Konami History
@konamihistory.bsky.social
A look back at 50 years of Konami video games
Mission: Impossible (September, 1990)
Based on the short-lived 1988 revival of the original 1960s television series, Konami’s Mission: Impossible is a top-down action adventure game similar to their Metal Gear series.
Players can swap between three members of the Impossible Missions Force.
Based on the short-lived 1988 revival of the original 1960s television series, Konami’s Mission: Impossible is a top-down action adventure game similar to their Metal Gear series.
Players can swap between three members of the Impossible Missions Force.
October 27, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Mission: Impossible (September, 1990)
Based on the short-lived 1988 revival of the original 1960s television series, Konami’s Mission: Impossible is a top-down action adventure game similar to their Metal Gear series.
Players can swap between three members of the Impossible Missions Force.
Based on the short-lived 1988 revival of the original 1960s television series, Konami’s Mission: Impossible is a top-down action adventure game similar to their Metal Gear series.
Players can swap between three members of the Impossible Missions Force.
Konami “Get A Grip!” Ad (January, 1992)
An advertisement for Konami’s series of handheld electronic games. They also had ones based on their own properties including Gradius, Contra, and Blades of Steel.
The ad was featured in Marvel comics with a January 1992 cover date.
An advertisement for Konami’s series of handheld electronic games. They also had ones based on their own properties including Gradius, Contra, and Blades of Steel.
The ad was featured in Marvel comics with a January 1992 cover date.
October 25, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Konami “Get A Grip!” Ad (January, 1992)
An advertisement for Konami’s series of handheld electronic games. They also had ones based on their own properties including Gradius, Contra, and Blades of Steel.
The ad was featured in Marvel comics with a January 1992 cover date.
An advertisement for Konami’s series of handheld electronic games. They also had ones based on their own properties including Gradius, Contra, and Blades of Steel.
The ad was featured in Marvel comics with a January 1992 cover date.
Jackal (NES / Famicom Disk System, 1988)
A home conversion of the arcade game released as Top Gunner in North America, Jackal is a two-player action game where players control heavily-armed jeeps.
In Japan the home version was only available on Famicom Disk System as Final Command: Red Fortress
A home conversion of the arcade game released as Top Gunner in North America, Jackal is a two-player action game where players control heavily-armed jeeps.
In Japan the home version was only available on Famicom Disk System as Final Command: Red Fortress
October 23, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Jackal (NES / Famicom Disk System, 1988)
A home conversion of the arcade game released as Top Gunner in North America, Jackal is a two-player action game where players control heavily-armed jeeps.
In Japan the home version was only available on Famicom Disk System as Final Command: Red Fortress
A home conversion of the arcade game released as Top Gunner in North America, Jackal is a two-player action game where players control heavily-armed jeeps.
In Japan the home version was only available on Famicom Disk System as Final Command: Red Fortress
Mikie (Arcade, 1984)
An maze-action game where the player controls a high school boy causing trouble in school, often by knocking over classmates and faculty.
The soundtrack includes officially licensed versions of “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles.
An maze-action game where the player controls a high school boy causing trouble in school, often by knocking over classmates and faculty.
The soundtrack includes officially licensed versions of “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles.
October 21, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Mikie (Arcade, 1984)
An maze-action game where the player controls a high school boy causing trouble in school, often by knocking over classmates and faculty.
The soundtrack includes officially licensed versions of “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles.
An maze-action game where the player controls a high school boy causing trouble in school, often by knocking over classmates and faculty.
The soundtrack includes officially licensed versions of “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles.
Konami Wai Wai World (Famicom, 1988)
A crossover platformer starring occasional Konami mascot Konami Man, new character Konami Girl, and others from the popular Konami games.
Characters can be swapped in as rescued from their own game worlds, and two players can play at once.
A crossover platformer starring occasional Konami mascot Konami Man, new character Konami Girl, and others from the popular Konami games.
Characters can be swapped in as rescued from their own game worlds, and two players can play at once.
