Welcome to Loafy23's Sony PlayStation pages!

I've had my Sony PlayStation (PSX) since about April of 1996 and I am very happy with it. The model that I have is one of the older ones. This allowed me to play imports using the Audio Swap Trick. Although the AST is very easy to do, it's still a pain in the butt. I first made a pin out of a dowel and clothes pin to keep the door sensor depressed when the door was open. This worked well but was an inconvenience. I didn't want to install a MOD chip at the time due to the distinct lack of fundage in my pocket. I did scrounge through all my spare electronic parts and found a small toggle switch. I then installed it so I could fool the door sensor so I could open and close the lid without worrying about wedging something in it to keep the sensor depressed. The music was almost never correct so I finally got a MOD chip and installed it. Aside from a minor Full Motion Video (FMV) problem (which was fixed but is getting worse,) I am completely happy with my PSX. I think I'll paint the PSX cabinet black and airbrush some flames on it as a last customization. :)

I'll soon be posting the FMV fix, MOD chip installations instructions.

Tekken 2	This fighter has gotten played more than any of our games. It is truly our favorite game of all. With over twenty characters to choose from, dead on control, and incredible graphics this is the king of fighting games, no matter the platform. Made by Namco and translated from the arcade, the home version surpasses even the arcade.
Soul Edge (JAP)	Another great Namco fighter. This weapons based fighter is another great arcade translation. Although not as popular as Tekken 2, this fighter has gotten played a lot. My only complaint is the three button control setup. It could've been just as good as Tekken if Namco would've used the Tekken series four button layout.
Bushido Blade	More of a fighting simulation than a game this is Square's first attempt at a fighter and it is very different from every other fighter out there. This is a very complex weapons based fighter with no time limit and no health bar. One false move can mean sure and quick death. This game shines as a two player game since the one player mode is relatively short. A must for any serious fan of fighting games.
Vampire: The Night Warriors (JAP)	Known as Darkstalkers in the US, this Capcom 2D fighter was spawned from the Street Fighter series of games. It is a good solid 2D fighter. If you enjoy Street Fighter then you'll like this one.
Battle Arena Toshinden	This early, first generation fighter has gotten played a lot in this household. I got this game with my PSX and we loved it. Although it's showing it's age, it's still fun to whoop on someone's ass with Rungo. :)
Battle Arena Toshinden III (JAP)	The last installment in the BAT series has many characters and lots of nice special effects but it just doesn't hold it's own against the likes of Tekken2. Not a great game but a good game none the less.
The King of Fighters '95 (Traded Away)	A really cool 2D SNK fighter with tons of characters and cool special moves. A lot of fun for fighter fans.

