ScoreHero.com :- Idiot Proof Guide to playing custom made songs in GH2.

Now normally news of this nature is located in the Emulation/Hacks Blog.. but this was too cool not to post here also!!
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[Welcome to all our visitors arriving from the blogosphere. It's mentioned below, but it really should be step 0, so let me save a bunch of you some time and frustration: This process requires a modded PS2 capable of playing burned DVDs. This is NOT something we will assist you with here. If that's you, then feel free to continue reading. If not, thanks for stopping by, and if you enjoy Guitar Hero, do take a look around the rest of our site.  --The Management]

It should be idiot proof, because i can do it

I decided to do this because there is some incredible work going on and peoples creations deserve to be played, so i thought a simple one stop guide would encourage more people to try it out.
I'm going to attempt to write this guide so that the level of prior knowledge required is zero. So forgive me if you read this and think a lot of stuff is obvious.

Firstly let me state this guide will only help you with getting other peoples created songs into your Guitar Hero 2 game
It Contains no information on creating custom notecharts.

Tools Needed (All programs are freeware) Use "paddy" without the quotes if the .rar asks for a password.

Guitar Hero Explorer: http://scorehero.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2549

GHero Utils: http://scorehero.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2132

Audacity: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

MFAudio: http://www.zophar.net/utilities/ps2util.html

Anvil Studio: http://www.anvilstudio.com/

CD-DVD Generator: http://utilities.psxforum.com/cddvdgen.zip

Apache: http://www.ps3news.com/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=9

DVD Decrypter/Nero/Alcohol/Any other ISO burning software.

Swap Magic/Mod Chip/Method of booting burns on your PS2 (If you don't have one, don't ask, you wont be getting any help)

A DVD Burner
Good quality media to burn to. This is REALLY REALLY REALLY important. If your eventual burn does not work, this is the number one reason why. I recommend Taiyo Yuden, Sony and Verbatim or Check: http://www.digitalfaq.com/media/dvdmedia.htm for a full list

The Actual Process
Step 1. Download the provided .mid file

Step 2. Check to see if the .mid is for GH2 and not GH1, if this is not made clear by the person who posted it, check the video link if there's one provided, or ask them

Step 3. If the .mid is for GH1, or you are unsure, open Anvil Studio, load up your .mid. Look at the yellow box near the top, if it says "PART GUITAR" leave it, if not, right click it and make it so. Now go to View --> Event List, select "Events" from the drop down menu and scroll down to the bottom. Look for the entry with "Comments: [end]". If there are brackets around the word end you're good to go, if there aren't, double click the entry and put them in.

Step 4. Get an .mp3 of the song in question. If one is freely available, it may have been provided by the song creator, if not you will need to rip it from the CD or buy it from Itunes.

Step 5. Insert your GH2 disc into your DVD drive, copy the contents of the disc to a folder on your hard drive.

Step 6. Open Guitar Hero Explorer (Ghex), Go to file ---> add archive and locate your MAIN.HDR file which is in the "GEN" folder you copied from the GH2 disc

Step 7. In Ghex expand "Songs" and then the song you wish to replace, right click on the .mid file for that song and hit replace, now locate the .mid of your custom song and hit replace.

Step 8. Right click the .vgs file of the same song and click import, now right click the new box and select Add. Find your mp3 from step 4 and just fill in the bottom with the default settings. After it has finished you can preview your vgs by hitting play to check it's worked.

Step 9. Click on the folder for the song you replaced, you should see a preview of your note chart, click play, slow the playback down to 50% and check your audio file does not start too late or too early, if it does, go back to step 8 but after adding your mp3, right click it and select properties. Now fiddle around with the offset (+ if the song starts too early, - if it starts too late) and import it again. Repeat until you get it right.

