HAL's HyperZone is one of those SNES titles which didn't set the world alight at the time of release but has nonetheless built up a cult following in the years following its release. Much of the game's appeal is down to its innovative use of Mode 7 effects to present a realistic impression of 3D movement, but HAL had plans to make the visual impact even more pronounced.
You see, HyperZone contains stereoscopic 3D support, but it can only be enabled by inputting a cheat code and Nintendo never got around to releasing the hardware needed to make this effect work. This type of visual trickery requires a set of 'active shutter' glasses like the ones released for the 8-bit Famicom in Japan, so it could be that Nintendo initially had plans to release a pair for the SNES, but never did so.
However, it's actually possible to play HyperZone in true 3D – but to do so, you'll need quite a lot of equipment.
The code required to turn on the 3D mode is:
Select, Select, A, B, Select, Select, X, Y, Select, Select, L, R, Up
If entered correctly, the HyperZone title text will change from orange to red. You can then turn the effect off and on again by pressing Select. The catch – beyond the large outlay required to obtain all of the necessary equipment – is that the game contains slowdown which means the 3D effect falls out of sync with the glasses (thanks, Chris Covell). Still, it's pretty neat, right? What an icebreaker at parties this will be!
While the existence of the 3D cheat code has been known for a while, this is the first time we've personally see someone mention that the game is also capable of supporting the 'Famicom 3D System' glasses, too.
Did you already know about the 3D cheat? Did you also know that the 3D Glasses could be used with the game? If so, let us know, smarty pants.
Comments 10
How cool is that?
Is there a way to do it other Wise ?
I have no Space for a Famicom with 3D Glasses
Recently played a bit of HAL's Hole in One Golf.
There's a feature where it draws an isometric model of the course, and it has an option to draw a custom zoom. At that I realized just how much Iwata (presumably) was showing off their skill with that 1991 golf game.
Viewing the video cross-eyed, it works, though the depth effect is pretty subtle here.
I have to view the video at a pretty small size to view it cross-eyed though.
Someone who knows what they're doing can probably produce a video file with the 3D effect working on 3DS though!
Shadowdropping for the 3DS during Gamescom 2021 or what?!
Miss opportunity for Nintendo not releasing this for New 3DS during the glassless 3D days.
If you have a new3DS, open up the web browser, navigate to youtube and watch the video. At the bottom screen you can select what sort of 3D video- choose SBS and revel in the tech of 90s 3D.
I was only aware because I heard Jeremy say it on Retronauts.
Regretting I passed up my one chance to get a pair of the Famicom 3D Glasses (boxed even, I think!) on the cheap many years ago.
I even have a couple of the games (I think 3D World Runner 2 and Cosmic Epsilon).
I presume thus the 3D was better in Highway Star than the crappy cardboard glasses replacement in Rad Racer?
It can probably be played on a 3d lcd/led tv through emulation!
I wish this were properly supported.
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