Contra III: The Alien Wars vs Super Contra
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
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.
Super Contra is a 1988 run‑and‑gun arcade title from Konami, continuing the story of Bill Rizer and Lance Bean as they battle alien forces that have seized a military base. The game mixes traditional side‑scrolling levels with new overhead stages, delivering fast‑paced shooting and platforming challenges. The sequel expands the original’s formula with co‑operative play, a variety of enemy types, and retro pixel‑art graphics, offering both solo and multiplayer experiences for fans of classic arcade action.
- Fast‑paced, addictive gameplay
- Huge variety of weapons and power‑ups
- Memorable boss designs
- Co‑op split‑screen support
- Authentic retro arcade experience
- Varied level perspectives add gameplay depth
- Simultaneous two‑player co‑op
- Iconic Konami soundtrack
- High difficulty may deter newcomers
- Limited save system by modern standards
- Original release only on SNES hardware
- High difficulty may deter newcomers
- Limited modern features like save states
- Graphics are dated by today’s standards
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Alternatives to Super Contra
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AI-generated from listing dataBoth are classic run‑and‑gun titles with high difficulty, but Contra III offers richer gameplay and higher critic scores, while Super Contra provides dual perspective levels and a more authentic arcade feel.
Key differences
- •Perspective: Super Contra lets you switch between side‑scroll and overhead views; Contra III is strictly side‑scroll.
- •Weapon variety: Contra III lists missiles, flamethrowers, lasers and more; Super Contra mentions a diverse arsenal but fewer specifics.
- •Co‑op style: Super Contra uses simultaneous screen co‑op; Contra III uses split‑screen co‑op.
- •Critical reception: Super Contra scored 58/100; Contra III scored 85/100.
- •Release platform: Super Contra is a retro arcade port; Contra III was originally SNES‑only.
Gameplay & fun factor
Contra III adds wall‑climbing, eight‑directional shooting and more weapon types, giving deeper play than Super Contra.
Platform availability
Super Contra is a generic arcade‑style release (implied broader modern platforms), whereas Contra III was SNES‑only.
Price & value
Both cost $19.99, offering comparable monetary value.
Multiplayer / co-op
Super Contra’s simultaneous co‑op shares the same screen, generally smoother than Contra III’s split‑screen.
Content & replayability
Contra III’s larger weapon pool, wall‑climbing, and varied boss designs increase replay hooks.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both are described as high‑difficulty with limited modern save features.
Graphics & performance
Contra III leverages SNES hardware for detailed sprites and vibrant alien visuals; Super Contra uses dated 8‑bit graphics.
Choose Contra III: The Alien Wars if…
Players seeking deeper mechanics, more weapons, and higher critical acclaim, even if split‑screen.
Choose Super Contra if…
Retro arcade fans who want two‑player co‑op on one screen and classic 8‑bit style.
Common questions
Do both games support modern save states?
Neither lists modern save features; both have limited save systems by today’s standards.
Which game has better critical reception?
Contra III has a critic score of 85/100 versus Super Contra’s 58/100.
Can I play co‑op without splitting the screen?
Super Contra offers simultaneous co‑op on a single screen; Contra III requires split‑screen.