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The Atari 7800, released in 1986, was a home video game console that aimed to capitalize on the growing popularity of 8-bit gaming. It boasted impressive backward compatibility with Atari 2600 games and introduced several new titles to the gaming world. Despite being released towards the tail end of the 8-bit era, the Atari 7800 was known for its superior graphics and innovative game library. However, much like its predecessors, the system also came with a variety of cheats and secret codes that players could unlock, adding another layer of fun to these retro games. This article will explore some of the most iconic cheats and tricks from Atari 7800 games, offering a glimpse into the secrets of this forgotten console.
1. Asteroids: Infinite Lives Cheat
Asteroids (1981) was one of Atari’s most iconic arcade hits, and its 7800 port brought the classic space-shooter action to home consoles. A popular cheat for the Atari 7800 version of Asteroids was the infinite lives cheat. Players could enter a specific button combination during gameplay that would allow them to continue the game without losing lives. This cheat helped alleviate the intense difficulty of the game, especially during the later levels when asteroids became faster and more numerous. With infinite lives, players could enjoy the addictive gameplay of Asteroids for hours on end.
2. Centipede: Extra Points Cheat
The Atari 7800 port of Centipede (1980) stayed true to the arcade original, offering the same thrilling gameplay where players shoot at a rapidly descending centipede while avoiding other deadly insects. One of the most popular cheats for this game was the extra points cheat, which allowed players to unlock bonus points. By entering a specific sequence of button presses during gameplay, players could receive extra points, which were particularly useful for those looking to achieve high scores. This cheat made it easier to rack up points and reach new levels of gameplay.
3. Pac-Man: Unlimited Lives Cheat
Pac-Man (1980) is one of the most recognized video games in history, and its Atari 7800 port captured much of the same charm and excitement of the arcade classic. A cheat for Pac-Man involved unlocking unlimited lives, giving players the ability to keep playing indefinitely without worrying about losing their lives. By entering a specific cheat code or pressing the right combination of buttons, players could activate this cheat, making it possible to eat all the dots and avoid the ghosts without fear of failure. This cheat was especially useful for players looking to explore every maze in the game.
4. Frogger: Unlimited Time Cheat
In Frogger (1981), players controlled a frog attempting to cross a busy road and a dangerous river. The Atari 7800 port maintained the same gameplay mechanics, but a cheat allowed players to activate unlimited time. This cheat removed the time limits for completing each stage, allowing players to leisurely make their way across the obstacles without the pressure of the countdown. To activate the cheat, players had to input a specific button sequence, which made the game more accessible and enjoyable, especially for those who struggled with the original time constraints.
5. Super Breakout: Unlimited Balls Cheat
Super Breakout (1978) was an improved version of the classic Breakout game, where players controlled a paddle to bounce a ball and destroy bricks. In the Atari 7800 port of Super Breakout, a well-known cheat allowed players to unlock unlimited balls. This cheat provided players with an endless supply of balls, making it easier to clear the levels and break through the bricks without worrying about running out of chances. By entering a cheat code or pressing a combination of buttons, players could keep playing for as long as they wanted, making the game more fun and rewarding.
6. Robotron: 2084: Extra Lives Cheat
Robotron: 2084 (1982) was a fast-paced, twin-stick shooter where players fought against waves of robots while rescuing human survivors. The Atari 7800 version of Robotron was praised for its faithful recreation of the arcade original, but a cheat allowed players to gain extra lives during gameplay. By entering a cheat code or pressing the right button sequence, players could earn more lives, which made it easier to survive the game’s increasingly intense levels. Extra lives also helped players achieve higher scores and progress further in the game.
7. Pitfall! II: Lost Caverns – Level Skip Cheat
The Pitfall! series (1982) was a groundbreaking franchise for platformers, and its sequel, Pitfall! II: Lost Caverns (1983), introduced more exploration and puzzle-solving elements. The Atari 7800 version of Pitfall! II included a cheat that allowed players to skip levels. By inputting a cheat code or pressing a specific combination of buttons, players could jump ahead to higher levels without having to complete earlier stages. This cheat was perfect for players who wanted to experience the more advanced parts of the game without having to replay the easier levels.
8. Joust: Extra Points Cheat
In Joust (1982), players controlled knights riding on flying ostriches as they battled enemies and avoided obstacles. The Atari 7800 version of Joust was a faithful port, and a cheat for the game allowed players to unlock extra points. By pressing a specific combination of buttons during gameplay, players could earn bonus points, which added a layer of excitement and helped players achieve higher scores. Extra points were especially helpful for those looking to compete for high scores or simply enjoy the game without worrying about hitting the score ceiling.
9. Galaxian: Bonus Ship Cheat
Galaxian (1979) was one of the earliest space shooters, where players fought waves of alien enemies descending from the top of the screen. The Atari 7800 version of Galaxian remained loyal to the arcade original, but a cheat in the game allowed players to unlock bonus ships. This cheat provided players with additional ships, giving them extra chances to continue playing and clearing levels. By inputting a cheat code or pressing a button combination, players could add bonus ships to their arsenal, making it easier to survive longer and achieve better scores.
