Contra IV on Nintendo DS: OUT NOW!

[agbulls]

I can't even believe this is for real. This is now officially my #1 most anticipated game of the YEAR. And guess what, they've added a grappling hook!

2D sprites + Grappling Hook + Spread Shot = Pure Joy

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/78160.html

Edit: Added Official Artwork/Poster from Nintendo Power (7/2):

http://www.destructoid.com/new-np-contra-4-poster-will-melt-your-face-off-34197.phtml#comments

[LAGO]

I stopped watching the video after a minute. I knew all I needed to know at that point. I want it.

[scooby105]

Yeah, this one looks pretty awesome. I hope companies keep releasing new versions of old school games on the DS. It's given me a reason to own a new video game system for once.

[Richter Belmount]

1up makes me mad arrrrgghhhhhhhh

[agbulls]

1up makes me mad arrrrgghhhhhhhh

uh..why?

[Richter Belmount]

Everything , especially seeing the reviewers bad hygiene on their show , they dont even shave to appear on video. They remind me to much of hippies.

[joedick]

I know, and what's up with them not wearing a shirt and tie? I mean, these are video games, not some sort of carnival ring toss they're talking about.

[jajaja]

I'm really looking forward to this game, but i'm alittle sceptical to the usage of both screens at once. Since its 2 screens, its not so easy to have a focus on both screens at the same time, like you have to switch your focus from the top to the bottom or vice versa all the time. But we'll see how well it turns out when the game gets released :)

[WiseSalesman]

That video was hot. Did you catch them talking about the co-op mode where one player will be on each screen? That sounds amazing, and my DS can always use some more multi-player love.

[carlcarlson]

I'm with jajaja, I'm not sure I'll like the dual screen setup. I'm new to the DS so I haven't had a whole lot of experience with it, but even watching cinematics split over two screens bugs me. I'll still definitely be checking this out, but right now I'm a little skeptical.

[Kitsune Sniper]

Is there a video without those three guys talking? Because they ruined the video for me. So what if it looks like a GBA game? Jesus Christ.

I don't like the idea of there being a 'void' between the two screens. I mean, it's pretty obvious that there's quite a distance between both screens, so the trajectory of things that go from one screen to the other seems a bit off.

Oh, and the double screen / enlarged window height has been done before. Go play the original arcade Contra and Super Contra. ;p

I'll buy it, that's for sure. That is, if I buy a DS. :p

[Xexyz]

Good to see positive attitudes towards this game. Go to Gamefaq's boards and all you see is "waah, WayForward is developing this, they suck" BS. Some of the comments are just plain absurd, and I've seen a couple Japanophiles instantly shun it despite the gameplay footage, all because a Weastern developer has its hands on it...

[Kitsune Sniper]

Good to see positive attitudes towards this game. Go to Gamefaq's boards and all you see is "waah, WayForward is developing this, they suck" BS. Some of the comments are just plain absurd, and I've seen a couple Japanophiles instantly shun it despite the gameplay footage, all because a Weastern developer has its hands on it...

That's the same attitude I got at Kotaku a while ago. "WayForward sucks!" I said they've made some bad games, but they've made some good games, too. They're not perfect but at least they LEARN from their mistakes.

Unlike Vicarious Visions. Ahem.

[Richter Belmount]

Finally someone knows how i feel >:<

[chicnstu]

I'm really looking forward to this game, but i'm alittle sceptical to the usage of both screens at once. Since its 2 screens, its not so easy to have a focus on both screens at the same time, like you have to switch your focus from the top to the bottom or vice versa all the time. But we'll see how well it turns out when the game gets released

This will probably be something reviewers complain about. Try out Yoshi's Island DS, the two screens work out very well for that.

Plus, games like Contra have always been about looking ahead, having to look all around doing more than one thing at a time (----shooting + dodging bullets + Oh look there's another dude!----all at the same time)......if you are trying to do very well.


