FEATURE | Accessing Full Version of Retro Games Hidden in Retail Games
TUCKED AWAY within the game where no one in the right mind (and time) would seek, hides another set of game(s) that the developers think you would appreciate, adding an extra replay value to the base game.
Although to access these can range from inserting a cart into a different system to complicated button presses and even outright hacking the system, it's still great to see developers put the extra effort to include these easter eggs for gamers to discover and enjoy.
1. Pokemon Puzzle Challenge (GBC) = Panel de Pon
One of our favourite puzzle game actually contains the game that inspired this list article, Panel de Pon for the Game Boy was hidden away in multiple button presses which leads to an unfinished version of the game. There are a few options and game modes to play around with this GB rendition, and it plays like a charm albeit an incomplete version.
How to access:
If using a Game Boy Color / GB Advance / GB Player At the title screen, press: "Up" 2 times, "Right" 4 times, Down, "Left" 10 times, "Up" 4 times, Right, "Down" 6 times, B.
At the "This game can only be played on the GBC" screen, press: "A" 24 times, then "B" 24 times.
2. Pitfall Mayan Adventure (GEN/SNES): the original Pitfall
Pitfall was the game to play if you owned an Atari. Simple by design, the game did invoke a sense of adventure as you side-scroll your way through dense jungle and avoid traps and ferocious animals along the way. Also, swinging onto vines felt epic.
How to access:
On the Game Start screen, press the following:
• SNES: Select, A, A, A, A, A, A, Select, then Start
• Sega Genesis: Down, A(x26), Down
3. Goldeneye (N64) - ZX Spectrum emulator
RARE is a developer that goes back many decades. With 007 GoldenEye for the N64, it marked the next step in FPS with its multiplayer modes. With a developer with a long track record, during the development of GoldenEye 64, a ZX Spectrum emulator was inserted deep within the code as a way to test whether the N64 could run the system with plans to include some games as an accessible arcade game. This feature was never implemented in the end product and without the use of a patch, the method to accessing this fully functional emulator was made unavailable prior to the game's release.
How to access:
Firstly, you will need to download ZX Spectrum patch. With the patch applied, it comes packed with ROM images for all compatible games.
To access, from the folder view, press L, R, and either the C-buttons, D-Pad buttons, or A on Controller 3 to start one of the above games. From within the emulator, press L on Controller 1 to return to GoldenEye.
4. Nintendo Switch: Classic NES Golf
What seems to be a tribute to the dearly departed Satoru Iwata, the Golf is a game with a simple premise of hitting the ball into the hole throughout the 18 holes. You have to however contend with the wind changes as well as the type of club that is required to make the put.
How to access:
Initially, it was discovered through hacking. Fully playable and all. Unfortunately, this game is no longer available as the next update erased all traces of the game.
5. Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monk (PS2/Xbox): Mortal Kombat II arcade
Shaolin Monks is a God of War-style beat-em up that is set in the world of Mortal Kombat. It prioritises co-op play as you make your way through the various levels that retell the first MK. Conversely, Mortal Kombat II is a game that almost ruined all of my friendships. With the latter hidden under code, MKII arcade-perfect port is a great addition to this God of War clone.
Although you can access this game by completing some missions, you can still use the code to access the game.
How to access:
At the main menu, hold L2 and press Square, Up, Down, Right, Left, R2, Square to unlock the classic Mortal Kombat 2 arcade game in the Kontent menu. If you entered the code correctly, you will hear a sound. Alternately, successfully complete all five Smoke missions.
6. Space Invaders (Game Boy): SNES Space Invaders
Space Invaders has been around for over four decades. Whatever version you played it, it still retains the core aspect of alien shooting, defending, high-score achieving gameplay. The Game Boy version is no different. If the monochrome version isn't your style, you can also get the fully coloured version from the same cartridge too.
How to access:
If you have a Super Game Boy add-on, it's a simple matter of inserting the GB cartridge into the peripheral and fire up the SNES. Select the Arcade mode and ... well, you gotta see it yourself.
7. Spyro – Year of the Dragon (PSX): Crash Bash full game demo
A slip up is what it is when it comes to the Crash Bash demo hidden within Spyro 3: Year of the Dragon. The demo itself is a beta development copy of the game and by entering the code for debug menu, you could essentially get access to most of the levels in Sony's answer to Mario Party.
How to access:
By holding down L1, R1 and square after the egg breaks the sign at Spyro's home screen, players could access the hidden Crash Bash demo
To unlock the debug screen, simply press left, right, left, right, right, left, right, right, right, left, right, right, right, right, left, right, right, right, right, right at the demos title screen and start the game. Once it starts, pause the game. A cheat menu will appear at the bottom of the screen that will grant players access to nearly all of Crash Bash.
8. Ninja Gaiden 2004 (Xbox): the NES Ninja Gaiden trilogy
The original release of 2004's Ninja Gaiden for the Xbox straight up only offered a hard challenge as the normal way to play. Those thinking older titles were much easier, can only expect an equally harder game too. And what better way to relive those painful moments than by unlocking the full NES trilogy of games in Ninja Gaiden.
Unfortunately, subsequent releases of the game notably Black, Sigma and the Master Collection does not include these awesome adventures.
How to access:
• Ninja Gaiden: Give 50 scarabs to Masamura
• Ninja Gaiden 2: Obtain Ninja Gaiden 1, then shoot the clock face in Tairon near Muramasa's shop.
• Ninja Gaiden 3: Go to the peristyle passage in the Aquaducts, triangle jump back up to where you got the golden scarab on the top of the broken pillar.
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