Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Contra 4 seamlessly recaptures the breakneck pace and tight controls that defined the series in its 16-bit heyday. Players sprint, dodge and blast through nine meticulously designed stages, each packed with swarms of alien grunts, mid-stage minibosses and hulking end-level threats. The classic run-and-gun formula remains intact, with responsive jump and shoot mechanics that demand precision and split-second timing.

Taking full advantage of the Nintendo DS’s dual screens, Contra 4 expands your field of vision without sacrificing the intensity of on-screen action. Enemies and environmental hazards can appear from both screens at once, forcing you to keep your eyes peeled across the top and bottom displays. This setup not only broadens the battlefield but also introduces new platforming challenges—vertical shaft segments and multi-layered arenas feel fresh yet familiar.

The revamped weapon system gives players two swappable slots, so you can carry your favorite spread shot and laser rifle simultaneously, swapping on the fly with a shoulder button. Local Wi-Fi co-op for two players ramps up the excitement, letting you coordinate attack patterns, cover one another’s backs and pull off synchronized boss takedowns. With limited continues and a one-credit run for true masochists, Contra 4 strikes the ideal balance between accessibility and old-school challenge.

Graphics

Contra 4’s pixel art is crisp and vibrant, making the most of the DS’s modest hardware. Character and enemy sprites are well-animated and detailed, with smooth transitions between running, jumping and firing. Explosions pop with layered effects, and boss encounters are punctuated by satisfying flashes and screen shakes that heighten the drama.

The two screens work in tandem to create more dynamic environments. Backgrounds scroll seamlessly from one display to the next, whether you’re in a dense jungle canopy or racing through a pseudo-3D mech base. Subtle parallax layers add depth, while color palettes shift appropriately between levels—lush greens in the jungle, steely grays in the base, and murky blues underwater.

Environmental variety keeps visuals from growing stale: cascading waterfalls sparkle with animated droplets, crumbling platforms send debris flying, and alien fortresses glow ominously under harsh spotlights. Menus and HUD elements remain clean and legible, and the cartridge’s built-in history galleries benefit from clear, high-resolution scans of classic box art and developer notes.

Story

Picking up two years after the defeat of the Red Falcon army in Contra III: Alien Wars, Contra 4 thrusts players into the opening salvos of a renewed alien invasion. The Black Viper fleet looms over Earth, and humanity’s fate rests on the shoulders of legendary commandos Billy Rizer and Lance Bean, joined by newcomers Mad Dog and Scorpion. While the story doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it provides a solid backdrop for nonstop action.

Between levels, brief text intros set the stage for each mission, giving context to the shifting locales—from dense jungles to fortified enemy bases. Character portraits and mission briefs inject personality into the proceedings, though the focus remains squarely on gameplay. Fans of the series will appreciate callbacks to classic Contra tropes: deadly laser corridors, platforming gauntlets and over-the-top cyborg bosses.

Rather than dwelling on narrative twists, Contra 4 lets its gameplay speak for itself. Boss encounters often come with mini cutscenes—doors sliding open, massive war machines ascending from the depths—providing just enough storytelling flair to propel you forward. For players seeking a light sci-fi plot to tie the carnage together, Contra 4 delivers in spades without bogging down the action.

Overall Experience

Contra 4 is a triumphant return to form for the storied run-and-gun franchise, melding retro challenge with modern design sensibilities. The two-screen battlefield and versatile weapon system feel like natural evolutions, while local co-op injects fresh camaraderie into every firefight. Whether you’re tackling the campaign solo or with a friend, the adrenaline never lets up.

Replay value is high: you can revisit levels to master hidden power-up locations, chase faster completion times or attempt a brutal no-continue run. The inclusion of the original NES titles and an illustrated history of the series is a thoughtful bonus, offering both nostalgia and insight into Contra’s evolution. These extras make the cartridge a must-own for longtime fans and newcomers curious about the franchise’s roots.

Though its difficulty may intimidate casual players, Contra 4 strikes the perfect chord for anyone craving action-packed platform shooting. Its bite-sized DS sessions are ideal for on-the-go bursts of alien-slaying mayhem, while the depth of co-op strategy and secret collectibles ensures you’ll keep coming back for more. In an era of sprawling open worlds, Contra 4 proves that old-school intensity still has a place in modern handheld gaming.

Retro Replay Score

8.2/10