Contra vs The Legend of Zelda

The Legend of Zelda leads with 90% of votes

Latest odds: The Legend of Zelda - 93%, Contra - 7%

Contra = Intense, linear action

The Legend of Zelda = Innovative, genre-defining adventure

See full Original NES Game rankings →

Pick Your Favorite

CONTRA

VS

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA
0%

Your GOAT List

The Real Debate

Contra throws you into relentless alien warfare, bullets flying everywhere, while The Legend of Zelda invites you on a majestic quest through sprawling, enigmatic landscapes. It’s a classic showdown of arcade adrenaline versus epic adventure storytelling that stirs the hearts of every gamer. Contra's fans revel in the thrill of its fast-paced, shoot-em-up chaos, standing in stark contrast to Zelda's methodical puzzle-solving and deep lore. Each game has carved a monumental legacy in the world of NES, but it's Zelda’s rich narrative depth that repeatedly captures the hearts of players. Who holds your allegiance in this battle of bullets versus bravery?

Head-to-Head Comparison

Criteria Edge Why
Gameplay Innovation The Legend of Zelda Zelda's open-world design and item progression system were groundbreaking, setting a template for countless games.
Graphics and Design The Legend of Zelda Zelda's detailed, expansive world and consistent fantasy theme outshone Contra's linear levels.
Soundtrack Quality The Legend of Zelda Zelda's iconic theme music is more recognizable and has been celebrated in orchestral renditions worldwide.
Cultural Impact The Legend of Zelda Zelda fundamentally shaped RPG and adventure genres, influencing gaming on a broader scale than Contra.
Contra vs. The Legend of Zelda

🔥 Fan Takes

I mean, both are cool but Zelda's whole vibe? Legendary. Contra's fun but... c'mon.
Zelda is the GOAT, no cap. It's like the blueprint for epic adventure games.
lol remember when Contra was just spamming the Konami Code to not die every 2 secs?

How Fans Are Voting

Latest battle odds:

The Legend of Zelda: 93%

Contra: 7%

Overall battle results:

Overall fans prefer The Legend of Zelda over Contra when it comes to the greatest Original NES Games of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick The Legend of Zelda 90.0% of the time over Contra.

Across all battles:

The Legend of Zelda win rate: 69.5%

Contra win rate: 34.0%

Fan FAQs

Who's the #1 contender on GoatWars in this league?

Right now, Super Mario Bros. holds the crown as the #1 contender in the league. It's a classic that redefined video gaming for many. Check out the full rankings on the GOAT List.

What makes Contra still so popular among fans?

Contra's popularity comes from its fast-paced, no-holds-barred action. It's the quintessential shoot-em-up that's perfect for those who love a challenge. Plus, the co-op mode is legendary, making it a prime choice for fans of classic arcade-style teamwork.

Why is The Legend of Zelda winning by so much in the 'Greatest Original NES Games of All Time' league?

The Legend of Zelda is crushing it because it's not just a game; it's a revolution in storytelling and gameplay. Fans love the open-world design and the epic quests, and it's got a special spot in the hearts of those who cherish adventure and exploration. That's why Zelda's taking a commanding lead.