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Contra 4

Contra 4 is a run-and-gun shooter video game developed by WayForward Technologies and published by Konami for the Nintendo DS.^[1]^[2] It represents the eleventh main entry in the Contra series and serves as a direct sequel to the 1992 Super Nintendo Entertainment System game Contra III: The Alien Wars.^[3] The game was released in North America on November 13, 2007, and in Japan on March 13, 2008, as Contra: Dual Spirits, but it received no European release.^[2]^[3] Set in the year 2638, the game's plot unfolds two years after the events of Contra III, where the alien threat of Red Falcon has been neutralized, only for a new invading force known as Black Viper to emerge and attack Earth.^[3]^[4] Players control one of four elite soldiers—Bill Rizer, Lance Bean, Mad Dog, and Scorpion—who battle through nine stages filled with alien enemies, bosses, and environmental hazards in a bid to halt the invasion.^[3]^[5] Contra 4 innovates on the series' traditional 2D side-scrolling gameplay by leveraging the Nintendo DS's dual screens, allowing action to span both the top and bottom displays for enhanced verticality and simultaneous combat across screens.^[6] It introduces new mechanics such as a grappling hook for traversal, customizable weapon upgrades, and vehicle sections, while supporting local co-operative play for up to four players simultaneously.^[6]^[1] Beyond the main arcade mode, the game includes a challenge mode with 40 tasks and unlockable content like additional characters and endings to encourage replayability.^[1] Upon release, Contra 4 received generally positive reviews, earning a Metacritic score of 83 out of 100 based on 38 critic reviews, with praise for its faithful revival of the Contra formula, intense difficulty, and effective use of the DS hardware.^[1] Critics highlighted its fast-paced action and co-op features as standout elements, though some noted frustrations with the steep learning curve and occasional control issues in dual-screen sections.^[6]^[7] IGN awarded it an 8 out of 10, calling it a "welcome return to form" for the franchise.^[6] The title is often credited with reinvigorating interest in the series during a period of relative dormancy.^[1]

Development

Announcement and Concept

Konami Digital Entertainment announced Contra 4 on June 20, 2007, revealing it as an exclusive title for the Nintendo DS to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Contra series. Positioned as a direct sequel to Contra III: The Alien Wars (1992), the game is set two years after the events of that title, where a new alien threat known as Black Viper emerges after the defeat of Red Falcon.^[8] The concept centered on reviving the series' arcade-style roots through a traditional 2D side-scrolling run-and-gun shooter, emphasizing high-intensity action and co-operative gameplay without relying on touch-screen controls. To leverage the DS hardware, developers incorporated the dual screens for vertical scrolling, allowing combat to span both displays and enabling players to jump between screens during levels. This design aimed to expand on the original games' multi-perspective shooting while maintaining eight-directional aiming and challenging enemy waves.^[9] Inspirations for Contra 4 drew heavily from the classic Nintendo Contra titles, focusing on a back-to-basics approach to recapture the fast-paced, over-the-top run-and-gun mechanics of the franchise's early entries. The game was showcased at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2007 with playable demos, highlighting its homage to the series' origins through elements like massive boss battles and power-up weapons.^[10]^[9] A key aspect of the revival was the return of protagonists Bill Rizer and Lance Bean alongside new commandos Mad Dog and Scorpion to confront the Black Viper threat.^[8]

Production and Design

Contra 4 was developed by WayForward Technologies and published by Konami for the Nintendo DS, with production efforts culminating in a North American release on November 13, 2007.^[11] The project marked WayForward's first involvement in the Contra series, leveraging the studio's expertise in 2D action games to revive the franchise's core run-and-gun formula on handheld hardware.^[12] Key team members included director Matt Bozon, who oversaw the overall vision; designers Sean Velasco and Cole Philips, who contributed to level and mechanic implementation; and composer Jake Kaufman, responsible for the soundtrack that blended retro influences with modern orchestration.^[10]^[13] The collaboration extended internationally, with sprite artists from Europe and Australia sourced through online communities like Pixelation to enhance visual fidelity within hardware limits.^[10] A primary design challenge was adapting the traditional side-scrolling gameplay to the DS's dual-screen setup, which expanded the vertical playfield by approximately 20% compared to single-screen predecessors, allowing action to span both displays while displaying essential status elements like maps and power-up indicators on the bottom screen.^[10] To address this without transitioning to full 3D, the team introduced a grappling hook mechanic, enabling players to latch onto ceilings and traverse vertically across screens or within multi-level environments, adding depth to movement while preserving the 2D perspective.^[14] This tool not only facilitated seamless navigation between the top and bottom screens but also introduced strategic elements, such as rapid repositioning during intense enemy waves.^[15] Memory constraints on the DS further influenced decisions, prioritizing core gameplay assets over decorative elements like detailed weapon icons, ensuring smooth performance amid dense sprite usage.^[10] The production emphasized cooperative play, implementing local wireless connectivity for two-player modes that supported both teamwork—such as sharing firepower—and competitive antics, like maneuvering a partner off-screen, all within a 30-foot range.^[10] Iterations on the difficulty curve aimed to honor the series' notorious challenge while improving accessibility, resulting in three selectable levels: Easy for newcomers with simplified enemy patterns and extended continues; Normal for series veterans; and Hard for elite players featuring heightened aggression and precision demands.^[10] This tiered approach balanced nostalgic intensity with broader appeal, as the team tested power-up distribution and enemy placements extensively to maintain fair progression across modes.^[15]

