question about master codes

[xhul]

Welcome.

I'm currently in the process of gathering some action replay codes for popular titles, from the web.
During my search, i came across some sets without master codes multiple times, and i'm not sure if people just forgot to specify those or not.
Unfortunately, i can't test anything right now, so here's what i'd like to know:
Is at least 1 master code required for regular codes to actually work?
If no, is a regular (non-master) "enable" code required as a replacement?

Thanks in advance for your time =]

 

[privateye]

Is at least 1 master code required for regular codes to actually work?

Master code is required to use cheat codes on real hardware, technical details are available here and in section 12x of the Pseudo Saturn Kai readme. Emulators can directly modify memory so they don't require it.

If no, is a regular (non-master) "enable" code required as a replacement?

Enable code basically acts like an if-statement as it activates all other codes only when a given address contains a specific value. This functionality is an essential component of these codes that allow Radiant Silvergun to be practiced way more easily on real hardware; technical details are available in the second spoiler.

 

[xhul]

Hello privateye, thanks a lot for the reply, it's much appreciated.

Master code is required to use cheat codes on real hardware.

That was my thought initially, but it seems there's at least 1 exception, please continue reading.

Enable code basically acts like an if-statement as it activates all other codes only when a given address contains a specific value. This functionality is an essential component of these codes that allow Radiant Silvergun to be practiced way more easily on real hardware; technical details are available in the second spoiler.

According to everything i've gathered so far, conditional codes seem to be interpreted in 2 pretty different ways:

- Inside the cheat entry, the conditional code is followed by at least 1 regular code (just like in the link about Radiant Silvergun you posted).
In that case, the condition basically determines in which context the other code(s) in the entry should be executed, and doesn't affect other entries whatsoever.

- Inside the cheat entry, the conditional code isn't followed by anything (way less common).
In that case, the entry is usually labelled "enable code (must be on)", and the condition appears to affect all other entries.
Furthermore, when an enable code is present and on, master codes don't seem to be required, at least not always.
Here's a good example: https://gamehacking.org/game/82542
I tested the "invulnerable" cheat with no master code at all (master code quantity 0 in the data), and it worked just fine on real hardware (AR4M+).
So, what i'd like to know, is if the enable code itself is the reason why no master code is needed.
It could also be that when there's no master code, the firmware uses a default one, but i'm not sure about that at all...