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

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How do Chrono Trigger's SNES and DS versions differ?

Question

What are the main differences between the SNES and DS versions of Chrono Trigger?

Asked by MGOwen

Answer

Here is a post on Gamespot listing some differences. Some examples:

• "The addition of a DS style combat system, which simply moves the commands from the top screen into the bottom screen, clearing up the screen a bit"
• "New items. If you thought Rainbow was ridiculous there's a new sword for Crono that's more powerful and has a 90% critical hit rate."

Answered by Kevin Y

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What are all the differences between Mother 2 (JP) and EarthBound (US)?

Question

From reading this post I found that what appears to be a significant amount of content was changed when Mother 2 was localized as EarthBound for Western audiences. The article focuses on (possible) copyright-related changes and lists several of them.

Is there a more complete list of changes? Were the changes just due to intellectual property risks or were other changes made beyond translation? I've played the entirety of EarthBound but not Mother 2, so if there's anything that compares scenes/story elements/whatever that works for me.

Asked by Ben Brocka

Answer

Yes, the very same Tomato (the owner of EarthBound Central and the fan translator of MOTHER 3 into English) has an extensive comparison site specifically for this question: http://earthboundcentral.com/m2eb/

There's probably more than you ever wanted to know about the differences between these two games. :)

Answered by LucasTizma

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Attaining 100% in SNES and N64 Mario Games

Question

In Mario games on the GameCube (eg Mario Sunshine or Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door), it is possible to complete the game, beat the final boss, and attain 100% completion and save such that the load-game-screen shows 100% or 120 stars, etc. However for the same games on the SNES and N64 (ie, Super Mario World, Mario 64, and Paper Mario), I cannot figure out a way to attain 100% completion because after the final boss is beaten, the games hang on the final screen after the credits instead of returning to the title-screen/menu where the player can save post-final-boss.

Is this correct or is there a way to save a 100% game?

Asked by Synetech

Answer

Obtaining Completion Credit

For SMW and SM64, there is no way to save the game after beating the final boss, nor is it necessary. The game automatically credits the save file for the progress gained by beating the final boss.

I am unsure about Paper Mario, but I would imagine that it followed a similar mechanic of crediting you automatically.

Completion Qualification

Super Mario World

The indicator that you have beaten every level (both in their normal ways and via finding their secret exits) is indicated on the load screen with a star beside the number of levels you have beaten. You receive this star upon finding 96 different level exits/bosses:

Super Mario 64

100% completion is denoted by collecting 120 stars. This is actually shown on the load screen when you complete the game:

Paper Mario

I've never played the game. I'm having issues finding a definitive source of what qualifies as 'completion'.

Answered by Shaun

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What all is different between Mother 2 (JP) and Earthbound (US)?

Question

From reading this post I found that what appears to be a significant amount of content was changed when Mother 2 was localized as Earthbound for Western audiences. The article focuses on (possible) copyright related changes and lists several of them.

Is there a more complete list of changes? Were the changes just due to Intellectual Property risks or were other changes made beyond translation? I've played the entirety of Earthbound but not Mother 2, so if there's anything that compares scenes/story elements/whatever that works for me.

Asked by Ben Brocka

Answer

Yes, the very same Tomato (the owner of EarthBound Central and the fan translator of MOTHER 3 into English) has an extensive comparison site specifically for this question: http://earthboundcentral.com/m2eb/

There's probably more than you ever wanted to know about the differences between these two games. :)

Answered by LucasTizma

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Is there a 9th Sword orb in Secret of Mana?

Question

In the SNES game Secret of Mana, all the weapons seem to have 9 orbs, and thus 9 variations, except the Mana Sword. It doesn't seem possible to forge the Mana Sword more than 7 times, to get it to level 9. Is there a way to forge the 8th level sword, the Dragon Buster? And if so, what is the 9th sword?

Asked by Josh

Answer

In the standard gameplay, there is no 9th orb for the sword. I've placed the reason for this in the following spoiler block.

The final sword is the Mana Sword. You can only get it by casting the spell Mana Magic, which you get just before the final battle. It upgrades your sword to that level for the duration of the spell.

There is, however, a glitch that can let you use it normally. You can find this information in this other answer. ♪

Answered by Grace Note

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What effects does the Compass have in ActRaiser?

Question

I've been playing a lot of old SNES games on my Android phone recently, and have currently picked ActRaiser up again. I thought I had maxed this game out as a kid but I want to replay it and make sure I never missed anything.

