Sega Genesis Region Bypass Game Genie Codes

[TonyTheTiger]

Ok, as most of us know, a lot of Genesis/Mega Drive games have software region lockouts making playing imports a pain in the ass if you don't have one of those rare and somewhat expensive Mega Key carts. The nice thing is that most of the time we can bypass the lockout with a Game Genie. The problem is that finding the right codes can be a challenge. A few months ago I was looking for some codes and realized that not only are a lot of games unaccounted for, but the codes that do exist are scattered across the far reaches of the web with no real cohesion. I was not able to find a single document that covered everything. In fact, I found that the vast majority of region locked games did not have codes at all as far as I could tell.

I decided to make up a document that served two purposes:

A) Provide a comprehensive list of all Genesis/Mega Drive games that are region locked in some form, AND
B) Provide the requisite Game Genie codes for each and every game on the list.

I think I've come pretty close. I don't take credit for 100% of the codes listed. I had a bunch archived already since I had been using a lot of them. I filled in the blanks where I needed to.

One caveat is that I lack the resources to do this with real hardware so it was Gens to the rescue. That creates two problems. First, I can't be sure if all the codes even work on a real Genesis. Second, a few games don't run properly in Gens so I had to make some educated guesses.

I want this thread to be a place for both feedback and help. Gens is not perfect so as people use the codes it would be great if everybody could let me know what codes work or don't work on the actual hardware.

Likewise, absolutely let me know if I missed any games. I didn't go through the unlicensed games like the Hong Kong knockoff stuff ala Genesis versions of Mega Man X3, Soul Edge, etc. Reason being, when I tried it turned out that Gens has some problems running a lot of those games.

And finally, this is a list of the games I was unable to create some or any codes for:

1) Ren and Stimpy Show, The - Stimpy's Invention (I have codes for this but the PAL version will not play properly on NTSC hardware. It is unlikely a Game Genie can fix this but I'm just throwing it out there.)
2) Ristar - The Shooting Star (Same as above except in this case the Japanese version does not play on PAL hardware.)
3) Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits (This is one of those Gens problems. I need confirmation whether this game is actually region locked at all. Other emulators show it works fine on USA/Euro/Japan NTSC hardware but I'm interested in seeing if it works in the Japan PAL (Southeast Asia) region. Unfortunately only Gens supports that region.)
4) World Championship Soccer II

So that's where I'm at. Four games that lack codes, two of which have problems I'm pretty sure can't be fixed with a Game Genie, and one I have a sneaking suspicion doesn't need any codes at all.

If anybody can help finish these up I'd appreciate it. Also, some of these games have pretty long codes, 4 and 5 codes long. If anybody can trim them down to 2 or 3 codes that would be great. I'll update the document as needed. Bring on the feedback and help me finish this up because I'm not good enough at HEX editing to crack these last few games.

So, yeah, take a look. Just a warning, it's 64 pages long.

TonyTheTiger's Sega Genesis Region Bypass Guide:
http://www.mediafire.com/?zzyjzinuy2j

[buzz_n64]

This is so awesome, I've been looking all over for something like this. Is there anything like this for Playstation gameshark original, or goldfinger codes, want to play U.S. games on my Jap. PS, and vice-versa.

[Oldskool]

Wow man, great work. I've had a Game Genie for YEARS, and never used it as a region converter, I have heard that it worked, but never knew where to find codes to do it. I wish I could help you, but all I can say is that I am amazed at what you have done.

I don't have a way of testing any of your codes out however, no Mega Drive games.

[TonyTheTiger]

Thanks. This took a surprisingly long time but it was worth it. I got fed up with not being able to play some games so I was like "fuck it, I'm doing it."

I wanted to make the document for everybody who needs to play any region game on any region hardware. So whether you have U.S. games and a Japanese Mega Drive, Japanese games and a European Mega Drive, or any other combination, this document will be the complete guide.

[The 1 2 P]

Theres a relatively small list floating around here somewhere. I'll see if I can find that so you can update your list.

EDIT: Considering your list is 64 pages long you most likely would have everything on the list I saw before.

[Emuaust]

You my dear sir are a god damn genius, thank you very much!

[Brianvgplayer]

I noticed Williams Arcade Classics was still listed as unverified in the faq. I have the cart and a Genesis 1 with a region switch. It works fine in Japanese mode. It doesn't appear to have any region protection.

[Leo_A]

Unless your tv can display a PAL signal, Super Skidmarks is just going to roll anyways. I can't get it to display on a NTSC only television unlike some other PAL titles.