Finds 1997: Konami Classics Vol.1

New Addition to the Collection: Konami Classics Vol. 1 for Xbox 360

There’s something special about finding a compilation that bundles some of gaming’s most iconic titles together, and my latest pickup does just that. The newest addition to the collection is Konami Classics Vol. 1 for the Xbox 360—a release that celebrates Konami’s rich arcade and console history.

Released in 2009, this collection packs three legendary games onto one disc:

• Castlevania: Symphony of the Night – One of the most celebrated entries in the Castlevania franchise, this 1997 PlayStation classic defined the “Metroidvania” genre with its sprawling castle, gothic atmosphere, and RPG elements. Having it on the Xbox 360 means being able to revisit Dracula’s castle with achievements and updated compatibility.

• Frogger – A true arcade staple, Frogger made its debut in 1981 and quickly became one of the most recognizable titles in gaming history. Its simple premise—guiding a frog safely across busy roads and rivers—remains just as addictive decades later.

• Super Contra – The explosive run-and-gun action of Super Contra (1988) is pure arcade adrenaline. Known for its fast-paced co-op gameplay, punishing difficulty, and iconic boss fights, it’s one of Konami’s most beloved shooters.

What makes this collection particularly cool is how it bridges generations. For longtime fans, it’s a nostalgic trip back to the golden era of Konami. For newcomers, it’s an accessible way to experience some of the most important titles in gaming history without digging out older hardware.

The Xbox 360 was well known for keeping classic franchises alive through HD ports and compilations, and Konami Classics Vol. 1 is a perfect example of that effort. Adding this disc to the shelf not only strengthens the collection, but also serves as a reminder of how influential Konami was across multiple decades of gaming.

Another gem secured—and one that’ll definitely get plenty of playtime.

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Kazuhisa Hashimoto, Creator of the Konami Code dies at 61

These are some sad news in the world of gaming. Being one that grew up using this code in multiple konami games (don't use it in Gradius 3) I am saddened to say that  Kazuhisa Hashimoto has passed away at the age of 61. It definitely is a shock as he was still quite young but that's life, things just tend to happen. Anyways, why don't you go and play some Contra and use his code to honor his work and spirit.
Here is some History: The code was first used in the 1986 release of Gradius, a scrolling shooter for the NES[9] and was popularized among North American players in the NES version of Contra, for which it was also dubbed both the "Contra Code" and "30 Lives Code", due to its near necessity in-game.
The Konami Code was created by Kazuhisa Hashimoto who was developing the home port of the 1985 arcade game Gradius for the NES. Finding the game too difficult to play through during testing, he created a cheat code to give the player a full set of power-ups (normally attained gradually throughout the game).[2] After entering the sequence using the controller when the game was paused the player received all available power-ups. The mistake was discovered after the release, but developers decided to leave it there, as removing it could result in new bugs and glitches. The sequence was easy enough to remember for testers and simultaneously sufficiently hard to enter accidentally during the gameplay for unsuspecting users.
The Konami Code was thus included in the series' other sequels and spin-offs, with some key differences:
In the Super NES version of Gradius III, the original code destroys the player's ship. However, replacing ← and → with the L and R triggers of the SNES controller powers up the ship. In the most recent iteration of the series—Gradius Rebirth on the Wii—the Wii Remote's 1 and 2 buttons fill in for A and B, respectively. The code has been subsequently re-used in a large number of other games and a varied version of the code is now used in the Opera Browser to activate hidden advanced settings.

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Finds 713: Konami Classics vol. 2

I finally found the second volume for a decent price. I'm definitely going to give Contra a try! 

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Game-bit of the day 078: Suikoden 2 (PS1)

Here is the gem of my Playstation collection! Suikoden 2 is just an amazing game and rare! The gameplay is fantastic and the story is just to die for. No wonder this game goes for over 150 dollars! Ouch! 

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Game-bit of the day 064: Castlevania (NES)

I featured this game in the Retro-bit series and it got a lot of praise so good old Simon Belmont is back again! Castlevania for the NES is the game! The label though, it's custom made by me. If you recognize Simon from Captain N then you are in the right place. Enjoy!

