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

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 distinct shape of the N64 controller and the intense rivalry that sparked whenever someone selected the notorious character Oddjob. Our team at 2Bluebox recalls those late nights in 1997 perfectly, and we are here to explore why GoldenEye 007 Oddjob cheating became a universal rule among friends and how this masterpiece by Rareware changed gaming forever.

But before we dive into the cheats and secrets, we have to acknowledge what this game actually represents. GoldenEye 007 (Nintendo 64) is arguably the most important First-Person Shooter (FPS) in console history. Before its release, the industry believed FPS games belonged strictly on PC with a mouse and keyboard. Rareware proved them wrong. They demonstrated that an FPS could play perfectly on a controller and, more importantly, they popularized the 4-player Multiplayer Split-Screen mode. This turned the N64 into the ultimate party machine, crowning GoldenEye as the undisputed king of sleepovers and dorm rooms for years to come.

GoldenEye’s iconic intro—instant nostalgia for every N64 sleepover.

In this extensive guide, we will uncover the mysteries that have fascinated players for decades, including the elusive citadel secret level and the complex button combinations required for GoldenEye N64 cheats unlock all. Whether you are a veteran looking to relive the glory days or a new collector wanting to buy Nintendo 64 controllers Australia or even finding the best retro game console to emulate it, this article provides the solutions and nostalgia you seek. We will also dive into the technical brilliance of Rareware history and the mechanics of Multiplayer Split Screen FPS gaming.

1. Why is choosing Oddjob considered the ultimate betrayal in GoldenEye 007 multiplayer?

This is the question that has ended friendships and caused more arguments than any other topic in the history of the Nintendo 64. When we talk about GoldenEye 007 Oddjob cheating, we are not discussing a glitch or a hack; we are talking about a fundamental design oversight that gave one player a distinct mathematical advantage. To understand this, we must look at the data and the mechanics of the game engine itself 🛑

In the multiplayer ecosystem of GoldenEye 007, most characters share a standard height and hitbox. Bond, Trevelyan, and the various guards all stand at a level where the auto-aim system of the game functions predictably. However, Oddjob is significantly shorter. He is the bodyguard with the steel-rimmed hat, and his diminutive stature is his greatest weapon.

The Auto-Aim Problem

The core issue lies in the auto-aim mechanic. In GoldenEye, your crosshair is programmed to naturally snap to the center of mass (chest or head) of an opponent with standard height. For standard characters, this works perfectly. However, when you face Oddjob, the auto-aim logic fails. Because he is so short, the bullets from the auto-aim system will fly harmlessly over his head.

Oddjob sits below the game’s “centre-mass” auto-aim—so shots that should land often sail right over him.

To hit him, the player is forced to change their playstyle drastically. You cannot just run and gun. You are forced to stop moving, hold the R button to enter Manual Aim mode, and physically tilt the analog stick to angle your gun barrel downward.

In a fast-paced shooter where movement is life, holding that R button and standing still is a death sentence. While you are struggling to aim at the floor, the Oddjob player—who suffers no penalty aiming at your full-sized body—can strafe around you and finish you off. This creates a scenario where skill is negated by character choice, which is a common topic of discussion when reviewing modern console portable gaming devices that run these classic titles.

We at 2Bluebox believe that the developers at Rare realized this too late. In fact, lead gameplay programmer Mark Edmonds and the team have admitted in later interviews that they knew choosing Oddjob was effectively cheating and broke the game balance. However, in true Rareware fashion, they decided to keep him in simply because they thought it was funny.

The following table breaks down the hitbox differences:

The data clearly shows that the advantage is quantifiable. Using Oddjob forces your opponent to engage in complex mechanical inputs just to land a single hit, while you can play normally. That is the definition of an unfair advantage.

2. How do you perform the GoldenEye N64 cheats to unlock all features without beating the time trials?

Back in 1997, unlocking cheats in GoldenEye 007 was a badge of honor. You had to beat levels on 00 Agent difficulty under grueling time limits. Beating the Facility level in under 2:05 to unlock Invincibility remains one of the hardest challenges in gaming. However, for those of us who want to enjoy the chaos without the stress, there is another way: the push-button codes 🎮

DK Mode (Big Head)—the most recognisable GoldenEye cheat effect ever.

