Contra 4 for DS

[AdverseSolutions]

all props to Chairhome.

http://www.gaming-age.com/news/2007/6/20-35

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 .

[Kyoujin]

Awesome, I hope it plays alot like Alien Wars.

[Raziel321]

theres a DS thread

[bill_rizer]

*faints*

[AdverseSolutions]

theres a DS thread

i know. this is bigger than the DS thread.

[ChairHome]

Thanks, Adverse. I considered making it a thread, too. But you're right, I think a brand new contra game (2D) is pretty big news. The developer seems pretty good at the 2D stuff too (Shantae, Sigma Star Story.... Barbie games.).

[Digitalbooty]

Fuck Yeah!!!!1

[4Play]

The perfect system for a Contra game too.

[Arsenal]

The perfect system for a Contra game too.

imo, the DS is the perfect system for any 2D side-scrolling type game, portable or not. The dual screen functionality alone puts it a cut above the standard single screen display. Throw in the touch screen and you've got yourself a winner.

[Master Chibi]

*faints*

:rofl:

Looking foward to it!

[10x]

As long as they keep the touching shit out of it. I wouldn't mind using the two screens (a la Yoshi's Island on DS) in some parts...but if the developers add in useless touch stuff to the gameplay, I will kick Konami in the taint.

[catchafire]

I'm really excited about the two player aspect. When the PlayStation came out, developers for some reason decided to neglect two player sidescroll games. Games like contra, mario 1-3, sunset riders, etc. all got the boot. I'm hoping this will revive the genre.

I forgot Mario 2 is an anomoly. Super Mario World is the last co-op two player mario game. Hard to believe right?

[ben]

I wish they were making it in-house, but sigma star saga won all kinds of awards so...

wait... grappling hook?

BIONIC COMMANDO + CONTRA????

[PimpC]

........fucking sweet.

[Taito]

Y'know, I've been wanting to play Sonic Rush for a while now.. so I guess I'll cave in and buy a DS since they're not that expensive..

EDIT: I can almost excuse the outsourced developers for an officially numbered Contra.. but if you have to 'touch' anything, this game and its '4' can fuck off.

[R | C]

Sofa

King

Awesome

!

[catchafire]

I guess most of the people who post in this thread/enjoy Contra are old school gamers... Most new school gamers don't even know the contra code.

[eddymasta]

Contra!!! :)

[Sano]

*faints*

Thread winner, already? :rofl:

Will be nice to play some 2D Contra again. :smokin:

[Taito]

Yeah, after 20 years in the game, Contra is pretty much retro material.

I don't envy newschool gamers at all though, this generation sucks (the most popular game system by far can't be played on a TV set.. there's something jacked up about that).

[FurryCurry]

I wish they were making it in-house, but sigma star saga won all kinds of awards so...

wait... grappling hook?

BIONIC COMMANDO + CONTRA????

First, Sigma Star Saga won awards from... E3! The game had medicore reviews. But Shantae was a sleeper hit for the GBC.

Second, FUCKING YES TO GRAPPLING HOOK! If it works as smoothly as it did on Bionic Commando for the GBC then omg we are in for some kick ass gameplay. And we'll still be able to jump!

Third, I kinda hoped we would get a Contra on the PSP (2.5D like all the other new games/remakes of 2D classics on the system) but I need more action games on my DS so I'm fine. PSP can get a new Klonoa instead.

Still, this is TERRIFIC news because I was just talking to M121 last week about the lack of a portable Contra.

[BananaWeed]

Damn, that's hot. I might have to get myself a DS. :(

Contra sidescroller + Original-style enemy base levels... = Super Paper Contra 4? :D

[Lilman]

I keep hating my PSP more and more. :cry:

[Weecho]

Hell yeah. Always loved the Contra series so I'll play this as soon as it comes out.

*snatches sister's DS*

[SFFanatic]

*faints*

username says it all with this one :rofl:

Contra + Bionic Commado = Super Turrican

Sounds good to me :tup:

[Alzarath]

Good stuff. Now, if only a sequel to Gunstar Heroes would come about...

