Contra is one of a handful of franchises that have become completely synonymous with gaming; indeed, chances are if you haven't played any Contra games, then you'll have at least heard of them. Konami's run-and-shoot-'em-up behemoth may have lost a lot of its lustre in recent years (pretty much par for the course with Konami these days, it seems, save for some excellent retro collections), but its earlier iterations have become iconic in their own right.
From the original arcade Contra in 1987 all the way up to Contra: Rogue Corps in 2019, the series has rarely strayed from its relatively simple formula — run through a bunch of linear levels and shoot up a bunch of bad guys — but this is arguably its biggest draw. In an age where gaming is more complex than ever, Contra is a fantastic reminder that you don't need a boatload of features to make a cracking game.
So, much like our other reader-ranked polls, we asked you fine people to rate your favourite Contra games on Nintendo platforms from the list below.
If you missed the voting phase, then worry not! The list below is automatically updated in real-time according to each game's corresponding 'User Rating' on the Nintendo Life game database. This means to can influence the order right now, if you wish, by clicking on the star next to each game and awarding it our own score.
So equip yourself with a Spread Shot and let's check out the very best Contra games on Nintendo systems, starting at the bottom.
Note. Yes, we've included the Anniversary Collection for completeness' sake - if you're not keen on collections being included in our rankings, then simply pretend it isn't there; the rest of the list will still be in the same order!
12. Contra: Rogue Corps (Switch)
Contra's high-profile return to modern platforms landed with more of a whimper than a bang. Contra: Rogue Corps swaps out the side-scrolling shoot-em-up action for top-down twinstick gameplay; the problem is it's just not very fun to play. The shooting mechanics are far too inaccurate and the muddy textures and low resolution make for an ugly experience on the Switch. There are some good ideas here, but Rogue Corps is far from the Contra rebirth we were hoping for.
11. Arcade Archives Contra (Switch eShop)
Part of the 'Arcade Archives' line-up on Switch, Contra is the arcade title original through and through, warts 'n' all. Its purity and simplicity are perhaps its greatest features in this day and age, but subsequent Contra titles have arguably trumped it in terms of quality and replayability. Still, it's worth checking out on Switch, though we'd probably recommend the more rounded offering available in the Contra Anniversary Collection.
10. Contra Advance: The Alien Wars EX (GBA)
Contra Advance: The Alien Wars EX certainly seems like a neat idea in theory; one of the greatest shoot-em-ups of all time on a portable device? Neat! In practice, however, Contra Advance introduces a number of compromises to the experience that makes it less-than-ideal: blockier sprites; washed out visuals; downgraded audio quality. It all adds up, making this one a tough recommendation when the SNES version of Alien Wars is so readily available.
9. Contra: The Alien Wars (GB)
A Game Boy version of the SNES original, this was developed by Factor 5, the studio behind the Super Turrican games on the Super Nintendo and the Star Wars: Rogue Squadron series. The levels and overall structure were altered and a password system was added but it still manages to deliver a serviceable game of Contra on a system with the processing power of a modern day toaster.
8. Operation C (GB)
This is without a doubt a Contra game (or Probotector if you’re a robot-loving European) more worthy of its title than, say, certain PlayStation entries. It hits on most of the aspects that make a good entry: challenging gameplay, tight controls, varied enemies, killer arsenal, macho tunes, big bosses. For a title two years into the mighty portable’s lifespan, it accomplishes an impressive amount in shrinking the essentials of the beloved console/arcade series. Sadly, players are forced to go gung-ho solo, which is disheartening for multiplayer fans and kills some of its longevity, but it’s remarkable just how well the game holds up on the humble Game Boy and fans of the NES games would foolish to pass this up.
7. Contra ReBirth (WiiWare)
One of M2's Rebirth series which we'd dearly love to see return to modern consoles in some way, Contra ReBirth reminds us that it's entirely possible to revisit a beloved franchise and deliver a thrilling nostalgia trip without destroying treasured memories in the process. It's a shame such a gem is effectively stranded on a dead service, so fingers crossed it gets the rerelease it deserves at some point down the line.
Comments 86
This is list is… legit!
Contra 4 does NOT deserve to be above hard corps lmao
@Slowdive at this point it is all relative to our personal nostalgia. No list can beat my memories of playing og nes contra with my girlfriend early in the morning before school starts.
