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Rygar Free Play and High Score Save Kit

Product information "Rygar Free Play and High Score Save Kit"

The HighScoreSaves Rygar Free Play and High Score Save Kit upgrades documented compatible original Tecmo Rygar arcade hardware with permanent Top 10 high score saving, player initials, Free Play, attract sounds, separate score tables, menu-driven settings, Backup and Restore, God Mode, Stealth Mode, ROM Saver, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support while retaining the original Rygar PCB.

Rygar Compatibility & Requirements

Compatible PCB: Documented compatible original Tecmo Rygar arcade PCB
Processor: Compatible Z80 processor installed on the HighScoreSaves daughter card
CPU Transfer: Existing compatible Z80 may be transferred from the original PCB to the daughter card
CPU Socket: Suitable socketed Z80 processor location required for daughter-card installation
ROM Saver: Original program-ROM removal is optional when configured as documented
Cabinet Support: Documented compatible upright and cocktail configurations

Installation: Plug-in installation when the original Z80 location is already properly socketed. Transfer the existing compatible Z80 to the HighScoreSaves daughter card or use a compatible replacement processor, then install the completed daughter card into the original CPU socket. If the Z80 is soldered directly to the PCB, a compatible 40-pin socket must be installed first.

Rygar Settings Menu Video

See how to enter the Rygar settings menu and review the available options and controls.

Rygar Settings Menu Access

With the cabinet powered off, press and hold Player 1 Start. Continue holding Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on, then release the button when prompted on screen.

The settings menu provides access to supported gameplay settings, lives configuration, Free Play, attract sounds, score functions, Backup and Restore, God Mode, Stealth Mode, copyright options, and other kit-specific settings.

What This Kit Adds

Top 10 High Score Save Permanently retains the Top 10 supported Rygar scores with player initials.
Battery-Free Serial EEPROM Retains supported scores and settings after cabinet power is removed without requiring a battery.
Lives-Based Score Tables Maintains separate supported high score tables for 2-, 3-, and 4-life configurations.
Free Play Start games without inserting coins while retaining traditional Coin-Up operation when desired.
Two-Player Free Play Support Rygar supports two-player operation. When using Free Play, both players must be started together for two-player play.
Adjustable Attract Sounds Select supported attract-sound operation at 25%, 50%, or 100% intervals.
Menu-Driven Settings Configure supported gameplay and kit options through the on-screen menu.
Backup & Restore Back up and restore supported high score data through the kit menu.
God Mode Practice with unlimited lives. High score saving is disabled while God Mode is active.
Stealth Mode Hide the normal menu-access prompt for a more stock startup appearance while retaining power-on access to the settings menu.
Copyright Selection Choose supported original-manufacturer or HighScoreSaves copyright display options.
Attract-Mode Protection Uses changing attract content to help reduce prolonged static-screen display.
ROM Saver Supports optional operation without the original program ROMs when configured as documented.
Upright & Cocktail Support Supports documented compatible upright and cocktail configurations.

What's Included

Base Rygar Kit: HighScoreSaves Z80 daughter card for installation at the documented processor location on compatible original Tecmo Rygar hardware. A compatible Z80 is required and may be transferred from the original PCB or selected as a replacement when ordering.
Original Blue Rygar CPU Socket

Documented Rygar boards may use an unusually tight original blue CPU socket. Apply firm, even pressure when seating the daughter card while carefully verifying that every pin enters the socket correctly.

Before applying power, inspect the daughter card from multiple angles and verify Pin 1 orientation, complete seating, and clearance from nearby PCB components and test points.

Standard vs. Wi-Fi Kit

Standard Kit

Stores supported scores and settings locally and provides normal Rygar gameplay, Free Play, menu operation, God Mode, Stealth Mode, Backup and Restore, and local high score saving without requiring an internet connection.

Wi-Fi Enabled Kit

Includes the same local functionality and adds qualifying online leaderboard score submission through the HighScoreSaves platform.

Wi-Fi can be disabled without affecting local score saving or normal gameplay. Wi-Fi-enabled kits use compatible 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks.

Rygar Kit FAQ

Which original PCB does the Rygar kit require?

The kit is specifically designed for documented compatible original Tecmo Rygar arcade PCBs.

How many high scores are saved?

The kit permanently saves the Top 10 supported scores with player initials.

Why are there separate score tables?

Separate supported score tables are maintained for 2-, 3-, and 4-life configurations so scores earned under different lives settings are not combined.

Does Rygar support two-player games in Free Play?

Yes. When using Free Play, both players must be started together for two-player operation.

What is God Mode?

God Mode provides unlimited lives for practice and game exploration. Scores are not saved while God Mode is active.

How do I open the Rygar settings menu?

With cabinet power off, hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on, then release Player 1 Start when prompted on screen.

Does installation require soldering?

No soldering is required for normal daughter-card installation when the original Z80 location already has a suitable socket. If the Z80 is soldered directly to the PCB, a compatible 40-pin socket must be installed first.

Can the original program ROMs be removed?

Program-ROM removal is optional when using the supported ROM Saver configuration. Store any removed original components safely and document their locations.

Is Wi-Fi required?

No. The Standard Save Kit stores supported scores and settings locally. Wi-Fi is optional and adds qualifying online leaderboard score submission.

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1 review

October 4, 2026 9:42 PM

Review with rating of 5 out of 5 stars

Thanks!

The kit installed easily on my original Rygar board and worked right away. High score saving works reliably, and Free Play makes the cabinet much more convenient to use. A worthwhile upgrade that keeps the game feeling original while adding useful features.