Need some pointers on playing import PS2 games...

[mario2butts]

...on an American console. You see, I'm a big Gran Turismo fan and bought the Japanese GT Concept 2002 Tokyo-Geneva, and I'd really like to play it. I got a flip top case mod for my PS2 (SCPH 3001-R) along with swap magic 3.3, but alas, GT Concept doesn't boot. Afterwards, I read online somewhere that GT Concept is one of the few games that doesn't work with Swap Magic :(

So, I'm wondering what to do next. Should I get a mod chip? If so what kind? Etc Etc. And if anyone has some general pointers on playing PS2 imports that would be great. Thanks! [/code]

[roushimsx]

I use the HDloader to play imports on my US console, though that's mainly me being too lazy to fumble for discs when i want to swap games, enjoying the minimized load times, etc.

The original HDLoader has issues with some more recent games, but I finally got around to running an exploit with an Action Replay Max (which, might I add, has a really attractive tin case) to update it to the most recent fan-patched version of HDLoader and I'm loving it.

Now I just need to go out and buy God of War :(

But yea, not perfect compatibility still. Gran Turismo Concept 2002 works just fine, though...as does Gran Turismo Concept 2001, Gran Turismo 3, Gran Turismo 4, and Gran Turismo 4 Prologue...so...it should do you just fine :)

[Oobgarm]

I use the HDloader to play imports on my US console, though that's mainly me being too lazy to fumble for discs when i want to swap games, enjoying the minimized load times, etc.

The original HDLoader has issues with some more recent games, but I finally got around to running an exploit with an Action Replay Max (which, might I add, has a really attractive tin case) to update it to the most recent fan-patched version of HDLoader and I'm loving it.

Now I just need to go out and buy God of War :(

But yea, not perfect compatibility still. Gran Turismo Concept 2002 works just fine, though...as does Gran Turismo Concept 2001, Gran Turismo 3, Gran Turismo 4, and Gran Turismo 4 Prologue...so...it should do you just fine :)

You beat me to it. If I didn't have an import system, that's what I'd use. Not to mention that it's useful for the US games you already own as well. 8-)

[roushimsx]

You beat me to it. If I didn't have an import system, that's what I'd use. Not to mention that it's useful for the US games you already own as well. 8-)

Indeed, when I originaly bought it I didn't even know that you'd be able to install games via your PC to get around region protection, i just thought it'd be a neat little enhancement for the ol' PS2. Shame Sony took those guys out of play with a vengence, though.

It's very important that if you DO decide to go the HDLoader route that you DO NOT buy it. The original developers of it are long gone and the only copies you can buy now are hacked bootlegs. If you didn't buy it before August of last year, you just plain missed out. Grab a fanpatched ELF of it, use the Action Replay Max/Playstation 1 exploit, and install it to your memory card, then pour a 40 for one of the greatest aftermarket mods in recent years (up there with the Afterburner for the GBA) :'(

Hell, I have a japanese PS2 right under my US PS2, and the only times I use it are when a game doesn't work with HDLoader (Gradius V, Virtua Racing) or I'm too damn lazy to install the game (Taito Memories Joukan, I'm looking at you! QUIT MAKING ME PLAY YOU ALL THE TIME :'( Since it's the only game I've been playing in my jp ps2, i don't really feel the need to install it....but once I decide to play some Gigawing Generations again..mmm....)

[Kroogah]

Moved to import-mania.