Dreamcast Imports. How?

[Gabriel]

I've decided I want to get Fighting Vipers 2 for the Dreamcast. There are a couple of obstacles, though.

 

1) How do you play imports on the DC? Am I going to have to get a mod chip? Or is there a disk swapper I can use?

 

2) Where is a reputable store where I can get a swap disk (or whatever I need to play an import) and the Fighting Vipers 2 game?

[spacecadet]

The swap disc most people use was released to the public domain (it's either fully public domain or its under the GPL, but either way you can get it free). There's no point paying for it, just find somewhere to download it and burn it. I'm sure a Google search would turn up something.

 

Some imports don't work reliably, but most do. If you want 100% reliability, you'll have to get your system modded. I'm pretty sure NCSX.com still does it, and they're a reputable place.

[Famicoman]

I saw a swop disc at 2 GameStop locations. Perhaps there.

[dalton4life]

I saw a swop disc at 2 GameStop locations. Perhaps there.

906310[/snapback]

 

Just google Uptopia Dreamcast boot disc or/then CD-X and you'll find where to download them. One of those usually boots an import for me but I have one brand import that won't boot no matter what I try.

[Famicoman]

Found it here:

 

http://www.megagames.com/dc/dc_utils_bootcd.shtml

 

Just Download the Utopia DC Boot CD for what ever burner you have. I just made one, it works perfectly.

[Famicoman]

This is kinda off topic, but does anyone know where to get a Nero image of Dreamcast Linux?

[Ze_ro]

1) How do you play imports on the DC?  Am I going to have to get a mod chip?  Or is there a disk swapper I can use?

There are a number of options. As mentioned, the cheapest and easiest is to just burn yourself a copy of the Utopia Boot Disc. A google search should find it. I've been told that there are some games that Utopia can't boot, but I haven't seen any lists of games, nor have I seen it fail to boot a game myself. You can also supposedly use a Gameshark to boot imports, although I haven't tried that myself. There are also at least two commercial boot discs around known as "DC-X" and "DC-IE", but they'll probably cost you as much as FV2 would.

 

If you're like me and you hate having to swap discs, you can go out and find a mod chip for the Dreamcast. I found mine for about $12, and it only requires 4 wires. It was totally worth it, it works great on all the import games I have, and I never need to swap discs.

 

2) Where is a reputable store where I can get a swap disk (or whatever I need to play an import) and the Fighting Vipers 2 game?

Your best bet is probably eBay. Lik-Sang sells DC-X's for $15 each, as do some other import sites... but go with the Utopia disc instead. Fighting Vipers 2 seems to go for about $10-15, but you'll likely be dealing with Asian or European sellers, so keep the shipping and handling in mind. I'd suggest going for the European version of the game instead of the Japanese version, at least you'll get english text, and one of those kick-ass euro DC jewel cases.

 

--Zero

[AnsemDarkRuler]

I Use codebreaker. Thats the DC's "golden key". It can do everything. It can play imports, be used as a cheat device(if your into that kinda thing) and allow you to play PSO online on DC on a private server! GET CODEBREAKER!!!

[Famicoman]

You could also get a standered 4 wire mod chip. They are easy to install

[bargora]

I use the Cheats 'n' Codes swap disc method. It's just one more of the many swap discs out there. It also allows comes with cheat codes and (I think) allows you to enter additional cheat codes. I don't really use cheats, so I haven't looked into it.

[Famicoman]

Can you use cheats on imported games?

[Smiley]

I prefer the mod chip way to play imports, if you know how to solder.

I bought mine from www.goldenshop.com. Not the cheapest shipping, but since I've bought stuff before and had no complaints, I took the risk.

[J.Max]

The Utopia boot disc doesn't work perfectly on all DC consoles because some of them are more flaky than others about CD-Rs. You're better off spending the $12 to get a DC-X or a Cheats and Coades disc because they are pressed GD-ROMs and will work on all consoles. Also, if you're in Europe, the DC-X also has a hidden feature which allows NTSC games to be played on PAL TVs.

[keilbaca]

You can use the Gameshark to boot games, also the codebreaker. I have both, but I prefer the codebreaker as it doesn't have like a minute long annoying wait the GS has.

 

You can also use the utopia disk, but its all about the codebreaker.