[PsychoSquall]

^ ^ v v < > < > B A start

...not that I needed to use it.

[Episode_667]

Good stuff. Now, if only a sequel to Gunstar Heroes would come about...

Umm...there was a Gunstar Heroes sequel. It came out for GBA: http://www.1up.com/do/gameOverview?cId=3139811

[orochizoolander]

^^^Yeah it was a fun game n all but it totally failed as a true sequel since they made it more complicated changing it up too much and it just wasn't nearly as good as the original i remember gunstar heroes my boy got it for my 6th bday and now yall know why he's my best friend.

Oh yeah n bout contra4 for DS HELLZ YEAH SON!!!!!!!1111111 This is great fuckin news someone rep adverse i can't wait and the touch screen grappling hook sounds like a neat gimmick i'm mad hype for this now i feel like beating shattered soldier and neo contra all over again.

edit: For the record FUCK alien wars yall know hard corps was by far the best contra game to date!

[SFFanatic]

^Wait, what?

[Taito]

Contra 3 did fuck up with the 'obligatory Mode 7' overhead stages.. I wish Alien Wars was more like Hard Corps because I really preferred the more serious post-apocalypic setting and music. As much as I dislike Hard Corps' corny and campy setting, it's the better game over Alien Wars imo.

EDIT: Do you or do you not have to use the stylus in Contra 4?

[Alzarath]

Umm...there was a Gunstar Heroes sequel. It came out for GBA: http://www.1up.com/do/gameOverview?cId=3139811

Oh? I thought that was just a port/remake.

[catchafire]

Contra 3 did fuck up with the 'obligatory Mode 7' overhead stages.. I wish Alien Wars was more like Hard Corps because I really preferred the more serious post-apocalypic setting and music. As much as I dislike Hard Corps' corny and campy setting, it's the better game over Alien Wars imo.

EDIT: Do you or do you not have to use the stylus in Contra 4?

I liked the overhead stages. Game is tuff. I've never played the Sega Genesis version.

[Taito]

Hard Corps had different characters to select.. and alternate paths leading to alternate endings.. and more memorable bosses.. and it's hard as hell.

[SFFanatic]

Metal Slug >>>> Contra

Although I still want this game.

[bill_rizer]

Metal Slug >>>> Contra

Although I still want this game.

Despite my user name and believe me Im choking like Im in a Sith chokehold when I type this but......

Gunstar Heroes >>>>>Contra/MetalSlug

Also Taito named all the reasons why Hard Corps is the better game than Alien Wars.

Also it has the most rememable cast outside of the heroes meaning the villians, who can forget Dead Eye Joe the crazy ass cyborg mercenary paid to take you out, but on one route he actually helps you out.

[PsychoSquall]

Who can ignore the hotness that is Shattered Soldier for PS2? That game was a true treat for the hardcore Contra fans.

[orochizoolander]

^Wait, what?

What didn't you understand in my post?

Metal Slug >>>> Contra

Although I still want this game.

are u kidding me? as much as i love the metal slug franchise the contra franchise owns the shit outta MS on every conceivable level, hell i'd take gradius over metal slug.

Despite my user name and believe me Im choking like Im in a Sith chokehold when I type this but......

Gunstar Heroes >>>>>Contra/MetalSlug

Also Taito named all the reasons why Hard Corps is the better game than Alien Wars.

Also it has the most rememable cast outside of the heroes meaning the villians, who can forget Dead Eye Joe the crazy ass cyborg mercenary paid to take you out, but on one route he actually helps you out.


I dunno bout this i loved gunstar heroes and hard corps equally both such godtier games with replay value out the ass i can't choose but i'ma go with hard corps cuz ATM contra nostalgia has gotten the better of me.


Brownie was the man and who could forget the wolf with a gun arm, does anyone remember right before u fight malcolm the hacker u could climb the thing and this guy offers u a choice to fight in his arena n if u decline he calls u a "spineless jellyfish":rofl: and if u choose to fight then u fight a giant skeleton with a shopping cart n get transported to the jurassic period and marry a monkey n then the game ends:rofl:

The only difference between normal n easy mode is that u get 99 continues in easy and 3 in normal:wow: such a ridiculously hard game even if u memorized where everyone was spawning from n their attack patterns.


