Contra IV is a game made by fanboys for fanboys.

And that's a great thing.

Perhaps that is because the game was created by an American developer, Wayforward Technologies. Sometimes the Japanese don't fully understand what has ingrained itself into America's video game culture (the reverse is also true, obviously), and if you were born between the years of 1975 and 1988, the terms "spread shot" and "Konami Code" are cultural zeitgeists.

Maybe this is why previous attempts at Contra, developed for the PS2, were somewhat disappointing. Shattered Soldier and Neo Contra were Contra games, yet they missed the mark somehow. Similar to how Castlevania has never really been captured on the 3D stage, the Contra experience has yet to be executed in 3D.

Contra IV for the DS, however, is a real attempt to get back to the series roots, while adding a few extra features to enhance the gameplay. Fortunately for gamers, who sometimes have to search to find "gamer's games" amongst all the training software hitting the DS, Wayforward Technologies has given a fantastic Contra experience, with only one notable flaw.

Let's start with the flaw. Contra IV does not have online co-op multiplayer and limited local multiplayer. The former isn't that big a deal. It's tricky to implement that sort of internet based gameplay, so I'm not banging on them for that. However, the lack of single cart co-op play is a real downer. Yes, if you have two copies of the game, you can play co-op. Yet in this blogger's opinion, multi-cart co-op is sooooo 1997.

That said, however, Contra IV does everything else right. First, it realizes what it is. A game for the hardcore. Expect to die a lot. The design is unrelenting, with bad guys shooting at you from two screens instead of one, creating lots of deaths, though I wouldn't call them "cheap." They are all avoidable with skill. Expect to use the easy mode: this isn't a cop-out like in most games: easy mode gives you a few more lives, but only a few, and upgrades your weapons. You'll still die a lot but you'll get through the levels easier, training you for the harder difficulty levels.

As for the new features, a grappling hook has been added, creating a very mild "Bionic Commando" vibe. You can also hold the R button to stay stationary while shooting in all directions: one of those small control updates that is going to be unnoticed by most, but appreciated by veteran gamers who will take advantage of the feature. I also applaud the developer for really using the DS's two screens. Levels have multiple pathways throughout and the 2D level design is excellent overall.

Finally, the game also seems to avoid the usual bugaboos of shooter design: It doesn't overload you with pointless boss battles, and the screen doesn't get overloaded with objects, and the framerate stays solid.

In conclusion, this game would be an easy "A" if not for the lack of single cart multiplayer. A person shouldn't have to buy two copies of the same game, and for that we will reward this otherwise fine effort a B+.

Grade: B+

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