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Arcade games of the 1980s were known for their challenging gameplay and addictive nature. But for players who sought to gain an edge or simply have a little more fun, the world of arcade cheats was a fascinating one. Whether they were hidden codes, special glitches, or clever workarounds, cheats played a significant role in shaping the experience of many arcade-goers. From infinite lives to hidden levels, these cheats became a part of arcade culture, often becoming legends in their own right. This article delves into the most memorable and iconic cheats from the golden age of arcade gaming.
1. The Allure of Cheats in Arcade Games
In the early days of video gaming, arcades were places where players competed for high scores and bragging rights. As games became more complex and difficult, players began to look for ways to gain an advantage. The idea of a cheat or hack quickly spread, as gamers realized that there were ways to bypass certain game mechanics or exploit glitches to make the game easier. These cheats became legendary, not just for their utility but for the challenge of discovering them.
2. The “Konami Code”: The Most Famous Cheat in History
Arguably the most iconic cheat code ever, the Konami Code was first introduced in Gradius (1985), a shoot-’em-up developed by Konami. This cheat code, which was input on the controller as “Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start,” granted players power-ups and extra lives. Its success in Gradius led to its widespread use in other Konami games, including Contra (1987), where it granted players 30 extra lives, turning a notoriously difficult game into a more manageable experience. The Konami Code became ingrained in gaming culture and is still referenced in many games today.
3. Pac-Man and the “Kill Screen” Glitch
Pac-Man (1980) became a cultural phenomenon, but few knew about the hidden “kill screen” that awaited players who managed to reach level 256. The game was designed to handle 255 levels, but once players reached level 256, a programming error caused the right half of the screen to become glitched, with random, unplayable symbols appearing. This glitch effectively rendered the game unwinnable. While not a cheat in the traditional sense, the kill screen became a fascinating and frustrating feature for dedicated Pac-Man players.
4. Donkey Kong and the “Free Man” Trick
Donkey Kong (1981) is another classic arcade game with a memorable cheat. Players could earn extra lives, known as “free men,” by performing a particular series of actions during the game’s first stage. If a player jumped on the first set of barrels and avoided falling into the gaps, they would often be rewarded with an extra life. This was not a secret cheat, but rather an early example of how game developers encouraged players to find clever ways to maximize their success. While not as well-known as the Konami Code, this trick was a source of pride for skilled Donkey Kong players.
5. Galaga and the “Dual Ship” Cheat
Galaga (1981) featured one of the most famous cheats in arcade history: the ability to have two ships at once. By allowing the player to be captured by an enemy and then rescuing their ship, they would gain control of both the original ship and the captured ship, effectively doubling their firepower. This cheat added a whole new layer of strategy to the game and made it one of the most memorable shooters in arcade history. Players could dominate enemies with the combined power of two ships, leading to higher scores and more enjoyable play.
6. Ms. Pac-Man and the “Hidden Maze”
While Pac-Man had its own infamous quirks, Ms. Pac-Man (1981) introduced an interesting hidden feature. In some versions of the game, players could unlock a secret maze by completing a certain sequence of movements or by entering a specific code at the start of the game. This hidden maze would appear after a set number of levels, and players could navigate it for bonus points. It was one of the first examples of a hidden secret within a game that required more than just gameplay skill, blending exploration with traditional cheat mechanics.
7. Asteroids and the “Hyperspace Trick”
Asteroids (1979) was a classic arcade shooter that allowed players to navigate a spaceship through a field of asteroids. The game featured a “hyperspace” function, which allowed players to teleport their ship to a random location on the screen to avoid collisions. While not a cheat per se, many players discovered that by using hyperspace strategically, they could “cheat” their way out of difficult situations. By timing their use of hyperspace just right, players could avoid incoming asteroids or enemy ships, effectively making the game easier to navigate.
8. Street Fighter II and the “Turbo Mode” Cheat
The release of Street Fighter II (1991) revolutionized fighting games, and many players were eager to find ways to gain an advantage. In Street Fighter II, a cheat was discovered that allowed players to access “Turbo Mode,” which increased the speed of the game, making the characters move and fight faster. This cheat was typically activated through a secret combination of button presses or by entering a hidden code. It allowed players to enjoy a faster-paced version of the game, making for a more intense and unpredictable experience.
9. Defender and the “Infinite Lives” Trick
Defender (1980) was known for its frantic gameplay, where players had to defend astronauts from alien abductions. A little-known cheat in Defender allowed players to gain infinite lives by using a specific button combination. By inputting the correct sequence of actions during the game’s start-up phase, players could enter a “cheat mode” that granted them unlimited opportunities to rack up high scores. While this trick was difficult to execute, it became a cherished method for hardcore Defender fans who wanted to explore the game’s depth without the threat of running out of lives.
