Save States for older game consoles?

Question

Is it at all possible to save a state in a game for older consoles? I'm talking about old school game consoles like NES, SNES and Sega MegaDrive.

I know it's not built in, so maybe somebody knows of some kind of add-box, or something to put between the cartridge and the console to record the game progress or something like that..?

It would really help me finish certain older games.

Asked by dreagan

Answer

There's not a hardware device that would sit between a console and it's cartridge to record the game's state, and that's because it wouldn't be able to do this task.

The cartridges hold the game's code, commonly burned into memory chips called ROMs. Cheat devices like the Game Genie or Action Replay sit between the console and these chips, and replace or patch the code on the chip as the console requests it. Therefore, it's possible to change the way the game executes in real time.

For example, when you get hit in The Legend of Zelda, there's a bit of code that executes which takes your current life (stored in a memory cell) and subtracts one from it. Instead of subtracting one heart, the cheat device might change the code so that the "subtract one from life" instruction is never executed. This would make you effectively invincible.

Saving state is done by copying the current contents of memory/registers into a file, and then loading that file again later. The console's memory is not part of the cartridge. Therefore, this can't be done by capturing the data coming off the cartridge - you'd have to open the case, and solder down something that is capable of reading the contents of the console's memory, and allow it to be restored later. This is a complicated process, and would likely be hard to get right.

Saving state is a common feature of emulators, however. Emulators set up an environment inside your PC where the entire CPU, memory, audio/video chips, etc are all simulated. Since they're simulated, capturing data at any point in the process is fairly simple. Older generation consoles had a tiny amount of memory compared to your PC, so saving and loading many different iterations of the current game state is simple and not very taxing.

Answered by agent86

Check more discussion of this question.

What PSU do I need for a Sega Megadrive/Genesis?

Question

I see a lot of Megadrives on sale at eBay as console only without PSU. Does the PSU have a standard shaped/sized socket? i.e. Can I buy a generic PSU to use this console, or will I need an official PSU?

Asked by Machine Elf

Answer

The power supply depends on the model.

Wikipedia gives the connector types for two of these models:

The power input varies depending on the model - a model 1 uses a 2.1mm barrel connector with a negative tip, and requires 9-10 volts DC at 1.2 A. The model 2 uses a EIAJ-03 connector with a positive tip, and requires 9-10 volts DC at 0.85 A .

So, going back to the chart:

• The MK-1602(-1): for use with SEGA Genesis 1, CD 1, CD 2 uses a 2.1mm barrel connector
• The MK-2103(-1): for use with SEGA Genesis 2, 32X uses a EIAJ-03 connector with a positive tip
• The MK-1479: for use with SEGA Genesis 3 appears to use the same connector as the MK-2103(-1), but I cannot tell. (I can't find a good photo showing the connector either)

As mentioned on the GameTrog page, be sure to match the voltage if you decide to go with a 3rd party PSU and be sure it can deliver at least the amount of current specified for your model. An incorrect power supply can damage your system and potentially yourself. Overall, I recommend finding an official PSU.

Answered by OrigamiRobot

Check more discussion of this question.

Sega Genesis Adventure Futuristic Game

Question

I am looking for this Sega Genesis game that is:

• Isometric View
• Futuristic style
• Robots and cyborgs in it
• Adventure game that you can level up
• You can use guns and melee weapons

You start as some detective that has forgotten everything. You can search som drawers in the room you are and I remember something about going to a bar where you talk to several npcs there about important quests.

The graphics are not very amazing for late sega genesis games but it is a good game.

Asked by CYREX

Answer

What you're actually describing is the beginning of the SNES version of a game called Shadowrun.

There is a Genesis version as well, but the gameplay and story are entirely different, even though they are set in the same/similar universes.

I believe the SNES version had more of a noir feel, while the Genesis version was far more cyperpunk and some characters were much more obviously cyborg-like; Though both games featured characters with cybernetic implants. (The player character could use cybernetics as well). You could increase your skills in both games, as they were both RPGs. I don't believe the SNES version had melee fighting. I am a lot less familiar with the Genesis version; it may have had melee.

This image is from the SNES version of the game. You start off in the morgue, as a shadowrunner that was presumed dead and left in one of the drawers. You begin play by climbing out. You also visit a bar early on in which you find important information for the story.

Here is a screenshot from the Genesis version, for reference:

Answered by Jason_c_o

Check more discussion of this question.

Help identify this early 90's Sega game

Question

When I was a kid I owned both the Sega Genesis and the Sega Dreamcast and I'm not sure which of the platforms this game originated on. I know it came out sometime in the early 90s. The game focused on an orange cat who I think had save the world from some sort of crazy, yarn-stealing alien race. During his journey he collects massive amounts of yarn for his giant yarn ball collection.

Also, there may have been a really trippy carnival/amusement park level with clowns, giant candy, and a roller coaster that the cat had to ride on. I might be making that up though. Unfortunately, I don't remember any other details.

Answer

That would be Bubsy. Had it myself.. great game.

I remember the most notable parts of the game were the voice-acting and the strange bonus levels and other assorted psychadelic environments. I managed to track down some sound bytes if you're interested: here

Check more discussion of this question.

Was there a code for “Hyper Sonic” in Sonic 2?

Question

I remember inputting cheat codes in the music test for Super Sonic anytime in Sonic 2 , but I remember there was either a way or a cheat code to get "Hyper Sonic". Does anyone remember?

