Contra: Shattered Soldier

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Oct 22, 2002
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
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  1. GameZone
    74
    I'm sure that I'll have the urge to beat it again in a year, and then again in five years. But aside from playing the co-op multiplayer mode, it'd be tough to get me to come back any more frequently than that.
  2. Cheat Code Central
    70
    I felt there was entirely too many bosses to fight and not nearly enough run and gun action. Each short action stage is merely setting you up for another boss battle.
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  3. PSX Nation
    70
    What it lacks in flash, longevity and accuracy to the “Contra” universe (no weapon pick-ups??!!) Shattered Soldier compensates for with old-fashioned, thumb-blistering, bang-your-head-against-the-wall hard shooting antics of the 2D and 2.5D variety.
  5. Yahoo!
    70
    You also never get into that old-fashioned running and jumping zone that so characterised the initial games in the series, because you're usually timing laser blasts and calculating jumps.
  6. Electric Playground
    65
    Prime rental territory; it's one of those games that will be adored by some and abhorred by others, with hardly any middle ground.
  7. GameCritics
    65
    I’d like to see Contra taken to the next level while retaining its identity... Give me something besides a carbon copy of action that has already been done, and done to perfection on older systems.
  8. eToychest
    60
    You spend too much time learning patterns, and not enough just running around blow stuff up.
  9. Gamestyle
    60
    Its sheer difficulty will put off all but the most hard core of gamers (and even then it’s gonna take a lot to convince.)

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Best PS2 Game of 2002
43
#43 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002
17
#17 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 40 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 40
  3. Negative: 8 out of 40
  1. LuciusMcGibbon
    Aug 18, 2019
    7
    Why didn't I know about this game until now??

    Yeah, it's definitely Contra... mostly. Where else could you do multiple flips while firing    Why didn't I know about this game until now??

    Yeah, it's definitely Contra... mostly. Where else could you do multiple flips while firing straight ahead? It's very "pick up n play," the action is excellent and there is more shooting control than ever. The graphics are beautiful since most of it is 2-D side-scrolling.

    On the minus side, you may or may not love the absence of traditional upgrades. No more spread shot for you. The new weapon system isn't bad, but it's not quite Contra-y enough. Also, it's a little too light on non-mini-boss action... it could have used more running and gunning.

    Overall, it's a fun action side-scroller on its own, but for Contra fans, it's equal parts "hey I remember this!" and "this feels kinda weird."    … Full Review »
  2. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Apr 27, 2023
    7
    Shattered Solider is a good Contra game, but not one of the best. It looks and plays great, but there is too much emphasis on difficult bossShattered Solider is a good Contra game, but not one of the best. It looks and plays great, but there is too much emphasis on difficult boss fights. Unfortunately, all the classic weapons and power ups of the series do not appear here. You're equipped with only three weapons throughout the entire game. Continuing the old tradition, you get a few lives and continues and no saves. This is a tough Contra. Victory depends on learning enemy attack patterns and their weaknesses. I would rate this with a 7.8 out of 10.… Full Review »
  3. IviAless
    Jan 29, 2021
    10
    Well... this maybe the HARDEST PS2 GAME I've ever played... and IT'S AWESOME.
    The graphics are in 3D and they look soooo good, the sounds are    Well... this maybe the HARDEST PS2 GAME I've ever played... and IT'S AWESOME.
    The graphics are in 3D and they look soooo good, the sounds are more "realistic" so they match with the graphics and the aesthetics, and the music... HOO BOY, THE MUSIC OF THIS CONTRA, I DARE TO SAY IT'S THE BEST! Composed by Akira Yamaoka, the composer from Silent Hill!
    Now, the game is HARD, like, REALLY HARD, but with time you will master it, since its patterns are always the same... but that doesn't mean they are easy. Just master your weapons (Machine Gun, Flamethrower, Grenades and their special shots) and you will triumph.
    The only thing I don't really like, is... the bosses, TOO MANY BOSSES.
    Leaving everything aside, this is a REALLY HARD GAME, but a the same a REALLY GOOD ONE.
    If you can't handle it... it's your problem, and don't go b*****n' because you can't pass the first stage.    … Full Review »
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