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Contra 4

EMAIL PRINT ds

9.1 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 38 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 25 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Konami

Developer: WayForward Technologies

Genre(s): Action, Platform

Players: 2

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Release Date: November 13, 2007

Summary

Contra 4 takes place two years after "Contra III: The Alien Wars," first released on the Super Nintendo in 1992. Heroes Bill and Lance again must team up to take down an oncoming alien invasion and its leader, Black Viper. Contra 4 features the same style of 2D side-scrolling gameplay that established the series 20 years ago. Players combat alien hordes with a variety of futuristic weapons while attempting to avoid pitfalls and other hazards along the way. Contra 4's action extends to both screens on the DS, allowing for larger environments and boss encounters. And as is a hallmark of the series, Contra 4 retain two-player simultaneous gameplay.

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Game Informer

This is both the ultimate Contra experience and one of the best action games in years. Do not let Contra 4 get lost in the holiday rush.

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Gaming Target

The Contra series is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and Contra 4 is a gift to the fans. If you're a fan of the series or even if you just like shooters in general, Contra 4 is the game for you.

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GameShark

The game is a lot of fun, even if the challenge level is out of this world. If you’ve been around for all 20 years of Contra, this is a must purchase.

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Thunderbolt

It’s great to see that well-made games that are entirely capable of kicking our asses can still be made and here’s to another 20 years of Contra-ing to come... hopefully.

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Worth Playing

Contra 4 is relatively short, but the difficulty and the immense number of extras give it a healthy replay value.

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GamingExcellence

Contra 4 is meant for the hardcore old school crowd, and only for the hardcore old school crowd.

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Zentendo

Contra 4's main Arcade mode is a remixed classic and a treat in its own right, but what really makes Contra 4 stand out is how it pays tribute to its fans by using the slick gameplay of the main game to craft an excellent Challenge Mode and consequently reward players with two classic NES titles and a bunch of nostalgic extra features to boot.

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GamePro

Features immense replay value.

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GameSpy

Fans have been waiting years for a true Contra sequel, and now it's arrived. Whether you're a fan of the series or someone looking for a challenge, you'll find a lot to love here.

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NintendoWorldReport

The game is exceptional all around. Even the instruction manual pays homage to the classics and is well worth a peek for the ardent fan. Contra fans should buy this game immediately, and action fans in general should seriously consider picking it up.

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Games Radar (in-house)

Contra 4 stands alone both as a game and as an anniversary package celebrating the history of the series. This is a retrospective done right and it should be considered a must-have for any DS owner out there.

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GamingTrend

The game will beat you silly, but the challenge and gameplay are so much fun that the need to press forward is strong.

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GameZone

This game is absolutely not for everybody. Most gamers brought up on the cushy, forgiving action games of the last decade will probably feel like somebody slapped them in the face the first time they play it. But for the right sort of person, that slap in the face is exactly what they’ve been craving. Contra 4 presents some of the best, most hardcore run-and-gun shooting action on the DS, and is a breath of fresh, alien-blood-scented air for the system, and gaming in general.

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GameTrailers

Contra 4 is a stunning return to form and a fitting twentieth anniversary present for fans of the series.

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Nintendojo

Contra 4 will deliver everything veterans of the series could ever want, from the classic spread gun to music that brings orgasmic delight to the ears.

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Cheat Code Central

If you're a Contra fan--especially of the classic side-scrolling action of the series' early offerings-- picking this title up is a no-brainer. The fast action, upgradeable weapons, platforming level design, and awesome bosses are all back and joined by two-screen presentation, a nifty grappling hook, and enough extras to make those next-gen "Collector's Editions" envious.

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Play Magazine

Down to the trademark ping the gunfire makes hitting steel, Contra 4 is a thoroughbred effort. [Dec 2007, p.92]

Nintendo Power

Otherwise, as long as you're open to its old-school approach, Contra 4 stands as one of the year's best pure action titles. [Dec 2007, p.81]

ZTGameDomain

If you crave old-school action that is just as relentless today as it was back in the 80s then Konami has answered your call.

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DailyGame

Contra 4 is made for the fan in mind. It is obvious that the developers have a lot of love for the Contra series so if you're a fan then there's nothing to pick at.

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Game Revolution

Base runs and bosses aside, Contra 4 is the most punishing game on the DS, but also one of the most satisfying. There is no room for error, nor are there any cheap shots. If you die, you screwed up. If you survive, you are officially hard to the titanium core.

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Gamer 2.0

Be that as it may, it's great to see Contra go back to its roots for this very impressive entry into long-running series. If you enjoy challenging titles that require every bit of skill you can muster, Contra 4 is just the perfect purchase.

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Games Master UK

Doesn't advance the classic Contra formula one jot, but better than 1994's "Hard Corps." [Feb 2008, p.68]

games(TM)

WayForward Technologies has successfully managed to create that old-school arcade experience in the palm of your hand. And if that doesn’t impress you, you may as well stick to "Brain Training." [Jan 2008, p.117]

GameSpot

It's mean, it's intense, it's difficult, and it's a raucous good time. In a nutshell, it's Contra.

