Contra 4!!! New 2D sidescroller for DS!

[botticus]

http://gonintendo.com/?p=19895

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – June 20, 2007 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced Contra 4 (working title) for the Nintendo DS™. Marking the 20th anniversary of the quintessential action franchise, the game pushes 2D side-scrolling action in an all-new direction with gunplay that spans two full screens, original gameplay mechanics that grant players deadlier abilities than ever before, and frantic multiplayer functionality.

Contra 4 takes place two years after the events of Contra III: The Alien Wars. After saving earth from invasion by Red Falcon, Bill Rizer and Lance Bean are confronted with a new extraterrestrial menace: the terrifying Black Viper. Joined by hard-boiled mercenaries Mad Dog and Scorpion, the warriors must once again wage war against an entire army of invaders.

Refining the 2D side-scrolling genre the series established 20 years ago, Contra 4 delivers pure action at a fever pitch as players jump, shoot, and dodge oncoming hazards. Utilizing a new dual screen presentation, the action spans both screens of the Nintendo DS, giving players the opportunity to battle across expansive environments in which death can come from any direction. The use of both screens for the game’s core action also allows for massive boss battles as players try to seek and destroy the weak points of sky-high enemies. A first for the series, Contra 4 introduces a grappling hook accessory that lets players grab onto elements of the environment directly above them. Whether using it to avoid oncoming dangers or attack from a strategic vantage point, the grappling hook allows for new combat situations and dramatic set pieces that underscore the game’s adrenaline-soaked pedigree.

Continuing the multiplayer tradition of previous games in the series, Contra 4 lets two players battle together against Black Viper’s army of vile alien forces and reclaim Earth for mankind.

Developed by WayForward Technologies, Contra 4 is planned for release on the Nintendo DS in 2007. For more information on the game and the Contra franchise, please visit: www.konami.com (http://www.konami.com) .
Wonder if the multiplayer will be Wi-Fi...

[jkam]

This is great news! I really hope the DS gets more and more stuff like this. I'm thinking with the popularity of the DS we might see more classic franchises getting updates. It's all good as long as they don't go screwing em up. I'm playing through Metroid Zero Mission now and I'd love to see a new 2D Metroid. Fusion was ok but I'm up for another.

[Kendro]

Awesome news. I will definitely welcome using both screens since the real estate will be huge for co-op mode.

[Strell]

Fuck you Konami if I have to draw in the Konami Code with the stylus.

Yes. You heard me.

[evilmax17]

Before everyone get's too excited:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WayForward_Technologies

[Pijaibros]

WayForward? They're still around? Looks like they've been under the licensing hammer as of late.

Could they get around to releasing Shantae Advance, finally? Shoot, I'd love to see the Shantae demos they have. They even teased us with a Shantae wallpaper in Ping Pals for DS.

[hootie]

Before everyone get's too excited:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WayForward_Technologies


Oh...my....:-#

That just ruined half of my day....(the other half will be spent happily playing SimCity DS)

[pete5883]

Well, Shantae was supposed to be good.

What I don't understand is, they announce 4 characters, and it's only a 2-player game?

[drone8888]

Learn complicated addition problems while slaying bitmap aliens YAY@!!@!@

seriously,... Lost in Space: Math Adventure????

WOW..... just WOW.

edit: Strell,... ZOMG :) that is hilarious

[GuilewasNK]

Nice.

I forgot all about Shantae too.

[GuilewasNK]

Well, Shantae was supposed to be good.

What I don't understand is, they announce 4 characters, and it's only a 2-player game?

Contra Hard Corp had three or four characters too.

[dallow]

Shantae stays on GBC forever.

http://i7.tinypic.com/52dge3p.jpg

[BigHow]

Don't hate on Wayforward Technologies. They produced the excellent Justice League: The Flash GBA game. A great superhero brawler released at the end of the GBA's life.

[JEKKI]

I dont like using 2 screens :(

I didnt like Sonic Rush, dont think this game will work out good...

the only way to compensate for the blind spot between the screens, for a game like contra, would be to make the game much easier.

otherwise, the reviews will be very low for this game in regards to cheap deaths.

[Roufuss]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[onikage]

This is exciting news, I'd been hoping we'd see a new 2D Contra come to the DS. :bouncy:

[LinkinPrime]

Fuck yeah!

[willardhaven]

I would consider Shattered Soldier 4 since it's definitely a proper Contra game.

[yukine]

Before everyone get's too excited:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WayForward_Technologies

Way to ruin the thread, jackass. :lol:

[Pijaibros]

They only worked on schlock because they need to feed their kids too. Not everyone can keep re-releasing sequels and remakes like Nintendo, Namco, and Square

[ch3zyp00fs]

F*ck you Konami if I have to draw in the Konami Code with the stylus.