Story

Plot

Contra 4 is set in 2638 A.D., two years after the events of Contra III: The Alien Wars, during which the alien force known as Red Falcon was defeated.^[4] A new extraterrestrial threat emerges in the form of Black Viper, an alien entity that establishes a base on the Galuga archipelago and launches attacks threatening global destruction.^[16] In response, the Earth Federation assembles a team of four elite commandos—Bill Rizer, Lance Bean, Mad Dog, and Scorpion—to infiltrate the invaded islands and neutralize the invasion before it reaches the mainland.^[11] The protagonists advance through nine increasingly perilous stages, beginning with jungle assaults and progressing to underwater and industrial zones, ultimately confronting and destroying Black Viper's core to avert catastrophe.^[17] The storyline reinforces the series' themes of heroic military intervention against relentless alien aggression, while reintroducing key figures from prior installments to maintain continuity within the Contra canon.^[18]

Characters

The protagonists of Contra 4 are four commandos who battle the alien threat Black Viper: the veteran soldiers Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, joined by the mercenaries Mad Dog and Scorpion.^[19] These characters serve as playable options, each bringing distinct visual designs and roles to the team's dynamics in the game's lore.^[11] Developed by WayForward Technologies, their appearances feature detailed 2D pixel art that updates the series' classic 8-bit aesthetic for the Nintendo DS, with larger sprites and fluid animations evoking the style of earlier entries like Contra III: The Alien Wars.^[20] Bill Rizer is the iconic leader of the group, a grizzled veteran from the original Contra who has repeatedly thwarted alien invasions alongside his partner Lance. In Contra 4, he is depicted as a battle-hardened soldier with a muscular build, blonde hair, and military fatigues, emphasizing his role as the experienced anchor of the team.^[21] His design incorporates modern shading and details while retaining the rugged, heroic silhouette that defines the series' protagonists.^[20] Brief in-game voice lines portray him as determined and authoritative, reinforcing team coordination during missions.^[19] Lance Bean, Bill's longtime comrade, returns as a key playable character, drawing from his established lore in titles like Super Contra. He is shown as agile and intense, with dark hair, a leaner physique, and tactical gear that highlights his quick-response capabilities in combat scenarios.^[11] The updated pixel art gives him a more dynamic pose set compared to his 8-bit origins, allowing for expressive movements in the DS's dual-screen gameplay.^[20] His personality emerges through short dialogues as hotheaded yet loyal, often spurring the group into action.^[19] Mad Dog and Scorpion are newly introduced recruits to the Contra force, representing a fresh generation of modern military operatives who previously repelled Black Viper's initial assault on Earth. Mad Dog, with a burly frame, buzzed hair, and heavy armor plating, embodies the hard-boiled mercenary archetype, his design nodding to Bill's veteran style but with bulkier, contemporary details suited to high-tech warfare.^[21] Scorpion, slimmer and equipped with sleek gear and a scorpion emblem, contrasts as the agile specialist, his pixel art featuring sharper lines and a predatory stance that evokes speed and precision.^[11] Both share voice acting with the veterans, using terse lines to establish their roles as reliable allies in the team's interstellar defense efforts.^[19]