I just got the Compass from Bloodpool. I think I always used to give that to Marahna... but I forgot what it did. I read online people saying it should be used in Fillmore instead. Where can the Compass be used and what effects does it have? Should it be used in Marahna or Fillmore? Can it be used anywhere else, like Northwall?

Asked by Josh

Answer

You receive the compass in Bloodpool.

"You do not need to use the compass at Marahna in order to obtain the magic aura - dropping the tablet and hitting the bush with lightning are sufficient. Using the compass there gets you an MP." - Kenneth G. Kroenlein

Instead, use it at Fillmore to get an extra life.

Answered by Toast

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need help finding a Super Nintendo side scrolling shooter

Question

I have been trying to find an old side scrolling shooter, for the super nintendo. I played it in '92 or '93.

On the game, the player controls a form of jet that can be fit with a large array of weapons. the weapons were chosen before the level, and would be listed as an icon row at the bottom of the screen. There were around 8 or 10 spaces for weapons. One of the weapons I remember was a canister that would shoot upwards off screen, and some form of rain attack would follow and damage all enemies.

As far as the levels I remember, one was at night above the clouds, and the boss was some giant aircraft that took up the right side of the screen. Another level took place near the ground, above a train or convoy. Also, the levels never seemed to go in the same order when played later on. I mean, I remember these 2 levels when I first played it, but when I played the next day it was totally different. Similarly, when getting a game over and starting from the beginning, the first level would be something different.

Answer

Could it be UN Squadron:

Before each flight mission, players have the opportunity to buy weapons, shields and fuel to bulk up their planes. During each mission, pilots earn additional money to be spent on subsequent missions. Each mission includes numerous small enemies -- in the air, on the ground or in the sea -- several mid-size enemies, and one large, strategic enemy target. Players can usually dispatch the smaller enemies with one shot, while larger enemies will only fall under a barrage of shots. U.N. Squadron features eight levels.

You can choose to play the levels in a different order, so that could effect what level came first as far as you remember.

The ultimate weapon is "Mega Crush"

a satellite that rains lasers down on the playfield and does massive damage to all enemies.

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Name of this isometric SNES helicopter game?

Question

I used to play some helicopter game on the SNES a long time back. I don't remember a ton about it, but it was sort of an isometric view, and you had to complete different objectives. You would shoot and bomb things and rescue hostages.

There were heli-pads as well.

I realize this sounds a lot like any generic helicopter-themed game, but I played it such a long time ago that I can't recall much detail. I remember having a blast playing it, though. Any ideas?

Answer

I suppose you're talking about the Strike Series, Desert Strike, Jungle Strike and Urban Strike were the ones released for the SNES.

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Is there a way to hook my Super Nintendo to my 2 year old Vizio TV?

Question

I bought my Vizio TV 2 years ago and I just got my Super Nintendo from my parents' house. I tried hooking it up to both of the TVs I have and neither of them even recognized that I had it hooked up. The only 2 cords that my SNES has ever had are the power cord and the RF switch, which has a coaxial output. Is there any way I can get it to work?

Answer

It's going to depend on what inputs the TV has. Most TVs still have coaxial input (ie, the kind that screws on). The TV must be on the right input and tuned to the right channel. Typically this is "TV" or "Coax" input, and channel 3. It may vary depending on your TV. Sometimes pushing the "Channel Up" or "Channel Down" buttons on the remote will switch it to this input.

If that's not working, you can pick up a composite cable, which may help if it has a composite input. Most TVs still do - it's an input with one "yellow" jack for video, and a "red/white" pair for audio. (pic on this page, go down to "composite") If you're wanting to get it going today, check with GameStop or wherever used games are sold in your area. New game stores may also stock it, but call first. I believe that the GameCube, the Nintendo 64, and the Super Nintendo all use the same cables, so you might have better luck if you ask for a more modern revision of the hardware.

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is there a way to hook my Super Nintendo to my 2yr old vizio

Question

I bought my vizio tv 2 yrs ago and I just got my super nintendo from my partents house I tried hooking it up to both of the tv's I have and neither of them even recognized that I had it hooked up. The only 2 cords that my nintendo has ever had are the power cord and the cord that hooks to where the cable would adapt to. Is there anyway I can get it to work?

Answer

It's going to depend on what inputs the TV has. Most TVs still have coaxial input (ie, the kind that screws on). The TV must be on the right input and tuned to the right channel. Typically this is "TV" or "Coax" input, and channel 3. It may vary depending on your TV. Sometimes pushing the "Channel Up" or "Channel Down" buttons on the remote will switch it to this input.

