User Review : Contra 4

Has Konami rekindled that old Contra magic?

I can remember the old days when the arcade industry was booming. And fastpaced arcade syle games were the maintstream. Sadly these types of games are all but dying out. Konami has decided to resurrect one of their old franchises with Contra 4 on DS. Finally after over a decade there is a "true" sequel to Contra 3: The Alien Wars.

The visuals in Contra 4 really do bring back the old 2D magic of the series. Lush multiscrolling backrounds. Everything about it is classic Contra, both paying tribute to and building upon the brilliant style exemplified in previous games. The graphics are exactly what a 32-bit Contra sequel should be: vibrant, colorful, intricate, and beautifully animated.

Contra 4 has an insane difficulty level. No doubt, this is also a tribute to the old school arcade games long forgotten. Gameplay sessions can lead to utter frustration. I actually applauded the challenge.

Some new additions to the game are the ability to switch between weapons. And also the ability to use a grappling hook and a dodge maneuver. The layout of the levels is Contra all the way. The same could be said for the huge boss encounters.

A neat feature to Contra 4 is how the game is played on both DS screens. It really adds a new depth to the gameplay of the vertically scrolling levels. As well as giving a greater depth to the horizontal stages. Many DS games just use the second screen as an inventory slot or items menu.

My appreciation for Contra 4 is not nostalgia. Contra 4 is a great run and gun game and is a classic example of a sequel done right. I applaud the games producers for sticking to Contra's roots. Contra 4 is in my opinion the best Contra ever.

Fingers crossed for an updated sequel on a home console.