Gameplay

Controls and Mechanics

Contra 4 employs traditional run-and-gun controls adapted for the Nintendo DS hardware, utilizing the D-pad for character movement in eight directions and face buttons for primary actions. The Y button fires the equipped weapon, while the B button initiates a jump, allowing players to evade ground-based threats or reach elevated platforms. To aim precisely without moving, players hold the R button and use the D-pad to direct fire in one of eight directions, including upward or downward angles essential for combating flying enemies or those below the character. The L button switches between the two weapons carried in inventory, and the A button discards the current weapon to pick up a new one without overwriting the secondary slot. Core gameplay avoids reliance on the touchscreen, ensuring button-based inputs remain the focus for fluid action.^[22]^[23] The game's mechanics center on classic side-scrolling progression with auto-aim assistance for horizontal firing, but players must manually adjust for vertical threats using the aiming system. Characters suffer one-hit deaths from enemy projectiles or contact, emphasizing precise dodging and pattern memorization, though continues are available per stage to mitigate frustration. Power-ups appear as capsules dropped by defeated enemies, granting weapons such as the rapid-firing machine gun for sustained output, the piercing laser for line-clearing, the spread gun for wide-area coverage, and homing missiles that track targets automatically. These weapons upgrade in power and spread when duplicate capsules are collected, providing strategic depth in loadout management without altering the high-risk, high-reward core loop.^[24]^[14] Certain stages include vehicle sections, such as piloting a speedboat in ocean environments or a motorcycle in urban areas, which introduce auto-scrolling and modified controls for dynamic action sequences.^[25] Nintendo DS-specific innovations enhance verticality and visibility in Contra 4's levels, which feature standard side-scrolling and tunnel perspectives. Standard side-scrolling stages utilize both screens for extended vertical playfields, enhancing traversal and combat scope. In tunnel stages, action is confined to the top screen with behind-the-character perspective for vertical scrolling, while the bottom screen displays a mini-map of the level layout and icons marking power-up locations to aid navigation through complex environments. This creates a taller battlefield that demands constant awareness of off-screen threats. A key addition is the grappling hook, activated by the X button, which latches onto railings or ceilings for 360-degree climbing and shooting, enabling players to traverse multi-level areas or reposition quickly during intense firefights. This mechanic integrates seamlessly with the dual-screen design, allowing traversal between screens for better tactical positioning.^[14]^[26] Cooperative play supports local wireless multiplayer for two players, each requiring their own DS and game cartridge, with shared level progression but independent character selection and controls. In co-op, each player manages their own jumps and shots via separate button inputs, fostering teamwork to cover blind spots and share power-ups, though the vertical split-screen layout can occasionally hinder coordination if players stray too far vertically.^[27]^[28]

Game Modes

Contra 4 features several distinct game modes that emphasize replayability and skill-based progression, with Arcade Mode serving as the core single-player campaign. In this mode, players progress through a linear sequence of nine stages divided into standard side-scrolling levels and tunnel-based segments that utilize the Nintendo DS's dual screens for vertical scrolling. The stages culminate in boss fights, and the mode includes a continues system that allows players to retry from the start of the current stage upon death, with a limited number of continues per playthrough. Three difficulty levels—Easy, Normal, and Hard—alter enemy patterns, speed, and damage output, with Easy mode shortening the campaign to seven stages for accessibility while Normal and Hard modes include all nine for a more demanding experience.^[29]^[27] Challenge Mode, unlocked after completing Arcade Mode on any difficulty, consists of 40 standalone tasks designed to test player proficiency through varied objectives such as speed runs, no-damage clears, accuracy trials, and boss rematches. These challenges are spread across specific stages and often impose restrictions like limited ammunition or pacifist rules, with character-specific variants adding further customization. Progression is non-linear, allowing players to select and tackle challenges individually, and successful completion rewards unlockables including alternate outfits, additional playable characters like Lucia and Probotector, and bonus content such as emulated NES versions of the original Contra and Super C. Completing sets of four challenges progressively unlocks these rewards, culminating in the full Extras Museum and Sound Gallery after all 40 are cleared, providing access to promotional art, interviews, and a music player for the game's soundtrack.^[30]^[29]^[27] Additional features enhance mode variety, including a Boss Rush option that lets players sequentially battle all major bosses from Arcade Mode without stage traversal, focusing purely on combat encounters. Multiplayer integration supports two-player local co-op across Arcade and Challenge modes via multi-cart play, where the second player joins seamlessly to share objectives and progression, though no download play is available. This co-op variant encourages teamwork in linear campaigns and shared challenge completions, extending the game's cooperative depth without dedicated versus gameplay.^[29]^[24]

