This legendary run’n’gun shooter defined a generation with its brutal difficulty, fast-paced action, and no-room-for-error co-op gameplay. And while the 8-bit classic still holds up, the good news is that the genre didn’t stop there.
Over the years, countless indie developers and retro revivalists have kept the flame alive, delivering fresh takes on the adrenaline-soaked chaos that Contra fans love.
Whether you’re looking for pixel-perfect action, local couch co-op mayhem, or side-scrolling carnage with a modern twist — these games will scratch that Contra-shaped itch (and maybe even outdo the original). Time to lock and load.
Huntdown
Release Date: May 12, 2020
Genres: Shooter, Platform, Indie, Arcade
Blazing Chrome
Release Date: July 11, 2019
Genres: Shooter, Platform, Indie, Arcade
Broforce
Release Date: October 15, 2015
Genres: Shooter, Platform, Indie, Arcade
Guns, Gore & Cannoli
Release Date: April 30, 2015
Genres: Shooter, Platform, Indie, Arcade
Super Cyborg
Release Date: July 08, 2015
Genres: Shooter, Platform, Indie
Guns of Fury
Release Date: February 13, 2025
Genres: Shooter, Platform, Metroidvania, Indie
Neon Abyss
Release Date: July 14, 2020
Genres: Shooter, Platform, RPG, Adventure, Indie
Kero Blaster
Release Date: November 11, 2015
Genres: Shooter, Platform, Adventure, Indie, Arcade
Bite the Bullet
Release Date: August 13, 2020
Genres: Shooter, Platform, RPG, Adventure, Indie, Arcade
Mighty Goose
Release Date: June 05, 2021
Genres: Shooter, Platform, Indie, Arcade
Cuphead
Release Date: September 29, 2017
Genres: Shooter, Platform, Indie, Arcade, Adventure
Valfaris
Release Date: October 10, 2019
Genres: Shooter, Platform, Indie, Arcade
Metal Slug X
Release Date: October 02, 2014
Genres: Shooter, Platform, Adventure, Arcade
Intrusion 2
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Genres: Shooter, Platform, Indie
Cygni: All Guns Blazing
Release Date: August 06, 2024
Genres: Shooter, Indie, Arcade
METAL SLUG
Release Date: June 25, 2015
Genres: Shooter, Platform, Arcade
Gunstar Heroes
Release Date: January 26, 2011
Genres: Shooter, Platform, Arcade
Alien Soldier
Release Date: January 26, 2011
Genres: Shooter, Platform, Arcade
SHOCK TROOPERS 2nd Squad
Release Date: September 28, 2016
Genres: Fighting, Shooter, Arcade
Star Merc
Release Date: February 10, 2017
Genres: RPG, Adventure, Indie