Post by: Caliban on June 20, 2007, 04:48:07 AM
Never saw that coming, nonetheless it is awesome news, although I would have preferred a Contra for Wii but completely in 2D animated sprites and no 3D elements at all. I hope they show something about it at E3.
Post by: Ian Sane on June 20, 2007, 05:17:25 AM
Anyway I love Contra but since the 3D era began the series has been hit or miss with an emphasis on miss. Contra needs to be difficult, fast-paced and meant to be played in one sitting (but you'll never beat it the first time you play it). These days games like that are almost always f*cked up. Game design has shifted to long games with low difficulties and developers used to that style of play usually can't get visceral arcade-style games right.
I am happy it's two players though as portable games often get f*cked on that. I REALLY hope this is good. I also hope it uses sprites though I'm not holding my breath. For some reason ugly polygons = sales.
Post by: Chozo Ghost on June 20, 2007, 05:28:31 AM
I was so terrible at that game in those days that I'd always die on the first level if I didn't do that cheat.
Post by: Chozo Ghost on June 20, 2007, 05:35:02 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Ian Sane
I find it so dumb when companies abandon numbering sequels and then years later return to the numbering system as if all the game in between didn't exist. Logically Contra: Hard Corps is Contra IV just like Resident Evil: Code Veronica is Resident Evil 4.
Yeah, I've wondered about that myself. Maybe they are afraid to make some games canonical for fear that it will be poorly received and then ruin the franchise? Maybe only the really great games that they are confident will do well are given numbers, whereas others are treated like those Star Wars Ewok adventure movies...
Nonetheless, I would totally look the other way if Nintendo made a Super Mario Bros. 4.
Post by: Bill Aurion on June 20, 2007, 06:00:00 AM
WayForward loves sprites, just so you know... =)
Post by: nitsu niflheim on June 20, 2007, 06:45:39 AM
Post by: Strell on June 20, 2007, 07:29:17 AM
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on June 20, 2007, 08:06:56 AM
Post by: Smoke39 on June 20, 2007, 12:43:57 PM
Post by: Kairon on June 20, 2007, 01:19:27 PM
Post by: KDR_11k on June 21, 2007, 08:59:24 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Ian Sane
Anyway I love Contra but since the 3D era began the series has been hit or miss with an emphasis on miss. Contra needs to be difficult, fast-paced and meant to be played in one sitting (but you'll never beat it the first time you play it). These days games like that are almost always f*cked up. Game design has shifted to long games with low difficulties and developers used to that style of play usually can't get visceral arcade-style games right.
I disagree that single-sitting is important for such a game and you'd be insane to require that on a handheld. Try Ninja Five-O, that has classic-style difficulty with saving between levels and a decent play length. You can make each chunk much harder (e.g. give less health/instant respawns) if you let the player retry it as often as he wants, just make the chunks a reasonable size. When I play a saveless game these days I often lose my motivation to retry (at least immediately) when I have to start over from level 1 because I already know that stuff and the parts I need to get better at are at least ten minutes away. I have Super Probotector for the VC but I didn't bother trying it anymore after encountering the two skeleton-style robots in the room with the wall that later gets destroyed to reveal a huge skeleton robot because I feel I'd need way more retries on that than I'm willing to give.
Post by: Ian Sane on June 21, 2007, 10:33:32 AM
If you're complaining about what is argueably the best Contra game then it probably isn't a good idea for Contra 4 to be designed for your tastes. It's like someone who hates Super Metroid suggesting how the next Metroid should play. My brothers and I got smoked at that part too but now beat that game pretty much every time we play. Like the developers that often screw up games like this you're too used to modern game design. You're not used to continues and lives actually meaning something. I don't mean this in an insulting way. Years of gaming being a certain way is going to condition us to prefer certain ideas. Retries takes time and I personally have given up in some games because as a working adult I just don't have that time anymore. But for any Contra game to really work it needs to be designed like that. I have no problem with offering a quick save (which is really an extended pause) because of it being on a portable. But this modern idea where after you get game over you immediately go back to the most recent level of your save isn't going to fly. People will complain the game is too short because arcade-style games are short. Most of them last at most two hours and in an era of 30+ hours being the norm that seems like a waste of money. Having to restart from the beginning and having to develop skills to overcome a challenge are how these games provide a decent length experience.
