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archive:games:gameboy.faq
                             Nintendo GameBoy
                        FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
                    Maintained by Marat Fayzullin [FMS]
                         EMAIL: fms@wam.umd.edu
                               IRC: RST38h
                               version 2.0
                                4/13/1994

I. GameBoy: General Description II. Cheats, Passwords, Strategies, etc. III. List of the best games IV. GameGenie Questions V. Programming, Hardware, etc. * Unanswered Questions UPDATES: 1. GameBoy mail-server and mailing list! ←-*YEAH* 2. Mortal Kombat cheats 3. Yet more cheats, codes and passwords I finally found some time to update the FAQ. Sorry for the huge delay, this semester was a busy one for me. Anyway, here is a new v.2.0 of the FAQ. People, could somebody subscribing for "Electronic Gaming World" and other similar magazines go through the "S.W.A.T." sections in them and write down all GameBoy cheats/passwords/etc. not included into this file? I would appreciate your help. As always, FAQ may contain errors. Also, some information is missing. If you find an error or have a missing piece of information, email your comments to me. Notice that this file contains some data on GameBoy's internals. Any additional information in this field will also be greatly appreciated (read "Unanswered Questions" section). I. GameBoy: General Description

CPU: 8-bit Z80 at 2.2 MHz

  RAM: 16kB internal
  ROM: 512kBit, 1MBit, 2MBit and 4MBit cartridges are known
       (64kB, 128kB, 256kB and 512kB). Probably, there are 
  smaller kinds as well (16kB and 32kB).
  
  Sound: 4 Channels (Stereo: 2L/2R)
  
  Video: 
    Display: Reflective LCD 160x144 dots
    Colors:  4 shades of gray
    Sprites: 8 sprites 8x8 
  Communications: Serial port (?) 
    Up to 4 Gameboys can be connected together using these ports
    Baud rate: ???
    Protocol:  ???
    
  Power: 6 Volts, 0.7 Watts 
    4 AA Batteries             - 35 hours
                     OR
    Rechargable battery (NAKI) - 12 hours
         

* What are an advantage of GB in comparison with other portable videogames?

  The same reflective LCD screen which is considered to be the weak point
of GameBoy, is its advantage. Other systems, such as Atari Lynx or SEGA
GameGear, use backlighted color screens which consume several times more
power than reflective LCD of GB. Thus, these systems need 6 AA batteries
instead of 4 AAs needed by GB and drain these batteries in about 6 hours.
Also, dots on GB's LCD are much smaller than dots on the color screens of
other portables which [given that you have a good light source nearby]
means that GB's LCD looks crisper. The other advantage of GameBoy is that
it is the only portable videogame you can actually PUT INTO YOUR POCKET. 
Both Lynx and GameGear are too big for it.
  Speaking about variety of games available for GB, I would *NOT*
consider it an advantage of GB if we are talking solely about its
technical characteristics. Amount of software written for the system has
nothing to do with the system's hardware architecture. It is rather
determined by commercial success of the system and [in fact] by how it
is marketed. There are many technologically superior systems which just
didn't make it because of poor marketing [TurboGrafx is an example].

II. Cheats, Passwords, Strategies, etc.

1. Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge passwords

 H - Heart   C - Candle   B - Ball   . - Space
 
 Central Castle:        HBC.    Hard Mode (like Castlevania I): .B.B
 Belmont's son's realm: HCBB    Music Test:                     HHHH 
 Count Dracula:         BHCH    Easy Mode (9 lives):            CCHH

2. Nemesis cheats

 Pause the game and press these buttons:
 
 To get SPEED and SHIELD:                     BBBBBAAAAA
 To get SHADOWFIGHTERS,SHIELD,LASER,MISSILES: UUDDLRLRBA
 
 ( U-[UP]  D-[DOWN]  L-[LEFT]  R-[RIGHT]  A-[A]  B-[B] )

3. Fortified Zone passwords: 1111,3375,1681,1122

4. Pipe Dream passwords:

 5:HAHA  9:GRIN  13:REAP  17:SEED  21:GROW  25:TALL  29:YALI
 

5. Last password in Dr.Franken: JHT87 [HEART]V7VN VG20Z

6. How to get to Medusa Cave in Final Fantasy Adventure?

 Find an oasis with two palm trees and walk in 8-like manner around 
 them:   
               +->>-+ <<-+
               | PP | PP |
               +-<< +->>-+
 

7. Faceball 2000

 
 Start on level one. Find an exit. Shoot it five times, then explore
 the level some more. You will find extra lives and speed-up power-ups.
 You will also have five exits to choose from, each of which takes you
 to a different level (level select).
                                      Contributed by Mark Kaufman.

