Sega Genesis: Cheat Codes

Before the era of downloadable patches and microtransactions, if you got stuck in a video game, you had three options: practice until your thumbs bled, call a expensive hint line, or punch in a cheat code . On the Sega Genesis (known as the Mega Drive outside North America), cheat codes were an art form. They were often bizarre sequences of button presses, sound test manipulations, or even requiring a second controller.

Level Select + Debug Mode How to Enter: At the title screen (where it says "Sonic The Hedgehog 2"), press: Up, Down, Left, Right, Hold A + Start You’ll hear a ring chime. Now hold A and press Start to access the Level Select. While playing, press B to cycle through objects, C to place them, and Up + A to change Sonic’s art frame. Streets of Rage 2 (1992) Unlock the secret boss – and a shockingly difficult fight. sega genesis cheat codes

Level Select & Sound Test How to Enter: On the character select screen, move the cursor to Eric and type this as your name: B-A-R-R-Y Press Start. Now go to the Password screen and enter 2P 2P 2P 2P for the Sound Test, where you can warp to any stage. Golden Axe II (1991) Infinite continues – because the final boss is cheap. Level Select + Debug Mode How to Enter:

9 continues (instead of 3) How to Enter: At the title screen, hold Up + A + B + C until the Sega logo appears. Keep holding. When the game starts, check your continues – they’ll say “9”. ToeJam & Earl (1991) No cheat code – but a secret level warp via elevator. Streets of Rage 2 (1992) Unlock the secret

Enable blood (it was censored in some versions) & Cheat Menu How to Enter: At the “ACME PRESENTS” screen, press: Down, Up, Left, Left, A, Right, Down Then, during a fight, hold Start + A + B + C to bring up the cheat menu. From there, you can enable blood, free movement, or turn your opponent into a baby (Babality). Castlevania: Bloodlines (1994) The most ridiculous password – it’s a name.