Contra vs Contra III: The Alien Wars
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Contra is a 1987 run and gun action game where players control elite commandos Bill "Mad Dog" Rizer and Lance "Scorpion" Bean on a mission to stop the Red Falcon Organization. The game blends fast‑paced shooting, platforming, and sci‑fi warfare across side‑scrolling levels. Originally an arcade hit, Contra was ported to numerous home systems and remains a benchmark for cooperative shooters, offering both single‑player challenge and two‑player co‑op play.
The title is famed for its challenging bosses, diverse weapon upgrades, and responsive controls that let you fire in any direction while navigating complex platforming sections. Its vibrant graphics and relentless difficulty have made it a standout entry in the Contra series.
- Iconic co‑op gameplay
- Fast‑paced, addictive action
- Memorable weapon variety
- Timeless retro graphics
- Fast‑paced, addictive gameplay
- Huge variety of weapons and power‑ups
- Memorable boss designs
- Co‑op split‑screen support
- High difficulty may deter newcomers
- Limited save system
- Simple story presentation
- High difficulty may deter newcomers
- Limited save system by modern standards
- Original release only on SNES hardware
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Contra
View all →
Alternatives to Contra III: The Alien Wars
View all →
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataContra offers classic arcade co‑op at a low price but is very hard and limited in content, while Contra III adds richer graphics, more weapons and bosses for double the cost.
Key differences
- •Contra is $9.99 vs Contra III $19.99
- •Contra III has a higher critic score (85 vs 50)
- •Contra III provides more weapon variety and split‑screen co‑op
- •Contra III runs on SNES hardware with more detailed graphics
- •Contra III’s age rating is PEGI 12 vs Contra’s PEGI 7, reflecting higher difficulty
Gameplay & fun factor
Contra III’s wider weapon pool, wall‑climbing, and varied boss designs create deeper run‑and‑gun fun.
Platform availability
Contra has multiple modern console ports; Contra III is originally SNES‑only.
Price & value
Contra costs $9.99, half the price of Contra III, offering basic experience for less money.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both support co‑op, but Contra III adds split‑screen, allowing simultaneous play on one screen.
Content & replayability
Contra III includes more levels, diverse environments, and numerous weapons, increasing replay value.
Difficulty & accessibility
Contra’s lower age rating (PEGI 7) suggests slightly easier entry than Contra III (PEGI 12).
Graphics & performance
Contra III leverages SNES hardware for detailed sprites and vibrant alien visuals, surpassing Contra’s retro pixel art.
Choose Contra if…
Buyers seeking a cheap, nostalgic arcade experience and who prefer modern console compatibility.
Choose Contra III: The Alien Wars if…
Buyers wanting richer content, more weapons, split‑screen co‑op, and are willing to pay extra for higher quality.
Common questions
Is Contra cheaper than Contra III?
Yes, Contra is $9.99 while Contra III costs $19.99.
Which game has better reviews?
Contra III has a higher critic score (85/100) compared to Contra’s 50/100.
Can I play co‑op on the same screen?
Both support co‑op; Contra III adds split‑screen co‑op, while Contra’s co‑op is simultaneous but not split‑screen.