đšī¸ Cheats & Secrets
Cheat codes have always been part of the fun with classic SEGA games, and Demolition Man is no exception. Hidden within the game are a few tricks that let you bend the rules - from jumping straight to any level you want, to giving yourself extra advantages when the action gets tough. These cheats don't just make the game easier, they also let you explore stages, practice boss fights, or simply enjoy the chaos in a new way.
Level Select
If you want to skip ahead or practice a specific stage, the game has a handy level select cheat. On the title screen, press:
LSpace
After entering the code, head into the Options menu and you'll be able to choose which level to start from. Perfect for jumping straight into your favorite battles or testing your skills against the tougher stages.
Other cheats
During gameplay, pause the game and enter one of the following codes:
- Level Skip: LKK
- Free lives: SpaceLKL
- Get 5 Grenades: KK
- Get the Shotgun: SpaceSpaceK
- Max Health: KK
These cheats are perfect when you're low on supplies or facing a tough boss. They give you just enough of an edge to push forward without breaking the challenge completely.
đ Did You Know?
đŦ Straight from Hollywood
Demolition Man was one of the rare SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive titles closely tied to a blockbuster film. The developers had to translate big-screen action into 16-bit gameplay, and they managed to keep the rivalry between John Spartan and Simon Phoenix at the center. While the Genesis (Mega Drive) couldn't replicate the film's special effects, it captured the spirit of Stallone vs. Snipes through fast action and memorable set pieces.
đŽ Mixed Gameplay Styles
Most Genesis/Mega Drive action games stuck to one style - usually side-scrolling. Demolition Man stood out because it combined traditional run-and-gun platforming with top-down shooting stages. This change in perspective gave the game variety, forcing players to adapt their tactics and keeping the pace fresh. It almost felt like two games blended into one, which was unusual for the era.
đ Digitized Audio on Genesis/Mega Drive
Hearing voices in a Genesis/Mega Drive game was always a surprise, since the console's sound chip wasn't designed for it. Yet Demolition Man included short digitized voice clips and effects, which added to the cinematic atmosphere. For players in the mid-90s, these little touches helped make the game feel more connected to its movie roots.
đšī¸ Developed by Virgin Games USA
The studio behind the game, Virgin Games USA, had a reputation for fast, fluid action. They were also known for Cool Spot and Global Gladiators, both of which showed off smooth animation and tight controls. Demolition Man followed the same design philosophy, balancing speed with polish, which helped it stand out from many rushed movie tie-ins of the time.
đ Different from Other Versions
While the Genesis/Mega Drive version focused purely on gameplay, the 3DO and PlayStation releases went in another direction. Those versions used full-motion video clips directly from the film, trying to recreate the cinematic experience. In contrast, the Genesis/Mega Drive edition leaned into arcade-style action, which many players felt actually made it the more enjoyable version.
đ Cartridge Release Only
Unlike its CD-based counterparts, the Genesis/Mega Drive version was restricted to cartridge. This meant the developers had limited space for content, forcing them to get creative with level design, audio, and graphics. Despite this, the game managed to feel big and action-packed, showing just how much could be squeezed out of the 16-bit hardware.
đ¨ Distinctive Cover Art
The Genesis/Mega Drive box art showed Stallone and Snipes face-to-face, echoing the movie's theme of two unstoppable forces colliding. It was bold, colorful, and eye-catching - exactly the kind of design that grabbed attention on store shelves. For many kids in the '90s, the cover was enough to convince them to rent or buy the game, even before they saw a screenshot.