Every day you play the game for half an hour until you're good enough to beat it. Hell this fits right along other DS titles like Brain Age and Animal Crossing. It's like a non-gamer level of commitment but with hardcore gamer level of challenge.
The ability to make the player want to start over again does rely on good game design. I have played several games where after getting game over I just said "f*ck it" and stopped playing. But with well designed games like Ikaruga I don't get the feeling and I get better at the game each time I play.
Post by: KDR_11k on June 21, 2007, 11:03:10 PM
Ninja Five-O wasn't too short. Well, yes, it was since you don't have enough ninja action after finishing it but that's more because it's good rather than quick to finish. An area that takes 10 tries with restarting from the beginning is more annoying than an area that takes 50 tries with each starting right at the area. Of course I would have put up with starting over back then but that's because game design has improved since back then. As I said, I don't mind difficulty but I mind unnecessary punishments for the player because those kill my motivation dead. Try playing Bunny Must Die, the bosses are really F###ING hard but you get a savepoint before them so you can focus on mastering the fight itself rather than replaying areas you can already beat blindfolded.
Post by: Infernal Monkey on June 22, 2007, 04:32:36 AM
(Had to blow it up from its original piss small size)
LOOKIN' GOOD
Post by: Ian Sane on June 22, 2007, 05:44:37 AM
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on June 22, 2007, 06:19:39 AM
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 22, 2007, 07:11:16 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: PartyBear
Is it just me, or are there four player characters in that shot? The press release says two players, so I'm curious. Are they simply enemies? Are they computer controlled allies? Do they follow the players around, Diddy Kong style?
I was gonna ask the same thing, but what if they are like temporary weapon upgrades?
You pick up an item that is "rocketlauncher support" and some guy with a rocket launcher follows you around shooting rockets for about 30 seconds.
Post by: vudu on June 22, 2007, 07:14:33 AM
QuoteThat's actually the easiest boss in the entire game if you have the homing missile (which you can get just a couple minutes before the boss). For the first part with two robots just grab onto the ceiling and keep moving back and forth to confuse the robot who jumps up there with you. When he jumps, get down on the floor to avoid him until he lets go. The other robot doesn't pose much of a threat unless you get cornered for some reason. All the while you should be unleashing on them with your homing missiles. They'll go down pretty quickly.
Originally posted by: KDR_11k
I have Super Probotector for the VC but I didn't bother trying it anymore after encountering the two skeleton-style robots in the room with the wall that later gets destroyed to reveal a huge skeleton robot because I feel I'd need way more retries on that than I'm willing to give.
When the big robot comes out from the wall and starts shooting those beams that circle the room go around the room clockwise a couple times. Make sure to drop off the ceiling when you're just to the right of the robot in order to save time. Assuming you still have your homing missiles start unleashing on him at the beginning and stop every couple of seconds when hanging in order to get a few shots in. If you don't have your homing missiles, shoot him in the head any time you're either directly above him or below him. Be sure to use all your bombs for every life you need (because they reset back to 2 every time you die).
Post by: Infernal Monkey on June 22, 2007, 04:14:22 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Ian Sane
Is that a legit screen? Is so then F*CK YEAH!!
Yep! Grabbed it from Nintendo Power's website preview of their magazine article. =) There are others, but waaay too small to even try and blow up.
