Game Genie versus PAR (SNES)

[§ Gideon §]

Which is the better cheat device and why? I hear there are compatibility problems with Game Genie. Are there any problems with a Pro Action Replay?

Oh, and most importantly: Any code that can be created with a Game Genie can be duplicated on a PAR (and vice versa), correct?

[Elusive]

The Game Genie works by modifying parts of the game's ROM temporarily - for example, if part of the game read 'Start x level with y lives', the GG would intercept that and change it to whatever you want. However, you can only get the codes from the little sheets the makers provided, or search for them on the Internet. You cannot easily make your own without guesswork.

The (non-Pro) Action Replay works in the same way, only it has a 'trainer' of sorts built-in: so, for example, you could tell the game to look out for a certain value that changes, and find your own codes (e.g. tell it to search for the number of lives you currently have, keep narrowing it down).

The Pro Action Replay has all the functionality of the Game Genie, but it also has the ability to modify values in the console's RAM. For example, rather than telling the game itself what to do, you modify the effects of the game on the console. For example, again with the lives analogy, rather than telling the game 'start level x with y lives', the PAR can say 'read the number of lives stored at x location; make sure that number stays at y lives'. The PAR also has a built-in trainer to make/find your own codes.

Game Genie codes can be converted to work on a Pro Action Replay (NOT vice versa); however, you'll need to find a little application or method that can do this.

As for which is better, it's got to be the PAR for its added power and functionality. However, it's really personal preference.

[smokehouse]

PAR all the way, I bought one of these way back and love it to death. It’s never let me down when it comes to solid cheating. Some of the effect codes are hard to train but the lives, items, start level, energy stuff is better with the PAR. Now it’s not as big of a deal figuring that the Internet is around for codes. But, back in 1994 when my buddies were waiting for the next Game Genie code book to come in the mail (praying that it would include codes for the game they wanted to alter), I was busy making my own.

[§ Gideon §]

Ah, thanks a lot for the info. PAR is definitely the way to go.

[JLukas]

Yes, all Game Genie codes can be used on a PAR, but not vice versa. Game Genie doesn't have RAM support. Nor a cheat maker function, or PAL/NTSC conversion.

Game Genie's advantages are a better GUI (entering cheats is a lot faster) and price & availability. PARs are definately a lot harder to find, at least in the US. PAR was more popular in PAL countries because of the ability to play NTSC games.

The original PAR is OK, but the PAR2 and PAR3 (also known as the MK2 and MK3 models) are the ones to look out for. 100 codes at once, and FX support for Starfox and others. It also has a bunch of codes already built-in.

PAR3 has a button to convert Game Genie codes to PAR format. If using a PAR or PAR2, you can download a conversion utility off an emulation site. Another option, just enter the Game Genie code into ZSNES and it'll display it as PAR.

Game Genie has problems on the mini SNES, only 2 of the 5 cheat code lines will work. PAR2 and PAR3 work fine (and probably the original as well.)

[nesgamer]

I've never heard of this PAR thing. Can anyone post a pic of it? Thanks.

[smokehouse]

Here’s pictures of mine:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/smokehouse/Video%20gaming/SNESwithPAR.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/smokehouse/Video%20gaming/PARbox.jpg

[§ Gideon §]

JLukas: Interesting. So is your pic of a PAR1, 2, or 3, smokehouse? Do the different versions look alike?

[nesgamer]

At a glance the PAR looks like a pirate cart.

[Lothars]

hmm I never realized that there was a par for the snes

I have the game genie but it would be cool to find one,

hmm thanks.

[badinsults]

http://snescentral.edgeemu.com/peripherals/pro_action_replay/index.htm

http://snescentral.edgeemu.com/peripherals/pro_action_replay/par2-mk2.jpg

http://snescentral.edgeemu.com/peripherals/pro_action_replay/par3-MK3.jpg