Gran Turismo	Damn!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the most awesome automobile racing game there is. Hands down this title beats 'em all no matter what! GT is simply beautiful to behold. Incredible graphics, sound, and superb game play. This title is one for the real lover of automobile racing games. A must own for every enthusiast out there!
Need for Speed: V-Rally	This is the pinnacle of rally racing if you're in the US. Released in Europe first (under another name) it quickly became the number one rally title on the market. I got lucky and picked this one up at a local shop for $12 without the instruction book.
Test Drive 4	I bought this racer without having rented it and I don't regret it. A very solid road racer with several cars both modern and classic. This is a difficult racer and it'll take you some time to get used to it but it is a blast! My main complaint is the lack of a split screen mode for two player games. :(
VR Sports Powerboat Racing (Traded Away)	I'm a bit disappointed with this title. It has fairly good graphics but the sound has a bit to be desired and the game play is just not all that exciting. The boats are a bit difficult to get used to and even then it never seems like you have full control over it. My advice: Rent it first.
Rage Racer	The third installment in the Ridge Racer series by Namco. This title goes far beyond it's predecessors in style, graphics, playability. I didn't expect that I'd enjoy this title as much as I have.
Ridge Racer (traded away)	Another first generation game by Namco. This is very much an arcade racer. You compete on a closed track and really this game is not my favorite. It's just too arcady for my taste.
Wipeout	I played this game until my eyes dried out... The hard hitting techno soundtrack, incredible graphics, and spectacular control made this my most favorite racing game for a very long time. Now considered a classic PSX game, no racing fan should be without this title.
Wipeout XL	I didn't think that Psygnosis could do it but this sequel is even better than the original. This game just blew me away. The unbelievable sense of speed with put yer heart in yer throat. Put it right next to the original in yer collection.
Need for Speed	This early racer pretty much defined racing games on the PSX. It may look dull and dingy compared to today's racers but this is still a solid racing title.
Need for Speed II	A sequel that really didn't live up to the hype. This is still a good game but not nearly as good as it could've been. EA really dropped the ball on this one.
Rally Cross	You'll either like it or hate it. The first rally game for the PSX and still a very good racer I just wish the controls weren't so arcadish...
Jet Moto (Traded away)	A mix of motorcycle racing and Wipeout (without the weapons.) This is a solid racing title that some people find very difficult to master. Plenty of bikes and plenty of tracks to choose from. I personally enjoy this game very much for just pulling off stunts! Another title that racing fans should not be without.
Jet Moto II	A very competent sequel. Also a very difficult game. I was frustrated with this title for a very long time. In the end, not being able to find codes for this titles taught me how to really ride these things to a good time. If you want a racing challenge, this is the racing game for you.
Formula 1	A dead on simulation. Choose your team, choose your driver, and head out to the track. This game has many options that should keep even the pickiest racing fan happy.
Road Rash	This game has gotten mixed reviews all over the 'net yet this has been one of our most played games. A racing game that throws in the element of fighting, it's definitely unlike any other title on the PSX. It doesn't have the best graphics or sound and the load times are far too long but if you can get past those foibles then you'll have a lot of fun. I've still not beaten this game but every so often I get out the disk and give a try at that last track.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (Traded Away to a good friend for a VooDoo 3D accelerator card for my PC)	I've finished this game with 190.1% and a longing for more. One of the best games that I've played on any system ever! A truly spectacular platformer that became an obsession for me. I hope and pray that there will be a sequel in the near future. To be quite honest, I'd buy an entire game system just to play this title or it's sequel. I highly recommend this title to every person that has a PSX.
Brave Fencer Musashi	This is a groovy 3D platform adventure RPG from Square. I've only played through the first level but so far it's been a lot of fun. This is a title that takes a while to get used to though. The controls are a bit complicated and the perspective is not always the best for the task at hand but I'm sure that with a little practice this game will become one of my favorites. BFM comes with a playable demo of Final Fantasy VIII packed in but I didn't get this disk as I traded for BFM and the demo had been removed.
Bubble Bobble with Rainbow Island	I wanted this two platformer package specifically for Bubble Bobble. I had owned it for the PC and my original disk had become corrupted. Bubble Bobble is a very entertaining, classic arcade platformer staring Bub and Bob the bubble dragons. Rainbow Island was a surprise for me though. It was also very enjoyable right up to the third level boss that's virtually impossible to beat. In the end, that boss pissed me off to the point of not playing the game in about a year.
Puzzle Bobble 2 (JAP) known as Bust-a-Move 2 in the US	This game employs Bub and Bob from Bubble Bobble to operate a bubble cannon. In this puzzle game you must shoot bubbles upward to dispose of all of the bubbles that eventually drop from the top in connected rows. Connect three or more bubbles of the same color together and they all pop. A good party game but may be a little too difficult for some.
Super Puzzle Fighter 2X (JAP)	A very cool tetris/collumns like game from Capcom. Street Fighter and Darkstalkers game characters are represented here in super deformed style animation as your characters. Characters in a puzzle game? Yes. Bi-colored blocks drop from the top and can be arranged together to form larger "gems." The larger the chain of gems is when you drop a globe on them the more blocks that will be dropped on your opponent. Here's where the characters come into play. Each character has his or her own pattern (counter move) in which they drop the gems on the other player. As you play this addictive game you character fights the other character. It's a blast to play and a definite party game. Easy to learn and a joy to play. I highly recommend this game.
Jumping Flash II (JAP) and (US)	This is a platform game with a totally new and fresh perspective. The game is played from the first person view as you pilot your Robbit (a rabbit like, hopping robot) threw a fantasy world that is like something from your dreams. Not only can you jump on the bad guys but you can blast them with several different weapons. This game really must be played to be believed. Warning, if you have a fear of height, this game may upset your stomach! Although this game is not particularly difficult it is definitely one of the more enjoyable platform type games available for the PSX. I just got the US version of this game and my main complaint is why the hell did they ever change the voices of the MuuMuus??? Geez... they were cute before but now all I want to do is kill 'em!
Crash Bandicoot	Sometimes easy, sometimes very trying upon your nerves, Crash is always a wonderful platformer. Much has been said about this title so I'll not go into detail on it but if you want a great 3D platformer then you should really consider this title.

