The Ins and Outs of Game Cheats

Author: Jessica Kosinski

November 21, 2008

The Ins and Outs of Game Cheats

There's always been a debate over whether or not to use game cheats, ever since video games have existed. What exactly is a game cheat? Who uses them and why? Is it good or bad to use them?

Well, first of all, game cheats are basically any sort of hidden thing to do in a game that you can look up and then do to either get to a secret area, find a secret item or maybe just become invincible so you can get past an area where you're stuck.

Game codes and game cheats are kind of similar, except game codes are usually a series of buttons to push on a console game controller in order to get extra ammo, extra lives or other extra bonuses. Game cheats, on the other hand, might be something like “Go to area X. Talk to person C before person B. Then, go back to person B and talk. Person B will now have a hidden mission for you.”

Then there are game walkthroughs. Game walkthroughs are not the same as game cheats. Game walkthroughs are, however, step by step instructions on how to play a certain game. If you play a game by the walkthrough you'll be sure not to miss anything, but you won't ever be surprised. On the other hand, you might want a walkthrough only if you get stuck somewhere.

So who uses all of these? Well, people who want to play by the book and not miss anything or people who just can't get past that one certain spot in a game might use a walkthrough. Some people actually finish the game once on their own and then read a walkthrough to see what they missed and then replay the game, too. Game codes, meanwhile, are mostly used by console gamers who just want to fly through a game. Sometimes it's just nice to do something to say you've done it. For instance, your game might have a code that turns your character's clothing another color. It doesn't advance the plot, but it can be cool.

Game cheats, though, are a whole other story. There are lots of people that use them and they use them for many different reasons. Sometimes they use them right from the beginning to make sure they unlock all the secrets in a game. Sometimes they go back and replay the game using cheats later. Whatever the reason, there's an endless debate on whether or not game cheats spoil the experience.

Personally, I don't usually approve of game cheats. There are certain situations where I use them, though. For instance, when I play the Sims, I often use a cheat to get more cash, because my Sim is often broke. I also enjoy building ultimate Sim houses, so I often use a cheat that lets me build outside my lot boundaries.

Some game cheats really can spoil the story for you. So, just be aware before you use them. The bottom line is, though, if you like using them, go for it. If you don't, don't bother. It's entirely up to you. They can be helpful or they can spoil the whole experience. It depends on how you feel about them and what you want to use them for.