(Also yeah, it's four player co-op! Not online though)
Post by: Smoke39 on June 22, 2007, 11:31:25 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Infernal Monkey
(Also yeah, it's four player co-op! Not online though)
No 4-player co-op online, or no online period? If the latter, then interest *= 0;
Post by: Infernal Monkey on June 22, 2007, 11:39:50 PM
Post by: Smoke39 on June 23, 2007, 12:03:10 AM
Post by: WuTangTurtle on June 23, 2007, 01:34:30 PM
Post by: Ian Sane on June 25, 2007, 05:30:39 AM
Okay, that's it. Nintendo just sold my brother a DS. He has always wanted a four player Contra. That's his dream game. Now I and our other brother each have a DS but he doesn't so for all three of us to play he now needs to get one.
Post by: Stimutacs Addict on June 27, 2007, 04:42:51 AM
ogod ogod ogodo
Post by: Kairon on June 27, 2007, 06:54:40 AM
Post by: Mashiro on June 28, 2007, 01:08:24 PM
" "New Super Mario Bros. is a huge inspiration for us," Hulett explains. "Nintendo looked back and created a game that was based on the original Super Mario, not Mario 3 or Mario 64, and made a game that's feels like the original. That's exactly what we want to do here with Contra. We've gone back to Contra III for the controls, the weapon system, even the platforming, which is something that was lost in the later games..."
Perhaps this will signal a look back for many other franchises to their respective roots =D
The whole article can be read here (good read and things look very promising): http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3160665
Post by: Chozo Ghost on June 28, 2007, 02:25:47 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Mashiro
According to an extensive article by 1up.com the creators had this to say:
" "New Super Mario Bros. is a huge inspiration for us," Hulett explains. "Nintendo looked back and created a game that was based on the original Super Mario, not Mario 3 or Mario 64, and made a game that's feels like the original. That's exactly what we want to do here with Contra. We've gone back to Contra III for the controls, the weapon system, even the platforming, which is something that was lost in the later games..."
Perhaps this will signal a look back for many other franchises to their respective roots =D
The whole article can be read here (good read and things look very promising): http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3160665
That's... indescribably awesome.
I'd love to see some of these franchises that have now moved to 3D go back to their original 2D charm. I can't really remember the names, but there is a ton of old NES games I'd love to see redone like that... oh, like Super Pitfall. Many people hated that game, but I loved it. Swinging on vines and being lifted up by a balloon is an experience I'll never forget. It just couldn't be the same if it were done on the PS3, but the DS could bring that feeling back.
Post by: bosshogx on June 29, 2007, 02:37:53 AM
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on July 01, 2007, 03:12:34 PM
Post by: Requiem on July 03, 2007, 09:21:20 AM
This game looks incredible.
Post by: Caliban on July 12, 2007, 06:39:11 AM
Post by: Kairon on July 12, 2007, 10:37:16 AM
Post by: couchmonkey on July 13, 2007, 06:04:26 AM
Post by: Ian Sane on July 31, 2007, 12:40:55 PM
It's Contra.
That's the best way to describe it and odds are if you're at all familiar with the series that enough info to tell you if you want to get it or not. My brother and I will each be buying a copy on day one.
Post by: Kairon on July 31, 2007, 12:50:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Ian Sane
It's Contra.
Thanks. All I needed to know. +2 in sales.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on July 31, 2007, 12:52:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: KaironQuote
Originally posted by: Ian Sane
It's Contra.
Thanks. All I needed to know. +2 in sales.
I already had this game in my mile long list of games I'll buy and maybe put an hour each into.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on July 31, 2007, 12:52:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: KaironQuote
Originally posted by: Ian Sane
It's Contra.
Thanks. All I needed to know. +2 in sales.
I already had this game in my mile long list of games I'll buy and maybe put an hour each into.
