Post by dlevere on Aug 3, 2011 21:07:03 GMT -4
What is a GameShark?
A GameShark is a cheating device, similiar to the Game Genies that were made for the NES, SNES, Genesis, and Game Boy systems a few years ago. It can be used to cheat, but also to do some cool tricks, such as alter the color of your gun in GoldenEye, or even give you all of the weapons listed under the "All Guns" cheat which would normally be unavailable in Multi-Player! Codes like this aren't cheating, and actually can be worthwhile on their own to get a GameShark. The first thing that you learn about the GameShark is that it can open many interesting possibilities with games. It is also called a Pro Action Replay in the United Kingdom!
What are the differences between the Game Genie, GameShark & Pro Action Replay?
The Game Genie was manufactured by Galoob, the GameShark is manufactured by InterAct, and the Pro Action Replay is by Datel. You had to keep inputting codes into the Game Genie every time you wished to use them, while both the Pro Action Replay and the GameShark have a battery-backup that can save them.
Are these products authorized by Nintendo?
The GameShark or Pro Action Replay aren't a authorized product of Nintendo's. Special thanks goes to Avid Gamer for telling me that Nintendo filed many lawsuits against the Game Genie to prevent it from being marketed in North America, and did not endorse it whatsoever. However, a interesting fact is that Sega did not oppose the Game Genie, and instead even gave it a official licence. I wonder whether Sega was trying to prove that it is okay to cheat in games...or instead just wanted to be different in comparision to Nintendo? Who knows.
Where can I get a GameShark?
In the U.S. I've heard that you can pick one up at Software Etc, Babbages, and Electronics Boutique. In Canada I've only been able to find them at Electronics Boutiques, though. Expect to pay about $39.99 to 49.95 U.S., and that roughly translates to $69.99 Cdn. U.K. gamers can get a Pro Action Replay from Datel, but I don't know the price.
Alright! I have a GameShark, now what do I do?
Place your game cartridge's slot onto the GameShark's top. You can easily tell which is the top by noticing if the GameShark sticker on the GameShark is readable. Then insert your GameShark (that has the cartridge placed onto it) into your Nintendo 64 system and turn the N64 on.
Help! My GameShark isn't working now!
There are a few reasons why your GameShark didn't work. Either you didn't follow the procedure listed under Alright! I have a GameShark, now what do I do? or you have a placed a game into your N64 that requires a KeyCode into your system. Also you may not have pushed the GameShark (or cartridge) down enough for it to fit in snugly, or even there is a very sleight possibility that your GameShark is a dud, but I've never heard of anyone having problems with that. Finally if you switch the power off and then fairly quickly the GameShark might freeze on the title screen, with the LED Indicator staying at 8 all of the time.
What is the LED Indicator?
The LED Indicator is merely the number inside the small glass piece on the front of your GameShark that counts down upon boot-up.
What are KeyCodes?
Diddy Kong Racing, Yoshi's Story, and 1080 Snowboarding cannot be used normally like Mario 64 can with your GameShark. They have chips to block out illegal copying of the game, and also, unfortunately, prevents the GameShark from accessing them. You require a version 1.08 of the GameShark or higher to use your GameShark with these games. Don't worry about having to return your game, though, since InterAct is nice enough to replace older ones that cannot access these games for free.
What's the GS Button?
It's the button on the front of the GameShark. It is fairly small, and makes a amusing clicking sound. It is used for one-time only codes, and injects the code into the RAM only once, instead of having a constant effect. For Pro Action Replay owners it is called the "PAR button". Here is a picture of it.
How do I add new codes?
Click here to go to GameShark.com's easy way of adding new codes. Of course, click on the picture of the Nintendo 64 to get the information!
Can I make codes?
Yes, you most certainly can! The best way to start making codes yourself is to make small changes to existing codes, and look for patterns. The four first digits are like the "main area," the next four are like "deeper into that area", while the last four digits are a quantity.
Disclaimer: InterAct says that using unauthorized codes may mess up your GameShark and require reprogramming. This has never happened to me, but still you do this at your own risk. The following is Jim Reinhart's information on code creation:
The first thing you should know about code creation is that it's not easy and requires a lot of patience. The second thing is, you probably should start by editing other codes little by little. Take the code: 802AC652 FFFF It is the Maximum Power code for BM64. Then look at this code: 802AC648 AAAA It is the Stop Main Timer code for BM64. These look surprisingly similar! Well they are, because I made one FROM the other, just editing the last few numbers and letters. You most likely should begin by doing stuff like that.