Audio

Music

The soundtrack for Contra 4 was composed by Jake Kaufman, professionally known as "virt," a prominent video game music composer recognized for his work in remixing and original chiptune scores.^[31] Released in 2007 alongside the game, it comprises 27 tracks that blend original compositions with arrangements of iconic themes from earlier entries in the Contra series, such as the remixed "Jungle" motif for the opening stage.^[32] These elements pay homage to the franchise's arcade roots while adapting them to the Nintendo DS hardware, creating a cohesive auditory experience that supports the game's fast-paced run-and-gun action. Kaufman's style in Contra 4 features high-energy chiptune instrumentation fused with rock and electronic influences, characterized by driving rhythms, aggressive guitar-like synth leads, and pulsating bass lines that amplify the adrenaline of combat sequences.^[33] This approach is particularly evident in boss battle tracks, where the music builds tension through layered melodies and intensified percussion to match the escalating difficulty of encounters. Notable examples include "Heart Battle," which underscores a mid-game alien confrontation with urgent, looping motifs, and "Black Viper," the theme for the final stage that escalates into a chaotic, high-stakes crescendo reflective of the game's climactic showdown.^[32] The soundtrack's design integrates dynamically with gameplay, using tempo shifts and volume swells during action peaks to heighten immersion without interrupting the flow.^[34] Upon completing all 40 challenges in Challenge Mode, players unlock the Sound Gallery, a dedicated music player that allows post-game listening to the full set of tracks, including stage clears and credits themes.^[35]

Sound Design

The sound effects in Contra 4 employ layered samples to create distinct auditory feedback for gameplay actions, including sharp laser zaps from weapons like the Spread Gun, booming explosions during enemy encounters, and the iconic high-pitched scream accompanying player or enemy deaths.^[36] These effects extend to environmental cues, such as rustling foliage and distant wildlife calls in jungle stages, which build immersion without overwhelming the core action sounds.^[25] The design draws from the series' arcade roots, incorporating retro-style beeps and zaps that are enhanced through modern digital synthesis for added depth and clarity on the Nintendo DS hardware.^[37] Voice work in the game is minimal and functional, limited to short grunts, exertion shouts from protagonists during jumps or co-op interactions, and brief sampled phrases like "Let's party!" or "Lock and load!" to punctuate key moments.^[38] There is no extensive dialogue or narrative voice acting, aligning with the series' tradition of prioritizing fast-paced action over verbal storytelling. These vocal elements are integrated sparingly to maintain the retro feel while avoiding distraction in intense run-and-gun sequences. Technically, Contra 4 leverages the Nintendo DS's built-in stereo audio output, with developers recommending the use of headphones to achieve full spatial immersion, particularly for the vertical scrolling across the dual screens.^[38] This setup allows for basic panning of effects to simulate directionality in the expanded playfield, enhancing the sense of scale in battles that span both displays. The overall audio implementation balances nostalgic simplicity with DS capabilities, ensuring crisp playback even during chaotic on-screen activity.

Release

Platforms and Versions

Contra 4 was initially released for the Nintendo DS in North America on November 13, 2007, developed by WayForward Technologies and published by Konami.^[6]^[1] The game launched in Japan on March 13, 2008, under the localized title Contra: Dual Spirits.^[39] There was no physical release in Europe or Australia.^[26] A mobile port followed shortly after the DS version, debuting on November 19, 2007, for Java-enabled cell phones with adapted controls for the platform.^[40] In 2011, Konami issued Contra 4: Redux for Android devices on January 8, incorporating touch-screen controls, an additional stage, new weapons, and bosses as an expanded rerelease of the mobile edition.^[41] The original DS cartridge is fully backward compatible with Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS systems, allowing play without modifications.^[42]^[43] Regional variations between the North American and Japanese releases include translated Japanese text for menus and descriptions, renaming of characters (Bill Rizer to "Spirits Bill" and Lance Bean to "Spirits Lance"), differences in museum content and comic book titles, along with minor adjustments to the title screen intro animation.^[44] Unlike earlier entries in the series, Contra 4 did not feature censorship such as the robot protagonists seen in European "Probotector" localizations of prior games. The DS version utilizes a standard ROM cartridge format and supports local wireless multiplayer for up to two players, requiring separate game copies.^[6] No further ports, updates, or re-releases have occurred since the 2011 mobile edition, as of November 2025.^[45]

