• Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Oct 19, 2004
Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 37
  2. Negative: 7 out of 37
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  1. The environments and enemies will meet most expectations but there are times when slow down becomes a factor.
  2. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    73
    Why must Neo Contra be so short? I want to see more giant plant-things with baby heads and talking dogs wearing Kaiser helmets. [Holiday 2004, p.117]
  3. Neo Contra’s greatest fault is that it ends before its time. Second, it’s a bit on the easy side when compared to other run-‘n’-gun shooters.
  4. Ultimately, the game's biggest flaw is its duration. Most players will only need two or three hours to complete the final level.
  5. 70
    It's obvious that Nakazato wanted to create a Contra that was inclusionary to newbies, instead of exclusionary. In that he's succeeded. The only problem is that Neo Contra's average difficulty level will have the opposite effect, and turn off the old-timers. It's too bad, as a simple difficulty selection could have helped correct this.
  6. GMR Magazine
    70
    The fact that Jaguar's flame katana - a standard weapon - can take down most bosses in less than five slashes...well, that just shouldn't be possible. [Dec 2004, p.128]
  7. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    The development team should've built more levels instead of relying on the rating gimmick to extend Neo Contra's longevity. Without question, it's worth a rental since it only takes a few hours or so to complete. [Dec 2004, p.124]
  8. 70
    Neo Contra isn't as true to the original games as fans might wish, but nevertheless, it's a good attempt at recapturing the original's magic and a respectable action game in its own right.
  9. 70
    Konami, give us back the jump. Give us back the eight-way shooting. Give us back Contra. If not, play "Smash TV," ditch the strafe lock, and put in a few more levels.
  10. The stages themselves are filled with over-the-top shooting action and twitch gameplay, so they're good for some kicks, even if Neo Contra ultimately doesn't provide much depth or challenge.
  11. This title just doesn’t have the longevity to get my recommendation.
  12. Offers a decent gameplay experience as an action title, but doesn't live up to the Contra name. It's short, easy, and far too sparse on epic boss fights.
  13. PSM Magazine
    65
    Couldn't there be just a few more levels? Maybe some power-ups? [Holiday 2004, p.82]
  14. All in all, Neo Contra plays like any 2D action game that goes vertical: less than it should. The game carries the name Contra, but the similarities in where it would count end there.
  15. A game that really has the makings of a good game but doesn't stick around long enough to successfully show it off.
  16. With multiple endings, several unlockables, and a nice difficulty curve it's an enjoyable play. What frustrates me about Neo Contra is that it could have been another "Gunstar Heroes" had it taken the quality of its humor more seriously.
  17. The game's on the short side, and it's for some reason a little easier than past incarnations, but it's a fun shooter that's great to play in short bursts. Plus, its zany characters and gorgeous FMV cut scenes put it so far over the top it'd be a crime not to pick it up.
  18. 60
    Neo Contra is verbose, but brief.
  19. In the end, if you loved Contra from the olden days, I suggest finding "Contra: Shattered Soldier," as it was more like the original.
  20. Cheat Code Central
    50
    A little refinement would have made this game feel like a breath of fresh air. Instead I feel like I'm breathing in secondhand smoke. Good for a rental and nothing more.
  21. The controls, while not awful, are a bit too slow. Aiming can be a pain at times, and that'll cost you lives. For an action game, that's a sin.

Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 16
  2. Negative: 3 out of 16
  1. Jul 12, 2023
    7
    The contra formula of frantic blasting and huge bosses gets the isometric treatment in this instalment of the long running series. PlayingThe contra formula of frantic blasting and huge bosses gets the isometric treatment in this instalment of the long running series. Playing rather like Mercs, it's hardly the height of depth and sophistication but it's pretty good fun if you're in the mood for some mindless mayhem. Full Review »
  2. Jan 13, 2023
    2
    cursed game and this Neo against, I downloaded it to play with my brother but it was just stress because the controls are crap and you die with a Hit
  3. Feb 14, 2022
    6
    I as well find this an interesting game to rate. Is it fun? Absolutely. Is it boring? Absolutely. Say what? Well the action is fine but theI as well find this an interesting game to rate. Is it fun? Absolutely. Is it boring? Absolutely. Say what? Well the action is fine but the design leads to repetitive gameplay. It really is a small game that through design makes it tough and necessary to repeat. I won't argue it's not fun but it also almost requires a full lobotomy to enjoy to the end. Full Review »