8. Zen the Intergalactic Ninja passwords:

 C - Can   B - Bottle   T - Tire   A - cArdboard box   . - Space    
 Passwords:  [.CBB]  [T.AT]  [CBAB] ...and the final one: [BTCC]

9. Possible cheat in Final Fantasy Legend II:

 On some stage of the game double-clicking on the Trashcan [or, maybe,
 trying to "move" Trashcan to the different position in the list] will
 allow to increase Agility or Strength of the party members. This trick
 appeared only once and I couldn't repeat it. I also got responses from  
 two people who encountered similar effect. Everybody who has more info
 on this trick, send email to me.
 

10. Tecmo Bowl codes [contributed by Kelly Gillilan]:

 
 Invisible Team: 397BFFA5
 Mirror Matches:
 Washington    5B7FBFA3   Denver    CFBFF7A0   Indianapolis 43AFFEAC
 Miami         46AFFDAB   Cleveland 49AFFBA9   L.A.         969FDFA5
 San Francisco 9C3F7FA5   Dallas    63AEFFA5   New York     269DFFA1
 Chicago       697BFFA5   Minnesota AC37FFA9

11. Stage select in Penguin Wars:

 At the character select screen, pick the character, then press L+B,
 then press A and [START].

12. Some interesting passwords for QBillion: WALL,IDEA,NOON

13. Some interesting codes in Shanghai:

 MAN - tough level   REV - reversed tiles   STF - credits

14. Invisible opponents in SoccerMania:

 At the title screen, press UUDDLRLRBA, then press [START]

15. Passwords for Korodice:

           [4]    [5]    [6]    [7]    [8]    [9]    [10]
 EASY     94347  68890  24486  49320  28076  96545  83193
 AVERAGE  22307  64422  43059  46403  50136  17443  99007  

16. Selected passwords for Mickey Mouse/Bugs Bunny:

10:WZFS  20:ZTPZ  30:WYCZ  40:TX9W  50:2TWX  60:YTKX  70:SHE2  80:XHO2 

17. Snoopy's Magic Show passwords:

1N1B  XZ10  V5K2  CA1H  424V  VS10  C417  CS1V  VUY0  12ET  2UV4  VU12
Z2JH  2207  C21I  ZUUV  7UBB  BE10  CE1Q  HEO4  CEIB  VHNX  1H11  B6N0
CD1T  CD1D

18. Fish Killer passwords:

21:UIRE  22:CXMT  23:HOBL  31:KAPG  32:SNWD  33:FQJV  A1:PAHN  A2:ESZC

19. Battle Ping Pong codes:

7822   6524   1604   0781   5802   8731   0511   1199

20. Burai Fighter Deluxe passwords:

HGKM  GBAL  IDCP  CPFJ  MHCB  LEOJ  JJOE  ODEN  COHL  DKLF  KDPI  AFKP

21. Migrain Acclaim passwords: L2:0742 L3:X480 L4:586Y L5:3081

22. Blodia passwords:

AIJD  DIFP  DJGN  BKQF  ANPD  CNGL  APQD  DQMQ  BNCE  CPHI

23. Solomon's Club passwords: GZ3ZNN 2Z3NND CZ3DND

24. Awesome Klax pattern:

last brick --->4 2 1 1 2
               1 4 3 2 1
               3 3 4 3 3
               1 1 2 1 1
               1 2 1 2 1

25. Mega Man games:

 Mega Man      Mega Man 2           Mega Man 3
   1234          1234     1234        1234
 A **          A ***    A  * *      A *
 B   *         B    *   B   **      B * *
 C **          C ***    C **        C  **
 D             D *      D  **       D

26. Roland's Curse:

QKMTTQHP (fire wand/magic axe)    FRTTTGTP (sword/power crystal)
      at maximum power, only 25 sword hits to kill Barius.