October 20, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Konami Wai Wai World (Famicom, 1988)
A crossover platformer starring occasional Konami mascot Konami Man, new character Konami Girl, and others from the popular Konami games.
Characters can be swapped in as rescued from their own game worlds, and two players can play at once.
A crossover platformer starring occasional Konami mascot Konami Man, new character Konami Girl, and others from the popular Konami games.
Characters can be swapped in as rescued from their own game worlds, and two players can play at once.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Review (EGM Holiday Issue, 2004)
October 19, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Review (EGM Holiday Issue, 2004)
Top Gun (NES/Famicom, 1987)
Konami’s Top Gun was a combat flight simulation based on the hit 1986 film. The game was also a hit on the NES, selling millions of copies.
Top Gun is probably best known for its aircraft carrier landing sequences, that many found too difficult.
Konami’s Top Gun was a combat flight simulation based on the hit 1986 film. The game was also a hit on the NES, selling millions of copies.
Top Gun is probably best known for its aircraft carrier landing sequences, that many found too difficult.
October 17, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Top Gun (NES/Famicom, 1987)
Konami’s Top Gun was a combat flight simulation based on the hit 1986 film. The game was also a hit on the NES, selling millions of copies.
Top Gun is probably best known for its aircraft carrier landing sequences, that many found too difficult.
Konami’s Top Gun was a combat flight simulation based on the hit 1986 film. The game was also a hit on the NES, selling millions of copies.
Top Gun is probably best known for its aircraft carrier landing sequences, that many found too difficult.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (SNES, December 1993)
One of three TMNT 1-on-1 fighting games published by Konami in 1993/1994.
The SNES version was also included in the 2022 TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection, made the boss characters Rat King & Karai playable for the first time.
One of three TMNT 1-on-1 fighting games published by Konami in 1993/1994.
The SNES version was also included in the 2022 TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection, made the boss characters Rat King & Karai playable for the first time.
October 16, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (SNES, December 1993)
One of three TMNT 1-on-1 fighting games published by Konami in 1993/1994.
The SNES version was also included in the 2022 TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection, made the boss characters Rat King & Karai playable for the first time.
One of three TMNT 1-on-1 fighting games published by Konami in 1993/1994.
The SNES version was also included in the 2022 TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection, made the boss characters Rat King & Karai playable for the first time.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow (October, 2010)
A reboot of the Castlevania series from developer MercurySteam (Clive Barker’s Jericho), and co-produced by Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima.
Lords of Shadow plays closer to Sony’s God Of War series, than to a traditional Castlevania game.
A reboot of the Castlevania series from developer MercurySteam (Clive Barker’s Jericho), and co-produced by Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima.
Lords of Shadow plays closer to Sony’s God Of War series, than to a traditional Castlevania game.
October 15, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow (October, 2010)
A reboot of the Castlevania series from developer MercurySteam (Clive Barker’s Jericho), and co-produced by Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima.
Lords of Shadow plays closer to Sony’s God Of War series, than to a traditional Castlevania game.
A reboot of the Castlevania series from developer MercurySteam (Clive Barker’s Jericho), and co-produced by Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima.
Lords of Shadow plays closer to Sony’s God Of War series, than to a traditional Castlevania game.
X-Men (Arcade, 1992)
A beat-em-up based on the 1989 animated pilot X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men, that didn’t get picked up for a full series.
The game is notable for some versions of the arcade cabinet allowing for six players at the same time, with a double-length display.
A beat-em-up based on the 1989 animated pilot X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men, that didn’t get picked up for a full series.
The game is notable for some versions of the arcade cabinet allowing for six players at the same time, with a double-length display.
October 14, 2025 at 6:20 PM
X-Men (Arcade, 1992)
A beat-em-up based on the 1989 animated pilot X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men, that didn’t get picked up for a full series.
The game is notable for some versions of the arcade cabinet allowing for six players at the same time, with a double-length display.
A beat-em-up based on the 1989 animated pilot X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men, that didn’t get picked up for a full series.
The game is notable for some versions of the arcade cabinet allowing for six players at the same time, with a double-length display.
