Konami Code

The Konami Code is a secret cheat code that can be used in many Konami video games beginning with Gradius in 1985. At some point during the game, the player would press:

Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start

and some sort of secret option would be enabled. However, this is just the original version of it; it has changed over the course of time, due to differences in the button layouts of controllers on various consoles. Still, this version is the most well known variation to gamers.

Variations

There have been other variations of this code that have appeared since the original version that was used for NES games. In an SNES game of the Gradius series, one must use the controller's "L" and "R" triggers while the game is paused. Using the directional pad buttons instead of the triggers would cause your ship to explode. In a PlayStation 2 version of the Gradius games, the "square", "triangle", "X", and "circle" buttons are used as substitutes for "B" and "A" in the traditional code. Even the first release of Drummania uses the Konami Code adapted for the layout of the drum pads and bass pedal in order to open up the Expert Real difficulty level. In Zone of the Enders: the 2nd Runner, A variation of the code (using L1 and R1 for A and B) could be entered during a fight against Vic Viper to open a special 3D Gradius-like minigame. The code could be entered in the game as well for full powerups.

The most famous use of this code was in the classic NES game Contra. Use of the code dramatically increased the ease of playing the game, raising the player's "lives" from 3 to a much more generous 30. Only seasoned "pros" could finish many Konami games without the use of the Konami Code. Ask a game fan that grew up in the 1980s about the Konami Code, and they will most likely still be able to recite this code from memory.

A variation of the Konami Code that is almost as well known amongst gamers as the original version is the following:

Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Select Start

This is mostly due to the use of the code in Contra; the extra button press would allow the player to start a two player game with each player having 30 lives. Many gamers would often play Contra in two player mode, thus allowing this version to become well known.

Uses in games

Gradius (NES)

Pausing the game, then entering the code activated all powerups except for Speed Up. This is used for pretty much every game in the series.

Contra (NES)

One of the first, and the most famous use of the code. Entering at the start screen gives the player 30 lives, making the game much easier to finish.

Salamander/Life Force (NES)

Entering the code at the start screen gives the player 30 lives.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 (NES)

Entering the code at the start screen gives the player 9 lives and level select.

Gradius III (SNES)

Normally entering the code while paused destroyed the player instantly. However, if the player entered the code using the L and R buttons for Left and Right, they received full Powerups.

Drummania (arcade)

Here, the drum pads and bass pedals were used to activate the Expert Real difficulty level.

Dance Dance Revolution 2nd Mix (arcade)

The Single Basic (one-player low difficulty) steps for the song Make A Jam! include the directions of the code (i.e. without B, A, Select or Start) five times. A faint chime can be heard afterwards each time.

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner (PS2)

While fighting the Vic Viper boss in Extra Missions Mode, entering the code with L1 and R1 for A and B activated the Zoradius mini-game. Entering the same code again in Zoradius while paused gave the player full powerups.

Gradius V (PS2)

As with most of the other Gradius games, the code was entered while paused, and gave the player full powerups. Using L1 and R1 gave the Laser powerup, while L2 and R2 gave the Double shot.

Silent Hill 3 (PS2)

Entering the code in the title screen causes a supporting character to appear in his underwear during all cutscenes.

Castlevania. While significantly harder due to the limited movement, the player can do more damage.