27. Selected paswords for Navy Blue:

65:MVCROEOX (CRUISER)      89:YLNFEMHQ (TARTAN)   ??:KAFSKYLG (TOMCAT)
73:MBZRLYOC (SEA SPARROW)  ??:YLNYDMIS (CARRIER)  ??:FLTHVMXP (TRIDENT)
81:MUDLTEOH (TOMAHAWK)     ??:FKMWCMHK (FANTOM)   ??:FLTCWMHN (FINALE)

28. Final boss in Bionic Commando: S - Square T - Triangle C - Circle

  ABCDEF
1 SCSSCC
2 TS TSC
3 TSC TC
4 CT CCT

29. Mortal Kombat:

In order to play as Goro,
1.  Beat the game normally.
2.  Wait for credits to scroll by.
3.  When "The End" appears, hold UP+LEFT+SELECT+A
4.  Enter initials and press A
5.  Play as Goro!
Playing as Goro, hold A+B and then press DOWN. Goro [you] will
disappear and the time will go much faster. Your opponent will
be constantly repeating same move and won't be able to hit you.

These cheats were contributed by Jim Hsu and Timothy A. Meushaw

30. Bill and Ted's level passwords:

2: 555-4239   3: 555-8942   5: 555-4118   6: 555-8471   7: 555-2989
8: 555-6737   9: 555-6429  10: 555-1881

* Other cheats, passwords, etc. Adventure Island : Stage Select : RLRLABAB at the title screen Adventure Island 2 : Power Up : 0894 Amazing Penguin : Level 37 : 916328 Amazing Tater : Floor 3 : YBTF5ZZFT2 Amida : Passwords : TLKSS, LEIQX, VOTAJ Atomic Punk : Level 50 : B0MNDPBL3NCB3L2H2DJJ Avenging Spirit : Expert mode : U+A+B at the title screen Batman : Sound Test : U+R+START at the title screen Battle Bull : Level 48 : $F BattleToads 2 : 5 toads : Holding D+A+B press [START] Boomer's Adventure : Level 55 : ANCIENT Boxxle : Lvl 11, Rm 8 : Q*HT * = Spade Boxxle 2 : Level 5 : 0K84 Brainbender : Level 5 : 3081 Bubble Bobble : Level 100 : KZ5J

                    : Stage Select : KGBJ, then use L to select level

Bugs Bunny : Level 79 : XHO2 Bugs Bunny 2 : Level 27 : KING Burai Fighter Deuxe : Level 5 : DKLF Catrap : Level 100 : R61H Chase HQ : Stage Select : Holding D+A+B press [START] Contra : Extra Lives : UUDDLRLRABAB[SELECT][START] Cyraid : Last Level : RUGGER Dead Heat Scramble : Stage Select : BBBBBBBBAAAAAAAA then B one less time

                    :              : than the number of wanted level

Deadalian Opus : Stage Select : ZEAL Dick Tracy : Level 5 : 56115 Extra Bases : 7W 0L : 2CCZ Fish Dude : Stage C-3 : SE Fist Of The North Star: Last Level : XKP72QNVHRJGU5 Flappy Special : ? : AK00 Flash : Level 13 : FUNHOUS Fortified Zone : Level 4 : 1122 Gargoyle's Quest : Last Level : SWXE-CBFJ Godzilla : Last Level : JXRB7K&948HPD32#JN GO! GO! Tank : Cheat Mode : LURULLURULUL[START] at title screen Hunt for Red October : Stage Select : B[SELECT]LR[START] at title screen Hyper Loderunner : Level Select : Enter QM-0388 as passcode Kirby's Dream Land : Cheat Mode : D+[SELECT]+B Lock & Chase : ? : Press AABBABB at title screen Mercernary Force : Stage Select : Holding U+[SELECT]+A+B press [START] Navy Blue : End : FLTCWMHN Ninja Boy : Stage Select : UUDDABAB, holding A press [START]

                    : Continue     : Holding A press [START]

