Contra vs Turrican
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.
Turrican is a 1990 side‑scrolling action shooter created by Manfred Trenz and released by Rainbow Arts. Set on the abandoned colony of Alterra, you control a bio‑engineered mutant warrior tasked with destroying hostile lifeforms and the rogue AI MORGUL. The game features vibrant pixel art, a synth‑driven soundtrack, and intense boss battles across multi‑level environments, delivering a classic retro experience that still feels fresh for modern players.
- Iconic co‑op gameplay
- Fast‑paced, addictive action
- Memorable weapon variety
- Timeless retro graphics
- Fast‑paced, addictive gameplay.
- Rich variety of weapons and upgrades.
- Challenging boss battles.
- Atmospheric retro graphics and music.
- High difficulty may deter newcomers
- Limited save system
- Simple story presentation
- Limited to single‑player mode.
- High difficulty may deter casual players.
- Original controls feel dated on modern keyboards.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Contra
View all →Alternatives to Turrican
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataContra offers cheaper, co‑op retro shooting fun, while Turrican provides more single‑player content and variety at a higher price.
Key differences
- •Contra includes two‑player simultaneous co‑op; Turrican is single‑player only.
- •Price: Contra $9.99 vs Turrican $29.99.
- •Content: Turrican has six distinct worlds with hidden routes; Contra focuses on classic arcade stages.
- •Weapon systems: Both have variety, but Turrican emphasizes upgrades and power‑ups.
- •Critical reception: Contra has a 50/100 critic score; Turrican’s score isn’t listed.
Gameplay & fun factor
Contra’s iconic co‑op and fast‑paced action are generally more socially engaging than Turrican’s solo play.
Platform availability
Specific modern platform support isn’t provided for either game.
Pricing & value
Contra costs $9.99, three times cheaper than Turrican’s $29.99, offering better price‑to‑content ratio.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Contra supports two‑player simultaneous co‑op; Turrican is single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Turrican features six multi‑level worlds, hidden secrets, and alternate routes, giving more exploration depth.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both games are noted as high‑difficulty, potentially deterring casual players.
Graphics & performance
Both are retro‑style pixel graphics with atmospheric soundtracks; no performance data to differentiate.
Choose Contra if…
Buyers who want affordable co‑op retro shooting fun with friends.
Choose Turrican if…
Buyers who prefer a deeper single‑player experience with more worlds and upgrades.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Contra costs $9.99, while Turrican is $29.99.
Can I play with a friend?
Yes, Contra offers two‑player simultaneous co‑op; Turrican is single‑player only.
Which game has more levels or content?
Turrican includes six distinct worlds with hidden routes and secrets, offering more exploratory content than Contra.