10. Xevious: Unlimited Bombs Cheat
Xevious (1982) was a vertical-scrolling shoot-’em-up that became an arcade hit. The Atari 7800 version of Xevious featured similar gameplay, where players controlled a spaceship and destroyed enemy aircraft while avoiding obstacles. A cheat in Xevious allowed players to unlock unlimited bombs. Bombs were powerful weapons that cleared enemies off the screen, and the cheat allowed players to use them endlessly, making it easier to clear waves of enemies. This cheat was great for players who wanted to avoid the difficulty of running out of bombs during key moments.
11. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back: Invincibility Cheat
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1982) was a compelling game that allowed players to experience iconic moments from the movie, such as the Battle of Hoth. The Atari 7800 version of the game had a cheat code that allowed players to become invincible. By pressing a specific sequence of buttons, players could make their character impervious to enemy attacks, making the game much easier and more enjoyable. Invincibility allowed players to experience the thrill of the game without worrying about losing their progress.
12. Ball Blazer: Extra Time Cheat
Ball Blazer (1985) was an early futuristic sports game where players controlled a vehicle that competed in a futuristic sport similar to soccer. The Atari 7800 version of the game was fast-paced and challenging, but a cheat allowed players to unlock extra time during matches. By inputting a cheat code, players could extend the timer, giving them more opportunities to score goals and improve their performance. This cheat helped players enjoy the game without feeling the pressure of time running out too quickly.
13. Berserk: Extra Lives Cheat
Berserk (1980) was a unique action game where players navigated mazes while avoiding enemy robots and shooting them down. The Atari 7800 version of the game allowed a cheat to unlock extra lives, giving players a better chance of surviving the game’s tough enemies. By entering a code or pressing a button combination, players could gain additional lives, allowing them to survive longer and progress further in the game. This cheat was ideal for those who wanted to explore the game’s levels without worrying about losing their progress.
14. Football: Unlimited Time Cheat
Football (1986) was an early sports title for the Atari 7800, offering an arcade-style American football experience. One cheat for Football allowed players to unlock unlimited time, which removed the countdown clock during matches. This cheat allowed players to play at their own pace, making the game less stressful and more enjoyable for casual play. With unlimited time, players could focus more on strategy and enjoy a relaxed game without worrying about running out of time.
15. Kangaroo: Extra Points Cheat
Kangaroo (1982) was a platformer where players controlled a kangaroo as she tried to save her child from evil monkeys. The Atari 7800 version of the game included a cheat that granted extra points. By entering a specific code, players could add bonus points to their score, allowing them to rack up higher scores and experience the game with fewer restrictions. This cheat was especially useful for high score chasers or those who wanted a little extra reward for their efforts.
16. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: Extra Health Cheat
In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), players controlled the famous archaeologist as he traveled the world on a quest to find the Holy Grail. The Atari 7800 version of the game featured a cheat that allowed players to unlock extra health. By entering a cheat code or performing a specific combination of actions, players could gain additional health, making it easier to survive the game’s challenging encounters. This cheat was perfect for those who wanted to progress through the game’s action sequences and puzzles with less difficulty.
17. Marble Madness: Extra Time Cheat
Marble Madness (1984) was a fast-paced arcade game that involved guiding a marble through a series of obstacle-filled mazes. The Atari 7800 version of Marble Madness allowed players to unlock extra time, which extended the countdown timer and gave players more time to complete each stage. By pressing a button sequence during gameplay, players could get a time boost, which was especially helpful during the game’s increasingly difficult levels.
18. Tennis: Power Serve Cheat
The Atari 7800 port of Tennis (1988) featured a simple yet engaging tennis simulation. A cheat for Tennis involved unlocking a powerful serve. By pressing a specific button combination, players could activate the power serve, which made their shots faster and more difficult for opponents to return. This cheat added an extra layer of fun to the game, as it gave players a competitive edge and allowed them to win points more easily.
19. Pole Position II: Extra Points Cheat
Pole Position II (1983) was a racing game where players navigated a race car around a circuit, avoiding obstacles and competing for the fastest time. A cheat for the Atari 7800 version allowed players to gain extra points during the race. By entering a cheat code, players could boost their score, which helped them achieve higher rankings in the game’s leaderboards. Extra points were a great way to keep the game engaging and rewarding, especially for those who wanted to master the racing mechanics.
20. Commando: Unlimited Ammo Cheat
Commando (1985) was a military-themed action game that required players to fight their way through enemy forces. The Atari 7800 version of Commando allowed players to unlock unlimited ammo through a cheat code. By entering a specific button combination, players could fire endlessly, making it easier to mow down enemies and survive the game’s challenging levels. This cheat turned the game into a thrilling experience with fewer limitations, perfect for action-oriented players.
Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Atari 7800 Cheats
The Atari 7800, though often overshadowed by later consoles, provided a wealth of memorable games, many of which included fun and useful cheats. These cheats, from unlimited lives to extra points and bonus ships, offered players new ways to enjoy their favorite games. The Atari 7800 remains an important piece of gaming history, and its cheats continue to be fondly remembered by retro gaming enthusiasts who appreciate the console’s place in the evolution of home entertainment.