Yes. You heard me.

:rofl:

[CouRageouS]

I dont like using 2 screens :(

Man you bought the wrong handheld then :lol:

[zerowing]

Contra 4: The Math Wars anyone?

Otherwise awesome news

[RollingSkull]

Bah, Wayforward's two IP games are Shantae and Sigma Star Saga. Shantae was charming at times, but not particularly memorable. SSS ... dull, witless, and even the action scenes don't convince me that these people know Contra.

As far as I'm concerned, the thread is over. ;)

[CoffeeEdge]

Before everyone get's too excited:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WayForward_Technologies
That's great news, to me. I'm one of the seemingly very few fans of WayFoward's work, especially Shantae and Sigma Star Saga. It'll definitely be interesting to see how they handle such a high-profile project.

[pygmy carnotaur]

I liked SSS for what it was, though it definitely had some issues. A new Contra is definitely enough to get me interested, though I do think the idea of using both screens in an action game(especially one like Contra) is probably a bad idea. I mean, the blind spot was an issue in Yoshi's Island DS, and one would assume it would be an even bigger problem here.

[Ace Harding: Private Eye]

Bah, Wayforward's two IP games are Shantae and Sigma Star Saga. Shantae was charming at times, but not particularly memorable. SSS ... dull, witless, and even the action scenes don't convince me that these people know Contra.

As far as I'm concerned, the thread is over. ;)

Well said. I thought Sigma Star was horrible.

What is with Konami and their treatment of the Contra franchise? After the series hit its creative peak with Hard Corps, they go and sublicense it out to Hungarian shitmakers Appaloosa, who single-handedly destroy the Contra name with not one, but two PS1 atrocities!
It wasn't until the PS2 that longtime Contra mastermind Nobuya Nakazato once again stepped in to become the series overlord, creating the bad-ass Shattered Soldier and Neo-Contra.
So after we get the series going again, Konami goes and outsources to some more untalented goobers! What am I missing here?

[SL4IN]

can't help but be excited about this news

[Teeheehee]

To everyone complaining about the blind spot between the screen, not all games have that. They just make the screens act like they're 1 big attached vertical screen. It looks a little weird, but there's no blind spot in that scenario. They could opt for that.

[JEKKI]

yeay but becoz of that it's like "oh here comes a bullet at an angle which seems like I'm in a safe spot"

then the bullet teleports all hardcore and shyt and it's over!!!

but seriously tho, seeing as how the game jus got announced, I have faith that Konami won't eff it up.

they kno what they're doing, and they'll do it well like LL cool J

[nyprimus4]

My wishlist
Don't eff up the choice to go 2 screen, make all the doubters eat their words

Wi-fi and single cart play

Don't try to drastically change the series and fail, stick with the roots, Alien Wars was awesome.

Level editor? Levels you can download off wi-fi, like Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2

[Puffa469]

Controidvania FTW!!!

[botticus]

Here are some tiny screens from the Nintendo Power preview. No blindspot.

http://gonintendo.com/?p=20018

http://gonintendo.com/wp-content/photos/contraiv.JPG

[Strell]

Contra is like Team America, but with aliens.

Team Contra! Fuck yeah!

[Judge Groovyman]

Looks cool to me based on those screenshots from Nintendo Power.

The Wikipedia page (right/wrong???) says it will suport wi-fi multiplayer ... Bonus!

[Tybee]

If you're interested in this game, definitely pick up this month's Nintendo Power. In addition to the above screenshots, there are 4+ pages of details on the game, including a two page Q&A with the developers.

The game looks fabulous. Simply gorgeous. Just look at those bosses. You literally have to crawl all over them to fight them. It's like a 2D Shadow of Colossus.

[RollingSkull]

If you're interested in this game, definitely pick up this month's Nintendo Power. In addition to the above screenshots, there are 4+ pages of details on the game, including a two page Q&A with the developers.

The game looks fabulous. Simply gorgeous. Just look at those bosses. You literally have to crawl all over them to fight them. It's like a 2D Shadow of Colossus.

I've been crawling over massive bosses since Road Runner's Death Valley Rally and practically all of Metal Slug. [/pullrank]

[Tybee]

I've been crawling over massive bosses since Road Runner's Death Valley Rally and practically all of Metal Slug. [/pullrank]

*refrains from wife-related sex joke...sort of*

;)

[LinkinPrime]

Here's more screens:
http://www.1up.com/do/media?cId=3160432&sec=IMAGES

[Kendro]

Those screens look awesome!

[destro713]

The best way to avoid the blindspot issue is to have a blindspot, so there are no wonky perspectives and teleporting bullets, but just design the levels around the screen break so that the middle area is kept mostly free from unfair "dead zones," as the AVGN called them.

