There are a lot of video games out there and in this era of mobile and home-based gaming, the choices have never been greater. So how do you cut through the noise and find the “Best of” for any chosen topic?
Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest, and unforgettable games through the years. For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best video games, we’d like to steer your direction elsewhere and highlight the best video game cheat codes of all time.
Whether these codes helped players gain access to overpowered machinery or led to a wave of intriguing copycats over the years, you’re likely to have developed a fondness for one of the ones mentioned here.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below.
Grand Theft Auto 3 — Rhino Tank
Grand Theft Auto 3 is a fantastic entry in the Grand Theft Auto series. It provides fans with many laughs, delightful thrills, and entertaining segments. However, no Grand Theft Auto game would feel complete without cheat codes. While this game offers many codes for fans to try out, many claim the Rhino Tank code is one of its best.
Once obtained, the Rhino Tank cheat code completely changes the game’s dynamics. Players suddenly have access to a virtually indestructible vehicle armed with a powerful cannon. This enables them to wreak havoc and dominate Liberty City’s streets, resulting in nonstop chaos and an increase in any player’s attachment to the game. This is a prime example of how a well-designed cheat code can elevate the overall gaming experience and leave a lasting impression in players’ minds.
NBA Jam — Unlockable Character Cheats
NBA Jam offers players a fantastic cheat code. It gives them the chance to access secret characters and adds an element of surprise to the gaming experience as they strive to unlock their favorite basketball stars from the past. It not only enhances the game’s replay value but it creates and sense of nostalgia and connection from fans.
By inputting a specific cheat code, players can unlock absurd playable characters. The characters you can unlock depend on the gaming console you played the game on. For instance, certain consoles allowed you to bring people like Bill Clinton and Will Smith to court. It was an insane occurrence for the time and predates Fortnite by a long mile.
Contra — Konami Code
The Konami Code established in the Contra series is known for being one of the most iconic gaming cheat codes of all time. Its inclusion in Contra revolutionized gaming by granting players a significant advantage. By inputting the famous sequence of button presses, players received additional lives. This allowed them to tread through the game with higher odds of surviving.
This was a huge deal considering how difficult Contra was for players at the time. When some players played through the game, they’d often succumb to quick deaths and frustrating setbacks. Thanks to the Konami Code, many found it easier to navigate through the game’s levels, giving them chances to experience everything the series offered. The code went on to become a piece of gaming nostalgia, influencing other developers to implement similar game-changing mechanics to help players grow a deeper fondness for their work.
The Sims — Rosebud
The Sims Rosebud cheat stands as a testament to the creative and imaginative aspects of cheat codes within video games. In The Sims, players must manage their virtual characters’ lives and aspirations. The Rosebud cheat code grants players an influx of in-game currency called simoleons. This paved the way for greater opportunities to customize and enhance their Sims’ lives.
Fans adored this code for giving them more financial capabilities in The Sims. With thousands of simoleons in their grasp, players could afford better furniture, decorations, and more accommodations to create the homes of their dreams. This influx of financial freedom increased players’ enjoyment and opened the door for many experimental routes. On top of fostering a sense of creativity, the Rosebud cheat was an excellent code that managed to keep The Sims’ fans playing for many years.
Goldeneye007 — BigHead
The BigHead cheat code in Goldeneye007 stands out as a cheat code that’s adored for its humorous purposes. In a game primarily defined by its serious and action-packed gameplay, the BigHead cheat code flips its script. The characters’ enlarged heads create a hilarious juxtaposition against the game’s realistic environments and intense gunfights.
This unexpected change in visual style adds an element of surprise and amusement, allowing players to experience Goldeneye007 in a whole new light. Furthermore, the BigHead cheat code proposes shared enjoyment in multiplayer matches. You and your friends will have a bawl seeing the characters’ oversized heads bounce around on the screen. If you happen to have a copy of Goldeneye007 lying around, implement this code. You won’t regret it one bit.