I know, and what's up with them not wearing a shirt and tie? I mean, these are video games, not some sort of carnival ring toss they're talking about.

LOL

[Promophile]

Is there a video without those three guys talking? Because they ruined the video for me. So what if it looks like a GBA game? Jesus Christ.

I don't like the idea of there being a 'void' between the two screens. I mean, it's pretty obvious that there's quite a distance between both screens, so the trajectory of things that go from one screen to the other seems a bit off.

Oh, and the double screen / enlarged window height has been done before. Go play the original arcade Contra and Super Contra. ;p

I'll buy it, that's for sure. That is, if I buy a DS. :p

Yeah there are a few games that use the two screens like this. Sometimes it works ok, sometimes it doesn't. I'm not a huge fan of it, I prefer the top screen to be the inventory, map, ect.

[jajaja]

This will probably be something reviewers complain about. Try out Yoshi's Island DS, the two screens work out very well for that.

Plus, games like Contra have always been about looking ahead, having to look all around doing more than one thing at a time (----shooting + dodging bullets + Oh look there's another dude!----all at the same time)......if you are trying to do very well.

I have only tried Yoshi's Island DS for alittle bit and it worked ok, but there wasnt exactly any places where you needed to watch the top screen to avoid any enemies, atleast not what i can remember. As Kitsune Sniper pointed out, there is a rather big void between the 2 screens, so it might be alittle hard to focus on both screens if both screen got enemies at the same time frequently. I guess you can get used to it. But as said, we'll see how well it turns out :)

[chicnstu]

I have only tried Yoshi's Island DS for alittle bit and it worked ok, but there wasnt exactly any places where you needed to watch the top screen to avoid any enemies, atleast not what i can remember. As Kitsune Sniper pointed out, there is a rather big void between the 2 screens, so it might be alittle hard to focus on both screens if both screen got enemies at the same time frequently. I guess you can get used to it. But as said, we'll see how well it turns out :)

I hope it does turn out well, I don't usually play games like this but this one looks cool.

I can't think of many places in Yoshi's Island where you had to watch for enemies on the top screen but I do remember doing it some, I think 3-3 and 3-4 has a little bit. Also, there was a level around 2-9 and 3-3 that near the end it was a self moving screen and you had to keep jumping up platforms while watching for new ones and a few enemies, very fun. I just hope Contra IV uses the two screens that well.

[swlovinist]

This is yet another game to add to my want list for the DS. The system is going to be around for quite awhile with games like this coming out on it. Awsome

[Promophile]

This is yet another game to add to my want list for the DS. The system is going to be around for quite awhile with games like this coming out on it. Awsome

Agreed. The DS seems to have an endless string of must-haves. I think it could be my favorite system ever.

[Daniel Thomas]

That's always been the great thing about DS. There's always another must-see game every few weeks, just around the time you've finished the old one. If you were to begin collecting for DS now, you'd really have your hands full.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Yeah there are a few games that use the two screens like this. Sometimes it works ok, sometimes it doesn't. I'm not a huge fan of it, I prefer the top screen to be the inventory, map, ect.

Split screen didn't harm the playability of Metroid Prime Pinball... in fact, it enhanced it quite a bit. I initially had some trouble with games that spanned both screens but, I eventually grew accustomed to the setup. It really becomes a non-issue, though you think it would be a problem at first.

[MrRoboto19XX]

Im sold, I need this.

If Konami keeps pulling stuff like this and the PSP Castlevania (re)release, they may be well on their way to being my favorite gaming company.

[agbulls]

Don't think this game could get any better than it already looks?

WRONG.

Look at the official artwork in the new Nintendo Power:
http://www.destructoid.com/new-np-contra-4-poster-will-melt-your-face-off-34197.phtml#comments

:hail::hail::hail:

I can't believe it. I must have time warped to 1992. I'll be going to be a Borders tomorrow to look for this. Thank you Konami! It's great to know someone out there is listening.

