E.T Interplanetary Mission for the PS1 from 2002 includes a secret way access the credits of the game with a code (R2, R1, L2, L1 on the pause screen), in which, for some reason, includes this message in it. Somehow this game still got a ESRB rating of E.
Unlocking the Mystery: E.T. Interplanetary Mission’s Hidden Credits and Its Surprising ESRB Rating
When it comes to hidden secrets in retro games, E.T. Interplanetary Mission for the PlayStation 1 (2002) holds an underrated gem. This forgotten platformer, developed by Heavy Iron Studios and published by TDK Mediactive, features a bizarre Easter egg: a secret code that instantly unlocks the game’s credits, accompanied by an eerie message. What’s more surprising? The game earned an ESRB rating of “E” (Everyone) despite this cryptic addition. Here’s a deep dive into the mystery.
What Is E.T. Interplanetary Mission?
Released near the tail end of the PS1’s lifespan, E.T. Interplanetary Mission was an ambitious 3D platformer based on Steven Spielberg’s iconic alien. Players guided E.T. through vibrant alien worlds to save his home planet from environmental collapse, collecting artifacts and solving puzzles. While the game received mixed reviews for clunky controls, it became a cult favorite for its quirky charm—and its unexpected secrets.
The Secret Credit Code: R2, R1, L2, L1
Like many PS1-era titles, Interplanetary Mission hides a developer Easter egg accessible via a button combo. Here’s how to unlock it:
- Pause the game during gameplay.
- Press R2, R1, L2, L1 in sequence (shoulder buttons only).
- The game will instantly cut to the credits.
But the credits sequence isn’t just a standard roll—it’s punctuated by a mysterious message in bold text:
“Yup, you found the secret… or maybe it found you?”
The tone of the message feels oddly ominous, almost breaking the fourth wall. Was it a playful jab from developers? A glitch? Theories abound, but no official explanation exists.
Why Did This Game Get an ESRB “E” Rating?
The inclusion of this unsettling message makes the game’s “E for Everyone” ESRB rating puzzling by modern standards. The ESRB evaluates content like violence, language, and themes, awarding “E” to games suitable for ages 6+. E.T. Interplanetary Mission features mild sci-fi action (think E.T. dodging robots), but why wasn’t the cryptic credits message flagged?
- Context Matters: The ESRB likely never saw the message. Rating submissions rely on footage provided by developers, and hidden content like this could have been overlooked.
- Ambiguity Saves the Day: The message’s vague phrasing (“maybe it found you”) may not violate guidelines, as it lacks explicit violence or language.
- Product of Its Time: In the early 2000s, ESRB processes were less rigorous, and odd Easter eggs were common.
Why This Secret Still Fascinates Gamers
- Nostalgia Factor: PS1-era games thrived on secrets, rewarding exploration with cheats and jokes.
- Weird Yet Wholesome: Unlike edgy content, this Easter egg is family-friendly but strangely haunting—perfect for urban legends.
- Retro Revival: As collectors rediscover PS1 gems, curiosities like this code reignite interest in overlooked titles.
How to Experience the Secret Today
Owners of the original PS1 disc can still trigger the code on a working console. For others, emulators or YouTube playthroughs (search “E.T. PS1 secret credits”) showcase the moment.
Final Thoughts
E.T. Interplanetary Mission’s hidden credits code is a quirky relic of gaming’s past—a blend of humor and mystery that’s innocuous enough to keep its “E” rating but strange enough to spark debates. Whether it’s a developer inside joke or an unintentional oddity, it reminds us that retro games often held secrets far quirkier than modern AAA titles.
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Ready to test the code? Dust off your PS1 or watch a video—and decide whether the secret found you!
