Best way to play PSX Imports

[drauch]

I did a search and couldn't find a thread on this, so I apologize if I missed it. I live in the U.S. and i've been wanting to import a few JP games for some time now, but through countless searching I can never find the best method. I'm not really interested in importing a JP system, but moreso either modding an original Playstation, or a gameshark trick, or even Breaker Pro. What would be the best way? I've done countless searches on the best methods, but I can never find anyone who gives me a solid answer. Any help would be appreciated.

[speedlolita]

If you have a model before the final revision (SCPH-9001) then it'll have a serial port.

There are various devices that allow import booting that plug into the serial port. I'm not 100% on which ones to ge, but other people will know. That would be the easiest for sure.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Pick up one of those cool 3rd-party produced "Goldfinger" cheat devices and you'll be able to play most PSX imports without a hitch (assmuing that you're using a PSX console that does have a built-in parellel port to hook up the Goldfinger device to). SCEI did away with the parellel port on it's SCHP-9000 consoles and on the PSone as well. It'd be better to get your PSX console modded with a proper modchip so it'll play both domestic and import PSX titles with ease.

Innovation's "Super Game Wizard" cheat device works wonders as well on a PSX. I use a chip modded US region PSX with SCHP 5500 model no. in conjuction with a Super Game Wizard cheat device to enable more user options such as:

* The ability to play most PSX FMV files (without the need to complete/beat said PSX game). It's great to watch all the cool PSX Ghost In the Shell FMV clips with said cheat device.

* Play both PSX formatted Redbook & Yellowbook audio files of both BGM tunes & character voiceovers/narration + sound effects

* Check out some hidden JPEG pic files

* Gain access to different game modes that developer or publisher has turned off, etc.

Very handy & versatile PSX cheat device indeed.

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In the USA region PSX version of Raiden Project, SCEA managed to hide the original JPN PSX game versions of Raiden and Raiden II (that were featured in the original JPN PSX version of Raiden Project). They're both selectable if you use a Goldfinger cheat device if you go to the boot-up command prompts and initate a proper boot up of either game. The screen will say "For Use in Japan Only" during the demo runs of both JPN Raiden and Raiden II games. Unfortunately, you won't be able to fire normal bullets but you can control the famous Raiden/Raiden II fightercraft as you wish. You can unleash them deadly bombs if you like.
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PSX FMV Factoid: Some PSX games like the Polyphony Digital produced ones like Omega Boost use some heavily encrypted properitary FMV compression schemes and all "OB" FMV files won't play on Goldfinger/Super Game Wizard devices anyways.

You can stick either the original JPN or USA version of PSX Thunderforce V: Perfect System into your PC's CD-Rom drive and gain access to all the cool high-res JPEG pics in 640 x 480 format + read Cene's journal (viewable in Notepad format). Be sure to check out the "Omake" file and see what you can find.

Another cool PSX game to gain access to some cool hidden JPEG pics + read the background story (viewable in Notepad format) is none other than Nanotek Warrior. Simply stick this particular shooting PSX game into your PC's CD-Rom drive and click on a certain folder. Easy as pie.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[gct]

You can probably go on your local craigslist or other classified ads and pick up a chip-modded PS1 for $5 or $10. Playstations as you know were as common as dirt back then, and many people got theirs modded and there should still be a steady flow of people selling off their old systems for peanuts. Even I left one out in the hallway of my apartment a few years back just because I wanted to get rid of it.

[drauch]

Thanks for the info PC Engine Fan. I did a ebay search for the Goldfinger device but came up empty handed. I may look into just modchipping...

gct: Geeze, I wish I lived near you. No one around here probably even understands you could do such a thing as mod a playstation. My local craigslist is nothing but hickville, sadly.

Does anyone have any information or experience with Breaker Pro? I already have a fliptop PS2 but can't find enough reliable info. Thanks!

[drauch]

Also looking at Ps-X-Change V2. Anyone familiar?

[Elixir]

Get a slim Japanese PS2 with external power of your own region. Easy.

I actually have one for sale if you're interested.

[drauch]

Well, a big concern for me at the moment is price. I would really prefer to not double dip and get two PS2s...

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Also looking at Ps-X-Change V2. Anyone familiar?

That PS X-Change V2 boot disc set was developed in response to Sony removing the parellel port from the PSX SCHP-9000 series console and the PSone as well. It's just a more easier way to play PSX imports. The only minor quibble is that you can't play those multi-disc PSX games like the cool "Geppy-X: 70s Robot Anime" shmup set which span four seperate CD-Roms. At least with a proper PSX modchip installed, you'd be able to play those cool multi-disc PSX game sets with ease.

http://www.ncsxshop.com/cgi-bin/shop/PSX-02.html

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[undamned]

I already have a fliptop PS2 but can't find enough reliable info. Thanks!

Try googling "PS2 slim swap trick"
-ud