Alternatively, if you have problems with GHEX (as the VGS feature is still in its early life) you can use the original method

Code:

Open your .mp3 with audacity and go to File ---> Export as WAV
Open MFAudio, select your new WAV as the input file and select .vag as your output format. Now hit process
Unzip the contents of the GhUtils archive to a folder called "GHUtils" in your Program Files folder. Open command prompt (Start Menu ---> Run ---> cmd) locate the folder to which you unzipped GHutils (type cd \Program Files\GHUtils) and type java FileExpandGuitarHero
This will launch the vgs converter. Find your .vag from step 6 and hit New Audio. When it's done it will ask you to enter a hex value, just ignore it and hit cancel. You now have everything you need to play your song, now to get them in the game :)

Step 10. That's all the file swapping done, now to rebuild the game. Open CD/DVD Generator, select new project and then New DVD Master disc, drag and drop the folders and files from the GH2 game disc into the main window in the following order.
GEN
IOP
VIDEOS
SLUS_214.47 (If you are not using the US version of the game this file will be different)
System
Now click on the "Volume" tab and enter SLUS 21447 (or whatever your file said if it was different) into the "Disc Name" field. Put PLAYSTATION in the "Producer Name" field and change the license area to the appropriate region. Ignore the rest. Now click on File ---> Export .iml file
Step 11: Open Apache, Go to File ---> Create ---> ISO from IML file, select the IML you made in the previous step and let it do it's thing.
Step 12: Open up DVD Decrypter/Nero/Alcohol/Your burning program of choice and burn your ISO at 4x to GOOD QUALITY MEDIA (see above)
That's it, you're done. That may look like a long process, but once you have the procedure down it doesn't take much longer than 10-15 minutes including wait times to get the ISO.
Let me know if i've missed anything or if anything is wrong. (I'm not sure about the changing GH1 midi to GH2, can someone confirm that what i said in step 3 is all that's needed as i haven't tried it myself yet.)[/code]

Source: ScoreHero.com :: View topic - Idiot Proof Guide to playing custom made songs in GH2.

Compile Heart Blasts Rogue Remake For PS2

 

Well, this is news that should really be left for JohnH's regular '@Play' GSW on the subject, but since he's not posting again til next weekend, I'd better to it for him - a NeoGAF thread reveals that a Japanese remake of Rogue for the PlayStation 2 has been announced, blimey!

The always slightly grumpy Duckroll (who can read the Japanese!), comments in the thread: "This is being published by Compile Heart [here's an Insert Credit post on them - as commenters note: "They are a descendant of legendary developer Compile. Moo Niitani, creator of Puyo Puyo, works there. Right now they are developing an original puzzle game for arcade and Wii."].... It is being developed by Plophet, a tiny developer best known for the D3 published Simple series games The Maze and The Dungeon RPG. The only light at the end of the tunnel is that the "supervisor" is the Japanese guy that originally translated Rogue and all support docs into Japanese." Informative, if glass half-empty!

Anyhow, the game is called Rogue Hearts Dungeon, and there's a Game Watch Japanese-language piece with lots more pics - here's the Wikipedia page for Rogue for those wondering about its history. I wonder how the copyright/licensing worked in this case, if at all? Also, some hyper-niche publisher should pick this up for the States, hah.

Source: Compile Heart Blasts Rogue Remake For PS2
Originally published on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 13:41:02 GMT

Rumour: Saints Row PlayStation 3 bound

 

A listing on EB Games suggests previous Xbox 360 exclusive Saints Row is heading to the PlayStation 3.

Source: Rumour: Saints Row PlayStation 3 bound
Originally published on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 13:43:14 GMT

March 23 Date Likely For PS3 Euro Launch

 

According to GI, the rumors of a March 23 launch date for the PS3 in Europe are looking more and more valid. A retail source has tols GI that the UK advertising campaign for the PS3 will begin towards the end of March, which gives creedence to the rumor of the launch on the 23rd. Rumor mill for now, though.

Source: March 23 Date Likely For PS3 Euro Launch
Originally published on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 17:50:30 GMT

Eight-year-old is better than you at Guitar Hero

 

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 2, Rhythm

We here at Joystiq have posted a lot of insane videos of people playing Guitar Hero and other rhythm games, even going so far as to declare one pizza-fueled shredfest as the best GH vid ever. Well we were wrong. This video of an eight-year old getting five stars on Guitar Hero II's Psychobilly Freakout on expert difficulty is, in fact, the best Guitar Hero video we've ever seen.

