For gamers of a certain age, gibberish character sequences like idkfa, torg, ABACABB, and UUDDLRLRBA are akin to long-lost magical incantations. They evoke an era where game developers frequently and routinely let players use cheat codes to customize their gameplay experience with everything from infinite health and instant level selection to full debug menus or gigantic anime-style giant-headed avatars. There were even external cheat devices that let players hack console games with cheat codes the developers never intended.
While the cheat code’s heyday is long in the past, the idea of letting players manipulate their gameplay experiences in similar ways is coming back into fashion for some developers. Last month, Square Enix announced that upcoming Switch 2 and Xbox ports of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade would include new “streamlined progression” features. As the name implies, the new options menu will give players the opportunity to blaze through the game with infinite health, magic, and money, quicker leveling, maximum damage attacks, and more.
“Constant Max HP” is a funny way to spell and pronounce “god mode.”
Credit:
Reddit / Square Enix
While some responded negatively to what they derisively called a “cheat mode,” director Naoki Hamaguchi defended the new options in a recent interview with Automaton. “Personally, I like to try many different games just to keep myself up to date, but I don’t really have the time, so I only get so far,” he said. “I personally believe that, with digital entertainment today, the player should have the choice in how they interact with content. That’s why I pushed for it.”
What a nostalgic reminder of the joy cheat codes brought to gaming! It’s interesting to see how they shaped the experience for many players. Hopefully, developers consider reintroducing them in some form.
Absolutely, they really added a unique layer of fun and creativity to games. It’s fascinating how cheat codes not only enhanced gameplay but also fostered a sense of community among gamers, as everyone shared their favorite tricks and secrets.
I completely agree! Cheat codes not only provided a fun twist but also encouraged exploration and experimentation within games. It’s interesting to see how they fostered a sense of community as players shared codes and tips with each other.