One of the most recognizable cheat codes in gaming just turned 35, and it now has its own website to celebrate that fact. Konami’s famous Konami Code is truly worth celebrating for its cultural relevance, and it seems that the company understands this.
The Konami code officially celebrated its 35th anniversary on April 25 of this year, but Konami decided that simple lip service to the code was not enough. Instead, they dedicated time and effort to creating a website to depict their appreciation for the Konami Code and its pop culture following.
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The website is used as a platform toshow off Konami’s classic gamesin theArcade Archivesseries, champion unique arrangements of music from some Konami classics, and peddle new merchandise featuring the widely recognized code.
The website first gives a small excerpt about the Konami Code’s first appearance in the classic shoot-em-up seriesGradius. When the code was entered, it would beef up the player’s vessel to nearly maximum power, making the game much easier. From then on, the code was featured in a number of Konami products, one of the most famous appearances being inthe notoriously difficult NES gameContra. When entered correctly, the code would give players 30 lives to get through the game’s grueling gauntlet of foes.
Konami also features some music on the site. The tracks provided are remixes of quintessential Konami songs with a unique twist provided by various artists. For example, Japanese artist Tokyo Machine provides a stellar remix to the originalGradiustheme. Another Japanese artist, DJ No.2, provides an excellent 6-song playlist of lofi mashups with games from Konami’s past that includeTwinbeeandYie Ar KUNG-FU. The music is rounded out with performances by meiyo and Yamazaru.
A visit to the site also reveals some new merchandise. In addition to a link toKonami’s other popular merchandise, there is some limited edition Konami Code swag as well. This includes t-shirts, mugs, backpacks, hats, and even a desk mat all featuring the iconic code in all of its glory. If players want to test the code for themselves, the site also gives visitors the option of checking out some of Konami’s classics throughout the years, offering purchase links for games such asGradiusandGradius III,Twinbee, andLightning Fighters.
It is nice to see Konami acknowledge its past, but seeing this celebration of days gone by raises questions about the company’s future. Only time will tell whenKonami will start making iconic games again.
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