Up up down down left right left right B A start. Konami officially announced Contra IV will be coming out this year for the Nintendo DS. A direct sequel taking place two years after the events of Contra III: The Alien Wars and starring Sergeant “Mad Dog” Bill Rizer and Corporal “Scorpion” Lance Bean, the sidescrolling sequel appears to be an honest attempt to return to the 8-bit roots of the series. While Contra, Super C, and Contra III are a platforming shoot-em-up trilogy to be reckoned with, there have been many a bewildering spin-off. At least the press release sounds appetizing:

“Refining the 2D side-scrolling genre the series established 20 years ago, Contra 4 delivers pure action at a fever pitch as players jump, shoot, and dodge oncoming hazards. Utilizing a new dual screen presentation, the action spans both screens of the Nintendo DS, giving players the opportunity to battle across expansive environments in which death can come from any direction. The use of both screens for the game’s core action also allows for massive boss battles as players try to seek and destroy the weak points of sky-high enemies. A first for the series, Contra 4 introduces a grappling hook accessory that lets players grab onto elements of the environment directly above them. Whether using it to avoid oncoming dangers or attack from a strategic vantage point, the grappling hook allows for new combat situations and dramatic set pieces that underscore the game’s adrenaline-soaked pedigree.”

Associate producer  Tomm Hulett remarks, “New Super Mario Bros.is a huge inspiration for us. 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.”

Certainly looks good on paper. But the game is being outsourced to WayForward Technologies, whose CV includes Barbie 12: Dancing Princess. Which is… curious.

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