The Gamer's Plight: Up, down, left...right? Ten Klassic Kodes (SNES, Genesis).

If you've ever played Ninja Gaiden for the Genesis, Galaga at the arcade, or Double Dragon for any system it emerged on then I don't need to to tell you how hard video games used to be. I was born in the early eighties and while some people may think that's a minus; I like to think of it as a plus. Why? Because I was privy to one of the greatest technological revolutions in human history, I was able to watch games evolve. Not just evolve as far as graphics, sound, or interface but I was able to observe how the developers themselves changed because when you think about it, humankind's only limitation is what we're able to build.

Video games in the 80's and 90's were difficult for a number of reasons; they were shorter and cartridges could store less information so if you made a game anyone could blitz through in a few hours then word would spread that you made a lame product. Secondly, the kind of game testing reserved now for large focus groups via beta tests weren't available and also because the flow of information wasn't nearly as accessible. Lastly, it was challenging. The actual challenge of beginning and ending something that involved your entire person for hours at a time even if it was infuriating is one of those rare joys that any true gamer can relate too (I still feel proud of beating the Water Temple in Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time).

With the past etched out behind us like an open book and the inevitable and exponential intensification of technology in gaming happening nearly every year it is hard to say where and what video games will look like. But one thing is for certain; they are not getting any harder. I guess it's the minimalist in me but folks who make more with less always seem to inspire me. That's why when I play titles like Shadows of the Colossus I get excited and enthused about gaming; to know that there are still folks out there making a product that can do so much more without insane amounts of explosions and top notch voice acting to garnish a rather bland meal (this comment is not directed towards Mass Effect 2).

Unfortunately, the trend in video games as of late has been big budget, action packed adventures that lack and real involvement or investment on the part of the gamer. Titles such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, albeit fantastic shooters with excellent mechanics, completely lack any real story because if you've seen any movie with Wesley Snipes in it then you probably now the plot arc to C.O.D.

This isn't an article dedicated too much to the hay days of gaming, but rather, and homage to a long lost art in old school gaming which has been slowly forgotten: Cheating. The Blood Magic of gaming, the essence of debautchery, the sole source of hope for anyone who owns an SNES, Genesis, or otherwise.

Cheating, much like the reasons for higher difficulty in older titles, was as much a result of limited resources and a means to please disgruntled gamers. I can still remember flipping to the cheats section of the Gamepro magazine I recieved every month as a kid. It was on those pages that I found a measure of peace since most of the games I played seemed to be nearly unbeatable.

I'd like to share some of the best cheats from the olden times as well as encourage you to post some of your own and , together, we can save history. You're our only hope!

The amphibious alternative to Double Dragon, Battletoads had a short-lived though weirdly successful run in gaming history including an arcade port after it's initial success on console.

Extra lives and continues: Before the title screen appears, hold down + A + B. Keep these buttons pressed and when the title screen appears press start (your dexterity skills will level up if you can do this without a friends help). If you've performed the sequence right, a red flash will ensue and now you have five extra lives and continues to have pulled out from under you at level 2!

Peter Molyneux's weirdly endearing, cute, paleolithic peoples battle it out with the support of their respective gods in the sim/rpg approach to "God Games."

Full Power: while the game is playing, hold down A, B, then hold left. While you're still holding the left button, press R, A, B, X and then highlight the swamp icon. If you entered the code correctly then it will not turn red.

Here it is, the code of codes. Sonic the Hedgehog; groundbreaking graphics engine, fantastically memorable soundtrack, Sega's very own Mario. It's got everything you could want except a difficulty select! Use this code when you've exhausted all options.

Level Select: At the title screen press up, down, left, right and then you'll hear a chime indicating that you entered the code correct. Next, press A + start and you'll be prompted to select a level. Now go forth and collect all those chaos emeralds before the rotund Dr. Robotnik does!

Who can forget one of Sega's first and most well-known titles! It's not only one of the most difficult games out there but it introduced a whole new dynamic to gaming, namely, the ability to change from one form to another and thereby adding a new dynamic to game play. I still meet people who rave about this game to this day.