Operation C : Stage Select : UUDDLRLRBABA[START] at full title screen Pitman : Stage Select : Q16KXW [Stage 95] Power Mission : Level 11 : LRDMR1 Prince of Persia : Final Battle : 71196464 Q Billion : Stage Select : TOIL Raging Fighter : Plr vs. Plr : UUDDLRLRB, then A for dk., B for normal Roger Rabbit : Level 6 : RTJBWW43 Rolan's Curse : End : PQRJLNPC Snoopy's Magic Show : Level 58 : V5YO Snow Bros. Jr. : Stage Select : Holding U+[SELECT]+B press start at

                    :              : the title screen

Solomon's Club : Level 4-10 : QDDHSY8 Spanky's Quest : Stage Select : 0119 Spud's Adventure : Stage Select : BANCHOU Star Trek : Planet Killer: 3516.7 Super Mario Land 2 : Easy Mode : [SELECT] at the pipe screen Tail Gator : Last Area : 8093 TMNT : Extra Life : Pause game, then UUDDLRLRBA[START]

                    : Bonus Games  : Holding A+B+[SELECT] press [START] at
                    :              : the config screen (?)

Tetris : Expert Mode : D+[START] at the title screen Turrican : Stage Select : Holding [SELECT] press [START] at the

                    :              : title screen   
 

* III. List of the best games

This list is compiled based on the ratings and reviews I got from
various sources. The fact that some game is in the list doesn't
necessarily mean that it is the best game for you; it just means
that this game is worth checking out. I put asterisk (*) next to
my personal favorites. For the current information about the best 
games, send mail containing one word, get_gameboy, to 
paien00@dmi.usherb.ca to get "Nick's GameBoy Game Ratings List".

1. RPGs:

  • Final Fantasy Legend |
  • Final Fantasy Adventure (2MBit) +—–> These seem to be everybody's
  • Final Fantasy Legend 2 (2MBit) | favorites.

Final Fantasy Legend 3 (4MBit?)|

 Zelda: Link's Awakening (4MBit)

2. R-Type-like shoot-em-ups:

 Nemesis
*Gradius: Interstellar Assault (2MBit)

3. Platform Games:

  • Metroid II

SuperMarioLand II (4MBit)

  • Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge
  • Batman
  • TMNT: Fall of the foot Clan

Operation C

 Mega Man 1,2,3
 BattleToads
 Gargoyle's Quest

4. 3D Games:

  • Altered Space (platform game)

Faceball 2000 (shoot-em-up)

5. Sport Games:

 Jack Nicklaus Golf
 F-1 Race

6. Logic/Strategy Games:

  • Shanghai
  • Tetris

Chessmaster [watch for revision, there are two of them]

  • Spot

4-in-1 packs 1 and 2

 Dr. Mario
 Ishido

7. StreetFighter clones:

 Mortal Kombat
 Raging Fighter
 

8. Classical Arcade games:

 
 Asteroids
 Missile Command
 Centipede
 Pacman
 

9. Flight Simulators:

 Turn and Burn
 Top Gun 

* IV. Game Genie

1. How it works?

GameGenie allows you to substitute some of the codes in the cartridge
ROM with your own codes. For example, you can substitute the default 
number of lives with your own number. GameBoy GameGenie allows to 
substitute up to three codes.

2. Where to get the codes?

GameBoy GameGenie codes are available through anonymous FTP at

      netcom.com     directory  /pub/vidgames/gamegenie  
             6828 Jun 14  1993 gbcod1.txt
             5798 Jun 14  1993 gbcod2.txt
             5256 Jun 14  1993 gbcod3.txt
             5606 Jun 14  1993 gbcod4.txt
             5668 Jul 24 03:11 gbcod5.txt
             2122 Oct 26 23:21 gbcod6.txt
             6341 Jun 14  1993 gbin02.txt
            11011 Jun 14  1993 gbup01.txt
            13427 Jun 14  1993 gbup02.txt

3. What is the meaning of the digits in GameGenie code for GameBoy?

  • All digits are in hexadecimal system
       GameBoy GameGenie Code:     DD2-103-???
       
       DD         - Data Byte
       0,1,2,3    - Address, reads as 3210     
       ???        - Meaning of these digits is unknown.
                    It is suspected that they represent the
                    ROM paging register, but no information
                    is available.
       