10. Tempest and the “Unlimited Time” Cheat
Tempest (1981), a colorful vector-based shooter, introduced a cheat that allowed players to extend their time in the game indefinitely. By activating a special combination of controls, players could freeze the clock, giving them as much time as they wanted to complete levels. This cheat was invaluable for players looking to rack up huge scores or simply explore all the levels of the game without the pressure of time running out. Like many other cheats, this one allowed players to bypass the natural limitations of the game and enjoy it in a new way.
11. Dig Dug and the “Invisible Mode”
Dig Dug (1982), a classic maze game where players dig tunnels to inflate and defeat enemies, also had its own quirky cheats. One of the most fun tricks in Dig Dug involved entering “invisible mode,” where the player’s character would become invisible for a brief period. This allowed players to avoid enemies and navigate through tunnels without worrying about being caught. It wasn’t a well-known cheat, but it became a favorite for those in the know who wanted to gain an advantage over the challenging enemies.
12. Centipede and the “Score Reset Trick”
Centipede (1980) featured an interesting score-reset trick that allowed players to restart their score count by performing a specific set of actions during gameplay. This was particularly useful for players attempting to break high-score records. By using this cheat, players could ensure they were starting from scratch on their score tally, effectively giving themselves a clean slate. This tactic was popular in competitive arcade settings, where players could create a fresh high-score challenge for themselves.
13. Joust and the “Extra Life” Cheat
In Joust (1982), players control knights riding flying ostriches and battle against enemies on flying creatures. A well-known cheat in the game involved positioning your knight in a specific way during the game’s initial stages, which could lead to the appearance of an extra life. This cheat was particularly useful for extending gameplay and achieving higher scores, and it became a favorite tactic among competitive players who sought to master the game.
14. Robotron: 2084 and the “Free Man” Trick
Robotron: 2084 (1982) was a fast-paced, twin-stick shooter that pushed players to their limits. A hidden cheat in the game involved a trick that allowed players to earn “free men” (extra lives) by timing specific actions at certain points during the game. These free men provided additional opportunities for survival in the intense action of Robotron, giving skilled players an edge and extending their gameplay without the typical risk of running out of lives.
15. The Rise of Cheat Devices: “Game Shark” and “Action Replay”
As technology advanced, players began using external devices to cheat in arcade games. These devices, such as the “Game Shark” or “Action Replay,” allowed players to input cheat codes directly into the arcade hardware, unlocking features such as unlimited lives, level skips, or invincibility. While these cheats were not native to the games themselves, they provided players with an easy way to gain an advantage and enhance their gaming experience.
16. Missile Command and the “Infinite Missiles” Trick
In Missile Command (1980), players were tasked with defending cities from incoming missiles by shooting them down. A lesser-known cheat allowed players to gain infinite missiles by performing a specific button combination. This cheat made it easier to defend all the cities and score high points, but it also made the game feel less challenging, as it removed one of the core risks of losing missiles. Nevertheless, it provided a new way for players to enjoy the game.
17. Burgertime and the “No Enemy Collision” Cheat
In Burgertime (1982), players control Chef Peter Pepper, who must create burgers while avoiding enemies. A cheat was discovered that allowed players to walk through enemies without taking damage. This was achieved by triggering a glitch in the game’s enemy behavior. While not an intentional cheat, it became a beloved trick among Burgertime fans, offering a way to experience the game without the threat of being caught by the pesky enemies.
18. Qbert* and the “Level Skip” Trick
Qbert* (1982) is a unique arcade game in which players navigate a character around a pyramid of tiles, changing their colors while avoiding enemies. One of the most popular cheats involved a sequence of button presses that allowed players to skip to later levels. This cheat was invaluable for players who wanted to explore the game’s higher levels and rack up more points without having to play through the earlier, less challenging stages.
19. The Ethics of Cheats: Fun or Unfair?
While cheats provided an exciting way to experience games, they also raised questions about fairness and integrity. Some players viewed cheats as a way to unlock hidden content or extend gameplay, while others believed cheats undermined the spirit of competition in arcade settings. Nonetheless, cheats became a key part of arcade gaming culture, offering players new ways to engage with their favorite games.
20. The Legacy of Classic Arcade Cheats
Classic arcade cheats continue to be a source of nostalgia for gamers who grew up during the golden age of arcades. The creativity behind these cheats, whether intentional or discovered by players, helped define the gaming experience of the time. Today, many of these cheats remain a cherished part of video game history, and their impact can still be seen in the way modern games implement cheats, unlockables, and Easter eggs. The cheats of the past were not just about winning—they were about exploring the game’s boundaries and having fun in new and unexpected ways.