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PS2 Appreciation & Celebration Thread, long live the King!
- Thread starter Canis lupus
- Start date
NormalFish
Banned
NYCmetsfan
Banned
I just finished the two ps2 yakuza's. Great games. Really sad it took me this long to pick them up, probably one of my favorite additions to my collection
Is playing PS2 backups on a USB HDD via FMCB still not really a good option? It'd be awesome to rip my entire PS2 disc library onto my 1TB USB drive because I notice that my PS2's drive seems to be acting funny. It is an old phattie from 2002 and it already has serious trouble reading blue bottom discs (ICO, Half-Life, etc) so that tells me the drive probably is going, so the option to move onto USB would be awesome.
But I hear it doesn't work too well, that there's lag and many games don't work and that the only good HDD option is the actual PS2 HDD itself?
I really wish PS2 emulation was perfect by this point in time, I'm worried my PS2 isn't going to last my entire backlog (my PS2 backlog is still massive after all these years as I moved on to newer systems). I realize most games are playable perfectly in PCSX2 but there are hitches to it and many games lose their post-processing effects in hardware mode, and software mode isn't even perfect.
But I hear it doesn't work too well, that there's lag and many games don't work and that the only good HDD option is the actual PS2 HDD itself?
I really wish PS2 emulation was perfect by this point in time, I'm worried my PS2 isn't going to last my entire backlog (my PS2 backlog is still massive after all these years as I moved on to newer systems). I realize most games are playable perfectly in PCSX2 but there are hitches to it and many games lose their post-processing effects in hardware mode, and software mode isn't even perfect.
NYCmetsfan
Banned
Why not get an internal hard drive? the compatibility is much much higher and loads are shortened That's how I play my games since I'm worried about my disc drive
sixteen-bit
Member
Any Skygunner fans?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QclbuZlIic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QclbuZlIic
NYCmetsfan
Banned
I remember this on a demo disk. I need to pick it up
NormalFish
Banned
oooh I've seen this game before. Looks interesting. Will keep it in mind.
NoFaceNico
Member
I remember playing SkyGunner on a demo disc. Very fun and beutiful game but the controls were a little strange.
It's not cheap today. I should have bought it when I had the chance.
It's not cheap today. I should have bought it when I had the chance.
Ivan Amiibo
Banned
Palom
Member
The PS2 uses USB1.1 ports, which can only transfer data up to about 1.5MB/sec. By comparison, the 4x DVD drive can transfer up to about 5MB/sec. I tried playing a couple games off a USB flash drive and video would stutter and freeze, and load times were noticeably longer. You can play games over a network (e.g. share a folder on your PC), but I ran into similar stutter problems and longer load times, although not as bad as USB. Games like Baldur's Gate Dark Alliance that stream assets don't work too well and stutter as you walk around.
I ended up buying a standard 500GB IDE HDD for about $20 and am now using that instead of my old 40GB FF11 HDD. I haven't run into any compatibility issues, and most games also benefit from quicker load times. My entire PS2 collection (about 60 games) barely even takes up half the storage space.
Remembrance
Member
I spent a long time on this game because it challenged you at every turn. From the first time you played the second level it became clear that you had to step up your game - and it never relented from there. You had to use all your tools in order to win, but you also had to master the game to pull off a truly satisfying win.
The learning curve is steep - as you progress through each character's levels, each new objective looks almost impossible at first. The controls were not trivial either, and you had to be precise to be effective. It is very satisfying to demolish everything on replay once you know how everything works.
I need to check if there is any high-level play recorded for this. There are some astonishingly high scores possible, but only if you know the game inside and out.
comedy bomb
Banned
I passed on copies of Shox, Tokyo Extreme Racer Zero and Snoopy vs The Red Baron.
I don't know why : /
I don't know why : /
AzureTranquility95
Banned
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal is one of the best video games ever made.
sixteen-bit
Member
TXR is mad fun
Friend of Sonic
Member
I bought a Hori pad from Japan and I was testing it out today. I noticed the controller end that plugs into the PS2 input hangs down slightly, so I looked at the pins in the controller and they seem to be slightly bent. I'm afraid overtime one of them will snap from the weight. Should I send it back?
EDIT: I very gently took a one half of a tweezer and gently pushed up to the pins. They have a lot of give when compared to my Dual Shock's, which are fairly rigid in comparison.
EDIT: I very gently took a one half of a tweezer and gently pushed up to the pins. They have a lot of give when compared to my Dual Shock's, which are fairly rigid in comparison.
NYCmetsfan
Banned
So I have some import games I picked up over the past few weeks after learning I can use Open PS2 loader to play them. The question I have is about saving. Is it ok to mix saves on memory cards or should I have a separate one for each region.
If its the later is there anyway to backup ps2 saves from memory card to usb? And then to put them back on? I have freemcboot
If its the later is there anyway to backup ps2 saves from memory card to usb? And then to put them back on? I have freemcboot
hardcastlemccormick
Banned
This is completely true. It only gets better and better.
You can save any region saves to a memory card without issues. You could also back up your save files to USB using the file manager you used to install/configure freemcboot.
EDIT: Holy shit Skygunner looks amazing. I always wrongly assumed it was an anime Ace Combat.
NYCmetsfan
Banned
I remember reading something about GC imports and mixing saves on the same memory card as screwing stuff up, that's why I asked
Yes it is. Insomniac were absolutely top of their game with that release.
Snoopy is great. Wish there were more Peanuts themed games.
I am running a PS2 to PS3 controller adapter (a ps2 to usb adapter essentially) and am having some odd trouble with my bc PS3. While playing downloaded ps2/ps1 games my ps2 controller works flawlessly however when playing games off disc I get the 'press the playstation button' message and since ps2 controllers do not have this button I can't proceed.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
Icyflamez96
Member
It really is. Doesn't get nearly enough love tbh
hardcastlemccormick
Banned
So two thoughts on God of War II.
