10 Greatest Video Game Cheat Codes And Tips

Find the warp whistle in Super Mario Bros. 3 and get all weapons in Doom!

Writing for Prima means having a deep appreciation for tips, strategies and most importantly, cheat codes. Fellow writer Robert Workman listed his personal top 100 cheats of all time, and now we have the staff’s elite 10! 

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Did your favorite video game cheat or tip make the cut? Let us know. 

10.) Unlocking Bill Clinton and Al Gore in NBA Jam 

NBA Jam has some of the greatest codes of all time, from always being on fire to big head mode. Now we take it old school with Bill Clinton and Al Gore in the original SNES version. To unlock these politicians, enter initials AR and then K while holding Start and L buttons for Clinton, and NE and then T while holding the L and R buttons for Al Gore.

9.) Getting the Tank in Grand Theft Auto 3 

Stealing a car or truck in GTA 3 is one thing. Swiping a tank, however, is something else. Thankfully, this code lets you have one whenever you want. While in the game, tap Circle, Circle, Circle, Circle, Circle, Circle, R1, L2, L1, Triangle, Circle and Triangle. A tank will instantly appear, and you can destroy Liberty City longer than normal. 

8.) The Hidden Warp Gate in Battletoads 

The speeder bike stage in Battletoads is one of the toughest levels you’ll experience in a video game, especially when you reach the rapid-fire panels. However, if you’re quick, you can make it to the tenth and find a cool surprise. Dodge the first nine panels by quickly moving up and down, but on the 10th, speed into the rock. You’ll see a glowing warp zone that will push you ahead a couple of levels. Of course, getting past those nine panels may take a while. 

7.) Infinite 1-ups in Super Mario Bros. 

Everyone knows to collect 100 gold coins for a 1-up in Super Mario Bros., but you can get even more early in the game. Watch the video above, and corner a turtle shell along a staircase leading to the flag at the end of the level. Jump at the right time and you’ll continuously jump atop the shell and eventually score tons of 1-ups. This trick never gets old.  

6.) Justin Bailey in Metroid

Numerous gamers could not believe that Samus Aran was a woman in the original Metroid for NES. However, if you had the Justin Bailey code, you would’ve known it immediately. Enter “Justin Bailey” on the top half of the password screen, with all spaces at the bottom, and you’ll play through the game without Samus’ helmet. 

5.) Finding the Warp Whistle in Super Mario Bros. 3 

There are three warp whistles in Super Mario Bros. 3, and this is how to find the first. Explore World 1-3 until you reach the white block, then press/hold Down to duck for a few seconds. Mario or Luigi will drop behind the stage. Run all the way to the right and you’ll reach Toad’s house, where he’ll happily give you the warp whistle! If you use a second warp whistle after reaching the first warp room, you’ll head to World 8! 

4.) Switching Controller Ports to Beat Psycho Mantis in Metal Gear Solid 

Psycho Mantis is one of the MGS franchise’s greatest boss characters – and one you’ll have a hard time defeating if you don’t know this awesome trick. Watch out, he can read your PSOne memory card! On the positive side, there’s an easy way to take him down. Simply remove your PlayStation controller from the one-player slot and plug it into the second.  Now he’s vulnerable to Snake’s attacks! 

3.) All Weapons, Health Keys and Armor in Doom 

Doom is one of the most challenging games of all time, especially if you play this classic FPS on the toughest difficulty. Thankfully, there’s a code that’ll give you everything. Simply type in “IDKFA” on the text screen and you’ll unlock all of the weapons (including the iconic BFG), as well as 100 percent health, armor and keys. 

2.) The Blood Code in Mortal Kombat 

When the controversial Mortal Kombat arcade game debuted for the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis, it lacked the oft-criticized blood and carnage. While the SNES version came with gray sweat, the Genesis edition contained a blood code featuring the red stuff in all its glory. To activate it, wait for a text screen asking about a “code”, then quickly press A, B, A, C, A, B and B (ABACABB). In addition, you can activate a special options menu with the ability to turn on blood by entering Down, Up, L, L, A, Right and Down during the bio screen. MORTAL KOMBAT! 

1.) The Konami Code in Contra 

We know you saw this coming a virtual mile away, and that’s fine because there’s no debate. The epic Konami code first debuted in the NES game Contra, then made cameos in other games over the years, providing extra lives and power-ups. Say it out loud: Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A and start. That’ll give you 30 lives in Contra, and much more in other games.


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Prima Games Staff
The staff at Prima Games.