Sunset Riders is a retro western shoot-em-up from the arcade era. The arcade version was released in 1991. In 1992 and 1993 respectively, it was ported on the Sega Genesis and SNES. As of June 2020, this run-and-gun is available on more modern consoles, like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.
This title received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and players. In Japan, it was even one of the most successful arcade games of the year. Sunset Riders has been praised for its well-done animation, vivid graphics, and imaginative characters. This fun romp is just as fun to play now as it was 20 years ago.
Sunset Riders Premise
In this vibrant wild, wild west, four bounty hunters make it their mission to take down the most wanted and dangerous outlaws around. The money doesn’t hurt of course. At the beginning of each stage, players are shown the wanted poster for that stage’s boss. But to get to them, their gang of outlaws must be defeated.
Players must not only defeat the minions and their leader but also win minigames, explore a moving train, ride on horseback, and collect power-ups.
Sunset Riders Main Characters
Sunset Riders has four playable characters to choose from. Each one has their own bright and quirky color scheme and design. The different cowboys also have their own unique weapons.
- Steve: This yellow-themed bounty hunter wields a pistol that shoots slower but more powerful bullets than Billy’s.
- Billy: This bounty hunter has a Western accent and carries a pistol.
- Bob: This southern bounty hunter wields a rifle.
- Cormano: This bounty hunter dons a red poncho and carries a shotgun that shoots a wide spread of projectiles.
Sunset Riders Cheat Codes
Sunset Riders has multiple different cheat codes for the SNES and Sega Genesis versions. It also has a few exploits that work on all versions of the game. We broke them down for you below.
SNES Cheat Codes
| Effect | Code |
| Extra Lives | Press the R, L, R, L, R, L, A, R, L, R, L, R, L, and Y buttons. You can not select up to 5 Continues and 5 Rests |
| Extra Continues (single-player game) | When you are out of Continues and before your last death, press Start on Controller 2 |
| Stage Select & Sound Test | On the Character Select screen, press L, L, L, L, L, R, R, R, R, and R. Now select your character |
| Start Last Level | In the Options menu use the D-Pad to enter the code Left, Left, Left, Up, Up, Right, Right, Right, Right, and Right. |
SNES Game Genie Codes
| Effect | Code |
| Infinite Lives | 3C32-3DDF |
| Invincibility | DDE3-3DAD |
| Never Lose Weapon’s Power-Up | AJKA – AA4L |
| Unlimited Credits | AJGA – CA3T |
SNES Action Replay Codes
| Effect | Code |
| Infinite Lives (Player 1) | 7E1FBA06 |
| Infinite Lives (Player 2) | 7E1FBC06 |
| Have 2 Guns (Player 1) | 7E014404 |
| Have 2 Guns (Player 2) | 7E014806 |
| Rapid Fire (Player 1) | 7E014604 |
| Rapid Fire (Player 2) | 7E014A06 |
| Player 1 play as Steve | 7E1F6800 |
| Player 1 play as Billy | 7E1F6801 |
| Player 1 play as Bob | 7E1F6802 |
| Player 1 play as Cormano | 7E1F6803 |
| Player 1 play as Shadow Glitch | 7E1F6804 |
| Float through the air (Must turn on mid air) | 7E01C800 |
| Player 1 Unlimited Lives | 7E1FBA09 |
| Player 1 Invincibility | 7E01400A |
| Player 1 always fires powered-up shots | 7E014806 |
| Player 1 high jump | 7E02E001 |
| Player 2 Unlimited Lives | 7E1FBC09 |
| Player 2 Invincibility | 7E01420A |
| Player 2 always fires powered-up shots | 7E014A06 |
| Player 2 high jump | 7E02E201 |
| Player 2 play as Steve | 7E1F6A00 |
| Player 2 play as Billy | 7E1F6A01 |
| Player 2 play as Bob | 7E1F6A02 |
| Player 2 play as Cormano | 7E1F6A03 |
Sega Genesis Cheat Codes
| Effect | Code |
| Extra Lives | Press the R, L, R, L, R, L, A, R, L, R, L, R, L, and Y buttons. You can not select up to 5 Continues and 5 Rests |
| Stage Select & Sound Test | On the Character Select screen, press L, L, L, L, L, R, R, R, R, and R. Now select your character |
| Start with 99 Continues | In the Options menu, set the sound level to 0E and press A. Start the game and pick your character. When the character looks up, press A, B, and C at the exact same time. |
Unfortunately, there are no cheat codes for the modern Nintendo Switch or PlayStation 4 versions.
Unlockables and Exploits on All Platforms
- Hard Mode: Beat the game on the base difficulty
- Very Hard Mode: Beat the game on the Hard difficulty
Arcade Easter Egg
- Alternate Hat for Cormano: After defeating El Greco, Cormano will catch El Greco’s hat and wear it from now on
Sunset Riders Cheat Code FAQ
Does Sunset Riders have cheat codes?
Yes! Sunset Riders has several different cheat codes depending on which platform you are on. It also has a few exploits or unlockables that work on all versions.
What is Action Replay?
Action Replay is a cheat device that allows players to input different cheats and passwords for multiple different consoles like SNES, Game Cube, Commodore 64, GameBoy Advanced, and so much more. They manipulate the memory of the game code itself to allow cheats like infinite health, more powerful weapons, and even saving the game when it is not intended to have a save mechanic.
What is a Game Genie?
A Game Genie is another cheat device, similar to the Action Replay, that was released in 1990. They are available for many retro consoles like the NES, SNES, original Game Boy, Genesis, and more.