 Example: 3D2-ABF-3BE - Set 3Dh (DEC A command) at address F2ABh 
         

4. Some commonly used Z80 instructions with their codes:

Code(s):  Instruction:       Common Usage:   
 3Eh xxh  - LD A,xxh    Load default number of lives (energy,ammo,etc.)
 3Dh      - DEC A       Decrease number of lives (energy,ammo,etc.)
 3Ch      - INC A       Increase number of lives (energy,ammo,etc.)
 00h      - NOP         DO NOTHING (set this instead of 3Dh)

5. CodeMasters' address and phone number:

 Codemasters
 Lower Farm House,              PHONE: +44 926 814132
 Southam,
 Warwickshire.
 CV33 0DL
 UK
  • I didn't try calling them. If you get any additional information from

CodeMasters, please, email it to me

* V. Programming, Hardware, etc. * 1. Are there any GameBoy emulators for the personal computers? YES, there is a GameBoy emulator for the Commodore Amiga called ToyBoy. This emulator can be obtained by FTP from AmiNet sites: ftp.luth.se: /pub/aminet/misc/emu/Gameboy68000.lha ftp.etsu.edu: /aminet/misc/emu/GameBoy68000.lha wuarchive.wustl.edu: /systems/amiga/aminet/misc/emu/Gameboy68000.lha Unfortunately, this package is incomplete. It doesn't have documentation and a Z80 assembler. The author of ToyBoy is unknown. According to some sources, ToyBoy was stolen from a company called Argonaut developing Amiga→GameBoy cross-development system for Nintendo. Other rumors say that there is a demo console based on this emulator. The ToyBoy package found on Aminet includes: a) GameBoy emulator b) Binary file for Tetris which can be run by emulator c) Source code of Tetris in Z80 assembler Following information was mainly obtained by exploring the Tetris source code which came with ToyBoy. Information about GameBoy's hardware is extremely hard to find. Most of it is incomplete, uncertain and vague. If you have any information [especially about things listed in "Unanswered Questions" section], PLEASE, email it to fms@wam.umd.edu. 2. Addresses of GameBoy I/O ports: GameBoy seems to access I/O ports as memory cells rather than as real Z80 I/O ports i.e. instead of IN A,(Port#) we have LD A,(Port Addr). Here are several port addresses and their usage: EA64h: Joystick (INPUT) Bits: Meaning: When buttons are pressed, appropriate 0 [LEFT] bits go to "1"s 1 [RIGHT] 2 [UP] 3 [DOWN] 4 [A] 5 ? 6 ? 7 ? EA62h/EA63h: Low/High bytes of the Character Set address (OUTPUT) Using these two ports you can set an address of the Character Set table for GameBoy's video controller. This address should be EVEN(?). There may be up to 256 (?) characters 8x8 dots each. Character's pattern takes 16 bytes. Each dot has two bits in two consequent bytes: Addr: db 00010000b | | +————> Dot with color 2 (10b) | +———→ Dot with color 1 (01b) | | Addr+1: db 00001100b Here is an example of the character using colors 0 and 2 only: db 00000000b,0 db 01111100b,0 db 11001110b,0 db 11011110b,0 db 11110110b,0 db 11100110b,0 db 11000110b,0 db 01111100b,0 Let C be a code of the character. Then the pattern of this character in the table will be located at PattAddr(C)=CharSetAddr+16*C | +—> This is the address in EA62h/EA63h EA60h/EA61h: Low/High bytes of the Character Map address (OUTPUT) These ports define the address of the table video controller uses as a Character Map. This 20x18 table contains codes of the characters being displayed on the screen. Let X,Y be coordinates of the character (starting at the left-upper corner). Then the address of this character in the table will be CharAddr(X,Y)=CharMapAddr+20*Y+X | +—> This is the address in EA60h/EA61h 3. Is it possible to build a backlight into GameBoy? NO, it is impossible to make a backlight for the reflective LCD. Nevertheless, it is possible to put a light source inside GameBoy so that it will be above the screen. Don't forget that opening GameBoy will void the warranty though. 4. Are there any game copiers for GameBoy? No stand-alone game copiers are known. Nevertheless, there seem to be GameBoy adaptors for MultiGameDoctorII, MultiGameHunter, SuperWildCard and SuperComPro. Also, there is a device allowing to play games stored on credit card-like magnetic cards which is produced in Japan and isn't sold in U.S. 5. MultiGame cartridges for GameBoy: Yes, these cartridges are at least half-illegal because their producers violate copyright law. Yes, these things exist for GameBoy. At present time, there are four kinds of them: 48in1, 64in1, 86in1 and 105in1 (although there were rumors about 200in1 cartridge also). They all seem to contain the same basic set of games most of which are either old Nintendo products (like Alleyway or Tennis) or low-quality games from other companies with a couple of good games added. Number of games in such a cartridge is actually SMALLER than it is written on the box because some games are present in two or three copies (with a number of lives and other things changed). For example, 64in1 cartridge contains only about 48 DISTINCT games. At least 27 of them can be classified as "logic" or "strategy" games. There were many requests to list games multigame cartridges contain. So, here is a list of games how it appears in a menu of a 105in1 cartridge. Other multigame cartridges contain subset of games listed below. Notice large number of japanese titles and