Nanotek Warrior	A shooter with a few interesting twists. Your ship is microscopic and is inside of what appears to be some sort of an organism. Your ship runs on the inside and outside of these tubes that resemble arteries of some sort. There are many power ups and weapons with a boss character for each level. A good solid shooter.
Philosoma (Traded Away)	Another shooter though this one is from the earlier days of the PSX. Same premise as most shooters though... lots of power ups and weapons... blast everything in sight and the standard boss at the end of the level. Where this shooter differentiates itself from all of the other shooters is that you view changes from level to level. Another good shooter.
Aquanauts Holiday (JAP)	AH is not really a game. There is no goal other than to just pilot your submarine around and explore. The area that you have to explore is absolutely enormous and you can actually build a reef to attract fish. There are dozens if not hundreds of fish and animal species to see and you interact with them by using the four shoulder buttons on your controller. Each of the shoulder buttons causes a tone to be generated. If you play them correctly the fish will do different things, if you don't you'll scare them away. Many people will find this "game" boring but I find it to be very relaxing.
Big Bass World Championship	This game definitely could've been done better. I'm a fishing fan but this title is very frustrating. I've yet to successfully end a tournament. Even if I arrive at the dock early I get disqualified for time violations. An OK game at best.
NHL Face Off (Traded away)	The only sports game that I own. The only reason that I own it is 'cause a couple of my friends really enjoy hockey. It's a good hockey game but not great.

Final Fantasy VII (3 disks)	This is a wonderful epic of an RPG. Incredible cut scenes blend with the story line to immerse you in what could possibly be one of the most heart wrenching RPGs to date. A joy to play with a great story, characters that mean something to you, and a graphic brilliance! It is not without it's faults but it should be in every RPG players collection. I have yet to complete this title but that's how I am with RPGs. I tend to play them until almost the end and start all over again. I know, I'm weird.
Final Fantasy Tactics	I wasn't expecting much more from this title than just the combat portion of your typical RPG. Boy was I surprised! I love this game! What I found was a game or strategic battles but there's a hell of a lot of story in this title too! Very enjoyable even though I seem to have found a couple very annoying bugs. Nothing to keep me from enjoying this game though.
Resident Evil 2	I just got this title in trade. I've not done anything with it yet. I primarily got this title for my fiance. She really enjoyed the first RE.
Persona	I just got this title in trade. I've not done anything with it yet. I'm hoping for a lot with this title.
Breath of Fire III	I've not played the SNes predecessors to this title but I've heard that they are excellent! This RPG must follow right in their footsteps as it is a joy to play. Great story, tons of things to do, and another title that will involve you emotionally. I think that that is the key to making a good RPG. When you actually care about the characters then yer hooked. The lead character, Ryu, can change into several different dragon forms by using Brood Crystals. You can combine up to three at a time to make the best dragon for the situation. I highly recommend this game!
Saga Frountier (Traded Away)	Another RPG from Squaresoft. This one doesn't seem to follow in the footsteps of the traditional Square RPG though. Very much non-linear with almost no story line from what I can see. It's basically seven (or more) RPGs in one. You choose one of seven characters and start on your journey (whatever it is.) If you've got A LOT of time to kill then you may want to check this out. Be prepared though... yer gonna get slapped down like a punk bitch on many occasions.
Suikoden	Wow... This is a great RPG! With around 108 characters to use in your party and multi character combos this RPG really stands out from the rest. This is a classic style console RPG with a great story that is based on a Japanese legend. Wonderful music sets the mood and your direction is rarely lost in this game. If you like RPGs then you need to make this game part of your collection.
Legacy of Kain	This is an action RPG in which you play the part of Kain, a vampire. Kain has a good story but it suffers from some major slowdown when there are more than a couple things going on on the screen. Still it's a very enjoyable game with a few minor flaws.
Resident Evil	I've yet to finish this game. I was playing it quite a bit and then got sidetracked onto other things. It's very well done and you really get into the game and story. The voice acting is HORRIBLE though. This game will scare you.
Tomb Raider	I just traded for this game not too long ago and I've yet to play it for any length of time. From what I've played it does seem to be a very good game.
King's Field (Traded Away)	I've not played this title but very little. Yak's playing it now and I must say if I was the one playing it then there'd be little pieces of black CDRom laying all over the place! This is an extremely frustrating and difficult game. It is, of course, a first generation game but the slow down will make you want to scream! If you want a challenge that's not even the least bit fair, pick up this title!
King's Field II	Pikachooo is about half way through this game. She likes it as much as the first one.
Overblood (JAP)	Can you read Japanese? I can't. I've not gotten far at all in this game...

