Why Choosing Oddjob is Cheating: The Untold Secrets of GoldenEye 007 N64

2Bluebox GoldenEye 007 Oddjob cheating banner showing James Bond standing next to the shorter Oddjob character on N64
2Bluebox GoldenEye 007 Oddjob cheating banner showing James Bond standing next to the shorter Oddjob character on N64

Quick Answer: Choosing Oddjob is cheating because his short height breaks the game's auto-aim. Learn why this happens, unlock all cheats with button codes, and find out how to play GoldenEye 007 today on the R36S Handheld ($79.99) or Game Stick 4K ($59.98).

GoldenEye 007 is not just a game; it is the cornerstone of retro gaming consoles that defined a generation. If you are reading this, you likely remember the intense rivalry that sparked whenever someone selected the notorious character Oddjob.

Before we dive into the cheats and secrets, we have to acknowledge what this game represents. Rareware proved that an FPS could play perfectly on a controller, popularizing the 4-player Multiplayer Split-Screen mode. In this guide, we uncover the mystery of the Citadel secret level, the "Unlock All" button codes, and how to play it on modern hardware like the R36S.

GoldenEye 007 N64 title screen with the gun barrel swirl. GoldenEye’s iconic intro—instant nostalgia for every N64 sleepover.

1. Why is Choosing Oddjob Considered Cheating?

It's not just a complaint—it's a mathematical fact. Oddjob breaks the game's auto-aim system.

When we talk about Oddjob cheating, we are discussing a fundamental design oversight. In GoldenEye, your crosshair is programmed to snap to the center of mass (chest) of a standard opponent. However, Oddjob is significantly shorter.

GoldenEye 007 multiplayer screenshot showing Oddjob at a distance. Oddjob sits below the game’s “centre-mass” auto-aim—so shots sail right over him.

Because he is short, bullets from the auto-aim system fly harmlessly over his head. To hit him, you must stop moving, hold the R button to aim manually, and tilt the stick down. While you are struggling to aim, the Oddjob player can strafe and eliminate you effortlessly. Rareware developers have since admitted they knew it was cheating but kept it in for fun (Source: Shacknews).


2. GoldenEye N64 Cheats: Unlock All Features

Skip the grueling time trials. Use these button codes to unlock Invincibility and DK Mode instantly.

Back in 1997, you had to beat levels on 00 Agent under impossible time limits. Today, you can use button codes at the Cheat Menu. Note: L and R refer to the shoulder buttons; C-buttons are the yellow directional buttons.

Cheat Name Button Sequence (Enter Fast) Effect
DK Mode L + R + Up, C-Right, R + Left, R + Up, Up, R + Right, Up, L + R + C-Down, L + R + Down, L + R + C-Left Big Heads & Arms
Invincibility L + Down, R + C-Right, R + C-Up, L + Right, L + C-Down, R + C-Up, L + Right, R + Down, L + Left, L + R + C-Right God Mode
Invisibility R + C-Left, L + R + C-Up, L + Right, L + R + C-Left, R + C-Up, L + C-Down, L + R + Left, R + C-Right, L + C-Up, L + R + C-Down Stealth Mode
Table 1: Validated Cheat Codes for GoldenEye 007 (N64). GoldenEye 007 DK Mode GIF.

3. The Citadel Secret Level: Fact or Fiction?

The lost multiplayer map that was never finished.

The Citadel was buried deep in the source code. It is an unfinished multiplayer map featuring strange, experimental architecture. It cannot be accessed through normal gameplay, only via GameShark codes or modern emulation hacks.

Video: Exploring GoldenEye’s hidden Citadel level. (Credit: Goose’s Gamer Folklore)

Data miners believe it was a testing ground for movement mechanics. Walking through it feels like visiting a ghost town of development history (Source: The Cutting Room Floor).


4. How to Play GoldenEye Today (Modern Hardware)

Don't buy an old N64. Play with modern controls and HDMI output.

Option A: The R36S Handheld ($79.99 USD)

The R36S is perfect for solo play. We recommend re-mapping the controls so the right analog stick acts as the C-buttons, giving you modern dual-stick aiming controls.

Option B: The Game Stick Pro ($59.98 USD)

For multiplayer split-screen fun, the Game Stick 4K plugs into your TV and comes with two wireless controllers. It upscales the image to look great on modern screens.

👉 Play Multiplayer on TV

5. The "Solitaire" Control Style (1.2)

The pro strategy was using the 1.2 Solitaire control style. This used the analog stick for movement and the C-buttons for looking. This effectively mimicked modern dual-stick shooters years before it became standard, allowing for "circle-strafing".

Hands holding a Nintendo 64 controller showing 1.2 Solitaire layout.

6. Conclusion

No Oddjob allowed!

GoldenEye 007 defined a generation. Whether you are unlocking cheats, exploring the Citadel, or banning Oddjob, the fun is timeless. Modern devices like the R36S and Game Stick Pro keep this history alive.

🛍️ Shop Retro Collection

7. FAQ: GoldenEye Secrets

Is Oddjob really cheating?
Yes.

Rare developers confirmed the auto-aim does not track his height properly, giving him an unfair advantage.

How do I unlock Invincibility?
Button Code or Time Trial.

Beat the Facility level on 00 Agent in under 2:05, or use the button code listed above in the Cheat Menu.

Can I play online multiplayer?
No, local only.

GoldenEye was built for split-screen. Our Game Stick Pro supports 2-player local play out of the box.


8. Further Reading & Resources

We cite trusted sources to ensure accuracy.

"It’s definitely cheating to play as Oddjob... We could have put something in to stop this blatant cheating, but why not just let players decide?"

Context: Developer confirmation of the Oddjob issue.

Article: Rare Devs Confirm Cheating
Source: Shacknews

"Citadel is a rough, unfinished level... The level geometry is very simple and blocky."

Context: Details on the secret level.

Wiki: GoldenEye 007 Levels
Source: The Cutting Room Floor

"Control Styles - GoldenEye 007... explains why 1.2 Solitaire provides superior movement."

Context: Technical breakdown of control schemes.

Wiki: Control Styles
Source: GoldenEye Fandom

Back to blog
Liam Parker | Head of Retro Gaming at 2Bluebox

Liam Parker | Head of Retro Gaming at 2Bluebox

Liam Parker is not just a writer; he is a dedicated retro enthusiast based in Australia. With over a decade of experience dissecting hardware, Liam personally tests every console portable gaming device—from the R36S to the Game Stick Pro—to ensure they meet the high standards of Aussie gamers. His mission is to turn technical specs into honest, easy-to-understand advice.

  • 10+ Years of Expertise: Deep knowledge of emulation, IPS screens, and classic game libraries (GameBoy, PS1, Arcade).

  • Hands-on Reviews: Every handheld game console listed on 2Bluebox is physically tested by Liam for battery life and button responsiveness.

  • Local Insight: Specializes in curating game lists and setup guides specifically for the Australian market.

  • Customer Advocate: Dedicated to helping you find the perfect device for nostalgia, backed by 2Bluebox’s 24/7 support.