While we can't confirm for sure that this performance isn't faked somehow, the video's frequent close-ups on the frets and consistent, unbroken point-of-view make it seem unlikely. The best part of the video is the way this kid disdainfully turns away from the screen during some of the hardest sections, essentially playing blind just because he can. Now that's rock and roll.

So, to the anonymous little guitar god in this video, we salute you with the new title of best Guitar Hero video ever. Until the next one comes along, that is.

Continue reading Eight-year-old is better than you at Guitar Hero

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Source: Eight-year-old is better than you at Guitar Hero
Originally published on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 18:45:00 GMT

EGM Confirms Guitar Hero: '80s Edition, Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix

 

The latest issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly (which looks nothing like the shop at right) revealed a few upcoming goodies for 2007, notably Guitar Hero: '80s Edition and Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix.

The only deets so far on the new Guitar Hero is that it's PS2 only and should be here this spring. If you haven't heard about the previously Japan-only KHII: Final Mix, its main draw is that it comes packed with a 3D remake of the GBA Kingdom Hearts game, Chain of Memories.

Another tidbit out of the issue is that the upcoming Half-Life 2 Xbox 360 collection (which includes Episodes 1 and 2, the long-delayed Team Fortress 2, and the super-sexy-looking puzzler Portal) has been renamed Half-Life 2: Orange. Why? One can only assume that Xen is actually a giant orange. Duh.

Guitar Hero '80s, Half-Life 2: Orange in New EGM [1up]

Source: EGM Confirms Guitar Hero: '80s Edition, Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix
Originally published on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 18:56:46 GMT

Do PSP games on PS3 cause a threat?

 

Via PSPfanboy
Sony seems to be having a bit of a problem. They have a portable system that is a success, but not by any means their main product. Then they have a new console that desperately needs games any way it can get them. Obviously they need to compete on the high end next gen game front, but they also need to compete against the Virtual Console and Xbox Live Arcade. Without the backlog of games like Nintendo or the head start of Microsoft, they seem to be turning to a questionable source for their downloadable games; the PSP.
The obvious issue with PSP games going to PS3 is that it begins to negate the reasons for a consumer to own both. Sure, right now it's a Gripshift and a Tekken, but what happens if the trend just continues? Sure, this would strengthen the PlayStation Network, but at the cost of PSP exclusives. This is just not acceptable when the PSP still has a long way to go to establish itself.
If Sony does insist on continuing to take games from the PSP library to the PS3, than it needs to change how it does so. Microsoft announced Live Anywhere quite some time ago, but we're still waiting for the day when we can play Xbox Live Arcade games on the go. Part of the reason is that Microsoft doesn't yet have a portable gaming system, but Sony does. Why not have it so if I download Gripshift on the PS3 I can download it to my PSP as well free as charge. For games that require progress, it would be great if I was able to share saves between my PSP and PS3. Maybe this is part of Sony's eventual plans anyway, but until I can buy Tekken on my PSP and continue it on my PS3 or vice-versa, it seems like a missed opportunity.
It could just be that this is a temporary solution and as more developers jump on board the PlayStation Network, Sony will stop relying on PSP games as downloadable content. Even if this is the case though, it still seems like a dangerous road for Sony to travel. It could just be that I'm overreacting though. What do fellow PSP owners think of this development?

Source: Do PSP games on PS3 cause a threat?
Originally published on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 19:23:24 GMT

Evolution: MotorStorm Could Get Split-Screen

 

In an interview with Edge, MotorStorm developer Evolution Studios said they might introduce split-screen mode to their upcoming over-the-top driver if there is enough demand for it.

Does Evolution have any plans (even at this late stage) to implement any split-screen options in the US/PAL versions of MotorStorm? [From: Anthony N Putson]

MS: Rally Evolved dropped split-screen and we'll probably leave it that way for MotorStorm unless we get an overwhelming demand. Splitting all that high-def detail into two is a performance nightmare. However, the beauty of online consoles is that the game can change in the future and we can sit down with SCEE and say, 'Let's offer this for download - the fans want it'.

SK: Split-screen racing requires compromised visual/aural fidelity to accommodate multiple simultaneous views of the environment. For our PlayStation 3 debut, we elected to spend our entire processing/rendering budget on a single view, relying on the more compelling online experience to provide multiplayer thrills...

