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. Absolute Playstation
    82
    Probably one of the toughest titles released for the PS2 and right up there with the other games in the Contra series.
  2. All Game Guide
    80
    Pure Contra goodness. Most of the hallmarks that make the series great are here, including finger-frazzling gameplay, the indispensable two-player cooperative mode, constant shooting action, and giant bosses with well-hidden weak points.
  3. Cinescape
    75
    While Contra: Shattered Soldier is a short game, fans of the original will eat it up. It’s also a game for anyone looking for a challenge.
  5. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    87
    Old school in every possible way. [Jan 2003, p.173]
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  6. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Delightfully preposterous H.R. Giger carnage. [22 Nov 2002, p.85]
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  7. G4 TV
    80
    The simplistic gameplay of the series is not lost but refined to create a challenge that is both undeniably fun and not entirely impossible.
  8. Game Informer
    83
    I sorely miss the old weapons that Konami decided to remove. Gone are the spray gun, missle launchers, laser cannon, and super bomb. [Dec 2002, p.116]
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  9. Game Over Online
    86
    I really enjoyed Shattered Soldier and I highly recommend that you grab a best friend and tear through this game some Friday night.
  10. Game Revolution
    75
    It's fun to learn the patterns and hone in on that perfect game, though the limited gameplay and the shortness of the actual experience make it well suited for a rental.
  11. GameNow
    75
    You'll definitely get into it if you're into classic shooters, but if you've been reared in the modern era, it may simply be too frustrating. [Jan 2003, p.54]
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  12. GamePro
    90
    Its combination of old-school shooter gameplay and high-end graphics makes it a blast to play.
  13. GamerWeb Sony
    75
    Due to the sheer difficulty, it's actually only for a select few.
  14. GameSpot
    76
    Die-hard Contra fans hoping for a pure Contra remake may find themselves a little disappointed that, for all its similarity to its classic predecessors, Contra: Shattered Soldier takes a few too many liberties.
  15. GameSpy
    75
    In my case, the funnin' exceeded the bummin', but not as much as I wanted. This just isn't the game that'll bring 2D gameplay back into vogue.
  16. Gaming Age
    75
    A mind-bendingly tough game that you simply cannot put down.
  17. GamingTrend
    83
    This game is excellent, although very frustrating. I only made it past the Easy difficulty, I am not even going to try the Normal difficulty even if the real ending is behind it.
  18. GMR Magazine
    90
    After numerous shoddy attempts to bring classic Contra gameplay to a next-gen system, Konami finally gets it right. [Feb 2003, p.92]
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  19. IGN
    80
    Make no mistake, you will die like a fly playing this game, very early and very often. But the pattern design is good enough that skill and perceptive analysis offers the possibility of mastery for dedicated players.
  20. Into Liquid Sky
    83
    Adding lots of enemies and huge bosses only makes the game more frustrating. Expect veins to pop out of your cranium, and a few broken controllers. Although I did have a tough time getting through the missions, I did have fun.
  21. netjak
    82
    Does a lot of things right, but sadly it is mainly for the purest of pure hardcore gamers, as Shattered Soldier’s steep learning curve and INCREDIBLY difficult gameplay, this probably will not please a mainstream gamer too much.
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  22. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    90
    Just like the best Contra games before it, Shattered Soldier puts your gaming skills completely to the test, but can still be mastered. [Jan 2003, p.126]
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  23. Play Magazine
    80
    The most faithful translation of a classic yet, but there's no denying that the difficulty will turn some off. [Dec 2002, p.56]
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  24. PSM Magazine
    90
    Fine shooting action served straight, no chaser. [Holiday 2002, p.30]
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  25. TotalGames.net
    76
    No matter how many times you die in the same place, no matter how frustrated you get, it has that magical power to make you snatch that controller back and soldier on.

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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