Konami Games Collection
Founded in 1969, Konami has established itself as one of Japan's most versatile game developers and publishers, renowned for creating groundbreaking franchises across multiple genres. From arcade classics to modern masterpieces, Konami's portfolio reflects decades of innovation in gaming, music, and entertainment technology.
Arcade Golden Age & Breakthrough Hits
Konami rose to prominence in the 1980s with arcade sensations like Frogger (1981) and Gradius (1985), pioneering the shoot-'em-up genre. The company revolutionized gaming with:- Contra (1987): Defined run-and-gun gameplay with cooperative action.
- Castlevania (1986): Established gothic action-platformers with its iconic whip combat.
Genre-Defining Franchises
Konami's most influential series include:- Metal Gear (1987–present): Hideo Kojima's stealth masterpiece redefined tactical espionage action.
- Silent Hill (1999–present): Set psychological horror benchmarks with atmospheric storytelling.
- Pro Evolution Soccer (1995–present): Competed fiercely with FIFA in football simulation.
- Yu-Gi-Oh! (1998–present): Transformed the trading card game into a digital phenomenon.
Technological Innovations
Konami pushed boundaries with:- The Fox Engine powering Metal Gear Solid V's (2015) open-world stealth.
- Bemani series (Dance Dance Revolution, 1998) merging rhythm games with physical activity.
- Pioneering save systems in early RPGs like Suikoden (1995).
Multimedia Expansion & Recent Developments
Beyond games, Konami thrives in:- Pachinko machines featuring game IPs
- Health clubs and fitness technology
- Controversial shifts from AAA games to mobile and gambling sectors post-2015.
Conclusion
For over 50 years, Konami has embodied diversity and risk-taking, delivering unforgettable experiences from Solid Snake's stealth ops to Pyramid Head's nightmares. While its current focus on monetization draws criticism, classics like Metal Gear Solid 3 (2004) and Silent Hill 2 (2001) remain timeless benchmarks in gaming history.Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sacred Cards
2003
Card BattleRPG-style dueling game based on the Battle City arc, featuring 1,100+ cards from the original series. Play as original character 'Hero' while interacting with Yugi, Kaiba and other fan favorites.
Gensou Suikoden Card Stories
2001
RPGA spin-off of the Suikoden series featuring card battle gameplay set in the Suikoden universe. Players collect character cards from across the series to build decks and duel opponents in strategic turn-based battles.
Contra Advance: The Alien Wars EX
2002
Run and GunContra Advance is a 2002 enhanced port of the SNES classic Contra III: The Alien Wars for Game Boy Advance. This version features redesigned levels, new weapons, and exclusive bosses while retaining the series' signature run-and-gun action. Includes a brand new 'Alien Corridor' stage not found in the original.
Contra III: The Alien Wars
1992
Run and GunContra III: The Alien Wars is a run-and-gun shooter developed and published by Konami for the SNES in 1992. The third main entry in the Contra series introduces Mode 7 effects, multi-plane scrolling, and intense boss battles while maintaining the franchise's signature high difficulty. Players control Bill Rizer and Lance Bean battling alien invaders across six action-packed stages.
Sunset Riders
1992
Run and GunWild West-themed run-and-gun arcade shooter where players take on the roles of bounty hunters chasing wanted criminals across the American frontier. Known for its colorful graphics, four-player cooperative play (arcade version), and memorable boss battles.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters
1993
FightingKonami's answer to Street Fighter II features the Heroes in a Half Shell in their first dedicated fighting game. With 10 playable characters including TMNT favorites and original fighters, it delivers fast-paced combat with signature turtle techniques and special moves.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time
1992
Beat 'em upThe definitive TMNT beat 'em up transports the Heroes in a Half Shell through time to battle Shredder across history. Features four-player support via multitap, iconic throwing mechanics, and the legendary Technodrome stage.
Animaniacs
1994
PlatformerAnimaniacs is a platform game based on the popular animated TV series. Players control Yakko, Wakko, and Dot as they navigate through various levels inspired by the show's humor and antics. The game features colorful graphics, catchy music, and faithful representations of the cartoon's characters.
International Superstar Soccer
1994
Sports (Soccer)International Superstar Soccer is a groundbreaking soccer simulation that set new standards for sports games on SNES. Featuring national teams with authentic kits, fluid animations, and strategic gameplay that balances arcade action with realistic tactics.
Super Castlevania IV
A reimagining of the original Castlevania with enhanced graphics and gameplay. Players control Simon Belmont through 11 stages of gothic horror, featuring the revolutionary 8-directional whip attack and Mode 7 effects.
Castlevania: Dracula X
A reimagined version of PC Engine's Rondo of Blood for SNES, following Richter Belmont's quest to rescue Annette and Maria from Dracula's castle with refined combat and branching paths.
Biker Mice from Mars
1994
RacingBiker Mice from Mars is a 1994 vehicular combat game based on the animated series. Players control one of three anthropomorphic mouse bikers - Throttle, Modo, or Vinnie - as they race through post-apocalyptic tracks while battling the villainous Plutarkians. The game combines racing with weapon-based combat using each mouse's signature bike.
Batman Returns
1992
Beat 'em upA side-scrolling beat 'em up based on Tim Burton's 1992 film. Play as Batman through six levels of Gotham City, battling Penguin's gang and Catwoman with an arsenal of gadgets and combat moves.
Castlevania
1999
Action-AdventureCastlevania for Nintendo 64 is a 3D action-adventure game that brings the vampire-hunting legacy into the third dimension. Players control Reinhardt Schneider or Carrie Fernandez through Dracula's castle, featuring dynamic camera angles and the series' signature whip combat.
Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness
1999
Action-AdventureAn expanded version of the N64 Castlevania, featuring new characters Cornell (a werewolf) and Henry Oldrey alongside returning protagonists. This edition adds new levels, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and additional story content bridging the original game's events.
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
2006
Action-AdventureA 2D action-adventure game in the Castlevania series featuring dual-character gameplay with Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Orlean battling through haunted paintings in Dracula's castle during World War II.
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
2005
Action-AdventureCastlevania: Dawn of Sorrow is an action-adventure game developed and published by Konami for the Nintendo DS. It is the sequel to Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow and continues the story of Soma Cruz as he battles dark forces in Dracula's castle.
Metal Gear Solid
2000
Action-AdventureThe groundbreaking stealth action game adapted for Game Boy Color. Infiltrate enemy bases using camouflage and evasion tactics in this 8-bit reinterpretation of the PlayStation classic.