The hottest Cheats Substack posts right now

Hidden cheat sequences exist in all three console versions and can unlock campaigns and extras when entered on the menu screens.
Each port implements cheats differently: the GameCube uses a Konami-style code, the PS2 uses an R1/L1/Triangle/X sequence, and the Xbox has a more advanced, togglable cheat manager that enables invulnerability, infinite ammo/turbo, frame modes, and a Mega Cheat.
Emulator-based debugging and reverse engineering (memory breakpoints, Ghidra with platform plugins) uncovered the input handlers, memory addresses, and static button arrays that map to those cheat codes.

Both Saturn Lode Runner games hide easy-to-use name-entry cheats: entering SPECIAL! (or SPECIAL?) and holding L at start opens a bonus stage, and entering a name as " PATRA" then pausing and inputting Up, Up, Down, Down, Right, Left, Right, Left, Y, X, Y, X jumps you to the ending and staff roll.
Lode Runner Extra has extra unique codes too — entering SATURNSUPER then holding R at start loads a different bonus level (the Saturn Super demo disc stage) — and a GODAI@TECHARTS string is present in the code but only partially implemented in The Legend Returns.
The cheats are implemented as ASCII name checks, which made them straightforward to find by reverse engineering, and the NTSC-U PlayStation release includes the SPECIAL! code but not the same credits-skip button sequence.

Four secret passwords were found that trigger special effects on both PlayStation and Saturn versions, including one that gives nine chances, near-max points, all clear crystals, and access to the final boss and ending.
The notable special passwords are SWSH YUTN MD (nine chances + max-ish points + clears), CHANCEGAX9 (nine chances), S1TENCLEAR (all clear crystals), and ABNA1YABA1 (zero chances).
PlayStation and Saturn use different encoding phrases so most "natural" passwords aren’t compatible across systems; the reverse engineering showed the Saturn check uses a bitwise NOT against a static table and normal passwords are formed by XOR-ing game state with one of four platform-specific phrases.

Planet Joker is a Japan-only, somewhat clunky Sega Saturn shooter that can be made easier using built-in cheat inputs for unlimited health and stage/weapon selection.
Unlimited health is enabled from the mode select by holding Z+Left and pressing Start, and a debug mission select (letting you choose StageNO, time/score/boss modes and tweak ShootKind/ShootLebel) appears by holding Z+Up+A at the machine select.
The cheats were found by memory inspection; specific addresses and functions control input checks, health resetting, game mode, and mech unlocking (e.g., held-button at 0602b4b8, health flag at 0602b318, game mode at 0602ce60, and an Action Replay code 1602b354 0003 to add the extra mech).

The game Casper has cheat codes that let you fly and manipulate things easily. You can use different button combinations on the PlayStation and Saturn versions to gain special powers.
In the PlayStation version, you can access an invisible menu while the game is paused. This menu allows you to change music, defeat enemies instantly, or boost your health and score.
The 3DO version of Casper is different because it has a mini shooting game as an Easter egg but lacks the cheat menu features of the other versions.

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In the game Radiant Silvergun, there’s an Easter egg that lets you access all bonus options, including an invincible mode. You can unlock it by entering a specific score and initials.
You can use the second controller to access extra options in the game. By pressing a combination of buttons, you can enable things like stage select and game speed.
The game has secret unlocks that can take a lot of playtime, like getting special options after playing for several hours. It’s a fun way to keep players engaged.

There are special cheat codes in the game 'Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future' that can be activated by naming your save file a certain way. These codes unlock features like immortality and all-level access.
A reverse-engineering tool called Ghidra was used to find these codes and understand how they were hidden in the game. It shows how programming can uncover secret game mechanics.
Some codes do different things, like showing the frame rate or unlocking a bonus game. One code is mysterious and doesn't seem to do anything at all, adding an element of fun discovery.

There's a special way to activate the debug menu in the game 'Shining Wisdom.' You need to use a second controller and enter a specific sequence of button presses.
Once you activate the debug menu, you can access cool features like warping to any location and getting extra health, items, and spells.
Exploring hidden features in games can be fun! If you know other games with secrets that can be unlocked, share them!

A new translation patch for the 1995 game Mobile Suit Gundam has been released, making it easier for players to enjoy the game in English.
There’s a cheat menu in the game that includes useful options like invincibility, stage selection, and movie skipping.
Entering cheat codes in the game can be tricky, but the provided patch simplifies the process and makes it more accessible.