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IGN

Contra 4 is great Contra Fan Service. The core game design is a fresh fight that stays true to the 8 and 16-bit editions. At the same time, you can unlock two of the games that the fans hold near and dear, and via an in-game museum you can view the series' timeline through boxart and screen grabs.

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GameDaily

Invest immediately – unless you're a wuss.

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Modojo

Contra 4 is a wonderful throwback to the Contra days of old, a jam-packed blastathon guaranteed to get your blood pumping. Grab your gun and let's hit it, before you get stomped, tattooed, hanged and killed.

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Gamer.nl

Contra 4 is a respectable comeback of the series to its original form. The game brings good memories and is something every gamer should have played once. It might be difficult in the beginning, but once you get the hang of it you will be rewarded. Not everyone will like the game, but those who do will enjoy one of the best times in their life.

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Destructoid

Any fan of the series will be more than happy with their experience and I can easily say that as a fan myself, I'm quite pleased. The developers have done a wonderful job in providing a title that lives up to the Contra name.

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NGamer UK

We haven't played a game this demanding in some time... a refreshing kick in the teeth. [Feb 2008, p.67]

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Developer WayForward has delivered what Konami of Japan was largely too afraid to give us: a straight-up, balls-to-the-wall, classic-feeling Contra. [Holiday 2007, p.86]

1UP

While Contra 4 doesn't necessarily improve on the respected series template, it's unquestionably a return to form, likely to sate rabid fans while simultaneously terrorizing unprepared newbies.

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GamerNode

While the graphics leave a bit to be desired, the heightened difficulty and insane boss battles make up for it. Just like any other Contra game, it'll take you a while to get through it the first time, but once you figure out the formula you'll be just fine.

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GameCritics

When the game is at its old-school finest, Contra 4 is the anti-new game that we old schoolers eat for breakfast. (Really, pansy gamers need not apply; this game will beat you to next Tuesday.) At its worst, Contra 4 is everything that gaming has tried to move away from for the last twenty years. But every now and again, it’s nice to be reminded that games can be pure adrenaline-filled manfests.

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Deeko

With all these amazing things in store what could possibly go wrong for C4? The absolutely astonishing, ridiculous rectum tearing difficulty that this game holds, that's what (and I played on easy).

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Eurogamer

While Contra 4 is, at its core, a great 2D shooter that's refreshingly difficult, there are too many places where it stays true to its past in the face of innovations that could only make it a better, more accessible game.

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Edge Magazine

Is there any need, on vertically scrolling levels, for your character to die when they touch the bottom of the screen, despite the fact you know there are platforms there? Do bosses have to seem impossible, and then prove tedious when their patterns have been learned? [Jan 2008, p.89]

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 9.1 (out of 10) based on 25 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

[Anonymous] gave it a9:
This is probably my favorite DS exclusive game other than The World Ends With You. The concept is simple - run right and kill everything - but it's so challenging! The game seems to deliberatly try to be cheap at points, but it feels like it's part of the game. Challenge mode and tons of extras including bonous characters and the original Contra and Super C add a lot of replay. The graphics are pretty and colorful, and the music rules (although the soundeffects suck). Try out this game first because I doubt everyone is into this kind of awesome game.

[Anonymous] gave it a5:
Frustrating difficulty and sub-par graphics are hugely detrimental to this game. The gameplay is solid, but the hordes of enemies, bosses, and perfectly timed jumps make this a tedious experience on the higher difficulties. I understand that the creators were trying to maintain the nostalgic graphics of the original game, but that does not excuse them for being pixelated and generally bland. The unlockables are a plus; the two full games definitely adds to the replay value... if you can achieve them. This is a hardcore game for the 80s generation of gamers, and it shows. Only recommended for those who thrive with frustration.

Matt S. gave it a10:
Contra 4 on the DS is definitely one of the best games available, and even more so in the realm of old-school challenges. Wayforward have crafted the best Contra available, and it's ready and waiting in your pocket!

John L. gave it a10:
Drips testosterone from beginning till Game Over screen - of which I've seen hundreds so far, but it does not frustrate me in the slightest. Yes, it is true that Contra 4 forces you to learn the ropes in the hardest way imaginable in these days of pampering developers who tell us to ''go there and do this", throwing health packs and check points at every corner of their prolonged, 'epic' games. In that sense, Contra 4 might seem unfair and 'archaic', but it is in fact part of its strength. From the moment you're dropped into Hell on Earth, going from one adrenaline-pumping set piece to the other, not a single second is wasted explaining or padding out anything. This, ladies, is a game for aggressive men like me: no filler, simply pure, distilled action, as it should be.

Tyler W. gave it a9:
Long-time Contra fans, let me assure you: This game is hard. Go get it!

[Anonymous] gave it a9:
It has a fun challenge mode, main game , and bonus features. The only things that makes it a 9 is the gap between the screens, and the difficulty (no game genie). Over-all a fun game worth buying.

Pekka gave it a9:
Even though I've already completed all 40 challenges from Challenge Mode (therefore unlocking everything that there is to the game) and finished the main game on Easy, Normal and Hard. I still enjoy playing this game. It's just so enjoyable. One of the best games I've played for a loooooong time. Highly recommended for 2D shooter fans, and especially for Contra fans.

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