Whatever you do, stay away from C: The Contra Adventure.
@Friscobay 100% - I gave the original NES Contra a 10/10. Absolutely one of the high points of my video gaming childhood!
I have a feeling this should had been called “all contra games on Nintendo systems ranked” instead of “best contra games” because as it is, the second I saw #12, I almost spilled my drink.
@bcmikey Sweet times ! and I’m not even that much into topless ammo dudes; music was freaking awesome btw !
@Tharsman love the feeling part, tho I don’t actually find this game that bad. It is certainly rough and badass and not very contra ish but somehow I bought it with no regrets.
This is actually pretty close to how I’d rank them too. Good looking, NLife readers!
Contra 4 was the best hands down.
I am pretty happy with this list. Surprised HARD CORPS is so low, but it really is stacked with great titles. My favorite gaming franchises are CONTRA and CASTLEVANIA. Konami is not great at handling their franchises, but I have been pretty pleased with these collections. So glad CONTRA took the top spot also. It's my favorite NES game.
This series was always a fun one to play from beginning to end in a sitting, maybe having to restart a couple times to make it, but great hour gaming sessions. metal slug is as well
Wild how the article mentions wanting Contra Force in the Anniversary Collection but clearly didn't want it ranked on the list.
I never understood how anniversary collection games don’t make the top games. They are generally a culmination of all the games and while titles like Contra and Alien Wars are clearly stand outs - I would’ve thought that combining all the titles would be more beneficial to overall scoring.
Can't argue with the top 3.
How do you put a collection in the list but put individual games it contains above it…?
Pretty good list. 1 and 3 are definitely the best but Super C, Hard Corps and 4 are also great.
@Olliemar28 Reportedly the Arcade Archives version of Contra fixes a somewhat small emulation bug not in the compilation:
the RNG in the base stages being more random and accurate to the original machine.
Maybe there's some purists out there who will appreciate the difference.
I'm remembering now that original arcade Contra was also on the DS, in a compilation with like 14 other '80s Konami arcade game. If one wants to experience a worse way to play the game. That one did have an option to preserve the aspect ratio by letting you turn the console sideways, but then you have to play while operating the DS buttons with the console turned sideways.
I just love how for the box art of NES Contra they straight up copied Arnold's pose for the Predator movie No F's giving they're like "screw it we'll use that".
Contra Anniversary Collection shouldn't count. Otherwise, it should automatically get the number one spot.
Also, Super C should be in the Top 3.
I may be in the minority here but I don't like Contra Hard Corps. It feels way too fast and janky to me.
@Funneefox
It’s above the US version of Hard Corps (which is among the most poorly balanced Konami regional versions ever made; for those who haven’t played Hard Corps stay away from the US version and play the JP version) but it’s way behind the Japanese version, which in my opinion is the best Contra game ever made, with Alien Wars coming in a close second.
I spent so many hours with the original NES Contra! It’s one of the only games I ever became perfect at and able to play through without dying. Such a fun game to get into the zone with!
@NeonPizza
I bet you played the US version.
That version is horrifically balanced. The game was designed around tanking three hits before death unlike other Contra games where you got one hit.
When they brought it over to the states they implemented the 1 hit death and didn’t bother to rebalance the game for it to increase frustration for people who rented it.
The JP version is damn near perfect as a Contra title. Because it’s properly balanced. It’s basically a more crazy version of Contra III in JP. Whereas the US version is a straight up frustration fest with its increased speed over prior Contras and greater amount of bullet hell.
Not a bad list, although I'll never understand the love people have for Alien Wars.
Top three for me:
1) Contra 4
2) Contra
3) Hard Corps
WayForward's take on the series was incredible.
@NeonPizza Did they? Footage I've seen looks fine. What's your criticism?
According to the title, this is a list of best Contra games on Nintendo systems. When did Genesis/MD become Nintendo? Is the title more accurately best Contra games except those on Sony platforms (eg, no Shattered Soldier)?
@NeonPizza Contra 4 obliterates most games.
In general, I feel like WF's art direction was at its best when applied to classic sprite art, like in Contra 4 and older Shantae games.
The look of this game doesn't bother me too much, though. When it drops in price a bit, I'll definitely be trying this out on my OLED.