These codes require precise inputs on the Nintendo 64 controller. Whether you are using an original pad or mapping buttons on a modern TV game console, we must emphasize that these codes must be entered at the Cheat Menu (or during gameplay for some variants) and usually require holding multiple buttons simultaneously. It is a finger-twisting exercise that highlights the unique design of the controller.

Here is the updated and verified list of the most essential codes. We have tested these specific sequences at the 2Bluebox testing station to ensure accuracy as of November 2025.

The Golden Rule of Input:
You generally need to hold down buttons like L and R while pressing specific C-buttons. We recommend using two hands or placing the controller on a flat surface. These must be entered quickly.

Validated Cheat Code Table

Note: In the sequences above, C-Right means pressing the Right C-button. R + Left means holding the Right Trigger and pressing Left on the D-Pad/Stick depending on context.

These codes are a part of Rareware history. They show that the developers wanted to leave backdoors for testing. Today, using these GoldenEye N64 cheats unlock all methods is a great way to explore the levels and appreciate the texture work and level design without fear of dying. If you are playing on a modern device, checking a retro game console with built-in games list often reveals that these cheats work perfectly on emulated versions as well.

3. What is the truth behind the Citadel secret level and can you actually play it?

Among retro gaming myths, the citadel secret level in GoldenEye 007 stands tall as a Holy Grail. For years, screenshots appeared in magazines showing a level that did not exist in the campaign or multiplayer. Players scoured the game code, looking for a way to unlock it legally. The reality is both fascinating and slightly tragic 🕵️♂️

The Citadel was buried deep in the source code of the game cartridge. It is a multiplayer map that was never finished. Unlike the polished corridors of the Facility, the Citadel features strange, experimental architecture. It is filled with steep ramps and high platforms that seem to test the limits of the N64 verticality.

Visually, it is a ghost town. The level lacks proper surface textures, leaving it looking barren and geometric. It feels like a sketch rather than a painting. It cannot be accessed through normal gameplay or standard button cheats. To walk its halls, you must use a GameShark device to hack the memory addresses of the game.

Video: Exploring GoldenEye’s hidden Citadel level (unfinished map). Source: Goose’s Gamer Folklore.

Experts and data miners believe that the Citadel was likely a testing ground (Test Bed) for movement mechanics or perhaps a King of the Hill style mode that was scrapped at the last minute due to time constraints. We at 2Bluebox have explored the Citadel using modern emulation tools, which is why devices like the R36S or the best retro handheld are so popular for deep dives into code like this. Walking through it gives you a profound sense of connection to the developers. You can see their thought process in the weird angles and unfinished bridges. It is a piece of history frozen in code.

Source: Information regarding the Citadel level structure is verified by The Cutting Room Floor, a reputable resource for unused game content.

4. Why did the N64 controller C buttons change the FPS genre forever?

When discussing GoldenEye 007, we cannot ignore the hardware. The Nintendo 64 controller is often mocked today for its three-pronged shape, but for First-Person Shooters (FPS), it was revolutionary. The secret sauce was the n64 controller c buttons.

Before GoldenEye, console shooters were clumsy. They often used a D-pad for movement, which felt digital and stiff. GoldenEye utilized the analog stick for movement (or looking, depending on the control style), but the genius was in mapping strafing to the C-buttons.

The default control scheme (1.1 Honey) used the analog stick to look and turn, and the C-Left and C-Right buttons to strafe. This allowed for a degree of movement fluidity that PC gamers enjoyed with mouse and keyboard but console gamers had never experienced. However, the pro strategy—often called the Solitaire style (1.2)—flipped this. It used the analog stick for movement and the C-buttons for looking.

The 1.2 “Solitaire” setup—an early blueprint for modern dual-stick FPS controls.

