• Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Oct 19, 2004
Neo Contra Image
Metascore

Mixed or average reviews - based on 37 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

  • Summary: Neo Contra integrates all of the classic shooting gameplay elements that have come to define this renowned series while bringing the experience to a 3D world. Longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise will find classic, fast-paced action as they battle huge bosses who will stop at nothing to keep them from completing their mission. Players will need quick reflexes to dodge enemy attacks as well as access an arsenal of powerful weapons to defeat deadly enemies. Set in the distant future, Neo Contra continues the adventure of the legendary hero, Bill Rizer, and introduces a visually striking new character to the series - Genbei Jaguer Yagyu, a mysterious Samurai. In addition to stylized characters, players will also experience realistic environmental destruction and explosions as they make their way through extremely detailed stages. The game's incredible CG cinematic sequences will also enhance its engaging storyline and overall dynamic visual design. [Konami] Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 37
  2. Negative: 7 out of 37
  1. It's short length keeps it from scoring any higher, but fans of Contra and shooter fans in general will find a great game in Neo Contra.
  2. The game setup is also much easier than any others in the Contra series that I've played, but at the same time, it still more difficult than a wide variety of games.
  3. The environments and enemies will meet most expectations but there are times when slow down becomes a factor.
  4. 40
    Neo Contra isn’t a terrible game; it simply fails to get the balance between running and gunning right, resting far too much emphasis on the latter. It’s fun for a quick blast, but doesn’t offer enough depth or difficulty to warrant extended play.

See all 37 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. KourtneyL.
    10
    You gamers need to remember.The older Contras of the past never had unlockable missions to go through.Shattered Solider and Neo Contra are just about the only 2 I can think of that do.Alot of older contra games only have a code for extra lives.This new game gives you that and more.When you guys think of a contra game that has characters jump,then all you are doing is thinking of the year 1987.I think it's awesome that Contra is now fully 3D and best of all the characters talk.Since it's now 2004 I am glad that they added a dash move instead of bringing back the ability to jump.A dash can be just as good as a jump.Alot of you may think the game is extremely short but that's only because you guys are getting low ratings B or C.Shattered Solider works the same way.If you get an S rating on the first 4 missions you will continue on.Same way with SS.Why is that so difficult for you contra fans to understand? I hope this review helps. Expand
  2. StephenK
    9
    Awsome game! The controls are tough to get used to, but once you do, its a blast and a half! Big guns, Big bosses and Big explosions. It delivered, I was happy. The werid music wasn't NEARLY as good as any of its predecessors, but the opening sequence sure had a catchy tune. Expand
  3. ChrisBurket
    8
    ahh this is an interesting one. im not going to say it is a great game, but i will say it is fun as hell. what is this game all about? action, action, action and more action. what are the good aspects about it? gameplay, gameplay, gameplay and....... gameplay. anyway, the main thing i want to address is the voice acting and the story. the story is pretty basic and the plot twists are cheesy. the voice acting and dialogue are so cheesy and so terrible, that they are good in a way. i know that makes no sense but they really are funny. it lifts alot of the tension because you just have to laugh at the cutscenes. for example, at one part the 2 main characters are on top of a moving helicopter and manage not to fall off by running in place super fast on the spinning blades. they stay like this for an entire half of a level even when the helicopter flips over for a second. they also they get shot out of an erupting volcano, ride on torpedoes like surf boards and get shot down to the battlefield inside of a missile from a satellite..... these guys put chuck norris to shame. its like the creators realized that no one is playing this game for the story, so they decided to make it cheesy and stupid and focus on the gameplay. its nice to see game designers with real focus. its a contra game so i assume you already know that it is ball-breakingly hard and you will die again and again and again, but i would still recommend it (if youre a man you can take it). dont bother renting it. its so cheap at stores you might as well purchase it. also in order to get your full use out of it, you will need to master the gameplay, so really you need to own it. a few more things, the graphics and music are pretty good. thats all. i give this game an 8 out of 10 (or 4 out of 5) Expand