for your blasting pleasure. Each level features Tons of enemies, at least two Mini Bosses (who still take up the whole screen) and the Contra General (A Human, A Plant Cyborg, Lucia from Shattered Soldiers, and a Dog).
The only complaint is that it is a short game and in some ways the price doesn't justify the fact that if you play on easy you will beat it within an hour (depending on how often you die). However there are numerouse unlockables to include a form of Jaguar in which he actually uses his sword (sweet) but you must have the balls to play through normal. Overall this is worth picking up and playing. I loved it and have recomended it to people who want a fun action packed title.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A decent effort, but definately not top notch....., April 10, 2006
Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars
I have to admit that I enjoyed playing this game. Unfortunately it is extremely short and probably has limited replay value for most gamers. The top-down perspective makes this feel quite a bit different from the orginal Contra that was available for the NES. At a bargain price, I would recommend it. At full price, I would say your money is better spent elsewhere. Definately something for only the hardcore Contra fans out there.
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