Sound test
Encyclopedia
A sound test is a function built into the options screen of many video games.
This function was originally meant to test whether the game's music and sounds would function correctly, as well as giving the player the ability to compare samples played in Monaural
, Stereophonic and later Surround sound.
In modern times, most sound tests function mostly as a jukebox
to listen to the game's music, sound effects, and voice tracks for enjoyment. It is also sometimes used as a place to enter cheat codes.
In some games, a cheat code might be necessary to reach the sound test screen (such as in Sonic the Hedgehog 3
), or some other specific method is needed to unlock it, such as "buying" it with earned credit for achievements in-game.
In other games, the sound test is unrelated to cheat codes and is often the last (or among the last) items to be unlocked. Alternatively, in some games the sound test is available from the beginning, and expands as the player encounters new sounds or music during normal gameplay.
This function was originally meant to test whether the game's music and sounds would function correctly, as well as giving the player the ability to compare samples played in Monaural
Monaural
Monaural or monophonic sound reproduction is single-channel. Typically there is only one microphone, one loudspeaker, or channels are fed from a common signal path...
, Stereophonic and later Surround sound.
In modern times, most sound tests function mostly as a jukebox
Jukebox
A jukebox is a partially automated music-playing device, usually a coin-operated machine, that will play a patron's selection from self-contained media...
to listen to the game's music, sound effects, and voice tracks for enjoyment. It is also sometimes used as a place to enter cheat codes.
Sound test and cheat codes
Some games feature cheat codes related to the sound test. Usually, songs need to be played in a particular order. For instance, in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, it is possible to select levels in this manner.In some games, a cheat code might be necessary to reach the sound test screen (such as in Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a 1994 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was developed in the United States by members of Sonic Team working at Sega Technical Institute, and was published by Sega, debuting worldwide in the first half of 1994...
), or some other specific method is needed to unlock it, such as "buying" it with earned credit for achievements in-game.
In other games, the sound test is unrelated to cheat codes and is often the last (or among the last) items to be unlocked. Alternatively, in some games the sound test is available from the beginning, and expands as the player encounters new sounds or music during normal gameplay.