I used to think that Hard Corps was vastly superior to Contra 3. Now I don't. Each one has their plusses, but the boss battles in Contra 3 are better designed and far more epic. I will be discussing these at greater length later on.

So which one is the better Contra game for you? Why?

I loved Contra 3 growing up, and I still think it's the best game in the series.  Part of the reason it's so great is because it's one of the most accessible Contra games.  Contra: Hard Corps, on the other hand, is so ball-busting that it's nearly impossible to get into, and that's quite a shame because it's pretty cool otherwise.

Contra 3 was the 1st in the series that I actually played, much like how Castlevania IV (also SNES) was 1st Castelvania I played, hence the nostalgia

oh, and Contra Rebirth (WiiWare) was really pathetic. all those wiiware "Rebirth" games were pretty mediocre IMHO

Have to disagree there.  I never played the Gradius one, but I had a lot of fun with the Contra one even though its quality level wasn't quite up to par.  The Castlevania one, however, is very good and really takes me back when I play it.

Stay on topic.

out of the 3, I will agree the Castelvania Rebirth was probably the best. Gradius Rebirth was decent, but I'd still rather play the original games from the NES and SNES. Contra Rebirth was just really disappointing.

???

what do you mean? Im still talking about Contra

I've spent more time trying to figure out Contra III than I did Hard Corps, but that is mostly because the only Genesis exposure I get is when I occasionally browse the emulator section of my computer. I don't do terribly well in Hard Corps at all. Contra III, farthest I've gotten was Stage 4 boss...IIRC.

Favorite is still NES Contra. It's funny that it has this reputation among newer gamers as being legendarily difficult, so I like showing off how to beat it without dying (and without the spreader). Compared to C3 and Hard Corps, it is a cakewalk.

As I only played Contra III, I'd have to say that is my favorite.

(Super C is my all-time favorite, though. Can't beat that classic NES action...)

really? I blaze through that game easily on both Easy and Normal modes...now for Hard, one of these days.

Super C, I blaze through pretty easily as well. everybody seems to like the spreadshot, but in my opinion, it's the worst, since it never aims straight ahead, and probably has the weakest ammo. laser was ridiculously overpowered in the original 2 games, but crush bombs in Contra III became my favorite, tho

Personally my favorite was Contra 3. I love the eeriness of the way the future was set up there. The tone was a lot scarier for me personally. The pace and controls really were awesome and I loved the level design so much. The overhead levels and the length were the only real sour points for me.

Hard Corps doesn't really pale in comparison but it doesn't quite match up. My favorite part of the that game was Brad Fang. Get some more interesting characters then Bill and Lance. I also liked that it seemed like a team. There was more story to be had in that game. Also it was a harder game.

Both soundtracks were kind of mix n match.

Really close call for me. Contra 3 gets the edge.

I didn't like Contra Hard Corps' music, but I still think the game crushes every Contra before or since.  Reason one: action, reason two: action, reason three: action!  It never lets up, and all the other Contras (except maybe Super C -- NES version, of course) have a stage or level or fight that kills the momentum.  I also enjoyed CHC's cheesy sci-fi criminal drama.