I played around with Space Harrier 3D today. I guess all I needed was to enter that code with pad 2 (thanks to Joe). I had tried it in the past with pad 1, since no where online does it say a second pad is needed.
First impressions: Difficult! This game is hard. I think this is mostly due, unfortunately, to choppy animation and graphics. One second an enemy shot is way off, the next frame it's in your face and you're dogmeat. I think this game might be more choppy than the SMS port of the original. The background scenery and landscape look better, though. I like the music. There are a few reprisals from the original game and some new tunes as well. I only got a few stages into it today. I have to say, though, there is something strangely compelling about this game, novelty of the 3D aspect aside (since I can't play it that way anyway). This is the original sequel. I like it better than "Space Harrier II" which is far easier.
Joe, have you beaten this one? How many stages are we looking at?