[Blind the Thief]

http://www.gamevideos.com/video/id/12644

I have faith in this game.

[daroga]

Seeing it in motion means a Day 1 purchase for me. It looks like it does everything right, even before its done. Can't wait! :)

[hootie]

Wow, the 1up show videos of it made it look amazing! I might just have to buy ANOTHER DS game!

[imascrub]

i loves me some contra!

[yukine]

This looks amazing, oh how I love the DS.

[RollingSkull]

Alright, it looks okay. Worth a glance at the reviews on release.

But I shall maintain: Contra is what you buy when you're too poor to get Metal Slug

[AndrewCP]

I am going to pre-order this game ASAP.

[JEKKI]

The best way to avoid the blindspot issue is to have a blindspot, so there are no wonky perspectives and teleporting bullets, but just design the levels around the screen break so that the middle area is kept mostly free from unfair "dead zones," as the AVGN called them.what I am wondering now is,

arwe the blind spots invincible???

like, can you grapple to another screen and pasa a bullet if your body and the bullet collide in the blind spot??

coz from watching the video, there seems to be a significant lag in between bullets passing from screen to screen.

and say if you can pass bullets that way, would you be able to pass thru lasers as well???

passing thru bullets that way would make this game have some new interesting gameplay options.

[dallow]

Is this really the f'ing poster for this game?

SOLD! Such a throwback. Great stuff!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/Kevar/9855-550x-contra-poster-2-dsf.jpg

[Tybee]

Is this really the f'ing poster for this game?

SOLD! Such a throwback. Great stuff!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/Kevar/9855-550x-contra-poster-2-dsf.jpg

Yeah, that came in this month's Nintendo Power. There's an even sweeter poster for Dewy's Adventure on the reverse side with really cool art.

[johnnypark]

I always sucked at the old games, but seeing that video makes me want to go back and do some old-school grinding. I know what I'm doing after work!

[dallow]

Yeah, that came in this month's Nintendo Power. There's an even sweeter poster for Dewy's Adventure on the reverse side with really cool art.I'm going to get it.
And there's no way any art can be sweeter than that poster.
It's pure manliness.

[Kendro]

Man that poster just screams 1987.

[jer7583]

That poster is badass. It's so cleverly tucked away behind the girly dewy's adventure poster, just to catch you off guard.

[trq]

I liked Shantae, particularly WayForward's devotion to fluid animation, so I'm down with this. That movie (okay, and the vibe of the poster) just seal the deal.

[defiance_17]

The game looks great, actually. I'll be sure to keep an eye on it.

[SMMM]

Yeah, that came in this month's Nintendo Power. There's an even sweeter poster for Dewy's Adventure on the reverse side with really cool art.

Ok, we got Arnold, Sly, Diesel, and Snipes. oh, I am soo getting this game.

[yukine]

Fuck, I wish I renewed my Nintendo Power subscription. I want that poster!

[Tybee]

That poster is badass. It's so cleverly tucked away behind the girly dewy's adventure poster, just to catch you off guard.
Yeah, I'm, uh, sure that's what they were thinking. :roll:

Ok, we got Arnold, Sly, Diesel, and Snipes. oh, I am soo getting this game.
Upholding the proud Konami tradition of shamelessly appropriating Hollywood action icons:

http://www.shamoozal.com/nerdlog/2007/04/11/konami-characters-and-their-80s-counterparts/

[Tybee]

New video:

http://kotaku.com/gaming/e307/contra-4-ds-new-gameplay-footage-277546.php
(http://kotaku.com/gaming/e307/contra-4-ds-new-gameplay-footage-277546.php)

[Rusty Ghia]

http://gonintendo.com/?p=27107

Aside from a history of the Contra series, Contra 4 will also include the NES versions of Contra and Super C as unlockables. Makes me glad that I didn't buy either game on Xbox Live Arcade.

Along with Castlevania X Chronicles and this game, Konami is really giving us what we want.

[Snake2715]

Cool info.

[klwillis45]

Isn't the Contra on XBL the crummy arcade version too??

[jer7583]

It went from sorta want to MUST HAVE.

[jkam]

I read this earlier....great news. I'll be picking this up.

[Tsukento]

Excuse me while I go change my pants.

[Purple Flames]

HELL! And might I add "YES!!!

Konami is on a roll.

[Puffa469]

Icing on the cake that I was already buying, but who doesn't love icing? Delicious, alien slaughtering icing...

[RAMSTORIA]

i already wanted the game, so this is a very nice bonus.

[FurryCurry]

Icing on the cake that I was already buying, but who doesn't love icing? Delicious, alien slaughtering icing...
I don't. Not after fucking, Contra Shattered Soldier. Gnasty ass game; yeah nasty with a g!