Crisis Force (Famicom, August 1991)
A vertical shooter for the Famicom that didn’t get converted to the NES.
It’s two-player co-op, with each controlling one of two sisters who are handed down fighter jets to repel ancients Atlantean monsters who have returned from exile.
A vertical shooter for the Famicom that didn’t get converted to the NES.
It’s two-player co-op, with each controlling one of two sisters who are handed down fighter jets to repel ancients Atlantean monsters who have returned from exile.
October 13, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Crisis Force (Famicom, August 1991)
A vertical shooter for the Famicom that didn’t get converted to the NES.
It’s two-player co-op, with each controlling one of two sisters who are handed down fighter jets to repel ancients Atlantean monsters who have returned from exile.
A vertical shooter for the Famicom that didn’t get converted to the NES.
It’s two-player co-op, with each controlling one of two sisters who are handed down fighter jets to repel ancients Atlantean monsters who have returned from exile.
Silent Hill Review (Next Generation, April 1999)
October 11, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Silent Hill Review (Next Generation, April 1999)
Metal Gear (Famicom, 1987 / NES, 1988)
A scaled-down conversion of Hideo Kojima’s groundbreaking military stealth action game originally available for the MSX2 computer.
The game follows the soldier Solid Snake, as he infiltrates the terrorist state Outer Heaven to destroy the WMD Metal Gear.
A scaled-down conversion of Hideo Kojima’s groundbreaking military stealth action game originally available for the MSX2 computer.
The game follows the soldier Solid Snake, as he infiltrates the terrorist state Outer Heaven to destroy the WMD Metal Gear.
October 10, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Metal Gear (Famicom, 1987 / NES, 1988)
A scaled-down conversion of Hideo Kojima’s groundbreaking military stealth action game originally available for the MSX2 computer.
The game follows the soldier Solid Snake, as he infiltrates the terrorist state Outer Heaven to destroy the WMD Metal Gear.
A scaled-down conversion of Hideo Kojima’s groundbreaking military stealth action game originally available for the MSX2 computer.
The game follows the soldier Solid Snake, as he infiltrates the terrorist state Outer Heaven to destroy the WMD Metal Gear.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Back from the Sewers (Nintendo Game Boy, December 1991)
Konami’s follow up to their first TMNT game for the Game Boy, Fall of the Foot Clan.
Advertisements were found in Marvel comics with a cover date of February 1992.
Konami’s follow up to their first TMNT game for the Game Boy, Fall of the Foot Clan.
Advertisements were found in Marvel comics with a cover date of February 1992.
October 9, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Back from the Sewers (Nintendo Game Boy, December 1991)
Konami’s follow up to their first TMNT game for the Game Boy, Fall of the Foot Clan.
Advertisements were found in Marvel comics with a cover date of February 1992.
Konami’s follow up to their first TMNT game for the Game Boy, Fall of the Foot Clan.
Advertisements were found in Marvel comics with a cover date of February 1992.
Chibi Maruko-chan: Mezase! Minami no Island!! (Super Famicom, December 1995)
A mini-game collection based on the long-running Chibi Maruko-chan manga series created by Momoko Sakura.
In this game, the troublemaking Maruko and her classmates compete to win a tropical vacation.
A mini-game collection based on the long-running Chibi Maruko-chan manga series created by Momoko Sakura.
In this game, the troublemaking Maruko and her classmates compete to win a tropical vacation.
October 8, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Chibi Maruko-chan: Mezase! Minami no Island!! (Super Famicom, December 1995)
A mini-game collection based on the long-running Chibi Maruko-chan manga series created by Momoko Sakura.
In this game, the troublemaking Maruko and her classmates compete to win a tropical vacation.
A mini-game collection based on the long-running Chibi Maruko-chan manga series created by Momoko Sakura.
In this game, the troublemaking Maruko and her classmates compete to win a tropical vacation.
G.I. Joe (Arcade, April 1992)
A four-player game where players select from G.I. Joe members Duke, Snake Eyes, Scarlet, or Roadblock.