So if current PS3 games only use half the power of the console this shouldn't be an issue. I really hope fans (yes, I'm among them) can drum up enough support to get the studio to release an add-on that would let us shred through the tracks with a friend on the same TV. Brian Crecente

You interview... Evolution Studios: the Q&A [Edge]

 

Source: Evolution: MotorStorm Could Get Split-Screen
Originally published on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 21:00:19 GMT

Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection Upgrade?

 

Ever since Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection suddenly appeared on the Japanese PlayStation Store late last year, everyone's been wondering when the hell the downloadable title will hit North America. While Namco's still refusing to provide any details whatsoever, the last few minutes of the most recent 1up Yours podcast suggest this delay may be attributed to the addition of several new features and modes.

Ninjas have told me that it is coming here, not right away, but it'll be worth the wait because they're adding new features, new modes that'll make it worth your while.

Unfortunately, not only does this tidbit fail to answer the question of "when?", it also introduces new questions such as "what?" and "how much?". Going by the bare bones Japanese release, logical additions range from the suspiciously absent Practice Mode to traditional Tekken mini-games like Tekken Bowl, maybe even some type of functionality with the PSP version, but would this drive the price of the game up? What about those who already purchased the Japanese version, will these additions be patched in? And what's going on with the rest of Namco's PlayStation Store offerings -- Japan's had the PSone version of Mr. Driller for weeks now!

1up Yours - 01/12/2007 1h:28m:20s [1up]

 

Source: Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection Upgrade?
Originally published on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 21:46:57 GMT

Gabe Newell Disses PS3

 

Labels Sony's system a "total disaster."

Source: Gabe Newell Disses PS3
Originally published on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 23:14:00 GMT

New Ghostbusters Game on the Way?

 

 

Awesome leaked videos point to yes.

by Patrick Kolan, IGN AU

Australia, January 15, 2007 - Go ahead and colour us five shades of excited because early today, four videos trickled onto YouTube that suggest an icon of the 80s cinema screen, Ghostbusters, is heading to unspecified next-generation platforms. Judging by the videos, there's an uncanny resemblance to the smashing Gears of War, prompting a few quick jibes: Gears of Ghostbusters? Ghostbusters of War? There's no denying the similarities.

There's also no denying that this title looks tremendously cool. It's about time someone revisited the Ghostbusters licence, tackling the subject matter with a large dollop of cool and some dry humour.

Looks vaguely like the team to us. And is that a Gears of War locust in the top right?

At this stage, the developer attributed to this title is ZootFly and a publisher has yet to step forward. However, we can't help but think that this game has loads of potential. Imagine all the cool physics effects to be toyed around with, or four-player co-operative missions. Or what about 'crossing the streams'?.

Two words: Proton Packs.

Anyhow, we can speculate until the cows come home; what we know for certain is that there has been a slight retooling of the character designs, as well as a tougher, 'street' logo and rock and roll theme song. As soon as we have firm details, you'll know. For now, check out the video page here and our thanks for Ain't it Cool News for the heads-up.

Free PSP Demo Discs

 

Via Playstation.com
Are you dying to try out some new games on your PSP® or PlayStation®2 system? Well then here’s what you have to do. Print out the pass below and bring it to any official LRCT event and the crew will redeem it for a free demo disk.*
*Offer expires 1/28/07 or while supplies last. Demo selection is limited to availability at the time of redemption.
More info at link above

Source: Free PSP Demo Discs
Originally published on Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:40:25 GMT

Sony to Include Portable Movie Files on Blu-Ray

 

Has Sony gone mad? Prominent adult movie producer Digital Playground (site) says it is forced to use HD DVD instead of Blu-ray, because Sony does not allow XXX-rated movies to be released on Blu-ray.

It does not matter how you stand to porn. It is here and it is a massive business. It is also an industry that is an early adopter for new media technology. VHS might not have won with out the adult film industry adopting it.