FYI shattered soldier might have gotten all the hype but neo contra has been overshadowed and underrated i wasn't digging the 3d movement so much and it definitely wasn't as good as shattered soldier but it is a great game nonetheless deserving of the contra name n IMO the easiest of all contras i got 100% on everything within the 2nd day i got it lol.

[SFFanatic]

are u kidding me? as much as i love the metal slug franchise the contra franchise owns the shit outta MS on every conceivable level, hell i'd take gradius over metal slug.

No, Just...no

[orochizoolander]

The contra franchise has a reputation for being ridiculously difficult to the point of being well beyond the normal realms of what SRK considers "OG difficulty" n thats saying alot. Much better backgrounds and the post apocalyptic theme fits the shoot'em up genre better then the whimiscal take metal slug has not to mention contra games have an actual storyline as little water as they hold that's more that can be said for any metal slug game and to put it simply contra games are just more fun and enjoyable to play then metal slug IMO.

edit: The only pro the ms franchise has over contra is that ms games have more enemies onscreen at once then any contra game however contra games have that higher level of intensity by providing constant enemy spawns that get hectic as hell which is what counts most and also ask yourself this which would u rather play on the DS a new ms game or cotnra4? and do u honestly believe a "current gen" ms game would work on ps2 as well as shattered soldier did? i for one don't think so but thats just me.


edit2: for the record i still enjoy hard corps more then metal slug anthology as a whole.

[SFFanatic]

I thought Contra was always TOO much memorazation. First few trips through Contra was just "LOL you died by an attack you couldn't possibly see coming lol owned". Metal Slug seems to have the perfect mix of twicth reflexes and memorazation.

Plus, Hard Corps/Shattered Soilder were just boss fight after boss fight. I wanted that, I'd play Alien Soilder.

Edit: No question, I'll take Metal Slug 4 over a good 50% of the contra games out there. Metal Slug for DS? I'm all for that.

[orochizoolander]

I agree that contra has more then it's fair share of memorization however i just found the contra franchise as a whole hella more fun and intense then the ms franchise also hardcorps is just flat out a better game then any ms game ever IMO so i guess it's all a matter of taste i just always liked contras more "serious" take on the shoot'em up as opposed to the laughably bad-humor atmosphere of any ms game.


edit: alien soldier was a classic sidescroller but wasn't nearly as difficult as any contra game if i remember correctly u just pick buster force n plow through the levels and hard corps wasn't all bossfights by a longshot i'm sure anyone whos played it can attest to that and the whole choices and different paths option was icing on the cake i don't think anyone could honestly like any ms game more then hardcorps IMO i cried like a little asian schoolgirl when i found out deadeye joe was a decoy.

[SFFanatic]

I HAVE Hardcorps on my Sega Genesis, and its 3-4 bosses a level, no matter what path you take ('sides a few stages with the OVERLY COMPLEX BOSSES OF DOOM).

Its the shmups version of Battletoads.

[FurryCurry]

I keep hating my PSP more and more. :cry:

What why? it has more remakes/sequels of the classics than the DS does.

[tharimrattler]

Great news.

[bill_rizer]

^ ^ v v < > < > B A start


:rofl:

I just noticed that post Im siging that.

Oh? I thought that was just a port/remake.

Its not a true sequel its basically Gunstar Heroes 1.5, It seems they were too affaird to change stuff, alot of the things and levels are from the original, anything they did add was pretty much shit, most notably that helicopter level that was just pure crap Im sorry.

I actually enjoyed AstroBoy way more than GSH.

Who can ignore the hotness that is Shattered Soldier for PS2? That game was a true treat for the hardcore Contra fans.

Indeed the franchise was dead after those poor psone games, If you remember back then people were on this 3D buzz where every game had to be 3D for some reason for it to be good, Contra and many other classic franchises died right there, really I thought it was over for Contra then.

Shattered Soldier was basically a fanboy dream come true, I was sure it was going to be shit but when I heard the old team was back on it I knew perhaps it might be great and it was, a very strong comeback. :tup:

(You see Capcom its not too late, SF4 ftw!!)