If that's not working, you can pick up a composite cable, which may help if it has a composite input. Most TVs still do - it's an input with one "yellow" jack for video, and a "red/white" pair for audio. (pic on this page, go down to "composite") If you're wanting to get it going today, check with GameStop or wherever used games are sold in your area. New game stores may also stock it, but call first. I believe that the GameCube, the Nintendo 64, and the Super Nintendo all use the same cables, so you might have better luck if you ask for a more modern revision of the hardware.

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Fixing scrambled graphics on SNES console

Question

Whenever I try playing a game on my old SNES console, the graphics come out either scrambled or completely black, but the audio plays correctly, and the controls seem to work just fine. I initially thought the problem was a dirty connector on the game cartridge, but even though cleaning it did remove some dirt, it didn't improve the graphics at all. I have the same problem with each of my game cartridges, although some cartridges come out with worse graphics than the others. I double-checked the connection to the TV, and tried both the RCA connectors and the RF switch, but I have the same problem with each. It seems as though the problem is with the console itself.

My SNES was in perfect working order as little as two years ago. What else can I try to do to fix the problem and return my SNES to a usable state?

Answer

Most likely one of your RAM chips has gone bad. Considering you can buy a replacement console on eBay for as little as $18, you may want to evaluate purchasing a used console vs. what your time is worth fixing the old one.

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Which games have “Minus/Glitch Worlds”?

Question

I've heard that several old NES, SNES, and arcade games have minus/glitch worlds, which can only be accessed by exploiting a bug or glitch in the game's code. I have also heard them referred to as "kill screen", which more specifically refers to when you reach a level that is so high that the original programmers didn't code for it. This, naturally, causes the game to crash in a way that may or may not let you continue to play.

Which games have a glitch world, and how can they be reached?

Answer

The Angry Video Game Nerd looked into video game glitches, he talks about some of these "minus worlds" and other interesting glitches

NOTE: Viewer discretion is advised, vulgar language present in link

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What's the point of fences in Harvest Moon?

Question

I've recently started playing the original Harvest Moon for the SNES. The farm is surrounded by (movable) fence posts, and it can be added to or rearranged. I can't tell what it does for me, though.

So what's the purpose of the fence? Does it have to be a continuous enclosed space? Is it safe to grow crops outside the fence boundary? Do I need to repair damaged fenceposts?

Answer

According to this FAQ, fences simply look nice. If you like how a farm looks with a fence, keep 'em around and maintain them. If you don't care, don't use 'em!

I always used them to separate parts of my farm for organizational purposes.

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Name of this SNES game?

Question

I used to play some helicopter game on the SNES a long time back. I don't remember a ton about it, but it was sort of an isometric view, and you had to complete different objectives. You would shoot and bomb things and rescue hostages.

There were heli-pads as well.

I realize this sounds a lot like any generic helicopter-themed game, but I played it such a long time ago that I can't recall much detail. I remember having a blast playing it, though. Any ideas?

Answer

I suppose you're talking about the Strike Series, Desert Strike, Jungle Strike and Urban Strike were the ones released for the SNES.

Check more discussion of this question.

Spoiler: Is there a 9th Sword orb in Secret of Mana?

Question

In the SNES game Secret of Mana, all the weapons seem to have 9 orbs, and thus 9 variations, except the Mana Sword. It doesn't seem possible to forge the Mana Sword more than 7 times, to get it to level 9. Is there a way to forge the 8th level sword, the Dragon Buster? And if so, what is the 9th sword?

Answer

In the standard gameplay, there is no 9th orb for the sword. I've placed the reason for this in the following spoiler block.

The final sword is the Mana Sword. You can only get it by casting the spell Mana Magic, which you get just before the final battle. It upgrades your sword to that level for the duration of the spell.

There is, however, a glitch that can let you use it normally. You can find this information in this other answer. ♪

Check more discussion of this question.

Starred Score in Super Mario World

Question

When your save file reaches a score of 96 in Super Mario World, the score becomes *96, with a little star on it. What does this mean? Is it possible to get a higher score than 96? Or get multiple stars?

Answer

There are 96 exits in Super Mario World. The star signifies that you have done all of the levels.

More recent Mario games (like New Super Mario Bros. DS, and Super Mario Bros. Wii) have multiple stars available for completing different goals (beating the game. collecting all the coins, finding all the exits...), but Super Mario World only has one star.