I'm betting on this now: Unlockable robot character will be that puny dude from Hard Corps. Loved his short ass. "HA bitch, I'm shorter than where you can fire your gun. *slides and fucks up dude*"

[Ikohn4ever]

amazing

[munch]

up, up, down, down, . . . .

[Rockgamer]

Nice to finally see this confirmed. Now I just wish they would finally give out some info on the co-op in the game (like whether it will be online or not, and now whether or not these unlockable games will support it as well).

[RedvsBlue]

Now if they for the extra mile and make Contra and Super Contra multiplayer as well, its fucking over.

[Mr. Roper]

This game looks f-ing baddass. I hope Nintendo can take some notes and implement them on their little games.

[banpeikun]

Is this really the f'ing poster for this game?

SOLD! Such a throwback. Great stuff!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/Kevar/9855-550x-contra-poster-2-dsf.jpgwas there an image of this poster posted in the thread? i can't find it.

[q 3]

Here. (http://www.dsfanboy.com/2007/07/02/nintendo-power-poster-contra-4-porn/)

[Tybee]

I've got that Contra 4 poster if anyone wants it. I was actually more interested in the Dewy's Adventue art on the reverse, but now that it turns out that game kind of sucks, I'm less inclined to keep it up in my office.

[jman619]

This game really is one reason I would't sale my ds at the moment. :lol:

[Puffa469]

This game really is one reason I would't sale my ds at the moment. :lol:

A quick glance at my shelf and I see about 50 reasons I would never sell my DS.

I was never big into portables until the DS, I even aquired 90% of my GBA games since Ive had the DS. And I didnt even have the orig DS, I waited for the Lite, now I couldnt live without it.

[banpeikun]

what issue of NP had the poster?

[Cao Cao]

Official Web site's up:
http://www.konami-data.com/officialsites/contra4/

[CoffeeEdge]

http://www.konami.com/images/catalog3810/folder55654/img5724559.jpg

Friggin' awesome box art.

I am seriously in awe as to how WayForward really stepped up and, by most indications, knocked this one completely out of the park. Bravo.

[CosmosTheMouse]

Completely badass.

I seriously can't wait for this to drop. And it's hard to fathom that it's been 20 years of Contra. It seems like yesterday I was playing Contra NES.

[Oops! I did it again.]

http://www.konami.com/images/catalog3810/folder55654/img5724559.jpg

Friggin' awesome box art.

I am seriously in awe as to how WayForward really stepped up and, by most indications, knocked this one completely out of the park. Bravo.

Yeah, it looks like they truly 'get' the essence of not only Contra, but the nostaligia that surrounds it. It looks like everything you could ask for out of an old-school Contra game.

Probably isn't a day-one purchase for me (ONLY because I'm blowing my game budget on other titles over the next couple of weeks), but it's a definite 'please anyone buy me this for Christmas!' pick-up, haha.

[Ctl-Alt-l33t]

I'll have this one tomorrow. Hopefully it won't need the L button because the one on my DS stopped working :P

[evilmax17]

I beat "JLA: The Flash" not too long ago, a GBA beat-em-up by the same developers, and I was pleasantly surprised with its quality. It was very well done for what initially appeared to be a license cash-in, and it gives me hope for this game.

I still don't like that the Bozon brothers worked on it though. *shiver*

[Tybee]

8.0 from IGN.

http://ds.ign.com/articles/834/834843p1.html

[Reality's Fringe]

Out today, fools! Also, Contra and Super C are on it? Win. Truly win.

[crunchewy]

The difficultly level sounds painful, but the worst bit is not being able to save game progress at all. I know there are those for whom this idea sounds good, but for me, I can't even play a great game such as Super Mario Bros. 3 without having save states. With save states SMB3 is really fun. Without savestates it's just frustrating/infuriating (yes, heresy :) It's just too frustrating to have to start a whole world over again, let alone the entire game! Perhaps in my youth I could have done it, but not now. What I would have liked to have seen is old-school level design, but with save states or at least SRAM saving at mid points and ends of levels. The latter is old-school anyway. It would only make the game short if the game were in fact short. So save states or SRAM and more levels to make the game longer, not do-overs to make it longer.

[Apossum]

Delayed a week?

http://www.ebgames.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=180356

[gators625]

Delayed a week?

http://www.ebgames.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=180356

No, people have already bought the game at Gamestop/Ebgames stores. Several got their shipment in today.

[doctorfaustus]

Out today, fools! Also, Contra and Super C are on it? Win. Truly win.
Yes, I agree.

What's the story behind the that gif in your sig?