Beast Select: At the title screen hold down hold down A + B + C + Down/Left (diagonal) and press start. You'll then be prompted to choose your beast for each level.  Go full on man-bear-pig FTW!

Ugh, the epitome of a "love / hate" relationship, SGG is by far one of the most difficult games out there and continues to destroy gamers controllers world wide. If you've found someone who can defeat this game, shake that persons hand and tell your children you walked alongside a giant that day. Not only was it extremely difficult but SGG exposed gamers to King Arther in boxers just shy of his birthday suit; a true champion!

Level select and sound test: The sound test is probably useless but I'm sure there are people out there eager to have the level select. First, go to the options screen and highlight "Exit" on controller number one. On controller number two press L + start and press start on controller one. Try not to flash your junk to too many ghosts bro.

Few games today can capture the simplicity of an idea and deliver it in such a sublime fashion as the folks from Sega did for Ecco The Dolphin. A simple story and a simple premise, about finding home, family, and friends while avoiding the dangers inherent in everyday life; Ecco delivered an intuituve and thought provoking story which is saying a lot since there was no actual speaking in the game from the main character.

Invincibility: When the name of the level first appears, press A + start then release the buttons and press start when the game is ready to be played. Now you don't have to worry about breathing and can focus more fully on bouncing sonar off your foes.

Few games have left such an impact on how we develop and play action/ shooter as Contra has. The first inception of this title came from the NES while it's adaption to the SNES involved 3-quarter views, vehicles, and an insane amount of weaponry to choose from. Contra not only set the bar for how an action title ought to play; it demanded one of the highest levels of difficulty around.

Level Select: Tell your buddies to come over 'cause you just spent 10 hours on Contra to reach the last boss...then enter this code before they get there! At the player selection screen, enter left, down, down/left (diagonal), left, start then listen for a hum which will indicate that you have entered the code correctly. Spread shot FTW!!!

Did someone say bestiality...? You knew we were going to have to tackle Acclaim's esoteric minefield of cheats and easter eggs! What's there to say about MK that hasn't already been said? Groundbreaking motion capturing, fantastic characters to choose from, and one of the most visceral and gory titles to come out to this day. You can argue semantics as to which system it plays better on but you can't deny the impact this game had on Western culture and the ensuing rating systems it helped to usher in to the gaming industry.

All characters & Modes: Ed Boon (Noob Saibot) is going to get "TOASTY" when you pop in these cheats! At the start menu, press B (x2), C, right, A, left, down, C, right, A, left, A, down and then proceed to the menu that appears afterwards. Once you've fooled around with all the secret characters, just pick Baraka because you know he's the best.

I could write an entire book on why this game is amazing. One of the few titles on the SNES that completely embraced weirdness and integrated it into a fantastic and fun environment full of vivid colors, hilarious one-liners, and a protagonist that is the under dogs dream come true. Earthworm Jim provided an incredible escape for gamers and introduced some of the strangest weapons that can, ironically enough, only be matched by another title called Worms...groovy.

Invincibility: When you get tired of getting destroyed by giant flying snot pop in this code for redemption. While playing the game, press pause and enter A + B, A+ X, X, A, Left + A, right (x2), left. Now try not to get turned into a hamster brohan.

Back before Electronic Arts became the Standard Oil of gaming, they were busy cranking out some of the best crotch rocket titles any one's ever played. Road Rash synthesized racing, rpg, and fighting elements into one cohesive and surprisingly addictive package that left me bleary eyed after an all night bender as a child. Now EA has little to say about Road Rash which is unfortunate since it's still one of the best racing games I've ever played and the Sega CD version featured Soungarden which is just so-completely-awesome!

Super Password: You've logged countless hours and finally gotten the bike of your low-tier dreams but why commit to that when you can have millions on the spot, here's how. At the password entry screen, enter 34441 01MS0 NV8UC 3QG8R. If you entered the code correct, you'll receive 7 million dollars and begin on level 4. Now get out there and whip a chain across some poor dudes face.

Well I hope you were able to not only use the codes above but were able to flash back briefly to a younger and more ambitious time in gaming. Now enter The Code and bust some controllers!