Converting to the darkside, new PS2 owner and import questions

[S3M]

The day has finally come I've have purchase a Sony Console.

Anyway I got a few questions to ask about importing, modding and a couple of Noob questions so please bear with me?

1. First off what's the best way to play import PS2 and PSONE games on a UK Console? I'm guessing it's mod chips, but can you use boot disks as well?

2. Is there a way to force 50hz games into 60hz or do you have to buy NTSC games. (I know some pal game have 60hz option.)

3. What's the best mod chip and is there anywhere in London I can go to get it modded?

4. I got an original PS2 3000 series, are there many PSONE game that will not work on it?

5. I didn't get a manual with the console as it was second hand console, so what's the official way to remove the game when you have finished playing the console? Oh and what Sony's customer support number?

That it for now I'll got a couple of other questions but I'll ask them later.

[charlesr]

I've got a matrix infinity modchip. Works very nicely on my chunky pal ps2.

Not sure about the other answers.

[eastyy]

will say give the the magic 3.1 chip a miss it works but is a bit fickle with detecting games

also its on my usa version ps2 and it has a screen problem when running pal psone games

[MattyD]

A good mod chip is way better than Swap Magic or anything similar. It's less pissing about but ultimately the compatability is far greater.

Ghost 2 Fitter come highly recommended from forum members and are quite reasonable on prices.

As for taking a game out... My manual is in the cupboard but I've traditionally opened the disc tray during play and then either reset the console or held the power button in to force it into standby mode, which closes the disc tray by itself. OR you could reset the machine and eject the disc from the startup menu but it really makes no difference (just don't do it when it's accessing your memory card, obviously). I generally don't flick the back switch off until it's on standby.

[egparadigm]

If you want a fitter, there's none finer than G2F - he fitted a new laser and slimfix for free. Whaddaguy.

Also, My experience of the Infinity Matrix is very good. Never had any issues. I believe it is also possible to force 60hz mode with it under the bios menu (it's called PS2 screen fix or words to that effect.)

[S3M]

Cheers for the advise so far, here the big question what's are the best game to get for PS2 and PS0NE.

So far I've got:

PS2
ICO
Shadow of the collousus
Final Fantasy X
Star Ocean
We Love Katamari
Maximo 2
Phanton Blade
Atelier Iris 1 & 2
Disgaea 2
Makai Kingdom
Street Fighter Alpha Anthology

PSONE
RTYPES
Air Combat

Right don't mention any game released on the Gamecube or Xbox as well as the PS2 as I almost certainly own it. Mainly I'm looking for the Good PS2 and PSOne only releases so fire away.

[Salsa Party Animal]

Dragon Quest 8, Winning Eleven 10 JL, Gradius V, Cave Shooters.

[JP]

I'd forget about FFX to be honest, it was my least favourite of the series.

PS1
Vib Ribbon
Xenogears
Einhander (as you have r-types listed)
R-Type Delta (not as good as the originals but still good)
Ape Escape


PS2
Okami
FFXII
Rez
I'd go for Gradius III & IV rather the V
Amplitude
Z.O.E. (not a popular choice I bet)


I think Star Ocean was far better on the PS1...it's not cheap though!

[Daragon]

If you've never owned a Sony machine before, you really owe it to yourself to buy at least FF6, FF7, FF8 and FF9 as they're the strongest single player FFs.

If you're into RPGs (which going by your list you are), I'd also recommend the Arc the Lad series of games (don't bother with the PS2 games as they're both ****), similar to the FF games but have more of a strategy feel to the combat

[fallenangle]

PSOne: Tomb Raider 1-4, Soul Reaver (also DC), the 3 Command & Conquer ports, Parasite Eve 1 (NTSC only) & 2, Hogs of War, Panzer Front (also DC), Syphon Filter series..................

PS2: Ace Combat 4/5/6 (The Belkan War), Devil May Cry, Maximo: Ghosts to Glory (very under-rated IMHO), Ratchet & Clank series, the first Jak & Daxter, Tekken 5, Gran Turismo 4........................

I'm sure there dozens more exclusive PSone/PS2 games that are highly thought of but the above contain some of my favourites. For instance nobody has mentioned PSOne Vagrant Story - still considered the best RPG on the PS by many people.

[S3M]

Opp's should have mention the fact that if a PSONE game was release on the Saturn or Dreamcast, I will more than likely own it.

Yes, I'm an RPG nut and you don't need to tell me about the FF series as I all owner all the FF bar 9, X-2, XI and XII.

I saw R-Type Delta cheap the other day so I'll think I'll pick it up. One of the guys at work keeps telling me about Vagrant Story, So I'll try and find a copy but the price tags about 70 pounds these days so I hear.

Also picked up last night

Soul Calibur III
XII Stag
Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition

Time Crisis with gun and RE Director Cut