They grow up so fast these days. 27 years ago, a humble little cheat code (REMEMBER THOSE?) popped up in a 1986 game by the name of Gradius. Since then, it’s been a pop culture fixture that is known by gamers across the world.
The code was originally meant to give players a leg up in the thumb-blisteringly difficult Gradius game, with developer Kazuhisha Hashimoto programming it to unlock a complete suite of powered-up weapons once it was entered.
But it became really popular in the Americas in 1987, as the unlimited lives cheat code for Contra on the NES. Since then, it’s been a part of Konami and has popped up in numerous other games. In fact, it’s so damn popular, that it’s popped up in games from other studios as well, from Bioshock Infinite to League of Legends.
And don’t forget the impact that it’s had on the rest of the world as well, appearing on merchandise and as interactive Easter eggs.
So well done to a code that is older than me, and is still as relevant today as it was in 1986. Nog ‘n piep!
Last Updated: April 23, 2013
Admiral Chief Erwin
April 23, 2013 at 11:21
Now I feel old :-
Rincethis: Spellalicious
April 23, 2013 at 11:30
You should feel old and you should feel BAD! #dayofhateserved
Admiral Chief Erwin
April 23, 2013 at 11:32
At least I have this to make me feel better
Rincethis: Spellalicious
April 23, 2013 at 11:39
GAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Admiral Chief Erwin
April 23, 2013 at 11:42
Inderdaad
Sageville
April 23, 2013 at 12:45
You Sir, get your last warning!
You get one more t-shirt post, then we start photoshopping penises into it!
Admiral Chief Erwin
April 23, 2013 at 12:47
Meh,
I have to torture Rince. Its my duty to troll my fellow troll 😛
Leon-Ben Lamprecht
April 23, 2013 at 11:42
Van die os op die jas: Why hasn’t anyone rebooted Contra yet?
Admiral Chief Erwin
April 23, 2013 at 11:54
Easy to reboot, just remove cartridge, put back in
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
April 23, 2013 at 11:56
As Deon stated, the last game was released only two years ago. The last REALLY good one, was Contra 4 on the DS (in 2007, I think). That game was *amazing*
Leon-Ben Lamprecht
April 23, 2013 at 12:04
You guys really are a fountain of knowledge.