A sequence of alphanumeric strings, when entered right into a peripheral system, modify the conduct of a traditional 16-bit online game. This performance permits gamers to change recreation mechanics, equivalent to granting invincibility, infinite lives, or skipping ranges, by manipulating the sport’s underlying code. As an example, inputting a particular sequence might eradicate enemy encounters in a selected stage.
The observe offered an early type of user-generated modification inside video video games, predating trendy modding communities. It permitted gamers to beat troublesome sections, experiment with totally different gameplay experiences, or just discover the sport world with out typical limitations. These modification strategies turned common because of the problem introduced by the unique recreation and the will to tailor the expertise to particular person preferences.