[XCSSA] Free McBoot and HDLoader

[X-otic Computer Systems of San Antonio]

On Jan 14, 2009, at 9:37 PM, X-otic Computer Systems of San Antonio  
wrote:

> "I use the CD variant of HD Loader (actually, I think I have HD
> Advance) and it's *awesome*. Grand Turismo 3 was actually bearable to
> play (the load screens otherwise really impacted the game experience).
> Not all games benefit from the increased HD speed (ATV Offroad Fury 3,
> for some reason, doesn't load any faster), but most games do. I don't
> have the card of course, but I definitely think getting a game loader
> is totally worth it. That assumes a PS2 "Fatty" as you say."
>
> The freeware version of HDLoader (that can be installed with FMCB)  
> gets patched from time to time by various hackers. The current  
> version (.8c) has a mode setting for "Soul Calibur II" and "Sudiken  
> V" and is compatible with drives up to 2TB in size. Definitely worth  
> playing with. Bring a blank Sony brand PS2 Memory Card and I can  
> install it for you as part of the demonstration. I believe that  
> HDLoader should work with the drive you currently use with HDAdvance.

I think it will too. It's a pretty common format if I'm not mistaken.  
I may have to take you up on that, too, but my friend is currently  
using my PS2 at the moment, I think including my memory card. But I'll  
try to hunt for it before Monday.

>
>
> Bruce also mentioned WinHiip. I used it for "Half-Life" since  
> HDLoader wouldn't install it. Funny though, even though HL is a CD  
> based game, it took me about a half hour to install. I had to use my  
> mother's machine and she has a plain CD-ROM and I had the hard drive  
> inside a USB enclosure unit and connected through one of the USB  
> ports.
>
> Currently, unless Bruce knows something, there doesn't seem to be a  
> Mac (or Linux) version of WinHiip or variant thereof.

I thought I used some Linux utilities in the past for my PS2. Most of  
the time, I was able to rip from the PS2 directly, so I have only had  
to do it a few times. I think I did end up using Windows. I don't know  
what the application was called though (on either Linux or Windows).

>
>
> You don't have to have a Fatty to use FMCB and any programs that can  
> be bundled with it. But most people who use FMCB, like myself,  
> prefer the Fatties because of the ability to use the hard drive (and  
> it is easier to do physical mods with).

Agreed. The HD is pretty fantastic.

Tim