Contra: Shattered Soldier

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Oct 22, 2002
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
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  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 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    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."    … Expand
  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 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 aShattered 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.… Expand

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
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  2. 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.
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  3. 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.
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