And now even Microsoft is using the Konami code with the Xbox One to win some prizes

Are you ready to put an Xbox One under your tree? If you are, you might also get a chance to win some prizes. How is that? Well well, it seems that even Microsoft has taken full advantage of the old Konami code. Yes, once again, the old code used for Contra, Gradius, Lifeforce, and whatever else you can imagine for the last 26 years is now being used once again. This time it is integrated into popular sites like IGN, Eurogamer, and OXM. Here is what I understand so far from what I've been hearing lately. First you need to be within the sites listed above, and then do the Konami code, which is Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A.

Now wait just a second though, make sure to replace the B, and A, with X, and B (for X Box obviously). I don't want to send you in the wrong direction.

This is using your keyboard of course. If you are at the right place, doing this should cause the site to get a bit messed up, and then reveal a teaser for the launch title Forza Motorsport 5. After this occurs, a message appears that tells you to tweet #keycode. This should be followed by another message that states if you do this, it will give you a chance to win Xbox One prizes. Some fine advertising there Microsoft. Exploit the Konami code, and ye just might receive. Might even make a great stocking stuffer just in time for the holidays. Anyway, for you Xbox One owners, give it a try and see what happens for you.

For you gamblers, Contra 3D delivers a pachislot machine with HD graphics and everything you've known from the series

Contra has been around a long time, over 25 years now. But gambling has certainly been around much longer. Since then, companies like Konami thought it would be a good idea to combine the two for fans of both gaming and gambling. Both Suikoden and Castlevania managed to land their own pachislot machine, so why not a Contra 3D machine? Recently they did just that, and launched a machine with all of the elements you've come to known and love from the series. This even includes music you should be familiar with. Even thought you might not be able to read Japanese, you can still check out an official page for the new gambling title here.

There are various pages there, some for showing you what the 3D graphics look like, along with characters, story mode, samples of music to listen to, and so fourth. Let me know what you think of it in the comment section below.

Classic Nintendo has yet to die, and the original Contra game has been hailed as one of the best

As a classic gamer who is pushing 40 years old, (woe is me) one of my personal favorite systems growing up has been the almighty Nintendo Entertainment System. Having purchased my first one back in 1987, I relentlessly did everything I could with what allowance money I had to get that next awesome NES game to add to my already massive collection. Contra was certainly one that stood out, not just in terms of game play, but in challenge. Being one of the first games made by Konami to use the 30 man code, playing it for the first time you literally had to make use of it.

After about 26 years now, one site has saw fit along with me to see the classic Contra as being one of the top NES games of all time. CANOE is their name, and I for one am glad to see them take the time to do a list that includes such a great Konami game. What I would really like to see is the series make a *real* comeback. With the next generation systems fixing to take off, the franchise needs to not only be reinvented to accommodate new systems, but in the process manage to keep the elements that made the original so great. Here is hoping for the future.

What would Contra be like if it started over from scratch, or moved into the 3D realm with an all new look?

Well over 20 years ago, Konami blessed us with a 2D run and gun title called Contra, giving us such a challenge, that many had no choice but to make good use of the 30 man code that gave the series a more popular boost. Since that time we've had a number of sequels and spin off titles like Hard Corps, Uprising, The Alien Wars,and now the newly release reboot of the them all, Evolution. But unfortunately Contra has come to a fork in the road, and one where it now has to make a bold decision. Where does it go from here, and once it has what will it look and play like. Just like Castlevania, I'm sure there are many fans out there that absolutely do not want to see the series move into the 3D realm.

That seems to be the key factor though, since Lords of Shadow producer has taken a glitter of desire to seeing himself involved in a Contra project. In doing so, he has expressed the need for it to move into a different direction. Since we've seen him shine through on LOS, that could be a good thing. Think about it like this, a Contra game using the Fox Engine, or using the same engine that Lords of Shadow 2 is using? Sounds like pleasing prospect to me.

Cox wants to bring the series or at least see the series brought back in a way that it doesn't fall into the realm of a "hardcore niche". "How does one do that?", he questions. A lot of people don't even know what Contra is, let alone have played it, so a new generation of games might attract a even bigger audience. Back in 2011, Konami teased a "Reboot" video, which only showed a flaming C, and lasted less than a minute. Like Suikoden, it seriously need to make a decent comeback. But as the wicked witch from The Wizard of Oz said, "these things must be done delicately".

Dave Cox discusses the possibility of making another Contra game, and in doing so says the series has to start with unique material

While finishing up Lords of Shadow 2, producer Dave Cox was discussing in an interview recently about the possibility of creating another new Contra game. While Cox is not only a fan of the Contra series, this isn't the first time he's confessed to a desire to do one himself. Back in 2011, Contra Reboot was shown at the E3 show in the form of nothing more than a flaming C. Since then, all we've had is titles like Hard Corps Uprising, and Contra Evolution. Mind you, there is nothing wrong with those titles, as they are fun and challenging at the same time. But like Cox says, the series needs a serious face lift.

While gamers out there who play Call of Duty, they may not even know what Contra is, or what it's like. If someone were to do another Contra game, it has to be something new, unique, and must stand out, Cox said in a recent interview. Dave was also asked how he felt about Silent Hill, and while he himself doesn't wish to do another one, he too feels like the rest of us and believes the series could use a fresh new face, from some new creative minds.

To me it's also interesting how you can only take the same group of people, and explore their creative potential for so long, and then it seems it's time for some new hands to take over and showcase some of their own talent. Such is the case with Castlevania and MercurySteam, and who knows? Perhaps we might see the Contra series fall into the hands of MercurySteam or some other developer who wants to take a crack at the series and promote their own magic. Only time will tell.

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