[jman619]

On the site it says the 23rd,but I have heard the same some people got it from gamestop or somewhere else. A guy posted on a different forum mentioning he got it at target. I wish there was a target here all I have is walmart, and I know they don't got it :bomb:

[Ace Harding: Private Eye]

The difficultly level sounds painful, but the worst bit is not being able to save game progress at all. I know there are those for whom this idea sounds good, but for me, I can't even play a great game such as Super Mario Bros. 3 without having save states. With save states SMB3 is really fun. Without savestates it's just frustrating/infuriating (yes, heresy :) It's just too frustrating to have to start a whole world over again, let alone the entire game! Perhaps in my youth I could have done it, but not now. What I would have liked to have seen is old-school level design, but with save states or at least SRAM saving at mid points and ends of levels. The latter is old-school anyway. It would only make the game short if the game were in fact short. So save states or SRAM and more levels to make the game longer, not do-overs to make it longer.

Every single Contra game is like that. It's what separates Deep Action Gamers from namby-pambies.

[doctorfaustus]

Damn, don't know if I should pick up my pre-order or just wait until my backlog clears up. What's the chance that this game will become scarce ?

[banpeikun]

The difficultly level sounds painful, but the worst bit is not being able to save game progress at all. I know there are those for whom this idea sounds good, but for me, I can't even play a great game such as Super Mario Bros. 3 without having save states. With save states SMB3 is really fun. Without savestates it's just frustrating/infuriating (yes, heresy :) It's just too frustrating to have to start a whole world over again, let alone the entire game! Perhaps in my youth I could have done it, but not now. What I would have liked to have seen is old-school level design, but with save states or at least SRAM saving at mid points and ends of levels. The latter is old-school anyway. It would only make the game short if the game were in fact short. So save states or SRAM and more levels to make the game longer, not do-overs to make it longer.i gotta say, i totally disagree with everything in here. not that i don't like you as a person ;)

[T3kN]

I just came home from Gamestop with my copy.
And I have to say....
This game, is fucking AWESOME!!!!

More indepth shit to come.

[catapult37]

The difficultly level sounds painful, but the worst bit is not being able to save game progress at all. I know there are those for whom this idea sounds good, but for me, I can't even play a great game such as Super Mario Bros. 3 without having save states. With save states SMB3 is really fun. Without savestates it's just frustrating/infuriating (yes, heresy :) It's just too frustrating to have to start a whole world over again, let alone the entire game! Perhaps in my youth I could have done it, but not now. What I would have liked to have seen is old-school level design, but with save states or at least SRAM saving at mid points and ends of levels. The latter is old-school anyway. It would only make the game short if the game were in fact short. So save states or SRAM and more levels to make the game longer, not do-overs to make it longer.

Close your DS. :-)

Or do you mean you won't be able to survive on a game without unlimited continues? hehe.

I'm actually looking forward to the toughness of this game and I think having the NES games as unlockables for completing 360-style achievements is pretty awesome.

[sayHey]

can't WAIT to get my hands on this game.

contra is a bit before my time, but i love what i've seen from this title so far

[rsigley]

anyoone know how to avoid the tail of the second boss? gets me everytime

when he comes at you from the side

[Shivy]

It's been a looong time since I've played a game that reminded me about everything that was awesome in my childhood.

Highly, highly, highly reccomended.

[doctorfaustus]

It's been a looong time since I've played a game that reminded me about everything that was awesome in my childhood.

Highly, highly, highly reccomended.

Damn you...

(The Contra theme song plays in the background while pixelated men somersault through the air like muscle-bound, artillery wielding dancers ...)

/makes up mind to pick up his pre-order tomorrow.

[fdu]

Man this game is tough. I love it... This is what I consider "hardcore" gaming.

[rsigley]

i managed to beat it on normal today on my 5th try

unlocked contra and super contra

they're the NES versions, not the arcade which kinda stinks

challenges are pretty fun tho, there's 40 of them

[T3kN]

anyoone know how to avoid the tail of the second boss? gets me everytime

when he comes at you from the side

Just jump at the right time man.
If the tail comes at you from the left go towards the right part of the screen and jump when it strikes at you.

Man I can only get to the third level so far, playing on normal.
This game is hard, but a lot of fun.

[T3kN]

i managed to beat it on normal today on my 5th try

unlocked contra and super contra

they're the NES versions, not the arcade which kinda stinks

challenges are pretty fun tho, there's 40 of them

are you fucking serious?
You beat it, all 9 lvls, on normal after your 5th try!?
You must be like a contra god or something.

[Puffa469]

Picked this up today for $5, using my $25 gc from Mario Galaxy. But between Galaxy, and CoD4 online, Im not sure when Im gonna find time for this. I should leave my DS in the bathroom. ;)

[rsigley]

are you fucking serious?
You beat it, all 9 lvls, on normal after your 5th try!?
You must be like a contra god or something.

