May 22^nd, 2002 (12:00am) - May 22, 2002 - Konami of America Inc., today announced that the legendary Contra series will debut in stunning detail on next-generation game consoles in November 2002. Created exclusively for the Sony PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system, Contra: Shattered SoldierTM marks a welcome return to the frantic, action-packed gameplay that has made the series a certifiable classic. Featuring outstanding PS®2-powered visuals and feverish 2D/3D gameplay, Contra Shattered Soldier promises to be the next-generation title that fans of the series have been waiting for. For fast-paced fun on the go, Game Boy® Advance owners can get in on the action as well with Contra AdvanceTM (working title), a new and improved version of the smash-hit Contra SNES game that is now packed with extra features.

"The Contra series is back after all these years, and it’s bigger and better than ever," said Jason Enos, Product Manager at Konami of America. "Packed with serious firepower and great gameplay, these new Contra titles will blow gamers away!"

Contra: Shattered Soldier
All of the legendary action and adrenaline of the famed Contra series comes to the PlayStation® 2 with Contra: Shattered Soldier. Fans of the series will feel right at home with the game’s signature frenzied, side-scrolling 2D gameplay, while newcomers to the series will be awed by the game’s ultra-detailed 3D visuals and wide assortment of enemies - human, alien and mechanized.

Massive, screen-filling boss characters, a Contra series staple, do everything they can to keep players from proceeding through the multiple action-packed missions, while environmental threats such as swarms of bugs, aggressive enemies and alien encounters keep players on their toes. When the action gets too intense; players can always opt to take on the enemy with a friend in the cooperative 2-player simultaneous mode.

Featuring the gritty, futuristic character designs of celebrated artist and Comic Book illustrator Ashley Wood (Spawn, Aliens, X-Men, Star Wars), Contra: Shattered Soldier takes Contra and action gamers on a whole new roller coaster of harrowing gameplay, stellar visuals, and non-stop action. Simple, easy to pick-up-and-play controls gets players right into the game, while multiple endings and hidden levels add substantial replay value.

Contra Advance (working title)
Game Boy® Advance owners will finally get their action gaming fix with Contra Advance, marking the first time the famed franchise has made an appearance on Nintendo’s newest handheld console. Based on the Contra game for SNES, this fast-paced 2D side-scrolling shooter has all of the classic, addictive gameplay that has since become a hallmark of the series.

As an added bonus, Contra fans will delight in exploring all-new, never-before-seen levels that have been specially designed for the powerful GBA system. Players can also link up with a friend (link cable required) in the 2-player Simultaneous Mode for twice the fun and firepower.