Marketing and Promotion

Konami announced Contra 4 in June 2007 as a return to the series' classic 2D side-scrolling roots, positioning it as a direct sequel to earlier entries like Contra III to revive the franchise for its 20th anniversary.^[21] The reveal emphasized the Nintendo DS's dual-screen capabilities to enable vertical scrolling and seamless co-op play across both screens, distinguishing it from previous 3D experiments in the series.^[46] At E3 2007, Konami showcased a trailer and playable demo highlighting these DS-specific features, such as the grappling hook for navigating between screens and evading enemies, generating buzz among attendees for its homage to original Contra levels like the exploding bridge sequence.^[46] Demo kiosks at the convention allowed hands-on experiences, focusing on the game's intense run-and-gun action and two-player co-op to appeal to both nostalgic fans and new DS owners seeking a "true Contra sequel."^[9] Promotional efforts included advertisements in gaming magazines that underscored the co-op mechanics and anniversary revival, alongside a character design contest hosted on Konami's mobile website where participants could submit ideas for potential in-game unlocks, running until October 2007.^[47] In Japan, where the game released as Contra: Dual Spirits, Konami offered limited merchandise tie-ins, bundling an original soundtrack CD—composed by Jake Kaufman and featuring tracks like "Jungle" and "Waterfall"—with preorders of the first print run.^[48] These strategies targeted retro gaming enthusiasts and DS users, framing Contra 4 as an accessible yet challenging evolution of the franchise's high-impact run-and-gun legacy.^[12]

Reception

Critical Reviews

Contra 4 received generally favorable reviews from critics, earning a Metacritic aggregate score of 83 out of 100 based on 38 reviews.^[1] The game was lauded for faithfully reviving the series' intense 2D side-scrolling action while incorporating innovative use of the Nintendo DS's dual screens to expand the playfield vertically.^[49] Reviewers highlighted the tight controls and responsive aiming mechanics, which allowed for precise movement and shooting across both screens, staying true to the franchise's roots from the NES and SNES eras.^[24] Key praises focused on the game's challenging difficulty, which demanded quick reflexes and pattern recognition, evoking the unforgiving nature of classic Contra titles.^[49] The local co-op mode was particularly celebrated for enhancing the experience, enabling two players to tackle levels together with shared screen views and synergistic power-ups.^[24] IGN awarded it an 8 out of 10, calling it "great Contra fan service" with fluid gameplay that blends nostalgia and fresh mechanics.^[49] Similarly, GameSpot gave it an 8 out of 10, praising its "raucous good time" and exceptional execution as a pure action shooter.^[24] Nintendo Power scored it 8.5 out of 10, hailing it as a fantastic return to form for the series.^[50] Criticisms centered on the steep learning curve, which could frustrate newcomers due to frequent one-hit deaths and enemy ambushes from off-screen.^[7] The campaign's length was another common point of contention, clocking in at roughly 6 to 8 hours for a single playthrough on normal difficulty, though replayability through harder modes and challenges mitigated this somewhat.^[24] Some reviewers noted minor issues with the dual-screen implementation, such as occasional graphical awkwardness during fast-paced horizontal scrolling that disrupted the flow.^[7] Eurogamer assigned it a 6 out of 10, acknowledging its core strengths but critiquing how adherence to retro design sometimes clashed with the DS hardware's potential.^[7]

Commercial Performance

Contra 4 sold approximately 300,000 units worldwide over its lifetime, with the majority of sales occurring in its first year following the November 2007 launch.^[51] The title saw strong performance in North America, accounting for 280,000 units, while sales in Japan totaled just 10,000 units, reflecting weaker regional interest.^[51] The game's release aligned with the Nintendo DS's status as a bestseller, with nearly 8.5 million DS units sold in the United States during 2007, which enhanced visibility for third-party titles like Contra 4 amid the portable's dominant market position.^[52] Launched at a suggested retail price of $29.99 USD, it benefited from bundled promotions that supported its initial market push.^[53] A mobile port, Contra 4: Redux, arrived for Android in 2011, expanding access but facing limitations from touchscreen controls that impacted playability compared to the original DS version.^[45] Long-term revenue remained minimal, with no significant earnings from re-releases after 2011.

Legacy

Awards and Recognition

Contra 4 received several nominations and awards shortly after its release in 2007, particularly for its innovative use of the Nintendo DS hardware and faithful revival of the classic run-and-gun formula. At the 2007 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), the game was nominated for Best Handheld Game by the Game Critics Awards, competing alongside titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass and God of War: Chains of Olympus.^[54] IGN awarded Contra 4 the Best Action Game in its Best of E3 2007 category for the Nintendo DS, praising its dual-screen gameplay and intense action that spanned both upper and lower screens for vertical scrolling levels.^[55] It was also nominated for Best Downloadable Game at the 8th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards.^[56] GameSpy ranked it the 7th best Nintendo DS game of 2007.^[26] In subsequent years, Contra 4 has earned recognition in retrospective compilations of top Nintendo DS titles, such as GamesRadar's 22nd best DS game of all time in 2012, highlighting its high replay value through challenge modes and unlockable classic games.^[26] For its demanding difficulty and enduring appeal among shooter enthusiasts. As of 2025, no additional formal awards have been bestowed upon the game.