4 and 7 are the only really hard ones IMO

1, 3, 5, 6 are really easy

2, 8, 9 are alright

i did 22 of the challenges so far

unlocked: contra, super contra, 2 extra characters, and an interview with the creator

some of the challenges are such a pain

i had off today so i played for a full DS charge worth, first time I did that since new mario bros came out

[sayHey]

It's really fun, but very tough.

I'm not sure if i'll be able to beat it without playing a ton, but i'm definately looking forward to playing contra and super contra (If i'm able to unlock them, shiiit.)

[FurryCurry]

Is this game hard like....

ultimate ghouls n' ghosts?
or
Contra SS?
or
MDK2?
or
Shinobi (ps2) on hard?
or
MM:PU as Oil Man?

[RollingSkull]

I played this game before... kicked my ass then too.

And, still, this game does not interest me at all. I'll always be a Metal Slug man.

[Halo05]

Man, I had no idea you could unlock the NES Contras. I need.

[kenbo506]

If you can unlock Contra, that definitely makes this game worth it. I'll be picking this up at some point. Too many games to buy!! Not that I'm complaining... :D

[jman619]

I would already have it if I could find it in a store. I would order online,but no credit card. I heard it was a great game. I hope ebay gets some more copies up for sale or on here or someone decides to sale it :D

[Ace Harding: Private Eye]

This game blows. It's not hard because of clever level design or enemy patterns, it's hard because of cheap shots and your character being too big. Having to concentrate on two screens at once is another annoyance. I'm not going to get into how many times I've died from something being in the huge blindspot between the screens.
The first 3 levels I've played are just remakes of Contra 1 levels.
This game was supposed to be a return to the run 'n gun action of the first 3 games, but it's impossible (I've tried it) to simply run through a stage as you could with the earlier titles. You end up spending just as much time creeping ahead as you would if you were fighting minibosses throughout the levels. I'll take Hard Corps any day over this stinker.

[MrSneis]

This game blows. It's not hard because of clever level design or enemy patterns, it's hard because of cheap shots and your character being too big. Having to concentrate on two screens at once is another annoyance. I'm not going to get into how many times I've died from something being in the huge blindspot between the screens.
The first 3 levels I've played are just remakes of Contra 1 levels.
This game was supposed to be a return to the run 'n gun action of the first 3 games, but it's impossible (I've tried it) to simply run through a stage as you could with the earlier titles. You end up spending just as much time creeping ahead as you would if you were fighting minibosses throughout the levels. I'll take Hard Corps any day over this stinker.

Good to hear some serious input!!!

Sadly I never beat SNES contra on my own; I think I made it very very far but couldn't ever seal the deal. Same deal for the only decent one for ps2; I actually have hardcorps but never got around to playing it seriously :(

[Demontooth]

It's definitely hard, but I'm not giving up on it.....yet

[whitereflection]

This game blows. It's not hard because of clever level design or enemy patterns, it's hard because of cheap shots and your character being too big. Having to concentrate on two screens at once is another annoyance. I'm not going to get into how many times I've died from something being in the huge blindspot between the screens.
The first 3 levels I've played are just remakes of Contra 1 levels.
This game was supposed to be a return to the run 'n gun action of the first 3 games, but it's impossible (I've tried it) to simply run through a stage as you could with the earlier titles. You end up spending just as much time creeping ahead as you would if you were fighting minibosses throughout the levels. I'll take Hard Corps any day over this stinker.

I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who wasn't too fond of this installment. The two screens really are a pain.

And I love how all the crappy games in the series aren't considered canon in the museum archive.

[Halo05]

What's considered canon?

I'm guessing...

Contra
Super C
Contra III - Alien Wars
Contra Hard Corps
Contra Shattered Soldier

[Apossum]

What's considered canon?

I'm guessing...

Contra
Super C
Contra III - Alien Wars
Contra Hard Corps
Contra Shattered Soldier

contra has a story?

[Pajama_Man]

You bet it does!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RCmbIwizjY

[Ace Harding: Private Eye]

I'm tired of people bashing Neo Contra. It's a fucking awesome game. Way better than anything WayForward's ever done.

[Kuros]

This game blows. It's not hard because of clever level design or enemy patterns, it's hard because of cheap shots and your character being too big. Having to concentrate on two screens at once is another annoyance. I'm not going to get into how many times I've died from something being in the huge blindspot between the screens.
The first 3 levels I've played are just remakes of Contra 1 levels.
This game was supposed to be a return to the run 'n gun action of the first 3 games, but it's impossible (I've tried it) to simply run through a stage as you could with the earlier titles. You end up spending just as much time creeping ahead as you would if you were fighting minibosses throughout the levels. I'll take Hard Corps any day over this stinker.

Sorry that you feel that way. I like it because it ramped up the difficulty a bit. I'll admit, concentrating on 2 screens is a bit hard in a game like Contra is a bit hard, but it makes for extra challenge.