Also know the basic layout of the codes. Most of the first numbers (802AC--- ----) are "location numbers," meaning they locate a certain part in the game to alter. Then the next few (-----652 ----) edit certain parts of that location. Finally the last numbers or letters (-------- FFFF) are the amount of change. In some codes however like this one, the last four digits make no difference. But in the stop the main timer code, they play a huge part, try editing them and see how long the game says you've been playing. Sometimes you'll get crazy stuff like 48 hours and 57 min! Oh, and here's the amount value of the numbers and letters from smallest to largest:
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F
For beginners you probably want to stick to the last 6 digits before moving into other parts because if you change any before that, it starts to be very difficult and a lot of the time you either can't find out what it did or it didn't do anything. If the 8th number is an odd number it is best to have the first digit in the code be 3. The maximum for a 3 code is 00ff which is 255. What numbers equal in hex:
FFFF = 65535
0063 = 99
03E7 = 999
0-9 = 0-9
A = 10
B = 11
C = 12
D = 13
E = 14
F = 15
What do these '???' and so on represent?
You either place your own digits there (for '??' or '???') or you have to insert the coding that represents a certain level for that game. If it is '????' then it can probably be replaced with some special digits, that accompany that code. Sometimes it can represent the quantity of the code, and for the GameShark 0 is the lowest amount, while F is the highest.
What is a Memory Card Manager?
It enables you to view the contents of any memory card up to 1998 blocks in size. You do need a v2.0 or higher GameShark to have this ability. Follow the simple instructions to save, load, and copy between memory cards that are there on your GameShark. You can even copy save games from your game cartridge onto memory cards.
What is a Smart Card/Port?
The Smart Card Port is a reader/writer slot at the back of the GameShark that will be able to read Smart Cards when they are available. InterAct says that in the future the slot will support a range of Smart Cards, and will offer features including special game cheats and memory card support. This includes Ram, Rom, and Flashy Rom cards.
A code doesn't work for me for the other levels, what can I do?
Certain games have certain "beginning" codes, and certain letters that follow it. For example, all of the Jetpack codes for Shadows of The Empire begin with "801", and then for one of the levels it is soon followed by a "A55" for the Xizor's Palace level. If you wish to use that code for a different level, which doesn't always work for the other levels, then you merely switch those three (or if two) digits with the digits that represent the level that you wish the code in. Sometimes you may need to find a different three-digit code that that specific code needs to work.
What games are easy or difficult to hack with a GameShark?
If you're hacking without a special device (ie. the recently released Gameshark Pro) then all games can be difficult to find codes for. Some games are also programmed differently and require alternate tactics to find codes with a Gameshark Pro. It also depends on what type of code in which you are trying to find.
Have there been any theories made for hacking with a GameShark?
Yes, we have a few available on our website.
What does the term "Porting Codes" mean?
It means that you are transferring a code from one version of the game to another. This example is from Mortal Kombat Trilogy v1.0 & v1.1.
v1.0 Codes
P1 No Energy: 8016984D 0000
P2 No Energy: 80169B21 0000
v1.1 Codes
P2 Automatically Dies: 80169C61 0000
P1 Automatically Dies: 8016998D 0000
Notice how the two versions of the game are the same except for the bolded digits. I find usually that transferring codes from one game to another the sixth digit goes up one 'step' in the code. (E.g. A 'C' would become a 'D') I am still fairly new at porting codes myself, but I fairly certain that this theory is correct.
How can I tell what version I have of a game?
The only way at the moment to see what version of a game that you own is by testing all of the known versions of the game that you own with your copy of the game. Depending on which version of codes works, that is the version that you own!
Does the GameShark support Japanese games?
No, the GameShark doesn't hack or test any foreign games.
Can I play Japanese games on the GameShark?
Yes, you can. Simply plug the foreign game in and start the game without any codes!
Who worked on this FAQ?
Rune did most of the sections here, but it would never have been possible without the assistance of Jim Reinhart, for his words on code creation, and to Avid Gamer, for his information on the Game Genie.
