Why does this place exist? Why did I hand over control of the Contra HQ to someone else, only update the Classic Review Archive every once in awhile and add stuff to the Castlevania Dungeon every month or so? Well, OK, let's start out slowly...

First off, I love designing web pages. Though 95% of the Castlevana Dungeon in its current form was designed by Mike Boyajian, the Contra HQ and Classic Review Archive were originally designed by myself. And I had FUN with it. But I had some problems with my sites eventually...I realized after awhile that I had structured the Contra HQ to similarly to the Castlevania Dungeon. This wasn't a huge problem, but the Dungeon was created the way it is because many of the Castlevania games relate to each other in various ways. Contra does, but not nearly to the same extent. Plus I lost interest in it, after awhile, plain and simple. And as for the Classic Review Archive, I'd still like to maintain it, but it's lost focus since it covers most classics gaming platforms and I haven't been writing much myself due to all the typing schoolwork I have to do.

Plus, when I designed the Contra HQ, I dreamed of making a whole series of Konami devoted websites...but after that, I realized that would be too much for me. But, what about a web site that had the BEST of what Konami had to offer? Pictures, reviews, cheats, artwork, scans....it could work out well! I spent months planning it in my head and have only recently started designing it. And here it is, in its first stage of development: Konami World.

There are a few things that you should know though: first and foremost, this site is for what I call "Classic Konami". That is, games that fit into what Konami did in the old days. As much as I love games like Silent Hill for the Playstation, they aren't the typical action or shooter games that I know and love. They will still get plenty of coverage, though they are not the priority in this stage of design. I'd prefer to focus on Castlevania and Contra (without being TOO redudant), Goemon, Gradius, Parodius, Metal Gear, and various other Konami games that REALLY stand out (like Axelay and Snatcher.) In time, I'd also like to look at other Konami games that aren't as popular but worth mentioning (like Jackal, the TMNT series, etc.)

Second off, there will be sports games coverage here. Maybe in the future I'll look into doing something on Blades of Steel, but until then, nothing. And don't try to convince me otherwise. Every Konami fan has been pissed as crappy sports game came to America over such wonders like Gradius Gaiden, so this is my small form of resistance.

Alas, arcade coverage will be minimal to nonexistant. There is no real Konami arcade emulator (like Capcom and Callus) so I can't play most of these games. If ever there is one (especially if it emulated games like XEXEX or Thunder Cross) you'd be sure to see a section here. But not now, at least nothing beyond what's already out (like for TMNT and Contra.)

And other platforms: since the X68000 emulators aren't that great, I won't be covering that system. There is no MSX section currently up, but there will be one in time. In fact, I'm looking for an MSX fan to upkeep this section...I personally think they're great games but sometimes lack the patience to play them through completely (especially those Gradius games... I can't even get past the second level in ANY of them!) Anyone who could provide box scans would be greatly thanked here!!!

Finally, for those of you looking for massive Tokimeki Memorial stuff...go elsewhere. From what Mike Boyajian tells me, the Konami store in Japan is almost ENTIRELY Tokimeki Memorial (for those unknowledgeable, it's a dating simulation.) Though I do own the game and will put up some scans, I don't really play it (I don't understand enough of the language) so don't expect to see too much of it here. Alas, the same goes with Policenauts (primarily, again, because I can't understand it.) However, if ANYBODY knows a good amount of Japanese and would be willing to make a FAQ to make the game playable to a non-Japanese speaker, please contact me! (there are Tokimeki FAQs, but none of them explain the different responses on dates...a vital part of the game.) I'd be willing to pay money even (not too much though, I only get minimum wage) if you can help, especially with Policenauts.

Anyway, that about does it for now. Thanks for visiting Konami World!