10 Video Game Cheat Codes That Changed Your Life

1. The Konami Code

Gaming is a language.

You can learn it, understand it, replicate it and pass it on. And one thing that binds us all together alongside "save scumming", "HUD elements", "rocket jumping" and "killstreaks", is the Konami code.

Born in 1986's Gradius on the NES, the code has since gone on to be used in literally thousands of video games, from Konami's own first-party output, to whatever your favourite game is, and millions in between.

Also known as the "Contra Code" as it mercifully gave you 30 more lives in the brutally hard original game, hitting Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A always results in something worthwhile.

Some notable examples over the years include turning off your wanted level in GTA: San Andreas, Rocket League's main menu changing to reflect Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle Cars, Metal Gear Solid 2's handshake between Otacon and Snake being a tribute to the code itself, and Anthem changing its music to an 8-bit score, if you punch it in on the main menu.

Even Google Stadia has the code printed in full on the back of its controllers, though I doubt it'll endear the divisive service in the minds of gamers.

The Konami Code is just brilliant, and once you have it memorised, you can unlock a ludicrous amount of things from your entire game collection, from the 80s up until now.