Contra 4 is a return to form for the series and a sequel to the original Contra series. Konami released this game as part of its 20th anniversary celebration of the Contra franchise. WayForward Technologies was responsible for the development of the game and they have managed to recreate all of the Contra action as it is fondly remembered. One hit deaths, running and gunning, enemy evasion, side-scrolling, platforming, and the famous spread gun all make their respective returns. Most of these elements, apart from the spread gun, are part of the formula for the brutal difficulty for which the series is known.
Full review here