Post by: ShyGuy on July 31, 2007, 07:37:09 PM
Post by: Ian Sane on August 01, 2007, 06:32:14 AM
Post by: Infernal Monkey on October 11, 2007, 06:58:20 PM
Quote
BONUS CONTENT AVAILABLE FOR CONTRA 4
20th Anniversary Virtual Museum, NES Versions of Contra and Super C,
Unlockable Characters and More
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the popular Contra franchise of video games, Konami Digital Entertainment plans to incorporate a wealth of in-game bonus content into its latest entry in the run and gun action franchise, Contra 4 for the Nintendo DS™. The content includes:
• 20th Anniversary Virtual Museum – this museum provides a virtual history of the Contra franchise since the early 80’s, including box art, screen shots and information on every version of Contra from the US, Japan and Europe. The museum also features an unlockable gallery of bonus art.
• Unlockable Games – The NES versions of the classic Contra and Super C are now unlockable.
• 5 unlockable characters, including the Probotector from the European version of the Contra games
• 2 unlockable digital comic books from longtime Contra artist, Atsushi Tsujimoto
• An interview with noted Contra Producer Nobuya Nakazato
Set after the events of Contra III: Alien Wars, Contra 4 follows hardened mercs Bill Rizer and Lance Bean into battle against a new extraterrestrial threat, complete with larger-than-life-action, massive enemies, fast paced run ‘n’ gun combat and mind blowing set pieces. The unique dual screen presentation of the Nintendo DS™ allows for frantic action and mammoth boss encounters, and a grappling hook allows players to access hard to reach areas, or dodge that pesky attack from a foe.
Contra 4 features a variety of game modes, including 40 Challenge Modes that will test the limits of even the best Contra veterans, as well as full cooperative play through the main story mode, where two players can take up the fight for mankind and destroy the evil forces of the Black Viper.
BEST DS GAME EVER.
Post by: KDR_11k on October 11, 2007, 10:56:44 PM
I thought the Probotector was playable in Contra: Hard Cops already?
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on October 12, 2007, 05:40:50 AM
Post by: vudu on October 12, 2007, 07:06:48 AM
I'm still a little iffy on Contra 4. I'm sure it will be at least good, but I'm worried about the value you'll get for the money. Then again, I really would like to encourage more of these types of games and the best way to do that is to drop down some cash.
Post by: Adrock on October 12, 2007, 09:27:30 AM
Post by: EasyCure on October 12, 2007, 02:39:16 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: vudu
Contra (b)IIII(/b) is about thirty times as good as Super C. And it's four times as good as the original.
I'm still a little iffy on Contra (b)4(/b). I'm sure it will be at least good, but I'm worried about the value you'll get for the money. Then again, I really would like to encourage more of these types of games and the best way to do that is to drop down some cash.
one... two... three... four...
HEY!
Post by: Maverick on October 13, 2007, 07:01:44 AM
Hopefully I'll get a VC version of it someday.
Post by: anubis6789 on October 13, 2007, 03:03:17 PM
Quote
Contra 4 features a variety of game modes, including 40 Challenge Modes that will test the limits of even the best Contra veterans, as well as full cooperative play through the main story mode, where two players can take up the fight for mankind and destroy the evil forces of the Black Viper.
It appears that four-player mode may have been dumped, unless it is involved in the 40 challenges, or is an unlockable.
I am still buying this game but if 4 player co-op is dropped I will be deeply saddened.
Also; is your friends life worth a spread shot?
Post by: KDR_11k on October 13, 2007, 09:20:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Maverick
I wish it included Contra Force.
Hopefully I'll get a VC version of it someday.
What's Contra Force?
