Megadrive/Genesis - 6 button controller

[neorichieb1971]

Hi all,

A couple of games came out on the Genesis and the SNES. Out of those a few like "Zombies ate my neighbors" have a better button configuration on the SNES due to its extra buttons.

So my question is. If you plug a 6 button controller into a Genesis console does it recognize the extra buttons or do you have to play the game with 3 buttons and the other 3 buttons are just "there". I'm guessing it ignores them but just wanted to be sure.

Thanks.

Richie.

[telemetry]

The game has to be specifically coded to take advantage of it (like, ex. Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat). Otherwise the extra buttons do nothing.

[antron]

if you hsve a flashcart you could check for a ROM hack that adds the extra buttons. I know such a thing has been done to alien soldier.

Also: the power plug by Tyco provides full button remapping.

[Turom]

The Genesis controllers that have 6 buttons have a "Mode" button to switch between 3 or 6 layout, it's on the shoulder for the official controller, and beside the Start button on the Arcade stick. Some games like Story of Thor use this button as an extra button and don't use it to switch modes. Super Street Fighter II use the Start Button to toggle between ABC and XYZ when played with a 3 button controller, and plays normally with a 6 buttons one.

In fact each game can have its specific behaviour depending of the controller, but from my experience I always play to all my Genesis games with a 6 buttons controller and most of the time XYZ just do nothing and you can play normally.

[mvsfan]

the tyco power plug is awesome. I have one for my Snes. Only thing is it doesnt work with 3rd party controller without a resistor mod.

on 3rd party controllers the buttons are erratic without the extra resistor.

[Axelay]

The 6-button symbol on the Megadrive boxes is definitely the easiest way to spot compatibility, but like you said, nothing beats actually trying the pad on different titles. Some games really open up with it — Streets of Rage 3 feels completely different when you can trigger the moves instantly without charging. Even some of the Bare Knuckle specials feel smoother that way.

While I was reorganising a few of my imports and retro gear last week, I ended up browsing some French shops I keep bookmarked, including this one:
www.cerise-paris.com

Still one of the best pads Sega ever released for fast inputs.

[Xyga]

On that topic, seems like I've just killed an SJ-6000 playing BKII (Blaze/hardest), can't get B to respond anymore.

It's a JP model with a short cable, SEGA-branded, looks real but could be a clone, dunno. Anyway it's the second 6B pad I've murdered...since the early 90's. :p

[NightSprinter]

On the converse side, some games can be unplayable with a six button controller. Ms. Pac-Man cannot go through openings in mazes, and Forgotten Worlds gives an automatic Game Over on game start. I do know for the former, holding Mode when turning on the system puts the controller in three button mode.

In fact, even SF2 recognized it as a 3button when turned on while holding down Mode.

[mikejmoffitt]

I believe holding down Mode at start is done in the controller, and the Genesis has no idea. It is for games like Ms. Pac-Man which break under those circumstances.

Robotron on Williams Arcade Classics lets you hit mode and switch to 6-button mode, where the buttons act like a second D-Pad. It's a very good port of the game.

[azmun]

Controllers can sometimes be a funny thing. I find it annoying that on PS2, some games require you to use controllers with analog function. In Namco Museum 50th anniversary, I can't freely plug and play with my Hori RAP joystick and must first connect my dualshock 2 pads.