Parodius (NES)

Build Dates
An ID string listing the build version and date can be found at the end of the Japanese version's PRG ROM: MASK900916 A similar ID can be found in many other Konami games.

It's likely the "mask ROM" version of the game; most of the final versions of Konami's games feature "MAST" or "MSTR" as the beginning of the string, to indicate the "master" or "final" build.

The numbers represent the date. So, this build was compiled on September 16, 1990.

Anti-Piracy
As with most of the games Konami has published after 1990, the Japanese version of the game features a copy-protection routine. It calculates the CHR ROM checksum to ensure its consistency, and additionally checks for the string "&copy; konami" in VRAM, setting a flag if either or both of the tests fails. If the flag is set, the game will only allow you to play Level 1. Frustratingly, this can be induced if the game cartridge is dirty or inserted improperly.

Ending Graphic


This can only be found in the Japanese version and translates to "The End".

Ending
The European version has a different and funnier ending in which it says "Is this the end of GRA...", only to delete that and type in "Parodius?!?!!".



Unfortunately, the European version also completely removed the karaoke lyrics that appeared onscreen while the credits played.

Title Screen
The title screen was completely redone for the European release. Since the Japanese version's two titles were removed (one in English and one in Japanese), the English version filled the empty space with copyright information. The Konami logo was also changed to Palcom's.