A GameShark is a cheating device, similiar to the Game Genies that were made for the NES, SNES, Genesis, and Game Boy systems a few years ago. It can be used to cheat, but also to do some cool tricks, such as alter the color of your gun in GoldenEye, or even give you all of the weapons listed under the "All Guns" cheat which would normally be unavailable in Multi-Player! Codes like this aren't cheating, and actually can be worthwhile on their own to get a GameShark. The first thing that you learn about the GameShark is that it can open many interesting possibilities with games. It is also called a Pro Action Replay in the United Kingdom!
What are the differences between the Game Genie, GameShark & Pro Action Replay?
The Game Genie was manufactured by Galoob, the GameShark is manufactured by InterAct, and the Pro Action Replay is by Datel. You had to keep inputting codes into the Game Genie every time you wished to use them, while both the Pro Action Replay and the GameShark have a battery-backup that can save them.
Are these products authorized by Nintendo?
The GameShark or Pro Action Replay aren't a authorized product of Nintendo's. Special thanks goes to Avid Gamer for telling me that Nintendo filed many lawsuits against the Game Genie to prevent it from being marketed in North America, and did not endorse it whatsoever. However, a interesting fact is that Sega did not oppose the Game Genie, and instead even gave it a official licence. I wonder whether Sega was trying to prove that it is okay to cheat in games...or instead just wanted to be different in comparision to Nintendo? Who knows.
Where can I get a GameShark?
In the U.S. I've heard that you can pick one up at Software Etc, Babbages, and Electronics Boutique. In Canada I've only been able to find them at Electronics Boutiques, though. Expect to pay about $39.99 to 49.95 U.S., and that roughly translates to $69.99 Cdn. U.K. gamers can get a Pro Action Replay from Datel, but I don't know the price.
Alright! I have a GameShark, now what do I do?
Place your game cartridge's slot onto the GameShark's top. You can easily tell which is the top by noticing if the GameShark sticker on the GameShark is readable. Then insert your GameShark (that has the cartridge placed onto it) into your Nintendo 64 system and turn the N64 on.
Help! My GameShark isn't working now!
There are a few reasons why your GameShark didn't work. Either you didn't follow the procedure listed under Alright! I have a GameShark, now what do I do? or you have a placed a game into your N64 that requires a KeyCode into your system. Also you may not have pushed the GameShark (or cartridge) down enough for it to fit in snugly, or even there is a very sleight possibility that your GameShark is a dud, but I've never heard of anyone having problems with that. Finally if you switch the power off and then fairly quickly the GameShark might freeze on the title screen, with the LED Indicator staying at 8 all of the time.
What is the LED Indicator?
The LED Indicator is merely the number inside the small glass piece on the front of your GameShark that counts down upon boot-up.
What are KeyCodes?
Diddy Kong Racing, Yoshi's Story, and 1080 Snowboarding cannot be used normally like Mario 64 can with your GameShark. They have chips to block out illegal copying of the game, and also, unfortunately, prevents the GameShark from accessing them. You require a version 1.08 of the GameShark or higher to use your GameShark with these games. Don't worry about having to return your game, though, since InterAct is nice enough to replace older ones that cannot access these games for free.
What's the GS Button?
It's the button on the front of the GameShark. It is fairly small, and makes a amusing clicking sound. It is used for one-time only codes, and injects the code into the RAM only once, instead of having a constant effect. For Pro Action Replay owners it is called the "PAR button". Here is a picture of it.
How do I add new codes?
Click here to go to GameShark.com's easy way of adding new codes. Of course, click on the picture of the Nintendo 64 to get the information!
Can I make codes?
Yes, you most certainly can! The best way to start making codes yourself is to make small changes to existing codes, and look for patterns. The four first digits are like the "main area," the next four are like "deeper into that area", while the last four digits are a quantity.
Disclaimer: InterAct says that using unauthorized codes may mess up your GameShark and require reprogramming. This has never happened to me, but still you do this at your own risk. The following is Jim Reinhart's information on code creation:
The first thing you should know about code creation is that it's not easy and requires a lot of patience. The second thing is, you probably should start by editing other codes little by little. Take the code: 802AC652 FFFF It is the Maximum Power code for BM64. Then look at this code: 802AC648 AAAA It is the Stop Main Timer code for BM64. These look surprisingly similar! Well they are, because I made one FROM the other, just editing the last few numbers and letters. You most likely should begin by doing stuff like that.