Influence and Re-releases

Contra 4 revitalized the series' traditional 2D run-and-gun formula by returning to the side-scrolling mechanics established in earlier entries like Contra III: The Alien Wars, while introducing fresh elements such as simultaneous two-player co-op and a grappling hook for vertical navigation.^[26] This approach was praised for delivering intense, hardcore shooting action that honored the franchise's roots on the Nintendo DS.^[1] The game's innovative use of the DS's dual screens to create a taller playfield, spanning action across both displays for expanded level design and vertical combat, set a precedent for shooters leveraging handheld hardware capabilities, earning acclaim for its ambitious implementation without significant technical hitches.^[27]^[49] A mobile port of Contra 4 was released in November 2007 for platforms including BREW and J2ME, adapting the core gameplay with pacing suited to portable devices while retaining the dual-screen concept through vertical scrolling.^[40] An updated version, Contra 4: Redux, launched in 2011 for Android, serving as a sequel with modifications to existing stages, an additional stage, two new weapons, and two new bosses, including an Alien Queen finale, alongside a new storyline continuing from the original events.^[45] As of 2025, Contra 4 has not received official ports to modern consoles such as the Nintendo Switch, despite ongoing fan interest in collections similar to those for other Konami franchises like Castlevania.^[57] The game remains accessible through Nintendo DS emulation on various platforms, allowing play on contemporary hardware.^[58] Within the Contra series, Contra 4 acted as a bridge to subsequent titles, with its developer WayForward Technologies later handling Contra: Operation Galuga in 2024, a reimagining of the original Contra that echoes the 2D run-and-gun intensity and co-op focus seen in the DS entry.^[59] Culturally, the game has inspired fan-created HD upscales via DS emulators, enhancing visuals for modern displays, and is frequently cited in retrospectives on DS-era innovations for its effective dual-screen integration and revival of classic shooter design.^[60]^[61]

