Almost every gamer today has heard of the iconic Contra series. For many, the early Contra games marked their introduction to video games and ignited their passion for the medium. This pioneering 'run and gun' shooter franchise has been a trailblazer in the genre, with most of its titles receiving positive acclaim.
However, like many game series, not every entry in the Contra franchise lives up to its illustrious reputation. While most games in the series have attained legendary status, some have left fans feeling underwhelmed. With this in mind, let's delve into a comprehensive ranking of every video game in the Contra series, from the least impressive to the absolute best.
Updated on April 13th, 2024, by Evan Regan: Although the Contra series has somewhat faded from its peak popularity in the 1990s, it remains a revered name in gaming history. Recognized for its challenging gameplay and epic boss battles, the series continues to captivate modern gamers. Hence, the introduction of a new Contra title by developer Wayforward - Contra: Operation Galuga - aimed to bring the franchise back into the limelight. With this recent addition to the series, our ranking has been updated to include the latest game and assess its placement among its predecessors.
15 C: The Contra Adventure
The Easiest Game In The Series
C: The Contra Adventure stands as the eighth installment in the series, released for the PlayStation console. Regrettably, it received significant criticism for its dull gameplay, failing to capture the essence of its predecessors.
Many players noted that this Contra title was considerably easier than its forerunners, primarily due to the main character having a health bar instead of the traditional life icons synonymous with the series.
14 Contra: Legacy Of War
The First Entry Developed Outside Of Konami
- Platforms: PlayStation, Sega Saturn
- Release Date: November 29, 1996
- Developer: Appaloosa Interactive
- Genre: Thirs-person shooter
Contra: Legacy of War represents the seventh entry in the series, marking the first release on the PlayStation 1 and the initial Contra title not developed by Konami. Unfortunately, this divergence led to a subpar game, criticized for unattractive visuals and broken gameplay mechanics.
Despite leveraging the PS1's 3D capabilities, many players found the game's graphics unappealing, while the flawed gameplay mechanics detracted from the essence that fans cherished in earlier titles.
13 Contra: Rogue Corps
The Beginning Of Modern Contra
Contra: Rogue Corps represents the fourteenth game in the series and the most recent title as of 2021. Despite its contemporary release and access to modern gaming technology, this Contra installment failed to garner the acclaim of its predecessors.
The game's restrictive gameplay, diverging from the series' core, and lackluster graphics, despite its 2019 release, left fans disappointed. Regrettably, this title felt like a half-hearted attempt at reviving Contra, failing to resonate with enthusiasts.
12 Contra Force
The First Stumble In Contra's Legacy
- Platforms: NES
- Release Date: October 1992
- Developer: Konami
- Genre: Run and gun
Contra Force emerged as the fifth title in the series, tasked with upholding the stellar legacy of its predecessors. Unfortunately, this entry fell short, marred by unresponsive gameplay and technical issues that hindered the player experience.
Players criticized the game's sluggish and unresponsive controls, coupled with performance issues leading to slowdowns during intense enemy encounters, significantly detracting from the game's overall enjoyment.