[Source]

=============================
and we all know how not have porn on BETA really helped the Betamax stay alive..LOL

Kaz speaks Kutargisms regarding PS3

 

It's not Kaz speaking up and defending the box that surprises me; it's that the statements are just so obviously wrong that I can't believe he actually thinks people will take him seriously. You can go over to IGN to read all the text, but I'll highlight a couple of fun quotes. Won't even comment on them beyond simply posting as you can fill in your own commentary at this point.

"I have heard many people say our competitors' systems are just as powerful as the PS3. That simply is not true," said Hirai. "No other next generation entertainment system pushes the envelope on advanced technology like PS3.

<snip>

Hirai said that PS3 titles like Resistance: Fall of Man already utilize some 16GBs of storage space on Blu-ray Disc. "That game simply wouldn't be possible on any other system without using multiple discs."

<snip>

He also seemed to suggest that had Sony gone the Nintendo route and released a marginally more powerful console, the launch would have gone much smoother. "A worldwide launch for any console is quite ambitious. In fact, it has never been done before.

 

Source: Kaz speaks Kutargisms regarding PS3
Originally published on Tue, 09 Jan 2007 20:59:00 GMT

Rumor: Konami cancels PS3 Coded Arms

 

Sounds like Konami might have taken the Coded Arms: Assault criticism to heart. The latest rumor suggests that the PlayStation 3 FPS has been canceled. Most reports indicate that Famitsu broke the news, but there has been no official confirmation form Konami. The rumor can be traced back to German site GameFront.
GameFront's original entry is short, and reads (as translated by Google): "The Shooter Coded of arm: Assault of Konami is to appear allegedly no more. That comes out from Japanese trade price lists. Konami did not express itself to the report yet and the attitude of Coded of arm: Assault so far officially does not confirm." From this, it's unclear how Famitsu became involved in the rumor. Perhaps the Japanese magazine published its own report based on the alleged trade price lists; or perhaps Famitsu has been wrongly tied to the cancellation rumor.
True or not, the loss of Coded Arms would hardly deal a crushing blow to PS3's image. Good riddance. (May we remind you that there are more important Konami titles at stake?)

Read 

Source: Rumor: Konami cancels PS3 Coded Arms
Originally published on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 16:55:00 GMT

Separated at birth?

 

On the right, the new PS3 game Resistance: Fall of Man.

On the left, Alien Brigade for the Atari 7800.

On the right, the new PS3 game Resistance: Fall of Man.

On the left, Alien Brigade for the Atari 7800.

According to atariage.com:

“In Alien Brigade, you must stop an alien force that is preparing to take over the earth by taking over the bodies of US soldiers”

According to me, “In Resistance you must stop an alien force preparing to take over earth by taking over the bodies of British soldiers.” It’s somewhat rare on the Atari console, and garnered pretty high reviews from Atari-type sites. It’s also a light gun game, so that it in of itself is a rarity on systems back then.

Retrosite Flipsiderunner has a full on review up on their site, where I discovered the game looking for asteroids box art. Talk about weird circumstances.

Gameplay and graphicially the games obviously don’t have much in common, but the similarities between the box art story gave me a chuckle.

Nintendo Vs. Sony Stock In 2006

January 2nd, 2007 by Matt Stone

After a record year for Nintendo, both hardware and software wise, the value of its stock doubled in 2006. The DS has been e best seller all year long, while the Wii was the best selling new console this holiday season, where a reported 3 million were sold in five weeks.

Sony’s stock on the other hand, has had a rollercoaster ride in 2006, ending at the same value as it begun in January. There wasn’t one month without bad news for Sony, from defect laptop batteries, to PS3 production issues, delays, and even more delays.

Sony preps 3rd version of PS3. Why won't they focus on the current one?

 

"You'd figure Sony would concentrate on getting their existing two models of PlayStation 3 into peoples homes before developing a third, but that isn't the case. Sony is looking to introduce a multimedia-oriented PlayStation 3 soon, designed to be a multimedia center rather than as a gaming console" -TechReport . Hey Sony, FIX THE CURRENT VERSION!!

Source: Sony preps 3rd version of PS3. Why won't they focus on the current one?
Originally published on Mon, 01 Jan 2007 01:30:01 GMT

Karaoke Revolution: American Idol

was released today on the PlayStation2

Source: Karaoke Revolution: American Idol
Originally published on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT