Contra vs Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario Bros. leads with 84% of votes

Latest odds: Super Mario Bros. - 97%, Contra - 3%

Contra = High-octane, cooperative shooter

Super Mario Bros. = Iconic, genre-defining platformer

See full Original NES Game rankings →

Pick Your Favorite

SUPER MARIO BROS.

VS

CONTRA
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The Real Debate

Contra unleashes relentless action and a barrage of bullets, where teamwork and precise reflexes determine survival, contrasting sharply with the whimsical, solo quest of Super Mario Bros., whose colorful worlds and puzzles have a different, gentler demand on the player. As fans of these iconic NES classics clash in debates, the emotional investment intensifies; Contra's high-stakes, explosive chaos meets Mario’s calculated and serene journey through the Mushroom Kingdom. Both games carved their unique legacies in the world of video gaming, but the essence of their appeal is as different as night and day. Whose side are you on in this battle of high-octane action versus strategic precision?

Head-to-Head Comparison

Criteria Edge Why
Gameplay Innovation Super Mario Bros. Super Mario Bros. introduced and perfected the side-scrolling platformer, setting a standard for future games.
Graphics and Design Super Mario Bros. Super Mario Bros. presented a more vibrant and varied visual experience that defined the visual storytelling in games.
Soundtrack Quality Super Mario Bros. The soundtrack of Super Mario Bros., with its iconic themes, is more universally recognized and has had a lasting influence.
Cultural Impact Super Mario Bros. Super Mario Bros.'s massive influence on gaming and pop culture is unparalleled, making it a household name globally.
Contra vs. Super Mario Bros.

🔥 Fan Takes

Honestly, Mario is just the perfect storm of nostalgia meets gameplay genius. Contra's tight, but it's no kingdom-saving hero saga.
Um, lol, am I the only one who misses the point-blank rage quits with Contra? Mario vibes but Contra is the stress we crave.
Mario over Contra any day, bro. That plumber's jump changed lives.

How Fans Are Voting

Latest battle odds:

Super Mario Bros.: 97%

Contra: 3%

Overall battle results:

Overall fans prefer Super Mario Bros. over Contra when it comes to the greatest Original NES Games of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Super Mario Bros. 84.2% of the time over Contra.

Across all battles:

Super Mario Bros. win rate: 84.1%

Contra win rate: 34.0%

Fan FAQs

Why is the battle between Contra and Super Mario Bros. such a hot topic in the retro gaming community?

This matchup pits pure platforming genius against hardcore shooting action. Both games defined the NES generation, attracting different types of gamers and sparking lively debates about which game reigns supreme.

What makes Contra still popular despite trailing in the votes?

Contra holds a special place as the go-to co-op shoot'em up game. Its challenging gameplay and the nostalgia of using the Konami Code for extra lives keeps fans passionately backing it.

Why is Super Mario Bros. winning by such a large margin against Contra in the Greatest Original NES Games of All Time league?

Super Mario Bros. is truly crushing it! It's mostly because this game is a classic icon of the NES era. Everyone knows and loves Mario and the game's charm, simplicity, and incredible impact on the gaming industry really pulls in the votes.