Socket before MOD installation!
by Loafy23
MOD Chip socket install.

The main killer of chips is heat. They just can't stand too much heat. How much is too much? It varies from component to component. Worried yet? You can stop your worrying. When my MOD chip arrived in the mail I just popped it in the socket that I'd installed and was playing my first import within seconds of opening the package. I didn't have to worry about damaging the chip because I installed a socket for it before I even got the chip!

You'll need to get yourself a chip socket to do this install, some light weight wire (28-30 gauge,) and the proper instructions for your chip. You can get the appropriate socket and wire at any electronic parts shop. Radio Shack has them. Nothing special here. You'll just need a socket for the appropriate size chip. My chip is a 14pin chip so I got a 14pin DIP (Dual Inline Packet) socket. If your chip is an 18, get an 18pin DIP socket. I made the wires on my socket extra long so I could mount the socket on the back of my PSX. You'll need to get extra wire if you want to do this also.

I found the appropriate instructions on the net for the installation of my MOD chip. I then followed the instructions but substituted a chip socket in place of the chip. I triple checked all of the connections before installing the chip. You have to make sure that you don't transpose all the wires. Using a socket eliminated the need to worry about over heating the chip when installing the wires. If you burn up a socket you're only out a buck or so and not the $20 for a new chip.

Keeping your PSX cool and safe!
by Loafy23

Milk crates are available at most department store. They're not the greatest crates due to the plastic that is most generally used but they are still pretty strong. Most people use 'em for storing books and such. I use a milk crate as a stand for my PSX. When the crate is turned upside down it serves as a very stable, level surface for the PSX. Since the crate has holes all through it, it allows for much more air to flow around the case of the PSX, keeping the PSX processor cooler. You can even set a small fan underneath to help in air circulation. This may help some of you that are having intermittent FMV (Full Motion Video) problems after the PSX "warms up."

The other thing that you can do with the crate is when you want to put the PSX away or transport it, all you have to do is turn the crate right side up and your PSX and all (unless you have far too much stuff) your games and controllers will fit nicely and _safely_ in the crate.

Demo Disk I	This disk came with my playstation when I bought it used several years ago.
PlayStation Picks	I picked up this demo disk at the local Wal-Mart a couple of years ago.
Pizza Hut Demo Disk	This disk was given away for free when you bought a Stuffed Crust pizza.
Official US Playstation magazine No.1 (Traded Away)	I stumbled across the "Official US Playstation" magazine at Wal-Mart and thought that I'd give it a shot.
Official US Playstation magazine No.2 (Traded Away)	I really wish I'd been able to afford to get the subscription for this mag.