[Richter]

god i hope that's also the official box art, no more of this anime-look

I want that poster framed, any way to get rid of the folds?

[Kitsune Sniper]

Don't think this game could get any better than it already looks?

WRONG.

Look at the official artwork in the new Nintendo Power:
http://www.destructoid.com/new-np-contra-4-poster-will-melt-your-face-off-34197.phtml#comments

:hail::hail::hail:

I can't believe it. I must have time warped to 1992. I'll be going to be a Borders tomorrow to look for this. Thank you Konami! It's great to know someone out there is listening.
Holy crap. They're taking the art BACK to the classic Konami packaging style?!

FUCK, this is going to be a HUGE HIT with us oldschoolers! :D

[djsquarewave]

I can't believe it. I must have time warped to 1992. I'll be going to be a Borders tomorrow to look for this. Thank you Konami! It's great to know someone out there is listening.
This is the most amazing thing I've seen in weeks.

I'm going to buy this mag tomorrow, just for that poster.

[robotriot]

Here's a thread over at Pixelation, where most of the graphics artists working on Contra 4 reside. It's an interesting read :)

http://pixel-arts.org/pixelation/index.php?topic=4324.0

[rbudrick]

All of those who think the 2 screens won't work actually have pent up feelings inside of their inability to effectively tackle a Contra game. You people actually think the two screens will make it too hard. Contra is a man's game. Go cry to your mommies, sissy-men! We real Contra fans steal your lunch money and hang you via wedgie to your lockers.

HA!

-Rob

[Arasoi]

Couldn't find a recent thread about the released game.

It's absolutely awesome, everything it should be really. Great levels, great music(by Virt), fun gameplay and bosses. It just feels like Contra in every way. My only gripe is the lack of 2 player support over the internet.

I've beaten the game on easy, working on normal mode and getting all of the challenges complete. The hidden characters are great too, Sheena from Hardcorp, Lucia from Shattered Soldier, and seperate incarnations of the Contra 3 commandos (who even say "It's time for revenge" and "Let's attack aggressively" just like the Contra 3 intro).

Anybody else pick this up?

[Drag0nsfyre]

I saw this the other day. I did'nt even know it was out yet. sadly I did not buy a copy at that time. I was checking out the back though and wondering how it was or if it was worth picking up. Thanks for the good impressions though. :D I'll have to grab it next time.

[heybtbm]

Couldn't find a recent thread about the released game.

I did. It took 5 seconds...

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=102727

[WizDawg]

I picked it up yesterday at GameStop. Playing on normal right now and I have only gotten to the second level boss so far.

[Arasoi]

I did. It took 5 seconds...

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=102727

Yeah, I saw that. I said a recent thread ... if 4 months old is still considered recent, then my bad.




I picked it up yesterday at GameStop. Playing on normal right now and I have only gotten to the second level boss so far.

Quite a fun remix of the old stage 2 boss, I love it's intro when it impales the Red Falcon soldier.

[swlovinist]

All I have to say is that Contra 4 is absolutely amazing. There is so much fan content thrown in there, Konami has outdone themselves. For awhile, I was wondering if there ever was going to be another good 2D Contra. Konami has delivered in such a great way.
1. It is hard as hell, but the kind of hard that makes you hungry for more.

2. Unlockables of Contra and Super Contra make the package even sweeter.

3. Multiplayer and of course, the Konami code :)

4. Everthing from the new gameplay, split screen, and art, the game feels welcome in the line of Contra games. Gosh dang this game is awsome!

[Lemmy Kilmister]

I don't know if I was just lucky or something, but I bought Contra 4 today at Toys 'R' Us for 19.99. Is that how much it's retailing for? Maybe the employees were just dubbers and priced all the copies wrong.

