Hidden for Over Two Decades: Cheat Code in Alien Resurrection Unlocks PS1 Backups

In an astonishing turn of events, a hidden cheat code within the 1999 cult-classic survival horror FPS Alien Resurrection has just been revealed, transforming the title into an indispensable asset for PlayStation 1 retro gaming enthusiasts.

The existence of the cheat code came to light in a compelling video essay by Modern Vintage Gaming, which discloses how individuals can utilize their original PS1 console to boot backup disks with just a simple code. Unlike the traditional approach that usually necessitates a mod chip or software alterations, this method only requires the use of an authentic copy of Alien Resurrection. This groundbreaking information bridges the gap between conventional gaming and the needs of modern collectors and retro gamers who interact with vintage gaming hardware.

For a little over two decades, Argonaut Games had kept this feature under wraps—a cheat code that enables gamers to interchange the Alien Resurrection disc with a burned copy of any PS1 game, with the console subsequently initiating the game without any additional modifications. This convenient process highlights a significant innovation, bypassing the need for hardware alterations which may not be feasible for all game collectors.

The serendipitous discovery of this capability poses an intriguing question: why did Argonaut Games inject such a feature into the game? Developer Martin Piper, who disclosed this secret, had intended the code to be an experimental feature aimed at exploring the possibility of swapping discs without resetting the console. Unbeknownst to his colleagues or Sony, this covert experiment now positions Alien: Resurrection as a pivotal tool among retro gaming aficionados.

This revelation shatters the traditional protocol observed by game developers—fully disclosing cheat codes upon submission for publication. A standard due diligence expectation by console manufacturers to ensure clarity and security in gameplay mechanics. However, Piper, having maintained this secret for over twenty years, deemed it an opportune moment to disclose, sparing him the regret of taking the secret to the grave.

While Alien: Resurrection may not have been listed among the best PS1 games of its era, it now garners a newfound respect for its hidden utility in the realm of vintage gaming. This cheat code does not merely serve as an exploit or a mere curiosity; it represents a landmark in how we understand software limitations and the ingenuity of developers willing to push boundaries within the tech landscape of their time.