Post by: anubis6789 on October 13, 2007, 09:41:29 PM
Post by: KDR_11k on October 14, 2007, 06:33:22 AM
Post by: Maverick on October 14, 2007, 08:07:19 AM
Post by: anubis6789 on October 14, 2007, 12:49:16 PM
Post by: Kairon on October 14, 2007, 12:53:15 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Infernal Monkey
HOLY CRAP. YOU CAN PLAY AS PROBOTECTOR FROM THE PAL VERSIONS OF CONTRA. ALSO CONTRA AND SUPER C FROM NES ARE INCLUDED. AND THINGS. AND WOOOOOOOW I LOVE YOU WAYFORWARD.Quote
BONUS CONTENT AVAILABLE FOR CONTRA 4
20th Anniversary Virtual Museum, NES Versions of Contra and Super C,
Unlockable Characters and More
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the popular Contra franchise of video games, Konami Digital Entertainment plans to incorporate a wealth of in-game bonus content into its latest entry in the run and gun action franchise, Contra 4 for the Nintendo DS™. The content includes:
• 20th Anniversary Virtual Museum – this museum provides a virtual history of the Contra franchise since the early 80’s, including box art, screen shots and information on every version of Contra from the US, Japan and Europe. The museum also features an unlockable gallery of bonus art.
• Unlockable Games – The NES versions of the classic Contra and Super C are now unlockable.
• 5 unlockable characters, including the Probotector from the European version of the Contra games
• 2 unlockable digital comic books from longtime Contra artist, Atsushi Tsujimoto
• An interview with noted Contra Producer Nobuya Nakazato
Set after the events of Contra III: Alien Wars, Contra 4 follows hardened mercs Bill Rizer and Lance Bean into battle against a new extraterrestrial threat, complete with larger-than-life-action, massive enemies, fast paced run ‘n’ gun combat and mind blowing set pieces. The unique dual screen presentation of the Nintendo DS™ allows for frantic action and mammoth boss encounters, and a grappling hook allows players to access hard to reach areas, or dodge that pesky attack from a foe.
Contra 4 features a variety of game modes, including 40 Challenge Modes that will test the limits of even the best Contra veterans, as well as full cooperative play through the main story mode, where two players can take up the fight for mankind and destroy the evil forces of the Black Viper.
BEST DS GAME EVER.
SEE PEOPLE? THIS is why what happens when you buy THIRD-PARTY SHOVELWARE (i.e. Ping Pals).
Everyone should thank me for buying Ping Pals and contributing to the events that let WayForward bring us this wonderful gift of awesome.
Post by: vudu on October 15, 2007, 07:17:10 AM
QuoteFour player mode was dropped a few months ago. In fact, it's been brought up before in this very thread.
Originally posted by: anubis6789
It appears that four-player mode may have been dumped, unless it is involved in the 40 challenges, or is an unlockable.
Quote
Originally posted by: Caliban
I don't know if anyone else hasn't noticed it but there no longer exists a 4 player co-op mode in this game, it's back to its roots, 2 player co-op.
Post by: KDR_11k on October 15, 2007, 08:19:45 AM
Post by: anubis6789 on October 15, 2007, 08:14:33 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: vuduQuoteFour player mode was dropped a few months ago. In fact, it's been brought up before in this very thread.
Originally posted by: anubis6789
It appears that four-player mode may have been dumped, unless it is involved in the 40 challenges, or is an unlockable.Quote
Originally posted by: Caliban
I don't know if anyone else hasn't noticed it but there no longer exists a 4 player co-op mode in this game, it's back to its roots, 2 player co-op.
Well I feel a little silly then.
Post by: Infernal Monkey on October 25, 2007, 08:34:19 PM
<3 <3 <3 Konami taking box art seriously on DS for once.
Post by: vudu on October 26, 2007, 07:32:14 AM
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on October 26, 2007, 07:57:38 AM
Post by: Kairon on October 26, 2007, 07:59:05 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: PartyBear
The backstroke?
Well he's doing it wrong then.
