Contra 4

 DS
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Nov 13, 2007
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 57 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 57
  3. Negative: 6 out of 57
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  1. AnonymousMC
    Sep 15, 2008
    5
    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 generallyFrustrating 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.… Expand
  2. CorazonAzul
    Jun 2, 2014
    7
    Too trial and telegraph even for Contra, but one playthrough unlocks the more accessible mission mode- a collection of short runs and challenges- and playable roms for both original NES titles. A hard to beat package, despite the main content's simon-says approach to difficulty.
  3. Ramiro1992
    Apr 27, 2016
    7
    The frustrating and extreme difficulty is one of the main reasons i don't give this game a higher score. I understand that challenge should be part of videogames and it ads replay value, but when developers take difficulty and raise it to the extreme and insane level, there's not much to enjoy. Dying each minute is not funny at all, even if you are a skilled player and even if you finishedThe frustrating and extreme difficulty is one of the main reasons i don't give this game a higher score. I understand that challenge should be part of videogames and it ads replay value, but when developers take difficulty and raise it to the extreme and insane level, there's not much to enjoy. Dying each minute is not funny at all, even if you are a skilled player and even if you finished most of the main contra games (like myself), even if you are a hardcore gamer you will suffer and you will find this game almost impossible. It would have been better if they let you choose more continues or at least a saving system. The easy mode is too easy and the normal mode is too hard.
    Other than extreme challenge, Contra 4 is great, the graphics and the music are very enjoyable and the gameplay is good and fluid, just like a true 2D sidescroller should be. The content of the game is very good and the whole 9 stages are long and insanely hard, and the replay value is awesome. The screen is not very precise, both screens are not well designed together and it ads confusion to the gameplay, and you can notice more of that in the vertical scrolling levels. The music and sound were very improved and the guitar sound at the end of stages gives you a good feeling of accomplishment. At the end of the day Contra 4 is one of the hardest games i have ever played in my life, but a very good one.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best DS Game of 2007
12
#12 Most Discussed DS Game of 2007
2
#2 Most Shared DS Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Nintendo Power
    85
    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]
  2. IGN
    80
    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.
    Read full review
  3. 1UP
    75
    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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