[swlovinist]

$19.99? It wouldnt suprise me if some game stores are lowering prices on all games this holiday to attract buyers. This holiday season is going to be competitive. Great price, I bought mine for $29.99

[SkiDragon]

I think the game suffers quite a bit due to the interface, unfortunately. The dual screens make it hard to follow all the action at once and successfully avoid all the projectiles. The DS's buttons also seem ill suited for the precision timing required for this game. I am struggling with the game because of this, and it's a shame because I can tell that behind the interface is a really good game. Maybe a DS Lite would work better. This is the sort of game that makes me wish for a "DS player", even if it lacked touch screen support.

[TheRedEye]

I think the game suffers quite a bit due to the interface, unfortunately. The dual screens make it hard to follow all the action at once and successfully avoid all the projectiles. The DS's buttons also seem ill suited for the precision timing required for this game. I am struggling with the game because of this, and it's a shame because I can tell that behind the interface is a really good game. Maybe a DS Lite would work better. This is the sort of game that makes me wish for a "DS player", even if it lacked touch screen support.

It's just not feasible without using two TVs stacked on top of each other. I've experimented with emulators outputted to my TV in s-video, and games like Contra are unplayable because you often can't see the bullets in time to avoid them.

[GrandAmChandler]

Threads Merged. -GAC-

[Captain Wrong]

I think the game suffers quite a bit due to the interface, unfortunately. The dual screens make it hard to follow all the action at once and successfully avoid all the projectiles. The DS's buttons also seem ill suited for the precision timing required for this game. I am struggling with the game because of this, and it's a shame because I can tell that behind the interface is a really good game.

Agreed. I'm not a big fan of the DS buttons anyway. I'd be first in line for a DS XL though.

[Oobgarm]

I think the game suffers quite a bit due to the interface, unfortunately. The dual screens make it hard to follow all the action at once and successfully avoid all the projectiles. The DS's buttons also seem ill suited for the precision timing required for this game. I am struggling with the game because of this, and it's a shame because I can tell that behind the interface is a really good game. Maybe a DS Lite would work better. This is the sort of game that makes me wish for a "DS player", even if it lacked touch screen support.

I'm also really digging the game, but have noticed the setbacks that arise from the DS interface. I'm doing my best to keep those frustrations at bay, and the excellence of the overall package aids me in that.

[heybtbm]

I agree with the posters above. The DS buttons are ill-suited for a game like this. The D-pad is just too damn tiny. Don't even get me started on the dual screen cheapness. The concessions they had to make to get this thing workable on the DS is sad. You simply cannot spread fast paced 2-D Contra action across two screens. It's like playing Contra III on your TV with a big piece of tape right across the middle of the screen. It just doesn't work.

I love the fact that this game exists though. Obviously the developers were true fans of the 2-D Contra's...and it shows. Unfortunately, the hardware ends up taking some of the fun away.

[Sweater Fish Deluxe]

I agree that having two screens to keep track of certainly alters the way you play the game, but I don't think it's any kind of detriment. Remember that the original Contra in the arcades used a vertical screen orientation, so in some ways this is closer to the original. Granted, two separate screens is different than one vertical screen, but so is one horizontal screen. Each one requires some adjustments and I don't find that two screens are unmanageable at all. Yeah, I've been hit on the lower screen when my attention is on the upper screen a few times, but that sort of thing happens in any action game when a lot of stuff is going on onscreen.

Ultimately, Contra is a platform shooter in the same vein as Gradius as a shoot'em up. The gameplay is all about memorizing enemy locations and patterns, so if you get hit by an unexpected enemy or bullet on the bottom screen while you're looking at the top screen, it just means you need more practice.


...word is bondage...

[Icarus Moonsight]

I guess two screens of awesome is too much for some people. LOL The plus-pad I will agree with though. Both the brick and the lite have their problems. Clicky vs squishy, they both lack the proper responce and slickness that the NES and SNES pads had.