[FurryCurry]

I'm tired of people bashing Neo Contra. It's a fucking awesome game. Way better than anything WayForward's ever done.

Crack kills man. Really.

I don't even own Contra 4 and I've only played a little of Shante.

But gat damned does Neo Contra suck. I played a demo. One friggin level after having played Shattered-your-balls-Soldier and I was flabbergasted. Neo Contra is terrible. Bad controls and stupid design = a not so great contra.

But I know you were kidding so it's all good.

[coltyhuxx]

I've never seen a contra where the spread gun is so damn critical. You have to spray that upper screen, constantly.

The intro to the second boss is awesome. The music is great too. Sounds like there is a lot of unlockable stuff... I heard - though I not dare attempt yet - that if you play the waterfall level on hard that you get a remixed version of the first level of Contra(NES)'s music... anyone confirm?

[Ace Harding: Private Eye]

Crack kills man. Really.

I don't even own Contra 4 and I've only played a little of Shante.

But gat damned does Neo Contra suck. I played a demo. One friggin level after having played Shattered-your-balls-Soldier and I was flabbergasted. Neo Contra is terrible. Bad controls and stupid design = a not so great contra.

But I know you were kidding so it's all good.
No joke, furball. I suggest you take a shot of testosterone, wipe that smirk off your face, and play it again. Neo Contra has fine control for a top-down shooter and has Bill Rizer shot out of a Volcano. It also has a bad-ass last boss that pays tribute to Rocket Knight Adventures.
It may not be as good as Shattered Soldier, but it has all the disgustingness a Contra fan desires. It also has the most intense situations Bill Rizer has ever faced. Coupled with great voice acting and killer music, this game is like a hearty lumberjack stew. You can even unlock the Gradius lasers!
If you can get by the top-down view, I think you should give it another chance.

[BigBen]

Loving this game so far, it's really hard, frustratingly difficult at times, but I love the style of this game. It's a real homage to the original Contra game and being able to unlock Contra and Super C really put it over the top IMO. Well worth the $30 if you're a fan of the Contra series.

[johnnypark]

Used that $10 off BB coupon today to get this for $20. I've been playing a lot of the original Contra and little Alien Wars, and as much as they're kicking my ass it makes me feel like I'm a kid again. I probably won't get a chance to play it for a day or two, but for some reason I'm really looking forward to this game kicking my ass.

[johnnypark]

Loving this game so far, it's really hard, frustratingly difficult at times, but I love the style of this game. It's a real homage to the original Contra game and being able to unlock Contra and Super C really put it over the top IMO. Well worth the $30 if you're a fan of the Contra series.

Update! I'm in agreement with you, Ben, I played a lot yesterday and beat the 1st two stages, and I'm really loving it. It feels incredibly old-school, and the sense of accomplishment you get is wonderful. Hell, I finished stage 2 and felt like I'd beaten the game!

I don't know if I would have paid $30, but for the $20 I paid I have no regrets.

BTW to anyone who's skeptical, you should know that the continue system actually uses 1/2 way points. They aren't evident to you until you die and continue back at one, but it makes the game a little more forgiving when trying to complete a stage.

I'm actually surprised they did this, but I'm not complaining :)

[JEKKI]

This game is not very hard...

play thru Challenge mode, then the regular game will be a breeze.

You can unlock Challenge mode by beating the game on easy.

[Reality's Fringe]

Got it for $20, and it seems to be a great homage to the Contras of old. Interesting that they threw in "Come get some!" though.

[banpeikun]

i guess duke nukem is easily confused for contra??

[doctorfaustus]

Awesome game, but way too hard.

[pygmy carnotaur]

It's definitely a hard game, but it never really feels unfair. I haven't played too much yet, but my first attempt at easy got me to level 4, and my second attempt got me to level 7. I'd rather not talk about my attempts at normal(I'll worry about that later)...

But the point is, the game is definitely easier once you learn where the enemies are and get good at dodging.

[doctorfaustus]

But the point is, the game is definitely easier once you learn where the enemies are and get good at dodging.

You're right, I can now get to level 2 within one continue on normal due to memorizing when and where enemies appear.

[johnnypark]

So, a week into it and I'm really addicted to this game.

I reccomend anyone who's having trouble to play through on Easy just to unlock Challenge mode. I've done about 25 of them (out of 40) and they really do improve your Contra skillz. Does anyone else think it's wonderful and hilarious that the hostages explode, like everything else?

I'm not looking forward to trying to go through the main game again, though. Level 4 destroys me every time.

[Mr Durand Pierre]

Where can I get this for $20?

