Dynamite Headdy (Game Gear, Sega Master System)

Although not as popular as the Genesis game, the 8-bit adaptation of Dynamite Headdy is a good game in its own right.

Sub-Page#

Prototype Info Prerelease Info

Debugging Functions#

Sound Test#

Change the value at RAM address C51C to 01 at the title screen (or use the PAR code 00C51C:01) to enable a basic sound test. The numbers won't be visible unless you change C522 to 01 (or use the PAR code 00C522:01) and press Start on the title screen, which will cause the screen to fade out and back in to reveal the numbers. The latter doesn't work in the Sega Master System version for some reason.

Stage Select#

Change the value at RAM address C51C to FF at the title screen (or use the PAR code 00C51C:FF) to enable a basic stage select. The numbers won't be visible unless you change C522 to 01 (or use the PAR code 00C522:01) and press Start on the title screen, which will cause the screen to fade out and back in to reveal the numbers. The latter doesn't work in the Sega Master System version for some reason.

No Damage#

Change the value at RAM address C378 to 01 (or use the PAR code 00C378:01). This allows you to pass through enemies and hazards, and it also prevents you from losing health when falling in bottomless pits.

Unused Graphics#

This needs some investigation. Discuss ideas and findings on the talk page. Specifically: Is it possible to load this on the title screen?

Some tiles that read: ノーマル(normal) NoDMG. These are loaded into the VRAM on the title screen. "NoDMG" is likely an abbreviation for "No Damage", so these graphics are possibly related to the aforementioned no damage function.

Regional Differences#

To do: Document more regional differences like different sprites and music. I'm pretty sure some of the bosses have different HP values and behaviours in the international version, too.

Like the original Genesis version, the game got some adjustments for the overseas release. However, the porting team did miss some changes the original got for the international version. For example, Rebecca is a doll in all versions and Trouble Bruin retains Maruyama's happy expression.

Title Screen#

Japanese	International

Trademarks were added to the title screen in the international version, alongside adding some extra colour to the text.

Intro#

The international version has a text intro that's completely absent in the Japanese version! In the Japanese release, pressing Start on the title instantly begins the first level.

Score Tally#

Japanese	International

The score tally after beating a level was changed to better resemble the Genesis version. "Stage-P" and "Clear-P" were combined into "Stage Points" and an out-of counter was added to "Secret Bonus".

Level Names#

As with the Genesis original, the level names were changed between versions. However, most of the new names are not the same as the Genesis version; generally the levels that got different names in the Japanese version compared to the Genesis original also got brand new names.

Continue and Game Over Sequence#

In the Japanese version, after the player loses their last life, they will be sent to the game over screen first and then the continue screen. Refusing to continue, the player will be sent to the SEGA logo screen. In the International version, the sequence is reversed. After the player loses their last life, they will be sent to the continue screen first. Refusing to continue, the player will be sent to the game over screen, then the SEGA logo screen.

Sega Master System Version#

A Sega Master System port was made exclusively in Brazil by Tec Toy. It is based on the international version of the game but contains a few changes due to the hardware differences between the two systems, the most obvious being the increased screen resolution and reduced colour palette. Additionally, all music was reduced from stereo (when using headphones) to mono in the Master System version.

Company Logos#

The Game Gear version displays logos for both Sega and Treasure on boot. These were removed in the Master System version.

Title Screen#

Game Gear	Sega Master System

The game's logo and the curtains on the title screen were redrawn to take advantage of the larger screen resolution. The copyright year was also updated.

Intro/Ending#

Game Gear	Sega Master System

The intro and ending now have screen borders.

Level Names#

Most level names are the same as the international Game Gear version, except for "Toys n the Hood", which was changed back to "Puppet Town."

In-Game#

Game Gear	Sega Master System

As mentioned above, the Master System version runs at a higher resolution.

Boss Fights#

Game Gear	Sega Master System

Boss arenas are the same size but now have extra detail to take advantage of the extra screen space.

Stage Intro/Score Tally#

Game Gear	Sega Master System

Some extra detail was added to the stage intro and score tally screens.