Gradius games have set the standard for many shooters, and are an inspiration to titles like Resogun

Going back a bit, oh about 26 years sounds about right, Gradius made its debut on not only the arcade format, but on the NES 8-bit console as well. Since then Konami has produced some similar spin off titles that took Gradius and used it as a catalyst for their own design. Even games like Twinbee and Parodius took some inspiration from a game that was deemed not only quite a challenge, but one that was fun to play, and some not without the famous Konami code for power ups.

Since then a number of game companies have used Gradius as a platform themselves for inspiration to producer their own shooters. Resogun is one that will remind you a bit of it. A launch Playstation Plus+ title that released along side the PS4, Resogun combines it with something unique called "voxel-filled" game play mechanics. After watching the video below you can see how beautiful this shooter is for those of you looking for something new to play in the shooter department. Adam Sessler accompanies Housemarque to demonstrate how the game looks and plays, while discussing some of the key elements they used to produce such unique style graphics.

 

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.

The famous Konami code strikes again, this time it has taken hold of a Los Angeles government website with lasers blasting

Hey, who says the government has no sense of humor or playfulness? Well, I suppose that's a matter of perspective, but in any case, here is a Konami code Easter egg making another debut. This time it's happening on a Los Angeles government website? The site involves keeping track of quarterly payroll earnings for such departments as animal services, building and safety, and so on. Are you bored yet? Yeah, this sort of thing isn't quite as fun as playing your favorite Contra game or Gradius game, but it has one merit. It makes use of the Konami code.

Now what supposedly happens when you enter Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, and ENTER is this. A little arrow appears in the upper left hand corner, which you can control to shoot lasers at different items on the page, blowing up payroll numbers, the L.A. seal itself, and a few other things. By the time you read this, it might be gone, or rather, the Konami code itself might not be functional anymore. But the image below is the only proof I could find to show you a small example of what the Easter egg actually does. The bottom image is another example that happened on the Vogue website. We all never get tired of this sort of thing do we? Nope. Thanks to a fellow on the Reddit site for pointing this whole thing out.

What do they do, go around doing the Konami code on every website in existence?

Upper Left corner, an arrow shooting lasers at webpage elements.

Gradius lands on the Wii-U homefront, a classic shooter gem that was released before some of you were even born

Sometimes I hate to call games I grew up with "classics", as it makes me feel old. Well, enough about age complaints, I'm just glad to say that classic games have yet to die, and let us take steps to keep it that way. The past time prized Gradius shooter by Konami is no exception to the rule, as it lands on the Wii-U platform, and has been hailed as the pick of the week for Wii-U downloads. This long time favorite has seen so many spin off titles such as Parodius, Salamander, and much more recently Otomedius Gorgeous. You and I together couldn't count together with our fingers combined the number of titles that were given birth to by Gradius.

Many also don't realize that it was Gradius, and not Contra that brought to light the famous Konami code, which is still being used today in some form or another. Whether it's on someone's site as a funny joke, or used in games like BioShock Infinite to unlock the 1999 mode. Game of the week is likely too small a reward category for such a series.

Does the famous Konami code ever quit?, no, and we like it that way because the long time easter egg continues to make us laugh so hard

How many times have we seen it, and doesn't always give us a kick. The Konami code has been around longer than some of you who might be reading this right now. Ever since it was rather, "accidently" left in the programming for Gradius, only meant to be a help factor in beta testing the game it has also been used time and again for many other titles out there. Contra likely being the one it is most known for. Too hard to get through?, no problem, here's the Konami code to the rescue. Now that all of us have this addiction called the Internet, something we just can't live without, the famous code has worked its way into that realm as well.

This is likely something within the world of nerds and geeks, but at least some of them will give you a good laugh if you try it. The guys at KonamiCodeSites have put together a list of every site they know of that has the Konami easter egg imbedded within them. Some are a little harder to execute, while some only require that you press Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, and then Enter. What will happen if you try the code on these sites. Who knows, that's the surprise part. Some might reveal a silly dressed Raptor moving across your screen, while others will show something like you see below. Silly isn't it? Go ahead, give it a shot by heading to KonamiCodeSites and see the list for yourself.

Oh, and by the way, in order to actually enter that site, you have to enter the Konami code.Your fingers will thank you.

Kevin Pacheco shows his obsession with the Konami code by actually having a tattoo of it put onto his arm, talk about dedication

Obsession or just plain dedication. After writing articles on this blog for over 5 long years, I can honestly say there are likely people in this world even more dedicated to Konami games than even I. Yes, I am certainly open minded to that, and a fellow by the name of Kevin Pacheco might just be the guy to take home the gold medal in that department. What could he possibly do to outdo me? How about having the famous Konami code tattooed on is own forearm? Imagine yourself, walking around in life, up and down the streets, with most people staring at you and yet not even knowing what in the world that is tattooed on your freaking arm?

But hey!, if Kevin wants to do that, more power to him I say. I wonder if this will actually give him 30 lives in real life? Just a dream I suppose. As you can see, every button, minus the unneeded select button is there, from up to down showing the sequence of the Konami code. Oh and by the way, did you know that the code is not originally the Contra code, but rather the Gradius code? Indeed, the developer for Gradius put it in there to help beta test the game, since it is a rather difficult game, in order to get through it. Now I do wonder if people will look upon Kevin as being cool for having this on his arm, or just a sign of being a game cheater. Personally I think it's rather cool looking, way to go Kevin.

in Pacheco: http://www.ubergizmo.com/2013/08/konami-code-tattoo-is-so-cool-it-may-give-30-extra-lives/

Kevin Pacheco: http://www.ubergizmo.com/2013/08/konami-code-tattoo-is-so-cool-it-may-give-30-extra-lives/