< Back to All Articles on Arcade Game Cheat Codes
The ColecoVision, released in 1982 by the Connecticut Leather Company (later known simply as Coleco), quickly became one of the most popular home video game consoles of the early 1980s. Despite its short lifespan, the ColecoVision introduced players to a range of arcade-quality games, from platformers to sports titles. For gamers of the time, discovering cheats for these games was a thrilling part of the experience. These cheats often gave players extra lives, new characters, or hidden levels, allowing them to explore the games beyond their original limitations. This article will delve into some of the most memorable cheats for classic ColecoVision games, demonstrating how these hidden codes and tricks enhanced the gaming experience.
1. Donkey Kong: Infinite Lives Cheat
Donkey Kong (1981) was one of the most iconic arcade games of its time, and the ColecoVision version, released in 1982, brought the thrilling gameplay of Mario’s first adventure to home consoles. One of the most famous cheats for the ColecoVision version of Donkey Kong was the infinite lives cheat. By performing a specific button combination during the game’s title screen, players could grant themselves an unlimited number of lives, allowing them to conquer the game’s grueling levels without worrying about running out of chances. This cheat was particularly helpful given the game’s notorious difficulty, ensuring players could reach higher levels and enjoy the full experience.
2. Frogger: Extra Lives Cheat
Released in 1983 for the ColecoVision, Frogger was another arcade classic that made its way to home consoles. Players control a frog navigating various hazards like speeding cars, rivers, and snakes to reach the safety of its home. One cheat for Frogger allowed players to gain extra lives by inputting a button combination during gameplay. This cheat allowed players to extend their game sessions, making it easier to avoid the game’s many hazards and progress further in the game. It was a popular cheat, as the difficulty level of Frogger meant that having extra lives helped make it more enjoyable.
3. Q*bert: Unlimited Time Cheat
Qbert* (1983) was a colorful and unique puzzle platformer where players guided a quirky creature around an isometric pyramid, changing the colors of the blocks while avoiding enemies. The ColecoVision port of Qbert* closely replicated the arcade original, and one of its most famous cheats allowed players to activate unlimited time. By using a secret button combination, players could stop the game’s timer, giving them as much time as they needed to complete the levels without the pressure of racing against the clock. This cheat was perfect for players who wanted to focus on the game’s strategy rather than the urgency of time constraints.
4. Zaxxon: Invincibility Cheat
Sega’s Zaxxon (1982) was one of the first isometric shooters to hit arcades, and the ColecoVision version brought this innovative gameplay to home consoles. In Zaxxon, players control a spaceship navigating a three-dimensional environment and dodging obstacles while firing at enemies. One of the most sought-after cheats for this game was invincibility, which allowed players to remain unharmed no matter how many obstacles or enemies they collided with. To activate invincibility, players had to input a specific cheat code during gameplay, turning Zaxxon into a much more relaxed experience and allowing players to enjoy the game without the constant risk of dying.
5. Venture: Extra Lives Cheat
Venture (1982) was a dungeon-crawling action game that saw players navigate through various rooms filled with enemies and treasure. In the ColecoVision version, players could unlock extra lives by entering a cheat code on the title screen. This cheat was especially useful for Venture, given the game’s difficulty and the numerous traps that players had to avoid. With extra lives at their disposal, players could explore more of the game’s labyrinthine levels, collecting treasure and battling enemies, without constantly worrying about running out of lives.
6. Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel’s Castle: Infinite Lives Cheat
In Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel’s Castle (1983), players control Papa Smurf as he ventures through a series of levels to rescue the Smurfs. The ColecoVision version of the game was well-loved for its vibrant graphics and fun platforming mechanics. One of the most well-known cheats for this game involved activating infinite lives. This cheat was typically entered by pressing a combination of buttons at the start of a level or within the game’s pause menu. With infinite lives, players could take their time exploring the various levels, defeat enemies, and rescue their Smurf companions without the pressure of dying and restarting.
7. Burgertime: Unlimited Time Cheat
In Burgertime (1982), players control a chef who must assemble hamburgers while avoiding enemies like pickles, eggs, and hot dogs. The ColecoVision version of the game, like the arcade original, was challenging but entertaining. A well-known cheat for Burgertime allowed players to activate unlimited time. This cheat removed the time limit from the game, allowing players to leisurely complete each stage at their own pace without the threat of running out of time. It was especially helpful when trying to focus on dodging enemies and placing ingredients without the constant pressure of a ticking clock.
