Contra III: The Alien Wars

Intense sci‑fi run‑and‑gun action against relentless alien hordes

gameAction & Shooter shooter adventure action

Visit Website

Our Verdict

Best for

Hardcore run‑and‑gun fans craving split‑screen co‑op

Skip if

Players who dislike punishing difficulty or need modern saves

What is Contra III: The Alien Wars?

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.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

msrp$19.99

developerKonami

publisherKonami, Hyundai, Nintendo

age ratingESRB E10+, PEGI 12

multiplayerSingle player, Multiplayer, Co-operative, Split screen

critic score85/100

release date1992-02-28

Key Features of Contra III: The Alien Wars

Players can climb walls and ceilings to reach hidden areas and avoid enemy fire.

The game supports eight‑directional shooting, allowing attacks upward, downward, and diagonally.

A wide selection of weapons—including missiles, flamethrowers, and lasers—can be collected and swapped on the fly.

Two‑player cooperative mode works via split‑screen, enabling shared screen action.

Each level culminates in a large, uniquely designed boss with distinct attack patterns.

Mini‑boss encounters provide brief but intense challenges between main stages.

Responsive joystick controls ensure precise movement and rapid firing.

Graphics take advantage of SNES hardware for detailed sprites and vibrant alien designs.

Use Cases for Contra III: The Alien Wars

Solo Arcade Experience

Play through the campaign alone for a classic retro challenge.

Co‑op Couch Gaming

Team up with a friend on the same screen to tackle alien waves together.

Speedrun Practice

Master level layouts and boss patterns for competitive speedrunning.

Retro Gaming Collection

Add a seminal SNES shooter to a curated retro game library.

Pros & Cons of Contra III: The Alien Wars

Pros

Fast‑paced, addictive gameplay
Huge variety of weapons and power‑ups
Memorable boss designs
Co‑op split‑screen support

Cons

High difficulty may deter newcomers
Limited save system by modern standards
Original release only on SNES hardware

Frequently Asked Questions

What year is Contra III set in?

The game is set in the futuristic year 2636.

Can I play with a friend?

Yes, the game offers two‑player cooperative mode with split‑screen.

What platforms is the game officially available on?

It is officially available on the Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo Switch Online service.

What type of weapons can I find?

Weapons include machine guns, missiles, flamethrowers, lasers, and wide‑area shot weapons.

Pricing Overview

View full pricing →

Paid (One-time)

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

Reviews & Ratings0.0

Write a Review See all reviews →

No reviews yet. Be the first to write one!

Top Alternatives & Similar Games

View all alternatives & similar games→

No alternatives available yet.

Best For

🎮Gamers

Keep up with Contra III: The Alien Wars alternatives

New alternatives, pricing changes and the week's biggest movers - one email every Tuesday.