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Retro-bit of the day 258: Gekikame Ninja Den (FC)

Here is the first release of the TMNT games for the Famicom. The game had the name Gekikame Ninja Den as opposed to being TMNT which is how we all know them as. The game is as difficult as the USA release. If you have any balls, you would play it and stop complaining till you're done with it. 

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Retro-bit of the day 257: Parodius (FC)

So you have seen this game in my page and other sites more than enough. Let me just refer to it once again, this game kicks ass! If you have played your fair share of classic Konami titles, then this one will definitely take you off track with its wackiness! PLAY IT NOW!!

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Retro-bit of the day 256: Gradius 2 (FC)

This is one of the most awesome shooters for the Famicom. The game is difficult especially when you die with all your power ups. Continuing from then is the ultimate challenge. Care to play?

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Famicom Friday 011: Parodius Kinda day

It was a Friday to remember! I worked a double shift and was so tired I totally forgot to post my other updates. This was added though, it's Parodius from a lot I got the same day! This game is incredibly fun and challenging. You should definitely give it a shot!

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Retro-bit of the day 196: Sunsetriders (SNES)

This is a game everyone should play! It's Konami at its best! It's amazing we never saw a sequel to such a genius game.

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Retro-bit of the day 173: International Soccer Deluxe (SFC)

Here is a little gem of a soccer game. The game is just lots of fun to play especially against a friend. I used to play the fuck out of this game via-emulator before my collecting saga started...gotta love it! 

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Finds 542: From ugly to beautiful Sunsetriders!

 Here is a very damaged label art for my copy of Sunsetriders for the SNES. It is about time to fix it up since I've been doing that to all of my games. Below is the result!

The game now looks better than ever! I wanted to make my own unique label but I got a little lazy! I figure the original label would be just as good! 

Sunsetriders (SNES)

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Retro-bit of the day 155: Contra 3 (NES)

The Contra series was pretty good until the Super C came out for the NES excluding the SNES game of course. I was able to check out this port of the SNES release. This is actually Contra 3 Alien Wars but for the NES. The game was well ported believe it or not. It's a must have period! 

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Retro-bit of the day 150: Dracula X (SNES)

Yes, this is one wicked game! If you love the Castlevania series, then you will definitely love this awesome gem! Dracula X is a must have for SNES fans! 

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Finds 525: Pirates and more Pirates! Arrrr!! Dracula X Japanese version and Dragon Warrior 3 !

Here are some interesting findings. I picked up a couple of more Pikachu games as well as Rockman 7. The game on the right is actually Dracula X but the Japanese version. I'm going to put some awesome label art on it! The game in the bottom is actually Dragon Warrior 3 for the GBC. Neat stuff! 

Pikachu (SNES)

Rockman 7 (SNES)

Dracula X (SNES)

Dragon Warrior 3 (GBC)

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Finds 523: New Pirate Hauls! Gotta love it!

So here are even more pirates except for Pokemon Crystal, that one is original as well as Double Dragon for the Super Famicom. Nevertheless, these games are just so awesome!!! 

Dragon Ball Hyper Dimenson (SNES)

Sonic 4 (SNES)

Sunsetriders (SNES)

Pokemon Crystal (GBC)

Pokemon Stadium (SNES)

Master Fighter (FC)

Double Dragon (SFC)

Ghoul Patrol (SNES)

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Finds 522: Peru got game! First awesome pick ups! Mega Man X3, Dracula X, and More!

So it's finally that time again. My trip to Peru for retro gaming gold has started quite well. The games you see here are my first haul of awesomeness. I finally got Dracula X  back but why not try to get another copy while I'm here? The competition is tough so you have to be on your toes here. Other notables are Breath of Fire 2 sealed and Lunar sealed both for the GBA. As usual, the pirates are abundant and full of awesomeness! Check it out!!

Mega Man X3 (SNES)

Dracula X (SNES)

Pikachu (SNES)

Breath of Fire 2 (GBA)

Lunar (GBA)

Battletoads (FC)

Street Fighter 2 (FC)

Super Mario Bros 3 (FC)

Master Fighter 2 (FC)

4 in 1 (NES)

Multicart (FC)

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