repetitions. There are also some titles which actually respond to the same game. turtle ninja bouken jima super mario land motocross penguin land kid kiki mickey mouse crocodile dr. mario solomons club head on dr mario ishido battle city bouken tennis volley fire boxing trump boy klax bubble ghost master karateka othello puzzle boy hong kong tetris minisweeper heiankyo alien bouken 3 flipull hyper loderunner amida yakuman match mania pala medes world bowling loopz bouken 4 alleyway koro dice puzzle road spot castelian dragon slayer 1 space invader snake war bouken 5 flappy special pipe dream koi wa kakehiki bouken 6 pitman tasmania story soukoban 2 shanghai kinkong escape arkanoil ls caste star gate bouken 7 super kid super turtle super mario go tank bouken 8 spec mouse big ghost excite bike penguin egg spec turtle adventure 2 tank kiki mouse small ghost motor bike adventure big penguin speed runner bom bom alley 1992 castelian thunder force luck boy adventure 4 sp turtle mario boy adventure 5 loder runner sp alley sp motocross adventure 6 sp invader sp kid kiki easy tasmania adventure 7 turtle ii sp mario gogo tank adventure 8 sp mouse adventure island sp penguin happy boy happy ghost bouken boy sp tasmania 6. Using GameGenie with multigame cartridges: No, GameGenie DOES NOT WORK with multigame cartridges. 7. Japanese cartridges: These are cartridges which are not available in U.S., although you can find them if you are lucky. Following descriptions of japanese cartridges were prepared by Mark Kaufman. * Name: Parodius Type: Shooter Producer: Konami Graphics: 10 Sound: 10 Playability: 10 Overall: 10 This is the legendary Japanese shooter to which all others are compared. It is awesome, huge, creative, challenging and fun, fun, fun. * Name: Twinbee Type: Shooter Producer: Konami Graphics: 9 Sound: 9 Playability: 9 Overall: 9 Another Japanese cart that should be sold over here. It's better than 90% of all GB games. 8. Why some GameGenie codes don't work? Some games exist in several different versions. Although these versions look exactly the same, the actual program codes differ. Therefore, while some GameGenie codes work with one version of the cartridge, they aren't guaranteed to work with other versions. 9. Where is GB Zelda FAQ? The GameBoy Zelda FAQ list is supported by Michael Evans [evansmj@NeXTwork.Rose-Hulman.Edu]. Another strategy guide for GB Zelda is written by Christer Ericson [Christer.Ericson@cs.umu.se]. 10. Where to get parts to repair GameBoy? Mark Kaufman found address of the company selling replacement parts for GameBoy [as well as Sega AC adapters and Atari parts]. Here is their phone number and a list of GameBoy parts they carry: MCM Electronics TOLL-FREE: 1-800-543-4330 FAX: 1-513-434-6959 VOICE: 1-513-434-0031 M-F: 7AM-8PM EST Sat: 9AM-6PM EST #83-2285 $3.50 Gameboy Type 32 Pin Connector (replace worn or corroded cartridge jack inside GB) #83-1570 $1.49 Controller Replacement Pads (set of three) #81-1605 $7.95 Schematic Diagrams (THIS should be interesting! =)) Game Bit Drivers (fit tamper resistant star screws): #22-1145 $9.95 Small bit for GB cartridge #22-1150 $9.95 Large bit for GB battery packs 11. GameBoy cartridge pinouts [not complete]: Pin Function ———————————————————- 1 Vcc 2 ? Connected on Gameboy, but not used on GamePaks. 3 /RESET 4 /WR 5 ? Used by paging PAL on high capacity GamePaks. 6-21 A0-A15 22-29 D0-D7 30 /RD 31 ? Connected on Gameboy, but not used on Game-Paks. 32 GND ———————————————————– 12. GameBoy memory map [speculation]: FFFFh ———————- Gameboy peripherals Cartridge address frame is filled C000h ———————- by 32kB of ROM in small cartridges. In large [>32kB] cartridges it has 16K of internal RAM following structure: READ WRITE 8000h ———————- ——————-+——————- | Paged ROM bank | 8kB battery-backed | RAM (if paged in) Cartridge address ——————-+——————- frame | Bottom 16kB of ROM +——————- | Paging Register 0000h ———————- ——————-+——————- Paging Register has 5 bits - D0-D4 which represent 32 16kB banks of memory. Bank 0 is a battery-backed RAM. 13. Which games are best to buy? You can use a list of best games included into this FAQ-file. It is incomplete and quite biased though. To get most recent information, send email containing a single word get_gameboy to paien00@dmi.usherb.ca to get "Nick's GameBoy Game Ratings" list. It also seems to be biased, but let's hope that it will look better when more people contribute to it. 14. Mail-server and mailing list for GameBoy: They are maintained by M. S. Manley. The address for both is gameboy@mentor.cc.purdue.edu Try fingering this address to get more info. In order to access mail-server, send email with subject "archive" and body containing a list of commands. At the beginning, you can send a letter containing only one word: "help" and the server will send you a help-file with the list of all available commands. In order so subscribe for the mailing list, send email with subject "subscribe". You can include your email address in the letter body, otherwise it will be taken from the header. All other mail sent to the above-described address and not containing keywords "subscribe", "unsubscribe", "help" or "archive" will be forwarded to the mailing list. My personal thanks to M.S.Manley. =:) * Credits: *