This control scheme effectively mimicked the modern dual-stick setup we see on PlayStation, Xbox, and other game consoles today, years before it became the industry standard. The C-buttons acted as the right analog stick. This innovation allowed players to circle-strafe—moving sideways while keeping their aim locked on a target.

This mechanic is crucial for advanced play. If you are looking to buy Nintendo 64 controllers Australia, it is vital to check the condition of the analog stick. A loose stick makes the precision required for this control scheme impossible. At 2Bluebox, we always recommend refurbishing original controllers or buying high-quality modern replacements that mimic the original signal range to get the true GoldenEye experience. For those who prefer a more portable form factor, a modern game stick can often be configured to replicate this feel using dual analog nubs.

5. What makes Multiplayer Split Screen FPS gaming superior to modern online play?

In an era of high-speed internet and battle royales, there is a growing sentiment that we have lost something special. Multiplayer Split Screen FPS gaming offers a social experience that online gaming simply cannot replicate 📺

First, there is the lack of latency. When you shoot in GoldenEye, the action happens instantly on the console next to you. There is no server lag, no packet loss, and no netcode excuses. If you miss, you missed. This purity of gameplay is refreshing in 2025.

Second, the psychological warfare is real. In split-screen, screen cheating (looking at your opponent is screen to see where they are) is not a hack; it is a skill. You have to play the game while simultaneously processing four distinct viewports. It forces you to keep moving. You cannot camp in a bathroom with proximity mines forever because everyone knows exactly where you are. This dynamic creates a frenetic, fast-paced rhythm that modern shooters discourage, similar to the intensity found in a retro arcade game console or classic arcade machines.

And let us not forget the physical interaction. The joy of knocking the controller out of your friend hand or the collective groan when someone picks the Golden Gun scenario creates memories. At 2Bluebox, we believe that the resurgence of retro gaming is driven by a desire for this tangible connection.

6. How did Rareware history shape the development of this licensed game?

Rareware history is a tale of ambition and technical wizardry. When Nintendo tasked Rare with creating a game console game based on the Bond film, the team was surprisingly inexperienced. Many of the developers on the GoldenEye team had never worked on a game before.

This lack of experience turned out to be their greatest asset. They did not know what was impossible on the Nintendo 64. They did not know that console shooters were supposed to be on-rails (like Virtua Cop). Initially, GoldenEye was planned as an on-rails shooter. However, the team innovated, pushing for a free-roaming environment that rewarded stealth and precision.

They implemented features that were unheard of: hit-reaction animations (shoot a guard in the leg, he hops; shoot him in the hand, he drops his gun), zoomable sniper scopes, and mission objectives that changed based on difficulty. This layered complexity meant that playing on 00 Agent was a completely different game than playing on Agent, not just harder. This depth is what separates it from a simple retro gameboy title; it was a full simulation.

Rareware proved that licensed games did not have to be cheap cash-grabs. They set a standard of quality that arguably has not been surpassed in the Bond franchise since.

7. How to buy Nintendo 64 controllers in Australia and verify their quality?

For our Australian readers, finding quality hardware is a specific challenge. The keyword buy Nintendo 64 controllers Australia often leads to cheap knock-offs. Here is how to navigate the market in 2025 🛒

When looking for controllers, the stick is everything. The original N64 optical encoders wear down, turning the stick into a loose, grinding mess.

1. Originals: Look for tight stick descriptions. Expect to pay a premium.
2. Replacements: Brands like Brawler64 or Tribute64 offer modern ergonomic designs that work on original hardware. They are excellent for long sessions.
3. Expansion Pak: Do not forget to check the n64 expansion pak price. While GoldenEye does not require the Expansion Pak (unlike Perfect Dark or Donkey Kong 64), having one is essential for any serious N64 collection. In Australia, prices have risen, so look for bundles.

You might also consider looking for a retro game console or a game console solution that comes pre-loaded. For example, the R36S games list is often extensive and includes these classics. If you are unsure about which device to choose, our gamestick pro review breaks down the performance of N64 emulation on budget hardware. Alternatively, for a more robust setup, a game stick pro might be the answer. We always advise checking local retro game stores in Melbourne and Sydney or trusted online marketplaces that offer buyer protection. Avoid listings that use stock photos; always ask to see the actual connector and joystick.