[kp_assman]

got it at cc for 20

[ddp72984]

1. What BB coupon takes 10 off a DS game (I saw the PS3 one...)

2. How can you get it at CC for 20? Thanks

[johnnypark]

1. What BB coupon takes 10 off a DS game (I saw the PS3 one...)

2. How can you get it at CC for 20? Thanks

The $10 BB coupon that was mentioned earlier has expired, unless there's a new one i'm not aware of. No idea on CC, though.

[botticus]

After getting this for Christmas and playing like crazy the last week, I need to add another exclamation point to the title. Only beat it on Easy, but the challenges are crazy addicting.

[yayece]

After getting this for Christmas and playing like crazy the last week, I need to add another exclamation point to the title. Only beat it on Easy, but the challenges are crazy addicting.

Haha, not bad. I picked it up around Thanksgiving. Just yesterday I beat it on Normal. I think the difficulty is a good level. It's hard, but not impossibly so. Now for the challenges and Hard mode!

[foltzie]

Bump. Just picked this one up via the Amazon markdown to $23.

Damn thing is indeed hard.

[Inf^Shini]

Bumpin this to ask a puzzling question:

In stage 7, has anyone run into a problem trying to kill the mid-boss? (That spider looking thing that shoots bullets, flames on the side of the walls, and a laser from its eye).

I was shooting at em', then all of a sudden the weak point stops flashing, and I'm no longer able to do any damage so now I'm stuck with a boss that I can't kill.

Anyone ever run into a problem like that?

If it matters I was using the upgraded Homing Missles.

[hero101]

I'm stuck on stage 4 against the wall climbing monster.

[yayece]

Bumpin this to ask a puzzling question:

In stage 7, has anyone run into a problem trying to kill the mid-boss? (That spider looking thing that shoots bullets, flames on the side of the walls, and a laser from its eye).

I was shooting at em', then all of a sudden the weak point stops flashing, and I'm no longer able to do any damage so now I'm stuck with a boss that I can't kill.

Anyone ever run into a problem like that?

If it matters I was using the upgraded Homing Missles.

I've never had this problem... Maybe there's a bug where it goes invulnerable if you take too long. With the M2 or L2, you can kill it before the 1st or second round of eye lasers.

I'm stuck on stage 4 against the wall climbing monster.
Again, this guy is easiest with an M2 or L2. If you don't have either of those, you can pick up an M1 or a S1 just prior to fighting this guy. The M1 will work just fine. What you want to do is climb to the top as the screen is scrolling. Shoot horizontally to the left. When he is at your level, slide down a *little* bit to avoid his punch. You should be able to still hit his body/tail section. Repeat until he's dead. With the M1, you should just be able to kill him before you hit the bottom of the pole you're climbing on.

[q 3]

Bumpin this to ask a puzzling question:

In stage 7, has anyone run into a problem trying to kill the mid-boss? (That spider looking thing that shoots bullets, flames on the side of the walls, and a laser from its eye).

I was shooting at em', then all of a sudden the weak point stops flashing, and I'm no longer able to do any damage so now I'm stuck with a boss that I can't kill.

Anyone ever run into a problem like that?

If it matters I was using the upgraded Homing Missles.

Yeah, I've had that happen to me before. Pretty annoying. The only thing you can do, as far as I know, is quit and use a continue.

I'm stuck on stage 4 against the wall climbing monster.

It's a lot easier if you take advantage of the grappling hook line at the top of the top screen. That'll get you out of his attack range much faster than climbing.

[banpeikun]

bump, as i just got around to playing this. haven't beaten level 3 yet, but reading through the thread maybe i should drop down to 'easy'

[DJPUN]

I recently beat challenge mode 40/40

what a pain in the a$$

[yayece]

bump, as i just got around to playing this. haven't beaten level 3 yet, but reading through the thread maybe i should drop down to 'easy'

Eh... I started on normal and just kept slugging on through. If you can manage, I suggest you try and do the same. You get a pretty big sense of accomplishment when you finally finish.
You may find that your progress kind of takes on a parabolic/exponential curve.
As you learn to hang onto your good weapons longer, you'll find that you're able to go further thanks to those good weapons. It seems kind of obvious, but bosses are probably 10x easier if you've got an M2, L2, or C2 compared to the piddling pea shooter. Keep at it!:D

[banpeikun]

well i beat the game the first time i tried on easy, so i'm taking a break from the game to do challenges. they're kind of fun.

[banpeikun]

okay, still working on the challenges, have 28/40. can someone give me a hint on low ammo 1? I get to the boat boss but don't have enough ammo to kill it. how do i get past that? does it go away if i just wait for a while?

[q 3]

okay, still working on the challenges, have 28/40. can someone give me a hint on low ammo 1? I get to the boat boss but don't have enough ammo to kill it. how do i get past that? does it go away if i just wait for a while?

There's a particular weapon you need to use, which does high damage at little ammo cost.

C1