Answer

From http://cheats.freeola.com/megadrive_i/sonic-2_910.html:

"Run forward in Oil Ocean, Act 2 until reaching the green jet springs. Jump on the very last spring and hold Right. Sonic will hit a group of spikes before becoming stuck in the side of the wall. Jump out to transform into Hyper Sonic. In this mode, Sonic can run faster and jump farther than Super Sonic, but is not invincible."

As I have never tested this cheat before, I cannot guarantee that it works.

Check more discussion of this question.

What is the name of this Mega Drive (aka Genesis) side-scrolling shooter?

Question

I really hope one of you knows the answer to this!

Basically, I am looking for a name of a specific Mega Drive (aka Genesis) side-scrolling shooter. I can't guarantee accuracy in the following details, as it was a long time ago, but I would love to hear suggestions.

The "facts":

• Possibly mid 90s side scrolling shooter.
• Possibly had multiple facets - you would be in a ship (?) for some levels, shooting waves of flying enemies, and walking around for others.
• Had a boss either at the end of each level, or occasionally.
• Definitely had a snake boss in one level, where you would have to kill it by shooting different parts of its body as it circled around you.
• Most likely had a fish boss where you had to shoot the scales of the fish to defeat it.
• Definitely could have two players playing at the same time, in co-op mode.
• Possibly quite colourful.
• Possibly had Japanese origins.

Edit: Thanks for all the help so far guys!

Bio Hazard battle is a great game, and I actually did play it when I was younger. However, it is not the game I am trying to find! Thanks anyway Maneero! Also, Viewpoint is not the game either.

I appreciate your help SystemDown, and I agree that Darius is legendary amongst the genre, however it is also not the game I am looking for!

I'm starting to appreciate that this is quite a tough one to crack. I have spent about 8 hours this weekend looking for the game, to the point that I may soon actually believe it never existed!

I shall repeat an improved version of what I have said earlier, about my most vivid details:

The most vivid details I do have concern the snake: When the boss appears, it does so by slowly entering the screen in a circular fashion from the bottom and close to the right. The snake consists of several contiguous segments and it circles the player(s) while the player(s) shoot the segments of the snake. The segments would change colour, eventually to red, as they became more damaged. The snake is defeated by damaging all of the segments. If we were clever enough, we could disable the entire snake before it completed one complete move (ie: shoot all segments as they appear on the screen).

PS: By multiple facets, I mean "hybrid platformer and shmup".

Hope to hear more suggestions!

Edit: Still looking for the answer! Here are some more details:

• Forgot to say it before, but it is a horizontally scrolling shooter.
• It was available in Europe. Specifically, the UK. It's feasible that the game was never released in Japan and/or America.
• Not Bio Hazard Battle, Viewpoint, Darius, Thunderforce IV, Alien Soldier, Gunstar Heroes, Rocket Night.
• Not Blaster Master 2. It is a very close match, but it was only published in North America.
• Not Super Fantasy Zone, although elements like boss-changing-colour make it feel like it is remotely possible the game's developer could have written the game I am looking for.
• Perhaps it wasn't a Mega Drive game after all? I only owned that one console in the past, but am I correct in supposing the only alternative at the time would be a SNES? It isn't totally unlikely that a friend of mine didn't bring over a console to my house at the time.
• Perhaps it is a game that has not been successfully emulated? Is there a list of these games?

I'll see if I can get in contact with some old friends to find out the answer. I think it unlikely, but if I pull it off I'll post the answer here!

Nick

Answer

Could be Sagaia/Darius II indeed, but there is no multiplayer in that one.

Lucky for you, not many shooters on Genesis have co-op mode and fish!

Check out Bio-Hazard Battle:

Or Viewpoint:

(Awesome games BTW!)

Check more discussion of this question.

unknown sega genesis co-op game, help please!

Question

I don't know this games name and it's driving me insane. It was a birds eye view style game, and you were on the bottom shooting the enemies at the top. The graphics were actually not that bad, it was co-op, and there was a decent selection of characters, for sure there was a guy who looked similar to robocop, a black girl and guy, and i believe a wizard and elf (on top of a few other characters). It was somewhat like a mazed areas and you used objects to hide behind, but i don't think the game scrolled, it was a fixed background. f my memory is correct (going back a long time so this concept may be wrong) there were a set number of enemies and they didn't respawn, once you defeated them you moved to the next level. It isn't gauntlet but if anyone knows it would be beyond awesome

Answer

Is it Gain Ground?

Check more discussion of this question.

Identify 90's Action Adventure

Question

Here are the things I remember:

• I think it was a game on Sega Megadrive available in the early 90's

• The environment was like a jungle and had many platforms where you could go up, down, left and right. The view is 2d from the side but it is not a jump and run and not constantly sidescrolling. There were many technical things like lasers and automatic doors.

• It had keycards to open doors and maybe disarm traps. You had to find them in the level or get them from enemies.

• The playable character was human and probably had a brown jacket. I remember you could pick up a stone and throw it at enemies and maybe traps or even buttons. He also had a handgun but it is possible you had to find it first.

• The character could walk, duck, run, jump and climb. Maybe he could roll too.

• It had enemies patrolling around on the platforms you could sneak by or engage them. I think they had a face like a hog but they were walking upright and had guns. I recall that sneaking was the better option.

• The gametype is action adventure

Thanks for any information

Answer

Could it be Flashback?

Check more discussion of this question.