@Timptation Games can be listed for their overall impact. A collection made a lot of people happy, which is probably why it’s on the list.
@Ralizah I really wish Contra 4 had better presentation. Something about the screen swapping is just always so jarring whenever I come back to it after a couple years.
I really don't get how the collection can't be number one - it has most of the otehr games on it! Theoretically it shouldn't count at all - but it's on the list so....
@NeonPizza See, I'd say HGH was WF's new art direction at its worst. The 3D elements stick out like a sore thumb. It looked like some of those indie games I used to play on Xbox Live Arcade in the late 00s. Spidersaurs and Seven Sirens both do a much better job of realizing a cohesive visual aesthetic, IMO.
Blazing Chrome. That is the best Contra game. Blazing Chrome rocks!
@BloodNinja that would be “most influential”, in which case it would be hard to see how a collection would be more impactful than the games it contains…
I actually just booted up my SNES Mini this weekend and randomly chose Contra because I had never played it before, nor any other Contra game for that matter. What a delight to discover for the first time.
This reminds me that it's time to replay Contra 4. It's been a few years!
While these games are great, they are way too hard for me. I can only play them with cheat codes. So I rank the games that allow cheat codes higher.
Contra Force was trash, but still should've been on here, weirdos
@Jacoby yup. Cause it's a lot like Hard Corps. HC at 7 is silly. That game is incredible.
@XiaoShao it's on Nintendo Online for Switch.
@NeonPizza The guns also feel and sound really weak in Spidersaurs.
@NeonPizza everything about your post gave me hives. Fix yourself.
Contra Hard Corps is way too low on this list. It’s easily the best in the series.
@BrianJL
It makes zero sense right? NES Contra and SNES Contra III are better than a collection that includes those games, plus a bunch more? Huh?
The only logical reason for the collection to not be number one would be for a game that’s not on the collection to take the top spot. Even still, it’s really hard to argue that a single Contra game is better than a collection of good-to-great Contra games.
@NeonPizza Yes Blazing Chrome is a legendary masterpiece. I also eagerly await a sequel!
But I disagree with you about the soundtrack. It is great. The last track when the credits are rolling is just so awesome!
I can't comfortably accept Contra Rebirth being placed above Hard Corps!
Pretty accurate to how I’d rank em. First contra is absolute perfection. Contra 4 is a sick update to the series, love the Wii ware one.
This is not a best of list. It is all of the games on Nintendo consoles, from worst to best. The tail end of the list is the best of list. The first few are stinkers.
@Jacoby get everything Joymasher makes. They're awesome.
@Timptation it’s hard to see why it would make others happy? Are you a sociopath or just being obtuse?
@NeonPizza That’s exactly what throws me off. If they removed the gap in a remaster or added TATE mode I would pee myself.
The original Contra on the NES is still the best. It is hard, but fair and very doable.
Switch out Contra Hard Corps for Super C or maybe even Contra III. I always thought Super C was a let down compared to the original and Contra III was not what I wanted from a next gen Contra game. Although Contra Hard Corps felt like a nice progression from the original.
@BloodNinja so which is it then? Best, or most influential? Keep up with the conversation before you decide to get childish.
I run a weekly retro video game poll on Reddit (arcade, computer and console). The original Contra was voted the #2 best NES/Master System era video game, behind only Super Mario Bros. 3.
Collections feel like they shouldn't be considered a game. Contra on NES earns the top spot, but it's also in the collection
Good list, but the collection does not gelong there, and 1 & 2 are the wrong way round, Alien wars for me with it's mode 7 levels, massive bosses make it the winner for me.
How is the NES game better than the arcade?
Hard Corps is my personal favorite.
A collection isn't a game, and I fail to see how a collection is rated fourth behind the top rated game that's also in the collection. Quite simply, the Contra Collection is the best "game" of the series.
3 was the best imo.
Then 1, then super c.
Never played the genesis one. Need to rectify that.
Best Contra game is Hard Corps. It was the natural perfection of all the things the Classic Contra stood for: badass bosses, killer soundtrack, dystopian atmosphere, hardcore run n gun difficulty, etc. It also added features such as multiple endings, and multiple characters. Only as a joke, or as a Nintendo only player who did not played Hard Corps in it heyday, one could rank Contra Rebirth higher than Hard Corps.