Interesting fact:
In the Japanese Super Mario Bros. the number of completed levels is written in Japanese, unless you get to 96. At 96, it just displays the number "96" in our number system. (no star)

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Getting Mario-Mask Koopas in “Super Mario World”

Question

I’ve read about Koopas wearing Mario-masks in Super Mario World, and the pictures below look familiar (though I can’t recall if it’s because I got them in the game or saw them on the Internet).

I can’t find any direct information on how to get them other than “finishing the special world” or “completing 100% of the game”.

Does anyone know exactly what is required of the player to get the masked Koopas and when/where they show up?

Answer

There is a secret warp in the Star Road. Upon entering it, you will end up in the Special World. If you complete all 8 of the Special World levels, a new Star Road appears with a warp that leads back to Yoshi's House. If you enter it, some drastic changes occur in Dinosaur Land:

• World backgrounds change (to a Fall-like instead of a Spring-like colour scheme).
• Koopas transform into Mask Koopas.
• Piranha Plants will change into Pumpkin Plants.
• Jumping Piranha Plants will turn into Jumping Pumpkin Plants.
• Bullet Bills are replaced with Pidgits.
• Goombas turn into a yellowish color and have sunglasses. (GBA version only)
• Pokeys turn into sawblade-like creatures. (GBA version only)

(Source: Super Mario Wiki)

These changes occur in the entire world, and are permanent.

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Plugging SNES into a new-ish LCD TV

Question

My parents just sent me my old SNES and all the original cables, games, etc., so I'm trying to hook it up to a TV for my wife. I already had tried (and failed) to hook up her SNES to our TVs and just assumed the console was busted, but now I'm not so sure.

Here is the list of parts that I have tried (every combination of them I can think of):

• Two SNES consoles, both first-generation, both thought to be in working condition.
• Two different models of LCD television, one about 3 yrs old, one about 6 mos old.
• Two original RF adapters - one from a NES, one from an SNES - that connect to the RF output on the SNES and the coax input on a TV.
• One aftermarket RF adapter for the SNES/Gamecube that connects to the Multi A/V port on the SNES and the coax input on a TV.
• One original (possibly a Gamecube) A/V cable that connects from the Multi A/V port on the SNES to the composite (yellow/red/white) or S-Video inputs on a TV.
• Four separate games that I believe to be working correctly.

I have hooked up both SNES consoles using all 4 adapters, to both televisions, and I get the exact same behavior every time. The signal that comes across on the TV are thick bands of solid colors scrolling very slowly down the screen (mostly a big green bar that takes up 1/2 the screen with scattered bands of other colors) and an annoying hum from the speakers.

This doesn't seem to match the behavior I have seen reported when things start to go bad. I don't get a black screen, or static, or a somewhat garbled but identifiable signal -- I get this "test pattern" signal on every game I try, no matter what I do. This makes me suspect I have something hooked up wrong or configured wrong on the TV, but I can't figure out what.

Help?

EDIT:

Some additional information here.

• The Composite video cable actually has an S-Video output as well; One of the TVs I am trying to took up to has an S-Video input, and it produces the same result. (And it's possible that this cable came from a Gamecube, as my GC isn't currently hooked up to anything, but I've been told that the SNES and GC use the same MultiA/V output hardware.)
• The first TV I'm trying to use is a Vizio VA26LHDTV10T; the manual for it is online, and there's not much it can do in the way of manually adjusting the input signal.

• When I switch the TV input source to AV, the screen tells me that the incoming signal is 480p SD. Does that sound right? Is the SNES really putting out a 480p signal and not a 240i?

• This is the connector I'm using:

• This is what I'm connecting it to on my TV:

• This is what happens when I turn on the SNES:

Answer

If you have one of the original SNES units you should be able to use the same multi-A/V port Composite + S-video cables that the N64 and Gamecube used, although they may be a little on the difficult side to find now.

I do know that the SNES will work with modern LCD montiors as mine is hooked up right now with a set of Gamecube Composite A/V cables and it works fine.

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What are the main differences between Chrono Trigger (SNES) and Crono Trigger (DS)?

Question

What are the main differences between Chrono Trigger (SNES) and Crono Trigger (DS)?

Answer

Here is a post on Gamespot listing some differences. Some examples:

• "The addition of a DS style combat system, which simply moves the commands from the top screen into the bottom screen, clearing up the screen a bit"
• "New items. If you thought Rainbow was ridiculous there's a new sword for Crono that's more powerful and has a 90% critical hit rate."

Check more discussion of this question.