It plays somewhat similar to Konami’s 1988 game Devastators, with joysticks and not a light gun, allowing players to move and dodge.
A four-player game where players select from G.I. Joe members Duke, Snake Eyes, Scarlet, or Roadblock.
It plays somewhat similar to Konami’s 1988 game Devastators, with joysticks and not a light gun, allowing players to move and dodge.
October 7, 2025 at 5:50 PM
G.I. Joe (Arcade, April 1992)
A four-player game where players select from G.I. Joe members Duke, Snake Eyes, Scarlet, or Roadblock.
It plays somewhat similar to Konami’s 1988 game Devastators, with joysticks and not a light gun, allowing players to move and dodge.
A four-player game where players select from G.I. Joe members Duke, Snake Eyes, Scarlet, or Roadblock.
It plays somewhat similar to Konami’s 1988 game Devastators, with joysticks and not a light gun, allowing players to move and dodge.
Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon Review (Ultra Game Players Magazine, March 1998)
October 5, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon Review (Ultra Game Players Magazine, March 1998)
Gradius (NES/Famicom, 1986)
A home conversion of Konami’s 1985 arcade game shooter, that sold a million copies worldwide, and was the first game that Konami published for the NES.
The Vic Viper ship and the Moai Head enemies appeared frequently in sequels, spin-offs, and cameos.
A home conversion of Konami’s 1985 arcade game shooter, that sold a million copies worldwide, and was the first game that Konami published for the NES.
The Vic Viper ship and the Moai Head enemies appeared frequently in sequels, spin-offs, and cameos.
October 3, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Gradius (NES/Famicom, 1986)
A home conversion of Konami’s 1985 arcade game shooter, that sold a million copies worldwide, and was the first game that Konami published for the NES.
The Vic Viper ship and the Moai Head enemies appeared frequently in sequels, spin-offs, and cameos.
A home conversion of Konami’s 1985 arcade game shooter, that sold a million copies worldwide, and was the first game that Konami published for the NES.
The Vic Viper ship and the Moai Head enemies appeared frequently in sequels, spin-offs, and cameos.
Konami Krazy Racers (Gameboy Advance, June 2001)
This kart racer, starring characters from various Konami games, was a launch title for the Gameboy Advance.
Konami Krazy Racers was also known as Konami Wai Wai Racing Advance in Japan as part of the Wai Wai series of crossover games.
This kart racer, starring characters from various Konami games, was a launch title for the Gameboy Advance.
Konami Krazy Racers was also known as Konami Wai Wai Racing Advance in Japan as part of the Wai Wai series of crossover games.
October 3, 2025 at 3:09 AM
Konami Krazy Racers (Gameboy Advance, June 2001)
This kart racer, starring characters from various Konami games, was a launch title for the Gameboy Advance.
Konami Krazy Racers was also known as Konami Wai Wai Racing Advance in Japan as part of the Wai Wai series of crossover games.
This kart racer, starring characters from various Konami games, was a launch title for the Gameboy Advance.
Konami Krazy Racers was also known as Konami Wai Wai Racing Advance in Japan as part of the Wai Wai series of crossover games.
Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster’s Hidden Treasure (Sega Genesis, 1993)
The first of two Konami games for the Sega Genesis based on the Tiny Toon Adventures cartoon.
Double page advertisements were found in Marvel comics with an April 1993 cover date.
The first of two Konami games for the Sega Genesis based on the Tiny Toon Adventures cartoon.
Double page advertisements were found in Marvel comics with an April 1993 cover date.
October 1, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster’s Hidden Treasure (Sega Genesis, 1993)
The first of two Konami games for the Sega Genesis based on the Tiny Toon Adventures cartoon.
Double page advertisements were found in Marvel comics with an April 1993 cover date.
The first of two Konami games for the Sega Genesis based on the Tiny Toon Adventures cartoon.
Double page advertisements were found in Marvel comics with an April 1993 cover date.
Pooyan (Arcade, November 1982)
A single screen shooter from Konami where Mama Pig uses arrows to protect her babies from a pack of wolves on balloons.
