A collection of alphanumeric strings, when entered right into a peripheral machine, modify the habits of a traditional 16-bit online game. This performance permits gamers to change recreation mechanics, reminiscent of granting invincibility, infinite lives, or skipping ranges, by manipulating the sport’s underlying code. As an example, inputting a particular sequence may get rid of enemy encounters in a specific stage.
The apply supplied an early type of user-generated modification inside video video games, predating trendy modding communities. It permitted gamers to beat troublesome sections, experiment with completely different gameplay experiences, or just discover the sport world with out typical limitations. These modification strategies grew to become widespread as a result of problem introduced by the unique recreation and the will to tailor the expertise to particular person preferences.