Neo Contra was good but that game is probably the most easiest in the series, after a week I could finish the game without dying once, yea S-rank baby.

I do prefer side view more than the overhead 2.5 view, I dunno just seems more retro like.



Plus, Hard Corps/Shattered Soilder were just boss fight after boss fight. I wanted that, I'd play Alien Soilder.


While I Agree Hard Corps was more of a boss fest than AlienWars it is most certainly not Alien Soilder, that game should have been called BOSS really, the only reason you have enemies inbetween is because you need to power up.

i cried like a little asian schoolgirl when i found out deadeye joe was a decoy.

:rofl:

Me too, I was like "Fuck noooo!!, they tricked me I knew I should of gone to the lab fuck"

have any of you got the Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits for the DS? I have it, if you dont I recommend you pick it up, I mostly got it because it has the original Contra game and Gradius n RainbowBell.

It has some other games as well check in out here (http://www.konami.com/Konami/ctl3810/cp20104/si2248654/cl1/konami_classics_series_arcade_hits)

[ChairHome]

Some contra news from Nintendo Power, taken from NeoGAF:

CONTRA 4(interview with Tomm Hulett,Simon Lai and Matt Bozon(ign Bozon's brother)
-Tunnel stages make dramatic return,Full 3d but sprite based
-Vehicles,plus hijacking a miniboss
-Created everything from scratch
-Nakazato,the director of Contra3 approved of their visual style
-Game will feel very familiar
-Remixed soundtrack(Tomm says "If I catch our songs on OC Remix,i'll be satisfied".
-Difficulty modes will be easy,normal,and hard.Normal mode will be harder than original contra.(So hard mode will be HARD)
-4 PLAYER DUAL_SCREEN ACTION


Haha, why did i use spoiler instead of quote?

[YellowS4]

omg, 4 player. GG!

[fjf314]

As long as they keep the touching shit out of it. I wouldn't mind using the two screens (a la Yoshi's Island on DS) in some parts...but if the developers add in useless touch stuff to the gameplay, I will kick Konami in the taint.

I have to agree with you here. I hate it when developers seem to think that just because they're making a game for the DS, they're obligated to put in touch-screen functionality, even when it doesn't add anything to the game (IE the seals in Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow). As long as they stick to what works with this game, though, it should be great.

[ChairHome]

PICTURES (http://www.1up.com/do/media?cId=3160432)!!!!!!

Looks nice.

[yimaxi]

Look like a SNES game...
But I still want to play it.

[ChairHome]

I want to play it because it looks like an SNES game.

The preview (http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=0&cId=3160665) that accompanied the pictures has loads of information. Its 2-player co-op only. They purposely wanted the controls to resemble SNES controls, except Y is for the grappling hook and L is for weapon change. You can also combine weapons (of similar types only) for more powerful weapons. This game is shaping up to be a dream come true.


And what of DS gimmicks? Do you have to blow on the microphone to knock over enemies? Draw pathways with the stylus? Close the lid to knock the dust off your weapon? Happily, no. "We tossed around the idea of drawing bullets," jokes Hulett. "Actually, no, and that's why the game works so well. We had a clear idea of what we wanted when we started, and not having to mess around with experimental gameplay elements has allowed us to focus on making it work right."

[eddymasta]

This game is going to rock our asses off imo. I can't freakin wait

[Taito]

And what of DS gimmicks? Do you have to blow on the microphone to knock over enemies? Draw pathways with the stylus? Close the lid to knock the dust off your weapon? Happily, no. "We tossed around the idea of drawing bullets," jokes Hulett. "Actually, no, and that's why the game works so well. We had a clear idea of what we wanted when we started, and not having to mess around with experimental gameplay elements has allowed us to focus on making it work right."
No BS gimmicks?? SOLD. What color DS should I get?

I'm not a fan of the vertical widescreen in a mostly horizontal 2D game, but that's a very minor complaint.

[bill_rizer]

God dam I just bust a nut.

10/15/2007,I set all my alarms from now for this date, It cant come soon enough.