References

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Contra 4 Reviews - Metacritic
Rating 83% (38) Platforms: DS. Initial Release Date: Nov 13, 2007. Developer: WayForward. Publisher: Konami. Genres: 2D Platformer · Full Credits & Details. Related Games ...
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Rating 83% (38) Platform: DS · Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D · Developer: WayForward · Publisher: Konami · Release: November 13, 2007 · Also Known As: Contra: Dual Spirits (JP).
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Contra 4 for the Nintendo DS is a direct sequel to 1994 SNES Contra III: Alien Wars. Two years after the defeat of Red Falcon - the first wave of the alien ...
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Rating 6.6/10 (43) Contra 4: Directed by Matt Bozon. The year is 2638, two years after the Alien Wars had come to a close. The Red Falcon threat had been neutralized, ...
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Nov 13, 2007 · Contra 4's story is set in the year 2638, two years after Contra III. In the game, an alien creature called Black Viper attacks Earth. As it ...
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Rating 8/10 · Review by IGNContra 4 pushes 2D side-scrolling action in an all-new direction with gunplay that spans two full screens, original gameplay mechanics that grant players ...
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Rating 6/10 · Review by Mathew KumarJan 10, 2008 · While Contra 4 is, at its core, a great 2D shooter that's refreshingly difficult, there are too many places where it stays true to its past in ...Missing: reception | Show results with:reception<|control11|><|separator|>
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Jun 22, 2007 · Contra 4 takes place two years after the events of Contra III: The Alien Wars. After saving earth from invasion by Red Falcon, Bill Rizer and ...
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Aug 31, 2007 · To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original Contra game, Konami has commissioned the developer Way Forward to create an entirely new ...
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Jul 19, 2007 · Konami's Simon Lai, Associate Producer for Contra 4, recently contacted the CHQ and offered an opportunity to ask the developers some questions.
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Jun 20, 2007 · Tentatively titled Contra 4 and scheduled to release on Nintendo DS later this year, production will be handled by independent developer ...
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Jun 20, 2007 · Developed by Wayforward Technologies, creators of Sigma Star Saga and Shantae, Contra 4 is planned for release this year, in time for the 20th ...
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Game credits, biography, portraits and other game industry information for Jake Kaufman - MobyGames. ... Alternate Soundtrack Music – Contra 4 / Dual Spiritis OST.
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Jul 14, 2007 · Since action takes place on both screens the grappling hook is a necessary mechanic to quickly carry players from the bottom screen to the top.
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The plot is set in 2638, two years after the events of Contra III: The Alien Wars and three years before the events of Contra: Hard Corps. With the Red ...
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The action franchise that started it all is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an all-new adventure on Nintendo DS! Set after the events of Contra II...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Rating 5/10 · Review by dementedhutJan 22, 2015 · The dual screens work just fine when the action slows down and concentrates on a vertical plane, such as brief moments in stage two's waterfall ...Missing: reception | Show results with:reception
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Jun 19, 2019 · 2636: Contra 4. Taking place six months after Contra III: The Alien Wars, Black Viper had now made her return much like her brother Gava.2635: Operation C · 2636: Contra Iii: The Alien... · 2636: Contra 4
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Jun 20, 2007 · ... Contra III on the Super NES and feature the same lead characters, Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, as well as mercenary buddies Mad Dog and Scorpion.
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Konami has revealed that the new game will include support for two players to play simultaneously, however a Konami representative has confirmed to ...Missing: E3 2006<|separator|>
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Jul 8, 2022 · Move character; Navigate through menus · Select and confirm menu items · Discard weapon; Select menu item · Jump.Missing: Nintendo mechanics
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Nov 25, 2007 · Contra 4 is also limited by the eight-direction pad for aiming, just like an old Nintendo game. Unfortunately this means you're frequently ...
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Rating 8/10 · Review by Alex NavarroDec 4, 2007 · Contra 4 is great at being a Contra game. There is no pretense here about the game being anything but an intensely difficult shooter, as well as a great piece ...Missing: story | Show results with:story
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A 2D action game for the Nintendo DS and the eleventh original installment in the Contra series. The game was released in North America on November 13, 2007.Gameplay · Endings · Soundtrack · Gallery
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Nov 19, 2007 · The games are still quite fun and playable though. Contra 4 itself has a bug or two. A few players have run into a glitch on the first level ...Missing: reception | Show results with:reception
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Oct 20, 2007 · Konami and WayForward team up to reinvent the classic shooter: get ready to die. A lot. Spiffy: You wouldn't know that the game wasn't Japanese ...
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Rating 83% (38) Jan 21, 2008 · Beat the game on any difficulty to unlock Challenge Mode. Challenge Mode is what you use to unlock the other bonus materials by completing set tasks.
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Jul 8, 2022 · Beat 36 challenges in Challenge Mode. Extras Museum and Sound Gallery, Beat 40 challenges in Challenge Mode. Expand Go to top. Challenge Mode ...
