Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Saturn Version's Hidden Code Uncovered After 26 Years

A long-standing mystery from the Sega Saturn era has finally been solved, as a hidden code in the Saturn version of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night was recently unveiled, nearly 26 years after the game's original Japanese release.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, originally developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo (KCE Tokyo), is widely regarded as a cornerstone of the 'Metroidvania' genre.

Its Sega Saturn port, launched exclusively in Japan in June 1998 and developed by Konami Nagoya, has faced criticism over the years for its technical limitations compared to the acclaimed PlayStation version.

However, the Saturn edition also features unique content, including playable Maria Renard, newly designed areas, and an expanded soundtrack, maintaining its unique place in retro gaming history. In a remarkable turn for retro game enthusiasts and speedrunning communities, the secret code was discovered by Twitter user @memory_fallen.

This input, when entered, allows players to access the game's staff credits without needing to finish the adventure.

Such a discovery not only uncovers a piece of video game history, but it also provokes witty discussion among fans.

One popular remark in the community posed the humorous question: "Would using this trick qualify as the fastest speedrun completion possible?" While the Sega Saturn version’s reputation is mixed—largely due to performance differences and the involvement of Konami Nagoya, rather than the original KCE Tokyo team—its rare features and this newly found code have renewed attention.

Castlevania fans and preservationists have expressed excitement over the documentation of this cheat, as it adds depth to the port's legacy.

The achievement also highlights the ongoing work of dedicated retro community members who continue to uncover secrets in classic titles decades after their release. For those seeking to relive or study this moment in Konami's storied history, the Sega Saturn’s iteration of Symphony of the Night remains a fascinating relic, combining unique gameplay elements and now, thanks to indefatigable fans, a freshly revealed means to instantly experience the game’s credits roll.

As Castlevania continues to captivate audiences on modern platforms via digital storefronts such as the Nintendo eShop and through Nintendo Direct showcases, discoveries like this cement the franchise’s enduring allure for both speedrunners and series newcomers.

Konami Sega Castlevania Sega Saturn Saturn Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Symphony of the Night Konami Nagoya KCE Tokyo PlayStation Maria Renard