Post by: KDR_11k on October 26, 2007, 10:15:32 AM
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on October 26, 2007, 10:19:07 AM
Post by: vudu on October 26, 2007, 10:24:48 AM
Post by: Infernal Monkey on November 13, 2007, 01:01:52 PM
8/10
Quote
7.5 Graphics
It looks good, but It's a step backwards in visual appeal from other Contra sequels with its pixel art focus...intentionally so since this is meant as a follow-up to the 16-bit games.
lololol what? NEEDS MORE POLYGONS.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on November 13, 2007, 01:08:01 PM
Post by: Infernal Monkey on November 13, 2007, 01:19:36 PM
Post by: Caliban on November 13, 2007, 02:10:03 PM
Post by: KDR_11k on November 14, 2007, 03:33:38 AM
Post by: Ian Sane on November 14, 2007, 03:59:55 AM
These days any time "dated" or "antiqueated" shows up in a review I roll my eyes. There are game design ideas that are dated but it seems like none of these reviewers played videogames before Final Fantasy VII or maybe even as late as Halo. It's like if it isn't modern it's bad. They would sh!t on Super Metroid for not telling you exactly where to go if the game wasn't popular enough for them to fear reader backlash for saying so.
Post by: Terranigma Freak on November 16, 2007, 12:34:28 PM
Post by: Caliban on November 16, 2007, 03:59:06 PM
Post by: Terranigma Freak on November 17, 2007, 03:58:28 AM
Quote
but man…when you're spending your first hour or two with the game to get through Level One on Normal, perhaps someone testing the game should have raised their hands and said "Um, can you turn it down…just a notch? Please?"
Can you say pussy?
I made it through the normal mode's first stage dying only once on my first run. It was the hard mode that got me. Even then it wasn't too bad.
Post by: KDR_11k on November 17, 2007, 07:02:38 AM
Post by: Terranigma Freak on November 17, 2007, 10:09:20 AM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on November 18, 2007, 04:44:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Terranigma FreakQuote
but man…when you're spending your first hour or two with the game to get through Level One on Normal, perhaps someone testing the game should have raised their hands and said "Um, can you turn it down…just a notch? Please?"
Can you say pussy?
I made it through the normal mode's first stage dying only once on my first run. It was the hard mode that got me. Even then it wasn't too bad.
::Gasp:: Someone isn't as good as you are in a game, I hope it makes you feel better to insult them, because that really makes you a man. Anyway I am a bit let down by the game, I was expecting a Contra 3 experience and what I got was an experience on par with the NES games which I did not care for. Also, maybe it is just me, but some of these levels seem to go on a bit too long. Also, I could swear that Contra 3 had better visuals. Then again that could be because I haven't played it lately.
Post by: Terranigma Freak on November 19, 2007, 06:17:01 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenixQuote
Originally posted by: Terranigma FreakQuote
but man…when you're spending your first hour or two with the game to get through Level One on Normal, perhaps someone testing the game should have raised their hands and said "Um, can you turn it down…just a notch? Please?"
Can you say pussy?
I made it through the normal mode's first stage dying only once on my first run. It was the hard mode that got me. Even then it wasn't too bad.
::Gasp:: Someone isn't as good as you are in a game, I hope it makes you feel better to insult them, because that really makes you a man.
I must humbly apologize if I offend you by making fun of your favorite hypocrites at IGN. I'm sorry they constantly whine about how games aren't hardcore enough for them, but when I truly hardcore game comes their way, they cry to their mommy. I'm sorry they made a game that is suppose to be difficult... difficult. After all, everybody knows Contra games are suppose to be the easiest game in the world.
Post by: Sabe002 on November 19, 2007, 08:04:50 AM
Thanks for the input.
Post by: Terranigma Freak on November 19, 2007, 08:47:10 AM
Post by: Sabe002 on November 19, 2007, 10:21:22 AM
Post by: KDR_11k on January 17, 2008, 09:30:00 PM
I think the only other Contra that gave me as much trouble on the first level already was Hard Corps. On Super Contra 3, Super C and Contra (arcade) I could get to the second or third level fairly easily.
Post by: darknight06 on January 20, 2008, 05:26:40 PM
Post by: Armak88 on January 20, 2008, 06:43:14 PM
Post by: KDR_11k on January 21, 2008, 01:36:37 AM