Also know the basic layout of the codes. Most of the first numbers (802AC--- ----) are "location numbers," meaning they locate a certain part in the game to alter. Then the next few (-----652 ----) edit certain parts of that location. Finally the last numbers or letters (-------- FFFF) are the amount of change. In some codes however like this one, the last four digits make no difference. But in the stop the main timer code, they play a huge part, try editing them and see how long the game says you've been playing. Sometimes you'll get crazy stuff like 48 hours and 57 min! Oh, and here's the amount value of the numbers and letters from smallest to largest:
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F
For beginners you probably want to stick to the last 6 digits before moving into other parts because if you change any before that, it starts to be very difficult and a lot of the time you either can't find out what it did or it didn't do anything. If the 8th number is an odd number it is best to have the first digit in the code be 3. The maximum for a 3 code is 00ff which is 255. What numbers equal in hex:
FFFF = 65535
0063 = 99
03E7 = 999
0-9 = 0-9
A = 10
B = 11
C = 12
D = 13
E = 14
F = 15
What do these '???' and so on represent?
You either place your own digits there (for '??' or '???') or you have to insert the coding that represents a certain level for that game. If it is '????' then it can probably be replaced with some special digits, that accompany that code. Sometimes it can represent the quantity of the code, and for the GameShark 0 is the lowest amount, while F is the highest.
What is a Memory Card Manager?
It enables you to view the contents of any memory card up to 1998 blocks in size. You do need a v2.0 or higher GameShark to have this ability. Follow the simple instructions to save, load, and copy between memory cards that are there on your GameShark. You can even copy save games from your game cartridge onto memory cards.
What is a Smart Card/Port?
The Smart Card Port is a reader/writer slot at the back of the GameShark that will be able to read Smart Cards when they are available. InterAct says that in the future the slot will support a range of Smart Cards, and will offer features including special game cheats and memory card support. This includes Ram, Rom, and Flashy Rom cards.
A code doesn't work for me for the other levels, what can I do?
Certain games have certain "beginning" codes, and certain letters that follow it. For example, all of the Jetpack codes for Shadows of The Empire begin with "801", and then for one of the levels it is soon followed by a "A55" for the Xizor's Palace level. If you wish to use that code for a different level, which doesn't always work for the other levels, then you merely switch those three (or if two) digits with the digits that represent the level that you wish the code in. Sometimes you may need to find a different three-digit code that that specific code needs to work.
What games are easy or difficult to hack with a GameShark?
If you're hacking without a special device (ie. the recently released Gameshark Pro) then all games can be difficult to find codes for. Some games are also programmed differently and require alternate tactics to find codes with a Gameshark Pro. It also depends on what type of code in which you are trying to find.
Have there been any theories made for hacking with a GameShark?
Yes, we have a few available on our website.
What does the term "Porting Codes" mean?
It means that you are transferring a code from one version of the game to another. This example is from Mortal Kombat Trilogy v1.0 & v1.1.
v1.0 Codes
P1 No Energy: 8016984D 0000
P2 No Energy: 80169B21 0000
v1.1 Codes
P2 Automatically Dies: 80169C61 0000
P1 Automatically Dies: 8016998D 0000
Notice how the two versions of the game are the same except for the bolded digits. I find usually that transferring codes from one game to another the sixth digit goes up one 'step' in the code. (E.g. A 'C' would become a 'D') I am still fairly new at porting codes myself, but I fairly certain that this theory is correct.
How can I tell what version I have of a game?
The only way at the moment to see what version of a game that you own is by testing all of the known versions of the game that you own with your copy of the game. Depending on which version of codes works, that is the version that you own!
Does the GameShark support Japanese games?
No, the GameShark doesn't hack or test any foreign games.
Can I play Japanese games on the GameShark?
Yes, you can. Simply plug the foreign game in and start the game without any codes!
Who worked on this FAQ?
Rune did most of the sections here, but it would never have been possible without the assistance of Jim Reinhart, for his words on code creation, and to Avid Gamer, for his information on the Game Genie.