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Jake Kaufman, who longtime fans of game music remix may know as virt. I still have some tracks from an old conceptual RPG soundtrack Jake had composed, and ...
[35]
Contra 4 Cheats, Codes, and Secrets for DS - GameFAQs
Rating 83% (38) Beat 24 challenges in challenge mode. Extras Museum and Sound Gallory, Beat 40 challenges in Challenge Mode. Jimbo & Sully, Beat 36 challenges in Challenge Mode.
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Contra 4 Review for DS - GameFAQs - GameSpot
Rating 83% (38) Jul 27, 2009 · Sound effects are what you would expect from Contra. The cry of death and / or the sound your weapons rule the day. Each weapon sound is ...Missing: acting audio
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Nintendo DS Review: Contra 4 - Kikizo Archives
Apr 14, 2008 · Contra 4 is a fast, fun, and challenging shooter with action-packed, intense gameplay, 2D graphics, and a dual-screen setup, that is both fun ...Missing: reception | Show results with:reception
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Contra 4 (DS) review - Giant Bomb
Nov 13, 2007 · The sound effects are also like you would expect, with explosions and gun fire sounding appropriately 16-bit, but with some nice added oomph.
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The Video Game Critic's Nintendo DS Reviews A-E
My favorite mode was the versus mode where you race a friend (or the CPU) ... Contra 4 represents a triumphant return for the classic franchise, mainly ...
[40]
Contra 4 (2007) - MobyGames
May 15, 2024 · Contra 4 for mobile ... Releases by Date (by platform). 2007 (BREW); 2007 (J2ME). Publishers. Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. Developers.
[41]
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/android/696323-contra-4-redux
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Contra 4 Mobile Review - IGN
Rating 8/10 · Review by Levi BuchananNov 19, 2007 · The grappling gun lets Konami give the stages a vertical element which is a nice addition from past efforts loaded with strict side-scrolling.
[43]
Contra 4: Redux for Android - GameFAQs
Rating 83% (38) Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D ; Developer/Publisher: Konami Mobile & Online, Inc. ; Release: January 8, 2011 ; Also Known As: · Contra: Dual Spirits (JP).
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Contra 4 Nintendo DS Prices - PriceCharting
Contra 4 - GAME ONLY - NINTENDO DS & 3DS - 527a [eBay] ... none. Player Count: 1 player. Also Compatible On: Nintendo 3DS. Notes: none. UPC: 083717241287, ...
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CONTRA 4 – REGIONAL DIFFERENCES
The title screen's intro animation is different between both versions. A lot of the text, especially descriptive ones, have been translated to Japanese.Missing: platforms | Show results with:platforms
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Contra 4: Redux (2010) - MobyGames
Jun 1, 2024 · Contra 4: Redux is an updated version of the original Contra 4 mobile game. It adds an extra stage, two new guns and two new bosses.
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E3 2007: Contra 4 Hands-On - IGN
Jul 13, 2007 · The one-level E3 demo was homage to the first Contra level - complete with exploding bridge and end-of-level fortress. To help even the playing ...Missing: announcement | Show results with:announcement
[48]
Contra 4 Contest - IGN
Sep 19, 2007 · The contest, which is open until October 1, asks gamers to submit a characters design (in text with optional picture) to Konami's mobile website ...
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Contra 4 - VGMdb
Aug 11, 2013 · Release Date: December 12, 2007. Developer: WayForward / WayForward / WayForward. Publisher: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Missing: style chiptune rock<|control11|><|separator|>
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Contra 4 Review - IGN
Rating 8/10 · Review by Craig HarrisNov 13, 2007 · The developers, Way Forward Technology, essentially put themselves in the mindset of simply forgetting everything that was done after Contra III ...Missing: plot summary
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Contra 4 Reviews for DS - GameFAQs
Rating 83% (38) This is both the ultimate Contra experience and one of the best action games in years. Do not let Contra 4 get lost in the holiday rush.
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Contra 4 for Nintendo DS - Sales, Wiki, Release Dates, Review, Cheats, Walkthrough
### Sales Figures for Contra 4
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https://www.vgprice.com/price/nintendoDS/contra-4/
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Contra 4 Price - Nintendo DS - Vgprice
Nov 13, 2007 · Contra 4 Price/Value. Average Price: 29.27, Platform: Nintendo DS, Release Date:November 13, 2007.
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E3 2007 Award Nominees Announced - The Escapist
E3 2007 Award Nominees Announced · Contra 4 (WayForward/Konami for Nintendo DS) · Dead Head Fred (Vicious Cycle/D3 for PSP) · God of War: Chains of Olympus (Ready ...
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Nintendo DS Best of E3 2007 Awards - IGN
Jul 20, 2007 · And with no further hesitation we bring you this year's Best of E3 for Nintendo DS. Enjoy. Best Action Game: Contra 4
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"Fans Have Waited Many Years For A Return To Form" - Nintendo Life
Dec 27, 2023 · ... Contra 4 on the Nintendo DS. Can you walk us ... Started playing Metal Slug XX on PSP, Metal Slug 6 on Dreamcast and Metal Slug 7 on DS.
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Contra 4 (DS) - RetroArch iOS iPadOS - Nintendo DS - YouTube
Jun 15, 2024 · This video was recorded on June 14, 2024 on a iPad Mini 5th generation tablet. Today we are playing Contra 4 on the Nintendo DS system!Missing: mobile port
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CONTRA: OPERATION GALUGA REIGNITES THE CLASSIC RUN'N ...
Sep 14, 2023 · Fan-favorite elite Contra commandos Bill Rizer and Lance Bean are redeployed into battle against the Red Falcon terrorist group, which has ...
[60]
Hi-Resolution DS Emulation | GBAtemp.net
Apr 10, 2014 · Some user of Desmume decided to make a modified build that renders high resolution versions of your favorite DS games.
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Retro Review - Contra 4 (DS) - Infendo
Contra 4 is a 2D action shooter with run, jump, climb, and vehicle sections, using both screens, a grappling hook, and two gun options.Missing: reception | Show results with:reception