Just wanted to say that the "c" in my username is for the greatness that is Contra!
I was playing Hard Corps last night on the NSO. I've never gotten very far in it before, It's definitely one of the harder, (fittingly enough), Contra games. With a little exploitation of the rewind button I was able to get much further than before. It really is an excellent entry in the series. Lots of creativity in the stages.
@NeonPizza I am admittedly not a Contra fan but your game list of favorite games overlaps a lot with my favorites. Makes me want to rethink Blazing Chrome. I might go purchase that. Thanks for the recommendation (from a silent observer of the chat stream.)
The only ones on your list I didn't get into as much were Ninja Saviors and Cuphead but the rest were some of my all time favorites.
@NeonPizza The original Contra is one of the best of the best NES games, and it had simultaneous two players. Quality simultaneous 2-player game were relatively rare on the NES.
My expectations were high for Super C, I am not sure if it had a chance.
@NeonPizza I picked up a copy of Blazing Chrome while it was on sale. Looking forward to playing it. I enjoy a good game that encourage repetition, patience, pattern recognition, and learning.
At a glance, Blazing Chrome seems similar to Contra: Hard Corps
“2nd February 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of Contra's North American debut”
You are trying to make us feel 10 years younger?
100% agree on the #1 pick. It's nearly a perfect arcade conversion and still rocks to this day. One of my all time favorites on the NES!!!
I'm glad you were wise enough to leave off the imposter, Contra Force
Hey! You guys forgot about Contra Force!
@Olliemar28 I'll gladly die on the hill believing Rogue Corps is a better game than people consider it to be. It's just crushed by Contra's legacy as being primarily side-scrolling run'n'gunners.
As much as I loved the original, I'd put Contra 3 above it. Also, kinda surprised 4 beat out Rebirth. Between battling a boss while entering Earth's orbit & riding robot alpacas, you'd think that'd be a clear top 5.
@Magician
I don’t think it’s a bad game. It’s just a bad Contra game. It’s control scheme just doesn’t feel like Contra. Neo Contra is by far the best 3d Contra in my honest opinion.
@MontyCircus
That's cool to see. I can probably agree with that. There were a LOT of great NES games (and Master System too) and Contra, like others on here have said, is close to perfect for what was expected of a 8bit game back then. And, of course, Super Mario Bros 3 does stand in a tier above all by itself.
I still play Contra Rebirth from time to time. It's buried within the bowels of my WiiU. WiiU menu > Wii menu > SD card menu, scroll several pages over, and there it is.
I find it so odd you guys put collections on these lists. Sure, notable mention them, but why give them a spot and then also give spots to the games within?
The collection should be #1, in this case, since it includes the #1 game plus many more.
@GrailUK have you played the arcade version? imo it feels slower paced. the nes version, (maybe its nostalgia) just seems more fun. the famicom version has animated background sprites and cut scenes. so to me the famicom version might be the best version. but I think it all comes down to that's the version most people played and have a lot of good memories with. I also felt alien wars should have been second.
@Beefcakeyamato Gryzor in the arcades had it's spell of being my fave game for a bit when I was a kid. The arcade game was just...meatier. (Just my opinion and you are of course welcome to yours too mate.)
Is Contra 4 available on the eshop? I got Probotector on the NES and the collection on Steam, but I think I've missed out on that one.
Hope they learn something from huntdown
Surely it is the 35th Anniversary?
I grew up with a UK-localised Commodore 64 so all my Contra memories are Gryzor memories.
I am here to represent the forgotten Contra Game.... Contra Force. It may have been another game at first, but still gave me that contra feeling. It was also on the NES.
I did not know there was so much Contra game.
Contra: The Alien Wars. When I think back to playing this for hours on GB, those were good times.
@GrailUK Yeah man I feel you. it all comes down to nostalgia. how we first experienced something and the feels that come with that. From my perspective I first played it on the nes at a friends house 2 player. so it was really fun doing the code etc. and doing a full run. I did experience a gryzor cab in the arcade as a kid around the same time, but it wasn't really working well. so I wasted a quarter. haha but graphically, arcade will always be best. 🙌 the first time i played super mario bros was in a cab, not the nes haha
Tap here to load 86 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...