The provided source material focuses on two distinct topics: the history and development of the Game Genie cheat device for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and specific gameplay strategies and secrets for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) game Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. The documentation does not contain information regarding free samples, promotional offers, no-cost product trials, brand freebies, or mail-in sample programs. Consequently, an article adhering strictly to the provided context cannot address the requested categories of consumer goods. The following article details the available information regarding the Game Genie device and Super Mario RPG gameplay mechanics.
The Origins of the Game Genie
The Game Genie was a cheat device developed by Codemasters and distributed by Galoob Toys in the United States. According to the source material, the device allowed players to modify game code by inputting alphanumeric codes. Richard Aplin, a figure associated with the project, identified Graham Rigby as the main "Codemeister" responsible for generating these codes. Rigby reportedly maintained a comprehensive collection of NES games from various territories to facilitate the code creation process.
The development team utilized rudimentary hardware for early testing. One interviewee described a dev kit consisting of binary switches soldered onto a 5.25-inch floppy disk box. Users had to manually flick these switches to 0 or 1 to represent addresses and values. The process of cracking codes for a single game could take several days, particularly for popular role-playing games (RPGs).
Hardware and Interface Design
The NES version of the Game Genie presented players with 16 letters corresponding to hexadecimal values. These letters allowed for the input of 6 or 8-character codes. The device came with a booklet containing codes for current games. The choice of letters was sometimes arbitrary, though it was designed to form memorable words (e.g., "PIGPOG" for Super Mario Bros.) rather than hexadecimal equivalents.
Regarding the specific menu interface and hex code selection, the documentation notes that the reasons remain largely unknown. One cryptic comment from the development team suggested that "the hex code thing was for legal reasons." The ROM for the Game Genie user interface was written by Andrew Graham, while the ROM for the in-house game development system, Nexus 7, was written by another team member.
Distribution and Legal History
Camerica initially handled distribution in Canada, while Galoob Toys covered the US market. Eventually, Galoob acquired the rights entirely. The device faced legal challenges from Nintendo, who attempted to have it removed from the market. However, the sources indicate that Nintendo "tried and failed to kill" the device. Despite the legal battles, the Game Genie allowed users to daisy-chain two devices together, enabling the entry of up to six codes simultaneously, which significantly sped up the code-testing process for developers and players alike.
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars Gameplay Secrets
The source material provides specific strategies for defeating enemies and accessing hidden content in the SNES title Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. These secrets range from combat strategies for difficult bosses to location-based easter eggs.
Defeating Culex
Culex is a boss battle in the game that references the Final Fantasy series. The documentation outlines two primary strategies for defeating him.
The Lazy Shell Strategy: This method relies on specific equipment to render Mario invulnerable. * Equipment: Equip Mario with the Jinx Belt, the Lazy Shell armor, and the Lazy Shell weapon. * Party Composition: Use Geno and Bowser as the supporting characters. * Tactics: Allow Geno and Bowser to faint without always reviving them. Revive Geno occasionally to utilize his "Geno Flash" move. * Items: Bring Mushrooms and Rock Candies to expedite the battle. * Result: With this setup, Mario becomes invulnerable to most of Culex and his crystal's attacks. Only Mario needs to attack; Culex and his crystals will eventually die, rewarding the player with 244 experience points and a Quartz Charm. The door to Culex disappears after the battle. The shell can be kept on Mario for subsequent battles.
The Alternative Strategy (No Lazy Shell): This method does not require the Lazy Shell equipment but utilizes specific party members and items. * Party Composition: Use Peach and Mallow. * Equipment: Equip Peach with a Trueform Pin. Equip all characters with the best armor and defense items available. Crystalline (an ally defense booster found in Tadpole Pond) is recommended. * Items: Stock up on Rock Candies, Ice Bombs, and FP restorers (Royal Syrups are recommended if FP is at 99). * Tactics: * Use Peach's "Wake Up" special move to revive fallen characters, but use it only on Peach herself. * Have Mario use "Superflame" on the Water Crystal. * Have Mallow use "Shocker" on the Earth Crystal.
Mushroom Kingdom Secrets and Easter Eggs
The documentation lists several hidden interactions and secrets found within the Mushroom Kingdom area of the game.
- The Game Boy: In the Mushroom Kingdom hotel, a boy sells a Game Boy for 600 coins. Upon purchasing it and pressing the [X] button to enter the options screen, a game can be selected. Breaking the record in this mini-game three times displays a screen from Super Mario World on the Game Boy.
- High Beetle Game Score: To achieve a high score in the beetle game (accessed via the Game Boy), players should wait for a large number of Koopa Shells to appear. Shooting one shell causes the red stars from the shells to trigger chain explosions of other shells.
- Princess Message: In Toadstool's room, walking to the fireplace on the right side and pressing the [A] button displays the text: "You found the Princess' ???"
- Mario Shows Off: In the item shop, players can jump onto the top of the left bookshelf and walk across the top of the shelves. In the middle of this walk, Mario will perform a pose. The clerk will yell at the player, forcing Mario to jump down.
- Hidden Creature: A hidden creature is located in the upper part of the area near the house, directly in front of the Mushroom Castle.
Conclusion
The provided documentation offers a detailed look into the technical and historical aspects of the Game Genie cheat device, highlighting the labor-intensive process of code creation and the device's enduring legacy despite Nintendo's opposition. Additionally, it preserves specific gameplay strategies for Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, including equipment setups for the Culex boss battle and various secrets within the Mushroom Kingdom. No information regarding consumer freebies or sample programs was present in the source material.