Contra: Shattered Soldier

The game marks a return to the two-dimensional gameplay style employed by the series prior to Contra: Legacy of War. Shattered Soldier returns to the classic game system employed by the series prior to Contra: Legacy of War. The major departure in Shattered Soldier is the omission of power-up items. A high hit-ratio, along with the minimization of lives lost and continues used, is essential to receive the better endings, and consequently unlock the additional extra features. Bill Rizer, the hero of the Alien Wars, was held responsible for the incident, as well as for murdering his partner, Lance Bean, who reportedly tried to stop him. The ruling government, referred to as the "Triumvirate", decides to release Bill Rizer prior to completing his sentence, in view of his previous successes in defending Earth, in hope of neutralizing Blood Falcon.