Special Passwords
stage 47 = HELPMODE
stage 49 = GAMEMODE
stage 51 = DEMOMODE
stage 53 = KINGMODE
invulnerable = FESTIVAL
F5 continue after game over = TRYAGAIN
Level Passwords
In addition there are convenient level passwords which also give you 47 lives. The first two characters increment for each level, followed by the word KONAMI. e.g:
Sound stage
On stage 7 (use password AHKONAMI to go there directly), there is a hidden entrance to a sound stage where you can play the music and sound effects of the game. The hidden door to the sound stage is in a "pit" on the top left side of the screen. You need to jump once on the bottom of the pit to make a small pyramid appear. Jump again and the pyramid will turn into a door.
Puzzle stage
On stage 20 (use password BEKONAMI to go there directly), there is a hidden entrance to a slide puzzle game.
It is located on the lower room of this stage. On the second level of this stage, you will see two red vertical columns in the background. Go and stand just left of the left column and jump. A pyramid will show. Jump again to open it so you can enter the hidden puzzle stage.
Hidden message
There's also a hidden message that reveals a "SECRET COMMAND", which is a hint to two of the special passwords. To get it to show:
1) Insert the Game Master 2 cartridge into another slot
2) Locate the 5th key of the 1st line of the keyboard matrix (its "@" on a Japanese layout, and "[" on an international layout)
3) Chose "GAME" on the intro screen menu while holding that key
The game will then show the "SECRET COMMAND" screen.
Note: when using openMSX, ignore the key numbering and just keep the "[" or "@" key pressed depending on the emulated MSX type.
Tip
With one of the Konami Game Master cartridges in slot1 and the game in slot2 you can use the Game Master to start at a higher level and/or with more lives.
Tip
On a MSX Turbo R, the game can be started in R800 (turbo) mode by starting the computer while keeping SHIFT pressed. The diskdrive will however get disabled by doing this.