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| Neo Contra | |
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 The North American and European packaging artwork for Neo Contra was drawn by comic book artist Jim Lee.[1] |
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| Developer(s) | Konami TYO |
| Publisher(s) | Konami |
| Designer(s) | Takayuki Ando (director) Nobuya Nakazato (producer) |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 2 |
| Release date | NA October 26, 2004 JPN November 3, 2004 EU February 25, 2005 |
| Genre(s) | Run and gun |
| Mode(s) | Single player, Cooperative |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: Mature CERO: 15+ PEGI: 12+ OFLC: G 8+ |
| Media | 1 DVD |
| Input methods | Gamepad |
Neo Contra (ネオコントラ Neo Kontora?) is the tenth video game in the Contra series by Konami. It was released for the Sony PlayStation 2 in 2004. The game is a direct follow-up to Contra: Shattered Soldier and is another departure from the traditional scrolling shooter formula from previous games.
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Gameplay
Neo Contra once again brings the games arena back into three dimensions. However, unlike the titles developed under Appaloosa Interactive, players only need to aim in third dimension upon rare occasions. Additionally, this title eradicates the boss-oriented gameplay of the previous 32-bit titles, and seeks a balance more reminiscent of the 8-bit and 16-bit Contras; long free-form shooting sections, interspliced with boss encounters.
Additionally, gameplay varies depending upon the level and camera angle presented (the camera cannot be user-controlled). Most of the game is played in an isometric perspective, but portions are side-scrolling or overhead-behind. The player cannot jump. Instead, two new defensive moves are added that allows the player to effectively evade in the new dimensions: dash and spin. Dash gives the player a quick burst of speed to evade hostiles, while spin gives the player an instant of invulnerability. The hit-ratio system that was introduced in Shattered Soldier has been kept in this title.
The game uses a modified version of the three-weapon configuration from Shattered Soldier. The player has two types of firearms used against ground-level targets, one with regular ammo and the other with flammable rounds, and a third weapon used to lock-on airborne targets. The player can choose from one of the three initially available weapon sets (one which includes the famous Spread Shot from the earlier Contra games, which was missing in Shattered Soldier), with three additional sets that are time-release.
There are a total of seven stages in the game. Like Shattered Soldier, the four initial stages can played in any order and be replayed anytime for higher grading. The fifth stage can only be selected by clearing the first four stages, while the sixth and seventh stages are only available if players maintain an above average grade overall. There is a difficulty setting in the options menu, and playing on Easy difficulty grants players 30 lives to beat the first four missions, but on this difficulty it is impossible to view the game's ending. Normal mode offers players 5 lives and 7 continues to complete the seven missions of the game.
Plot and setting
Neo Contra takes place during A.D. 4444 when the Earth has been transformed into a prison planet, home to criminals and political rebels (contras). From this underworld society rises a new order called "Neo Contra". This government quickly showed its true colors, as it has other plans than bringing back normal civilization. Thus, Bill Rizer is awoken from his cryogenic sleep of nearly two thousand years. He is partnered with Genbei "Jaguar" Yagyu, a samurai, and the two are sent to Earth to deal with the Neo Contra threat.
Reception
The game is viewed as extremely short and relatively easy; an experienced gamer can finish the game in only about forty-five minutes. In contrast, the previous title, Shattered Soldier, is very difficult, like most of the Contra games. The controls are another point of dispute for many gamers who are critical of Neo Contra, as Konami chose to not take advantage of the PlayStation 2's dual analog controllers for directional firing and aiming.
References
- ^ "Neo Contra Preview". Yahoo! Uk & Ireland Ltd.. Retrieved on 2006-11-07.
External links
- Official websites
- General resources
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