What is Hex Editing?
This is probably the most difficult cheat to pull off, because advanced computer knowledge is required from a user. Hex editing allows you to directly alter the game files by changing values stored in the original game files. Hex cheats will usually come with a location (also called address or offset) you need to modify and a value you need to put there. In order to edit files this way, you will need to download a hex editor program. ALWAYS make a backup of the file you’re going to modify!
“Hex editing” is the art of directly editing binary files by using a ‘hex editor’ program that presents the binary file in hexadecimal format (usually with ASCII translation) for your viewing pleasure. If you are not comfortable with computers in general, you should probably not do this, as errors in the format of such edited files can causes crashes in the game. Hex editing was originally the only way to look at a creature’s gene file (or other game related files), and many players continue to use this method to pore over code and figure out how Creatures works. The byte sequences on each gene subtype page are the sorts of things you’d look at (and edit!) in a hex editor window. When I get around to writing an actual tutorial, I’ll include a section on hex editing gene files. In the meantime, BreakPoint Software has a brief “How to Hex Edit” page available. The examples are specific to their program, but it’s a start.
