I wouldnt consider myself to be an old man, but I've seen my fair share of fads and gimmicks. Back in 1985, video games was just one such fad that beat dark, enveloping wave of time. Here we are, seventeen years later, and games are still around, though maybe not in the same form as we remember it. They go from being a children's medium with pack-ins and inexpensive add-on cartridges, to an involving activity mainly recognized by those ages 18-35 with a film like rating system. Throughout all of this, there have been two changes that have definitely been negative for old school fans, lack of run and gun shooters and lack of challenge in our daily dose of gaming carnage. Thankfully, Konami saw to these issues and did something about both of them...
Released on October 23rd (my birthday!!), Contra: Shattered Soldier is a game that relit a once blazing inferno in my gamer's soul. I read comments from game magazines that said "this game is HARD!", yet I refused to believe them. Upon popping this cylindrical wonderdisc in my PS2, that opinion soon changed. I thought I was a big shot and decided that Stage 4: Seabed would be an adequate starting stage for me. I wouldnt be surprised if that was the entire point behind the stage select option...to break the gamer to a pile of incompetent ooze. Wasnt 2 minutes into the level before I already lost a continue to the jet skiing mecha marauder that assails you. Upon trying him two more times (and two more continues later), I decided that I would move on to another level (I beat him, but not the stage). Every stage, 1 through 4, demolished me one after another. Now, 6 hours of game time later, I can finish all of the first four levels...just not in one sitting. I call a friend to help me on two player mode, thinking it would be easier. But apparently, Konami saw through that trick too. When we played I started to notice that some of the bosses actually had new attacks that they only used in two player mode... That and the fact that my friend was a Contra rookie pretty much sealed our fate there.
There are difficulty settings there and a training option to use, but against all advisors and better judgment, I decided not to use any of them. Why you ask? Finally, at long last, I have a game that truly challenges me. Power-ups? Forget it! You get three weapons, each with a charge function, throughout the entire game. Life bars? No uberwuss, try "one hit kills." Secret Passages? Codes? Tricks? Secrets? The only thing that you'll find in this game is pure grit and skill thrown down by the player to make the game easier, or a tear jerking experience.
Graphically, this game isnt a Trojan Horse, but as for what its trying to do, it does it well. When you see your next opponent for the first time, a general vibe of "wow" flows throughout the room. From robotic cannonpod walkers to bio-alien ceiling spitblobs, you'll get your fair share of shock value bosses. And with a set range of weapons, you'll be primed to come up with your own strategies.
When I complete a level for the 1st time, I dont just shrug it off, I give the "V" symbol, I take a drink of Kool-Aid and blast on to the next level. And what's better? You can unlock three MORE levels aside from the initial four. So, you can master these four, and then give yourself a brand new challenge to own up to. Most other reviews give this game jeers for "short time length" and "low replay value." Well, thats all bull. You earn your title in this game, and its earned to time and effort. You'll play these levels over, and over, and over again. Most importantly, you'll love it everytime. Each time, you'll get better and better until eventually, you can play in front of newbies and their jaws will drop to the floor with how good you are. Time it will take to do this? At LEAST 12-15 hours of pure gaming heaven. And that, my friends, is all the longevity that I need.
Master P, signing off! |