[theoakwoody]

It'd be nice if Nintendo found away to eliminate the space between the two screens in their next update of the DS or next handheld system. Like when you open the system the screens slide and click into place with as little space between the two as possible. I understand that this would cause wear and tear on the system but I think it could be done.

[Ed Oscuro]

It'd be nice if Nintendo found away to eliminate the space between the two screens in their next update of the DS or next handheld system.
That'd be good, but they'd first better come up with better screens. I heard nothing but praise for the DS Lite's screens, and they're absolute crap (compared with a real PC monitor, anyway). Played some CotM and it doesn't do high contrast and motion together; on Contra 4, spread shot + blue sky = bluish spread!

Of course, Contra 4 has some issues which may or may not be related to the screens; on the DSL they don't match up perfectly, and I noticed some weird effects like the bottom rows of pixels jerking along when you're on that moving platform at the end of the waterfall stage (along with other graphical oddities I'll go into if anybody wants to hear about them).

More pressing for me is the horrible design of the Lite. Sure, it looks nice, but try using the R-button in Contra 4 and hammer away on the fire button (i.e. Rematch 4). Very uncomfortable. Nintendo also needs to scrap that infernal patented d-pad they're so proud of - it sucks for gaming, period. I don't like the fact that characters in C4 keep moving all thorugh a jump when you jump and hit a direction, but it's not a huge problem for the game (in fact you can use it to your advantage, as you can shoot up or down in midair without missing your landing). The real issue is that there's a learning curve just for the d-pad - I can use it pretty well now, but it took a while.

I know I haven't talked much about the game, but I like it. It's just doing not enough to compete with the current-gen titles for a perfect score; given what other games offer today I have to say that a score of 8 isn't stingy at all.

It's certainly much better on the whole than many of Konami's other recent 2D action offerings (Super Contra on XBLA looks like crap, and don't get me started on Contra 4 for mobile phones).

I'm sounding really negative, while I shouldn't. The main game is excellent, and a few of the set pieces I'd say are in contention for being considered among the best in gaming. Regardless, there are too many things that aren't excellent here, especially the challenge mode - it was fun for the first 15 or so, but it's gotten repetitive, even with new types of challenges. I'm only up to 28 and the puzzle aspect is completely undone by the "oh, I am NOT doing this &$ challenge" and "NOT THIS LEVEL AGAIN" and also "NOT THE SUB AGAIN"

I could go on about good and bad things, but I'll stop here for now. I'm still thinking about how I can bring all these issues up in a review for the Contra HQ while keeping the positives in focused and balanced.

I'm also wondering if I'll ever finish the challenges (28/40 done) so I can do a guide for them all. They are going to catch it hard for Contra 4 mobile, which I paid maybe $8 for and which is quite simply the worst game I've played in some time. The perverse thing is that they did an alright job matching the level design and even some of the specific movements to those in the game; it's just too slow, ugly, and the controls are a complete mess in general (infinite hover time by mashing the grappling hook button, for instance). Quite a departure from the previous Contra arcade game remake for phones which I played for a long time and eventually got to enjoy quite a bit.

[calthaer]

You know, I haven't been playing much in the way of video games lately. At all. Real life has just been taking its toll.

But I was in Best Buy last week and I saw this, and I remembered the things that I had read about it. And I said to myself: I have to get it.

Boy, am I glad I did. Sure, I could quibble about this or that, but the bottom line is that this is one of the best reimaginations of a classic game that I've seen. Those base-type levels are awesome, and the way they changed that classic Contra III boss to make it fit in that different perspective was great. The super-wall boss of the first level...it's like they took the original and put it on steroids.

Yeah, it's hard. Yeah, I play it sometimes and I'm kind of like "why am I going back to memorizing enemy locations and all this other crap on static game level designs?" But the bottom line that it is a new Contra, and it reinvigorates the Contra game experience for me in a way that all the recent sequels and remakes don't, really.

I like it, and I'd love to see more things like this with other classic games.