Contra: Rogue Corps

There’s an earnestness to Rogue Corps that makes it even sadder to see the game fail as it has. There have been updates since the game launched, but nothing thus far has been able to elevate Rogue Corps to the standard of quality set by past series installments. If Konami wants to modernize its franchises for future generations, the message should be clear: fans want what made those classics so endearing to begin with, not misguided radical redesigns.

Contra: Rogue Corps has some good ideas. The twin-stick action could have worked if it hadn’t been so fussy and inaccurate, the choice of characters could have been great if they’d had a bit more variety and the deep customisation and online game modes could have added longevity if they hadn't been attached to such a drab and messy-looking game. In the end, nothing about this endeavour feels in any way related to the Contra games you know and love, and you’d do much better to grab the Contra Anniversary Collection at a much lower price – or try out one of the many excellent retro twin-stick shooters or side-scrolling action games already available on the platform.

Contra Rogue Corps marks the return of the Contra series and its premiere on the Nintendo Switch. That should be a reason to generate enthusiasm, instead the result is a botched attempt at bringing one of the most iconic 2D shoot'em-up series to our age. With its frustrating and clumsy gameplay, technically inferior performance and limited multiplayer experience, the Contra series did not deserve an attempt that cannot be compared to the classics bearing its name.

Contra: Rogue Corps joins Bomberman: Act Zero and Hideo Kojima's firing as one of Konami's biggest disappointments.