Thanks to all people who sent their comments and 
contributed to this document!     (list follows)
Mark Kaufman       - Cheats for Faceball 2000 and passwords Pipe Dream.
                     Descriptions and ratings of some games. MCM
                     Electrionics' phone numbers. 
Yi-Min Wei         - Comments about software sections of the FAQ.
Kelly Gillilan     - Excellent list of cheats and passwords.
                     Tecmo Bowl codes. CodeMasters' phone number.
Peter Knight       - Cartridge pinouts and a memory map. Codemasters'
                     address.
Jim Hsu            - List of passwords and codes and MK cheat.
Timothy A. Meushaw - Mortal Kombat cheat.
Robert Newman      - Various cheats and codes.
M. S. Manley       - Maintaining GB mailing list and mail-server

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

If you have any information about GameBoy, feel free to send email to

                           Marat Fayzullin (FMS)
                              fms@wam.umd.edu

1. Meaning of the last three digits of GameGenie code? 2. Memory Map of GameBoy? 3. Author of ToyBoy emulator? 4. Pinouts of the GameBoy cartridges? 5. Programming sprites, sound, screen scrolling, serial port? 6. Connecting GameBoy to TV? 7. GameGenie codes not listed in the official updates? 8. Game cheats and passwords? 9. Complete version of GameBoy emulator? 10. Classified listings of the games with ratings from 0 to 9? 11. Game Copiers for GameBoy? 12. "Generic" cartridges allowing to use reprogrammable ROM plugged

  into the socket or static RAM?

13. Pinouts of GameBoy's serial port? 14. Ports' addresses and their usage? 15. Where to get triple-blade screwdriver to open GameBoy? ;) 16. etc. etc. etc.

* Reviews: Please, send your reviews of GB games. Rate four categories:

              Graphics   Sound   Playability   Overall
Give ratings from 0 to 9 for each of these categories. Also, classify
the game [RPG, shoot-em-up, classic, etc.] and give information about
the cartridge size and manufacturer. Games which get more than 2 ratings
from different people, will be mentioned in the FAQ. I still couldn't
collect enough of these raitings to come to any conclusions.
/data/webs/external/dokuwiki/data/pages/archive/games/gameboy.faq.txt · Last modified: 2001/01/14 06:15 by 127.0.0.1

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