1) Damn this game is more fun than I remember it being. Definitely a fan of the series now.
2) The "high definition" mode makes a big difference on my TV. It makes the game actually output at native 480p, not scaled up from its normal lower resolution. Makes a massive difference on my LCD screen, which apparently doesn't look kindly on sub-480 content.
I need to start messing with xploder or similar programs if this is the result. Looks really good.
1) Damn this game is more fun than I remember it being. Definitely a fan of the series now.
2) The "high definition" mode makes a big difference on my TV. It makes the game actually output at native 480p, not scaled up from its normal lower resolution. Makes a massive difference on my LCD screen, which apparently doesn't look kindly on sub-480 content.
I need to start messing with xploder or similar programs if this is the result. Looks really good.
I've installed a flip-top on my old phat. About as easy as it gets without having to solder a chip onto the board.
It's even easier to use an internal harddrive, but you need to get a network adapter for that.
RadarScope1
Member
I've been really busy with a new baby at home and I haven't had a chance to post detailed impressions from my Test PS2, but it looks pretty damn good via component in my plasma TV. Outrun 2006 has a 480p mode as well and it looks just GREAT. I have read about xploder but can't seem to find one for sale. All the ones on eBay are PAL only. If you have any luck finding it, please post some info!
hardcastlemccormick
Banned
I've been looking into Open PS2 Loader with GSM support, which would accomplish a similar thing as xploder. It's a shame I'm too lazy to buy another fat PS2 and an IDE hard drive.
Well i've got a network adapter, but I dont think i've got an HDD installed anymore.
I've got a slim PS2 laying around too.
PumpkinSpice
Banned
My solution for imports for a long time was to just image and re-burn the disc with ESR patch. I can also apply translations in this process. It's kinda nice as well just to keep the original disc safe and use a backup disc.
But I got a JPN PS2 last year so I don't really need to do that anymore.
But I got a JPN PS2 last year so I don't really need to do that anymore.
Should be cheap as dirt to get one, unless there are compatibility issues with newer drives I don't know about. You can also run them off a network, come to think of it, so you wouldn't even need a drive. Look into Open PS2 Loader. Added benefit besides the convenience is that you're not wearing out the disc drive this way.
Cynn
Member
If you're using the Pelican one it has a button on the adapter that works as a PS button.
Crap. I was hoping there would be an emulated option (ie press both start and select at the same time) or something.....
Ivan Amiibo
Banned
that looks like Maximum Impact 2 aka KOF 2006 aka lol
TheSadRanger
Banned
Me neither! I just watched a lets play and it appears to have expanded upon the zaniness of the first. Different/interesting areas to explore and the mechanics changed a little like the addition of sweet spots that give the most blood. There's also no mandatory area to suck, but there are objectives where certain spots will remove ailments from the host which are required to finish the mission.
https://youtu.be/Ffzvvvy8wzk
TheSadRanger
Banned
I clicked the link and the first thing I heard was some weird intro jazz music and a japanese woman saying "let's suck together" with some weird 80's fmv stock scenery footage in the background of the title screen. O_O
edit: WTH this game has english voice overs.
Me too. And I'm opening eBay to order this joint immediately.
Ivan Amiibo
Banned
I don't think this is comprehensive, but it's a start:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greatest_Hits_(PlayStation_range)#.22Special_edition.22_Greatest_Hits
BocoDragon
or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
It's got to be very few? I can think of Silent Hill 2. Maybe you could consider Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution because there was no non-Greatest Hit?
NormalFish
Banned
I think at least 1 FF game and at least 1 of the spyro games has bug fixes in the GH version.
drtomoe123
Member
I know that the GH version of DBZ Budokai 3 was different than the original release. It had some game/bug fixes, but it also added Japanese voices. Pretty substantial considering it's an anime game.
Never played MGS 3. Is it worth getting the non-Subsistence version? Is the camera such a dealbreaker (although in the end it's what the game was made for, unless Subsistence has some balancing fixes to match the new view)? Because there's one cheap copy locally and it's the steelbook edition...
You know, shiny things.
You know, shiny things.
TheSadRanger
Banned
Never played MGS 3. Is it worth getting the non-Subsistence version? Is the camera such a dealbreaker (although in the end it's what the game was made for, unless Subsistence has some balancing fixes to match the new view)? Because there's one cheap copy locally and it's the steelbook edition...
You know, shiny things.
I actually prefer the behind the back camera of Subsistence over the original in MGS3. The game is much easier with it because obviously you're able to scout ahead much better. While I love MGS3 vanilla, I found that the over the head camera system was much more suited to the small indoor environments of MGS1&2. Which is why I love the camera in Subsistence much more.
edit: Oh I almost forgot, Subsistence also had this "Secret Theater Mode" where Kojima made some hilarious parody videos in MGS3 using the game's assets. "For example Metal Gear Sigint. They're all pretty hilarious and definitely worth watching.
Scientificreason
Banned
The Goat!!
Never played MGS 3. Is it worth getting the non-Subsistence version? Is the camera such a dealbreaker (although in the end it's what the game was made for, unless Subsistence has some balancing fixes to match the new view)? Because there's one cheap copy locally and it's the steelbook edition...
You know, shiny things.
i know this is a PS2 thread but honestly i'd suggest getting the HD collection granted it does have a couple things cut like snake vs monkey and a easter egg
the nightmare minigame
it also runs at 60fps instead of 30 and everything is opened up for 16:9 instead of 4:3 and the cutscenes being in letterbox mode