Pooyan was the first game by Tokuro Fujiwara, who soon after went to Capcom to direct classics like Ghosts ‘n Goblins and Bionic Commando.
A single screen shooter from Konami where Mama Pig uses arrows to protect her babies from a pack of wolves on balloons.
Pooyan was the first game by Tokuro Fujiwara, who soon after went to Capcom to direct classics like Ghosts ‘n Goblins and Bionic Commando.
September 29, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Pooyan (Arcade, November 1982)
A single screen shooter from Konami where Mama Pig uses arrows to protect her babies from a pack of wolves on balloons.
Pooyan was the first game by Tokuro Fujiwara, who soon after went to Capcom to direct classics like Ghosts ‘n Goblins and Bionic Commando.
A single screen shooter from Konami where Mama Pig uses arrows to protect her babies from a pack of wolves on balloons.
Pooyan was the first game by Tokuro Fujiwara, who soon after went to Capcom to direct classics like Ghosts ‘n Goblins and Bionic Commando.
A review of Suikoden for the Playstation in the December 1996 issue of Gamefan magazine.
September 29, 2025 at 2:35 AM
A review of Suikoden for the Playstation in the December 1996 issue of Gamefan magazine.
King Kong 2: Yomigaeru Densetsu (MSX2, 1986) and King Kong 2: Ikari no Megaton Punch (Famicom, 1986)
Konami released two separate games based on the 1986 film King Kong Lives.
The MSX2 version was a slower-paced adventure, while the Famicom one was an over-the-top action game.
Konami released two separate games based on the 1986 film King Kong Lives.
The MSX2 version was a slower-paced adventure, while the Famicom one was an over-the-top action game.
September 27, 2025 at 2:54 PM
King Kong 2: Yomigaeru Densetsu (MSX2, 1986) and King Kong 2: Ikari no Megaton Punch (Famicom, 1986)
Konami released two separate games based on the 1986 film King Kong Lives.
The MSX2 version was a slower-paced adventure, while the Famicom one was an over-the-top action game.
Konami released two separate games based on the 1986 film King Kong Lives.
The MSX2 version was a slower-paced adventure, while the Famicom one was an over-the-top action game.
Rumble Roses XX (Xbox 360, 2006)
An all-women pro wrestling game featuring all-original characters, and is the sequel to the PS2 game Rumble Roses.
While published by Konami, Rumble Roses XX was developed Yuke’s, the same company that made the WWE SmackDown! series.
An all-women pro wrestling game featuring all-original characters, and is the sequel to the PS2 game Rumble Roses.
While published by Konami, Rumble Roses XX was developed Yuke’s, the same company that made the WWE SmackDown! series.
September 26, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Rumble Roses XX (Xbox 360, 2006)
An all-women pro wrestling game featuring all-original characters, and is the sequel to the PS2 game Rumble Roses.
While published by Konami, Rumble Roses XX was developed Yuke’s, the same company that made the WWE SmackDown! series.
An all-women pro wrestling game featuring all-original characters, and is the sequel to the PS2 game Rumble Roses.
While published by Konami, Rumble Roses XX was developed Yuke’s, the same company that made the WWE SmackDown! series.
Konami “Play Your Heart Out” Comic Book Ad
This double-page spread was included in Marvel comics that had a January 1988 cover date.
It promoted Konami’s first eight games for the NES, with the most recent having been November 1987’s Top Gun.
This double-page spread was included in Marvel comics that had a January 1988 cover date.
It promoted Konami’s first eight games for the NES, with the most recent having been November 1987’s Top Gun.
September 25, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Konami “Play Your Heart Out” Comic Book Ad
This double-page spread was included in Marvel comics that had a January 1988 cover date.
It promoted Konami’s first eight games for the NES, with the most recent having been November 1987’s Top Gun.
This double-page spread was included in Marvel comics that had a January 1988 cover date.
It promoted Konami’s first eight games for the NES, with the most recent having been November 1987’s Top Gun.