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 — Level and Character Cheats
The level and character cheat codes found in Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 were phenomenal. The series itself introduced gamers to a wide range of borders and levels for them to experience. Once you activate the code, you’re provided with immediate access to the game’s full content. It not only enhances gamers’ overall experience with the title, but it allows them to customize and discover new challenges.
These cheat codes allow players to bypass restrictions and access additional content immediately. It was akin to purchasing DLC at the time without needing to cough up extra money. This immediate access to locked characters and environments ensures that players can experiment with different playstyles and strategies immediately.
On top of fostering a stronger sense of community among players by giving them access to everything, the Level and Character cheat codes in this game are still loved by fans today.
Metroid — Justin Bailey
The Justin Bailey cheat code for Metroid is synonymous with the Metroid fandom for many reasons. This cheat code grants players access to Samus’s fully powered-up suit right from the game’s start. It was first introduced in the original Metroid game for the NES in the late 80s. It saved players plenty of time and effort when exploring the game’s world as the iconic female bounty hunter.
With her suit fully powered, you could defeat enemies, bypass some of the game’s hurdles, and avoid having to collect power-ups swiftly. This allows players to explore the game and its combat aspects fully without having to worry about other matters. Furthermore, the sense of empowerment players receive after activating the code ensures they’ll dedicate more time to play the game.
From reaching hidden areas early on to discovering secrets faster, this code adds an extra layer of fun and discovery to the game, enticing players to experiment. If you happen to have a copy of the NES Metroid game, don’t hesitate to type Justin Bailey’s name into the cheat code bar.
Mortal Kombat (1992) — Blood Code
The Mortal Kombat Blood Code was first introduced in the original Mortal Kombat game that was released in 1992. It allows players to enhance the level of violence and gore within the game. This allowed for more brutal and visually striking fatalities, something players wouldn’t see until future polished entries in the franchise. The Blood Code is a great example of how a cheat code can offer players ways of tailoring their gaming experience to fit their personal preferences.
Furthermore, the code highlights the rebellious and edgy nature of the original Mortal Kombat game. The game courted much controversy due to its graphical violence. The Blood Code serves as the developers’ willingness to push the boundaries of what was acceptable at the time. Therefore, if you have a copy of the original Mortal Kombat, consider implementing the Blood Code to enhance the game’s violent levels.
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind — No Clip
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind’s No Clip cheat code revolutionized the way people explored and immersed themselves within the game’s world. Morrowind, which was released in 2002, is known for its intricate world that contains countless locations for players to discover. The No Clip cheat code allows players to bypass the game’s physical barriers and move freely through its world.
This means players can navigate through each of the game’s physical obstacles to uncover all of its secrets and treasures. It empowers players to break the conventions of in-game limitations and offers them a chance to engage with its world in a novel light. Although it’s not a code everyone will enjoy, those who want to explore a game’s content to the fullest degree will enjoy this code’s offerings.
System Shock — Door Entry Code
System Shock’s Door Entry Code may sound simple on the surface, but it helped to heighten fans’ immersion in the game’s captivating dystopian setting. This game was cherished for its atmospheric setting and challenging gameplay. The Door Entry code helped players bypass the conventional methods needed to gain access to restricted areas.
This was beneficial for those who aren’t accustomed to games that place you in time-sensitive situations or intense combat encounters. By utilizing this code, players could open doors and progress through the game without getting bombarded by interruptions from enemies or other objectives. Moreover, this code helped to enrich players’ immersion in System Shock’s universe.
The game’s known for having detailed locales and making players feel like skilled hackers. Giving them access to everything effortlessly through the Door Entry code will enhance that sensation tremendously. On top of boosting the players’ desire to discover what lies behind its many hidden areas, System Shock’s Door Entry code is a simple and effective way at maintaining players’ attention.
So, there we have it, our pick for the best video game cheat codes of all time!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!