Datel, the master of dirty low-down cheating and skullduggery (in the nicest possible gaming way) is launching its latest Action Replay cheat system on the Nintendo GameCube soon, with Xbox to follow. The GameCube version also includes some technology called FreeLoader that allows you to play NTSC games on your PAL Cube, or vice versa. Nintendo must be so happy... We asked Datel's Grant Hughes to explain himself.
Go on then, what can you tell us about the GameCube Action Replay?
Hughes: It's the only cheat code system available for the 'Cube, and it also lets you play import GameCube games thanks to our unique FreeLoader technology. The FreeLoader feature works by making the GameCube load and play all games in the console's native mode, for instance, PAL in Europe. Play a NTSC game and it outputs in PAL mode.
So what are the cheats?
Hughes: Action Replay is preloaded with unofficial codes for every GameCube game, letting you gain infinite health and ammo, unlock secret characters, vehicles and levels, and even access hidden bonus games. And it's easy to update with new codes from our web site www.codejunkies.com.
We've got a team of very talented guys equipped with our own special development kit. Basically they link our own software up to a customised GameCube via a customised PC. This way they can find unique and powerful codes that even the game's programmers never intended you to have!
Why has it taken so long for the GameCube Freeloader to be released?
Hughes: The technology involved to design and manufacture a product like FreeLoader from scratch is incredibly complex. It's an unofficial product, so we've had to work out absolutely everything for ourselves. That's why Datel is the only company in the world that's managed to create an unofficial GameCube disc - it's far from easy.
We have our own proprietary technology, including mastering equipment and customised disc duplication facilities, and yet it still took us 10 months longer than we'd hoped and expected. But it's been well worth the wait. Just ask anyone who's used it...
OK. So how do Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo feel about it?
Hughes: I have no idea, you'd have to ask them yourself, although FreeLoader is not currently available for Microsoft's or Sony's consoles so I doubt they have any interest in it.
Personally, I feel it's much better for gamers to use our disc-based product to play imports, rather than wrecking their GameCube and invalidating their warranty trying to install someone else's mod chip.
Why no Xbox freeloader yet? Has Microsoft clamped down?
Hughes: Demand has been greatest for a 'Cube version for obvious reasons. Action Replay for Xbox is our next release, but it won't include any FreeLoader feature, for the moment at least...
Anything you'd like to add?
Hughes: We recommend you always buy a game designed for your own region wherever possible due to language differences and extra features, etc.
However there will be occasions when you simply can't obtain a game, or aren't prepared to wait many months for a foreign title to be released in your region. In these cases, FreeLoader or Action Replay is your passport to playing any game, from any country, on any GameCube. The GameCube Action Replay is available for 29.99 and the FreeLoader is also available as a standalone converter for 19.99. So if you want to find out more on these then visit www.codejunkies.com.