8. Lady Bug: Unlocking All Levels
Lady Bug (1982) was a maze-chase game that closely resembled Pac-Man in style but featured additional mechanics such as movable walls and colored key collection. The ColecoVision port of Lady Bug included a cheat that allowed players to unlock all levels. By inputting a special code at the start of the game or during the loading screen, players could bypass the initial levels and jump directly to later stages, where the real challenge began. This cheat allowed players to experience the more difficult parts of the game without having to play through the easier levels, providing a faster way to enjoy the game’s more complex puzzles.
9. Carnival: Unlimited Ammunition Cheat
In Carnival (1982), players use a light gun to shoot at targets such as clowns, ducks, and other carnival-themed objects. The ColecoVision version of the game, which used the Sega Super Action Controller, was popular for its engaging shooting mechanics. A cheat for Carnival involved unlocking unlimited ammunition for the player’s gun. This cheat allowed players to fire endlessly without worrying about running out of bullets, giving them the freedom to rack up high scores without the anxiety of missing their shots. To activate this cheat, players typically needed to press a certain button combination during gameplay.
10. Dragon’s Lair: Debug Mode Cheat
Dragon’s Lair (1983), originally an arcade sensation, was known for its full-motion video animation and its high level of difficulty. The ColecoVision version of Dragon’s Lair was a more simplified version of the arcade classic, but it still captured the magical, medieval adventure. A cheat code for Dragon’s Lair unlocked a debug mode that allowed players to access various stages of the game directly. This debug mode allowed players to skip through levels or practice specific scenes without worrying about the game’s strict timing and failure conditions. This cheat was particularly helpful for those wanting to experience the full story without repeating the challenging sequences.
11. Pole Position: Unlocking All Tracks
Pole Position (1983) was an iconic racing game that was ported to many platforms, including the ColecoVision. One of the most well-known cheats for the ColecoVision version of Pole Position was the ability to unlock all tracks from the start. Normally, players would have to unlock tracks by performing well in races, but a simple button combination or entering a code at the title screen allowed gamers to skip ahead and access every race track. This cheat was especially useful for players who enjoyed the game’s variety and wanted to race on all the available tracks without the grind.
12. Cosmic Avenger: Score Boost Cheat
Cosmic Avenger (1982) was a fast-paced space shooter that challenged players to destroy enemy ships and avoid incoming attacks. One of the more interesting cheats in the ColecoVision version of Cosmic Avenger involved boosting the player’s score. By inputting a cheat code at the right moment, players could double or even triple their score after completing a level. This cheat allowed players to rack up impressive high scores, which was particularly exciting for those who wanted to show off their achievements or compete against friends.
13. The Official Frogger: All Levels Unlock Cheat
While Frogger was already a challenging and engaging game, players who wanted to see all the game had to offer could use a cheat to unlock all the levels. This cheat, entered through a series of button presses on the title screen, allowed players to jump directly into later stages of the game. By bypassing the earlier, easier levels, players could experience the more difficult and intricate parts of Frogger, which were often blocked behind in-game progression.
14. Clash of the Titans: Infinite Energy Cheat
Released for the ColecoVision in 1984, Clash of the Titans was a challenging action-adventure game based on the 1981 film. Players controlled Perseus as he navigated dangerous environments and battled mythical creatures. One cheat code gave players infinite energy, allowing them to avoid the game’s usual difficulty spikes. By entering the cheat on the title screen or during gameplay, players could continue their journey through the game’s dangerous world without the constant threat of dying. This cheat made the game more accessible and allowed players to fully enjoy its mythology-driven narrative.
15. Gorf: Extra Ship Cheat
Gorf (1983) was an arcade-style shooter with unique gameplay elements. Players piloted a spaceship through various stages, shooting down enemy ships and avoiding hazards. A popular cheat for the ColecoVision version of Gorf involved granting extra ships. By entering a specific code, players could add additional ships to their fleet, giving them more chances to clear levels and rack up points. This cheat was particularly useful during longer sessions when a player wanted to extend their playtime or achieve higher scores.
16. Pitfall II: Lost Caverns: Level Skip Cheat
In Pitfall II: Lost Caverns (1983), players controlled Pitfall Harry as he explored underground caverns in search of treasure and adventure. The ColecoVision version of the game was known for its complex platforming mechanics and hidden traps. A cheat for Pitfall II allowed players to skip to higher levels, bypassing some of the more tedious parts of the game. By entering a special button combination, players could jump directly to more advanced sections of the caverns, where the real challenges awaited.
17. Warplock: Infinite Shields Cheat
Warplock (1983) was a space combat game with an emphasis on shield management and combat strategy. A cheat code in Warplock allowed players to activate infinite shields, making them impervious to enemy attacks. This cheat added a strategic layer to the game, as players could focus on attacking their enemies without worrying about taking damage.