Ep.25 – Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A: How the Konami Code Opened the Door to a Culture of Cheats

In 1987, Contra blasted into arcades and later onto the NES, delivering fast-paced, two-player action that pushed the limits of run-and-gun shooters. We explore why it stood out—eight-directional shooting, tight controls, and the thrill of co-op that let you “borrow” lives from your partner, often sparking arguments more than victories. Our conversation revisits the arcade and NES differences, from Red Falcon’s alien invasion in 2633 to the Amazon jungle setting, and how its punishing difficulty earned it a place among gaming’s hardest. Most importantly, we highlight how Contra popularized the Konami Code, granting 30 lives and cementing itself as gaming’s most famous cheat. From early tricks in the ’70s to Game Genie and modern trainers, we trace the history of bending rules in games. Join us as we revisit Contra and the culture of cheating on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.

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