Contra vs The Legend of Zelda

The Legend of Zelda leads with 87% of votes

Latest odds: The Legend of Zelda - 85%, Contra - 15%

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

Dudes, Contra was hard but Zelda shaped adventures 4ever. Hands down, it wins.
Zelda over Contra, easy. Who wants stress when u can have an epic quest lol
Every level of Contra is a classic, man. But Zelda's like the whole mythology in a cartridge!

How Fans Are Voting

Latest battle odds:

The Legend of Zelda: 85%

Contra: 15%

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 87.1% of the time over Contra.

Across all battles:

The Legend of Zelda win rate: 68.9%

Contra win rate: 34.8%

Fan FAQs

Why is this matchup between Contra and The Legend of Zelda so interesting?

It's like a showdown between action and adventure! Contra fans love the fast-paced thrills, while Zelda supporters cherish deep storytelling, making this rivalry super heated and passionate.

What makes Contra so popular?

Contra's got that classic run-and-gun action that gets fans pumped! Plus, who can forget the thrill of playing with a buddy and taking on those epic bosses together?

Why is The Legend of Zelda winning by so much?

Fans are all about that adventure! With its epic quest and rich world, Zelda's nostalgia just pulls at heartstrings, and many see it as a cornerstone of gaming history.