FMCB+ESR for PAL imports on NTSC? Import backups?

[CZroe]

I have long wanted to buy ICO for PS2, but it is long out of print in the USA. As a collector, I very rarely buy used games but I may end up seeking it second hand. On the other hand, it received a reprint outside the USA and can still be purchased new in PAL regions. This seems to be the desirable version because it includes extra content and is on a DVD.

So, if I buy a European/Australian copy of ICO, will FMCB+ESR allow me to play it? Will a simple DVDV patched backup work? If not, what can I use with FMCB to do this? I've been trying to look up import FAQs as they pertain to this method and I can't seem to find anything specific enough.

From what I've read, this particular PAL title supports 60hz, though I wouldn't know how to enable it. I use a launch PS3 w/HDMI and a Sony KDL-52XBR2, so I'll actually be playing on a friend's PS2 until I can find a deal on one for myself (next price drop?). Will I need to use component cables to get around the PAL/NTSC video differences? If so, I'll have to convince my friend to let me bring it to my place. How can I force 60hz if I can't get to the menu option? Thanks.

[NeverGoingBack]

It does support 60hz. It asks you if you want to enable it when you start the game. It likely works with ESR. It does work with usbextreme and hdloader. Infact you shouldnt have any trouble playing this game just about anyway you can think of.

I believe all regions were cd based, I could be wrong, but they all do hit under 700mb, at least untampered with.

[CZroe]

Originally Posted by NeverGoingBack

It does support 60hz. It asks you if you want to enable it when you start the game. It likely works with ESR. It does work with usbextreme and hdloader. Infact you shouldnt have any trouble playing this game just about anyway you can think of.

I believe all regions were cd based, I could be wrong, but they all do hit under 700mb, at least untampered with.

Thanks for the info. As for the DVD vs. CD stuff, Wikipedia says that it was released on DVD in both the "List of PlayStation 2 CD-ROM games" article and in the actual game's Wikipedia page.

CD-ROM (US & JP)
DVD-ROM (EU)

Ico (US & JP versions. EU version is DVD ROM)

The only "extra" content I can find mention of was included in the Japanese CD version, so it's still confusing why it was ever released on CD. Perhaps English PLUS the same removed content was just slightly too much.

[NeverGoingBack]

I see, In anycase all versions are under 700mb, witch should allow you to run a backup of it on a CD however if your gonna go the route of ESR you will need to use a DVD.

You could even run it on a pen drive without lag, becuase all the cut scenes are in game.

The Pal version does contain the extra content AFAIK. You can play two player, video mode, and even obtain a light saber.

The US version was neglected these features do to time constraints.

[CZroe]

Originally Posted by NeverGoingBack

I see, In anycase all versions are under 700mb, witch should allow you to run a backup of it on a CD however if your gonna go the route of ESR you will need to use a DVD.

You could even run it on a pen drive without lag, becuase all the cut scenes are in game.

The Pal version does contain the extra content AFAIK. You can play two player, video mode, and even obtain a light saber.

The US version was neglected these features do to time constraints.

Thanks. I'm considering importing some other games also. I know that ESR requires DVD for backups, but can it boot original imports from their original disc if the disc is in CD format? If not, what tool can (using FMCB to launch)?

[NeverGoingBack]

Dont quote me on anything when it comes to ESR since I rarely use it, but as far as i know it is only for use with dvd's, and I have no idea what the effects would be using it with an original disc.

as far as booting original imports, use zoneloader.elf, if it has a built in selector like ICO you could even use cogswap, or perhaps even just a normal boot, but dont quote me on that either.

Long story short if you want to boot imports you can use zoneloader.elf if your familiar with swap methods.

I really recommened backing it up to iso, or usb/hd version to play with though, so you can preserve your purchased copy.

[dlanor]

Originally Posted by CZroe

Thanks. I'm considering importing some other games also. I know that ESR requires DVD for backups, but can it boot original imports from their original disc if the disc is in CD format?

No, for two reasons.

The ESR method can only be applied to backup discs, as it requires burning a modified ISO file.
The ESR method can only be applied to DVD discs, as it requires 'simulating' a DVD-Video disc.

If not, what tool can (using FMCB to launch)?

None, if we are speaking of pure software tools.

The only ways to boot an original CD game from a different region than the PS2 require either a modchip or 'disc-swapping' methods (which can wreck the CDVD drive if you do it the wrong way). And even then you can have problems if the import game uses a different TV signal standard than your own TV set does.

What I would recommend is to try 'rebuilding' the contents of the game disc to make a valid bootable DVD ISO, which you can then patch for ESR before burning, so that ESR can play it like any other ESR-patched backup DVD.

And in rebuilding the DVD contents you can also use various patch software to fix the TV standard issues (PAL/NTSC and Y-Fix stuff).

But if you haven't done such things before you'll probably have to study a lot and practice a bit to get the hang of it.

Best regards: dlanor