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For as long as there have been video games, there have been cheaters. Whether it is a quick way to reach the end or a seriously overpowered weapon, cheat codes were once a staple of gaming. While not as common today, there was once a time when getting a new game meant immediately looking up some cheats. Retro video games have some of the best-remembered cheats of all time. Today, we will take a look at ten of them that many classic gamers will fondly recall.
10) DK Mode – Goldeneye 64
Goldeneye 007 on the Nintendo 64 is one of the pioneers of the FPS genre. While a bit clunky by today’s standards, the game is still fondly remembered thanks to its fun gameplay and groundbreaking multiplayer. The game is also home to a number of cheat codes. One of the best-remembered is known as DK Mode. The game was made by Rare, who also published a number of Donkey Kong games. When this cheat is activated, the character’s heads enlarge and their arms elongate. This hilarious cheat can either be unlocked through standard gameplay or by entering a code. Open the cheat menu, and enter L + R + Up, C-Right, R + Left, R + Up, Up, R + Right, Up, L + R + C-Down, L + R + Down, L + R + C-Left. The code is lengthy, but more than worth it.
9) Blood Code – Mortal Kombat (Genesis)
When it comes to retro video games, few are as highly regarded as Mortal Kombat. When the game originally hit arcades in 1992, it was like nothing gamers had seen before. The title used real actors that were digitized into the product. This gave the game a unique look that drew people in. On top of this, it was gory – very, very gory. This bloodbath of a title pushed what was allowed to be shown in games right over the edge. Players were drawn to figure out the most horrific ways to dispatch their opponents.
When the game was finally ported to home consoles, fans were upset to see the trademark gore had been removed. While SNES players just had to deal with it, Sega Genesis owners had a workaround. On the Genesis copy of the game, go to the code of honor screen and input ABACABB. This restores all the blood and gore.
8) Second Quest – The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda was a groundbreaking game for a number of reasons. For starters, it was cryptic and required players to use their wits as well as their skills. Once the game was played through and the princess was saved, the adventure had just begun. The first portion of the game was merely the first quest. Once that quest is completed, players can complete the second quest. This second quest is a far harder version of the game that forces players to think outside of the box and really stretch their skills. Many players want to play the second quest but don’t want to play through the game to unlock it. There is a simple way to jump straight to it. Create a new file and name it ZELDA. Congratulations, you have unlocked the second quest.
7) God Mode – DOOM
God Mode is a popular code that allows the player to be fully invincible. The game that introduced this cheat was the legendary FPS DOOM. Released in 1993, this game revolutionized first-person shooters and how they are played. The game’s biggest draw is how powerful it made players feel. It wasn’t a horror game wherein you are afraid of demons and monsters. Instead, they are afraid of you. If playing the game on its own proves too challenging, or if the player wants more power, there are a number of cheat codes. God Mode makes the player a fully indestructible killing machine and can be unlocked in the original version of the game by simply typing IDDQD at any point during gameplay.
6) Continue – Super Mario Bros.
The king of retro video games has to be the original Super Mario Bros. The game was key to ushering in a new age of video games after the Atari era. Like so many other titles of the time, Super Mario Bros. had one flaw that has aged poorly. On the surface, the game is to be completed in one sitting. There are no save states and no continue feature. At least, not on the surface. The Mario series is seen as a kid’s game, but there are some serious challenges.
This is especially true in the late game. If the player dies, they are expected to start the entire game over again, unless they know the secret continue code. On the “Game Over” screen, hold down A while pressing start. This will allow you to continue in the world in which you died. It won’t be on the exact level, but it is better than starting in World 1-1.
5) Skip to Tyson – Punch Out
The original version of Punch-Out!!! saw players go one-on-one against Mike Tyson at the end of the game. Tyson was removed in later versions, but many fans still have fond memories of facing Tyson and failing spectacularly. Not only is Tyson the hardest opponent in the game, but players are usually pretty tired by the time they reach him. They had just fought and beaten 13 opponents and now must face the hardest challenge yet. If a player wants to tango with Tyson while feeling fresh, they can simply enter Tyson’s code. On the code screen, enter 007 373 596. This will allow players to face Tyson right away, making the fight slightly easier.
4) Rosebud – The Sims
For gamers in the early 2000s, the most popular game to play was the original The Sims. This classic simulation game allowed players to create people and do with them whatever they please. They can get a job, start a family, and become insanely wealthy. Many players grinded for countless hours to ensure their characters received the life they deserved. They worked hard and earned their success. For those who were impatient and simply wanted to live out their wealth fantasies, there were cheat codes. The most popular was Rosebud, a reference to Citizen Kane. When the player types in the phrase, the game says it isn’t a real cheat. Looking at the money counter proves otherwise. Every time the player types it, $1,000 is added. This is a quick and easy way to enjoy success in the game.
3) Justin Bailey – Metroid
Women in gaming are now a mainstay. Characters such as Lara Croft, Aloy, and Ellie are some of the most popular in all of gaming. In the days of retro video games, however, this wasn’t the case. Seeing a playable female character was a big deal in Metroid. While common knowledge now, most players assumed Samus was a man in the original game. They played through with an armored character that most saw as a male.
When they beat the game, the armor was removed, revealing the true gender of Samus. This was a shocking twist to many, but now Samus is one of the best characters in gaming. Those who want to see Samus sans armor throughout the first game only need to enter the phrase “Justin Bailey” on the password screen. This allows players to play as Samus without her power armor.
2) Cheats – GTA
This entry refers to multiple codes across multiple games in the series. Gamers cannot hear the phrase “cheats” without thinking of the Grand Theft Auto franchise. Each entry in the series has multiple cheats that allow players to do virtually whatever they want. There are cheats to spawn vehicles, weapons, money, and of course, invincibility. While the GTA games have great story modes, many players prefer to wreak havoc in free play. Older gamers have fond memories of writing down the cheats and placing them in the game box for easy access.
1) The Konami Code
This is likely the most famous cheat code of all time. The legendary Konami code is a code created by the Konami company that has a wide variety of uses. The code works with games such as Contra, Castlevania, Graduis, and Life Force. It is so famous, modern games even use it. This code is good for extra lives, unlimited ammo, and a multitude of other uses. It all depends on the game. If a game is produced by Konami in the 8-bit or 16-bit era, type in Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right B, A, and Start. You can even try it with modern games; odds are something will happen.