Contra 4

Contra 4 is a side-scrolling run-and-gun action game developed by Konami and WayForward Technologies, and published by Konami in 2007 for the Nintendo DS.

You take control of either Bill Rizer or Lance Bean as they fight against the alien threat. Gameplay involves moving your character left or right through levels, firing an ever-expanding arsenal of weapons at enemies that swarm from all directions. You can jump, shoot in eight directions, and perform a dash. New to the Contra series are wall-climbing and a grappling hook, allowing you to traverse environments in ways not previously possible, such as swinging across gaps or scaling vertical surfaces to find alternate paths or gain a tactical advantage.

The game utilizes the Nintendo DS's dual screens. The top screen displays the main action, showing your character, enemies, and the environment. The bottom screen provides a map of the current area, displays your current weapon, ammo count, and remaining lives. This setup gives you constant awareness of your surroundings and objectives. You'll need to manage your movement carefully, weaving through bullet patterns and using the environment to your advantage as you face massive bosses and hordes of alien creatures.

Contra 4 features a challenging difficulty that demands precise timing and quick reflexes. Players can choose between a standard arcade mode or a story mode that unfolds along with the action. The game also includes a co-operative mode where two players can team up to tackle the alien invasion together.