Going to give that preview a read, sounds like they will have teaser Tomorrow, dam this is too good.

[Holy Knight]

Very nice screens. The screenshot with the water bike reminds me of that stage in hardcorps with the 3 part robot boss. That whole level was epic.

[ParryAll]

http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3160665

OMFG!!!!!!!!!!

[sodasic]

*runs off to get a ds*

[bill_rizer]

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

Video!!!!

Contra is back, oh yes.

Ha their right its like a contra game we missed out on back in the 90s.

The Graphics dont bother me one bit, this is how Contra is, since im an oldschool gamer like most of you SNES graphics dont bother me.

[FurryCurry]

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

Video!!!!

Contra is back, oh yes.

Ha their right its like a contra game we missed out on back in the 90s.

The Graphics dont bother me one bit, this is how Contra is, since im an oldschool gamer like most of you SNES graphics dont bother me.

They mentioned posting scores online. Could that mean Wi-Fi CO-OP?! PLEASE KONAMI FUND THAT SHIT.

Although, why the hate on Shattered Soldier and Hard Corps? I know they were HARD as HELL but they still kicked mad ass with all those bosses.

Actually, what we need is a new Alien Soldier game. Like bad.

Yeah this and Geo Wars Galaxies is going to revive my DS this year.

[ChairHome]

Whooooooooo. I think it looked great. Shane is dumb, that is clearly above GBA level.

[bill_rizer]

Although, why the hate on Shattered Soldier and Hard Corps? I know they were HARD as HELL but they still kicked mad ass.


Ah its because they and some other Contra fans consider Shattered Soldier and Hard Corps too much of a boss fest and dont have the hardcore platform levels like Contra3.

When you consider the series was dead and buried untill Shattered Soldier came along its not fair to write it off so bad, it brought the series back to life and is a very good game.

Still it looks like Contra4 is going to blow us away, Im glad they said screw you to the casual fans, with all their touch screen gimmick nosense, this game is oldschool hardcore, Im going to enjoy beating it.

[DanSC]

i must get this one

[R | C]

I just watched the video.

I'm totally ready to throw money at this game.

The dual screen above / below water concept looks fun.

I'm so glad they're sticking to the no-gimmicks, no-experimental-stuff, same old-school approach.

[ChairHome]

New video with just the the first level (http://www.gamevideos.com/video/id/12648)

[Diek Stiekem]

Old skool action is back! Who cares if it looks like a pumped it 16-bit game that what makes it a true classic!
Pass me the spread gun!

[PsychoSquall]

Here's a rap song done to Contra music:
http://shoryuken.voiea.net/uploads/music/VG%20RAP/
the one that has 'Contra' in the title.

[ChairHome]

Even more videos
http://gamevideos.com/video/id/12690
http://gamevideos.com/video/id/12692 <-- the guy playing this one sucks.
http://gamevideos.com/video/id/12650
http://gamevideos.com/video/id/12646

[eddymasta]

heres to hoping this game has wifi capabilities as well. This ish needs to come out now! :P

[catchafire]

I think it's great that their doing this retro style, but am I the only one who believes that its too much like the first Contra? Its been a while since i've played the contra series, but I remember Super Contra looking 10 times better than this.

What's wrong w/ keeping it 2d but looking fresh? This looks JUST like the first one.

[ChairHome]

It actually looks like parts of all three of the previous ones. They have the slopes from Super C, riding stages and "hanging" from the third one, and they've taken a lot from the first. There's also the base stages that we haven't seen yet, and vertical stages (look at the lab/maze one in the screens) that seem pretty different from any of the previous games.

[bill_rizer]

It looks like the 1st one and snes one because this game should of come out in the 90s, this is basically a "what if" come true.

Im betting it will probably look better on your actual DS screen.

I can see that the double screen will make timing of the shots more harder.

The game looks pretty much done, I dunno why its not comming out for ages.

Watching those vids makes me feel like playing some hardcorps.

[PsychoSquall]

http://shoryuken.voiea.net/uploads/Random%20Pics/contra4.jpg

Arnold and Stallone are now joined with Diesel and Snipes.