8. Detailed Analysis of Weapons and Strategies

To truly master the game, one must understand the tools. Here is a breakdown of the iconic arsenal 🔫

Using the Klobb to defeat an opponent wielding an RC-P90 is the ultimate flex in GoldenEye culture.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is it really cheating to use Oddjob in GoldenEye 007?
A: Yes. The developers have admitted it, and the mechanics prove it. The auto-aim flies over his head, forcing opponents to stop and use manual aim (R button), which puts them at a severe disadvantage.

Q: Can I play the Citadel level on a standard N64 cartridge?
A: No, you cannot unlock it through normal gameplay. You must use a cheat device like a GameShark to access the memory address where the level is stored. It is an unfinished map with missing textures.

Q: What is the best control style for GoldenEye 007?
A: Modern players often prefer the 1.2 Solitaire style. This moves movement to the analog stick and looking to the C-buttons, which closely mimics modern dual-stick shooter controls.

Q: Where can I find GoldenEye 007 cheats to unlock all levels?
A: You can use the button combinations detailed in the 'How do you perform the GoldenEye N64 cheats' section of this article. These involve holding L + R and pressing specific sequences quickly.

Q: Does the N64 Expansion Pak improve GoldenEye 007?
A: No. GoldenEye 007 does not utilize the Expansion Pak for higher resolution or framerate. That feature was implemented in Rare next shooter, Perfect Dark.

10. Conclusion

GoldenEye 007 on the Nintendo 64 remains a masterpiece not because it is perfect, but because its imperfections—like the goldeneye 007 oddjob cheating phenomenon—created a unique culture. It taught us the joy of local multiplayer, the thrill of unlocking secrets like the citadel secret level, and the satisfaction of mastering a complex controller.

At 2Bluebox, we believe that revisiting these games keeps the history alive. Whether you are dusting off your old cartridge or setting up an emulator on a retro gaming consoles device, the fun of chasing someone through the Complex with a proximity mine never fades. The game stands as a testament to Rareware history and their ability to turn constraints into creativity.

So, grab your controllers (preferably not the player three controller with the broken stick), call your friends, and remember: No Oddjob allowed.

11. Further Reading & Resources

To ensure the accuracy of the historical facts and technical mechanics presented in this article, we have referenced the following specific sources:

1. On the "Oddjob is Cheating" Confirmation:

• Quote: '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 on their own rules?' — Karl Hilton (Lead Environment Artist).
• Source Article: Rare devs confirm using GoldenEye's Oddjob is cheating... 21 years later
• Website: ShackNews
• Direct Link: https://www.shacknews.com/article/106872/rare-devs-confirm-using-goldeneyes-oddjob-is-cheating-21-years-later

2. On the Unfinished "Citadel" Level Data:

• Quote: 'Citadel is a rough, unfinished level... There are no weapon placements or object placements... The level geometry is very simple and blocky.'
• Source Page: GoldenEye 007 (Nintendo 64)/Levels
• Website: The Cutting Room Floor (TCRF)
• Direct Link: https://tcrf.net/GoldenEye_007_(Nintendo_64)

3. On Control Styles (1.2 Solitaire) & Speedrun Mechanics:

• Context: Analysis of why the 1.2 control style (Analog to Move, C-Buttons to Look) provides superior movement speed and strafing capabilities compared to the default 1.1 style.
• Source Page: Control Styles - GoldenEye 007
• Website: GoldenEye Fandom Wiki
• Direct Link: https://goldeneye.fandom.com/wiki/Control_style

4. On Development Team & Release Credits:

• Context: Complete verification of the Rareware development team roles, including Mark Edmonds (gameplay) and David Doak (design), ensuring accurate attribution of the game mechanics.
• Source Page: GoldenEye 007 (1997) Credits
• Website: MobyGames
• Direct Link: https://www.mobygames.com/game/3528/goldeneye-007/credits/n64/

(This article was updated in November 2025 to reflect the latest market trends for retro hardware and community discoveries).