Simplified Action Replay HOWTO
From Xbox-Linux
(by Sean Harrington, 18 August 2004)
This HOWTO is a simplified method for installing the MechAssault Saved Games using Action Replay.
You have TWO options:
- OPTION 1: Use your existing Xbox Control Pad on your PC to get the saved game files to the memory card.
- PRO: This is the cheaper route at only US$12.99, you get the PC Xbox Adapter which allows you to use your Xbox Control Pad on your PC as a joystick if you wish =).
- CON: This method is harder because you need to "find" the Action Replay software, and it is copyrighted. You also need to install an experimental driver for the Xbox Control Pad to work with Windows.
- OPTION 2: Purchase (or borrow) Action Replay for Windows
- PRO: You get a USB dongle to plug your Xbox Memory Unit in, you get the software legally on CDROM, and the drivers for the USB dongle.
- CON: This will cost you around US$29.99, and you do not get that cool experience of using your Xbox Control Pad as a joystick on your PC, and most Action Replay cards corrupt large saves.
NOTE: Both methods need the special Saved Game ZIP files listed below.
You will need the following:
- An Xbox Control Pad (preferably the one that came with your Xbox)
- An Xbox Memory Unit (blank is better)
- A PC Xbox Adapter, like this one from Lik Sang (http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=83&products_id=2701) OR the USB dongle included with Action Replay (see next item).
- A copy of Action Replay for Windows. (Sorry, this is copyrighted software. Please don't ask us for a copy. Maybe you can borrow it from a friend or rent it from Blockbuster...)
- The Xbox Controller drivers (experimental), downloaded from [1] (http://www.redcl0ud.com/xbcd.html). (Not needed for Option 2.)
- The original version of MechAssault (not the "Platinum Hits" or "Game of the Year" versions).
- Downloaded copies of the Action Replay Saved Game ZIP files. (Sorry, I had to remove these from my server due to excess bandwidth. - SPH):
- MechAssault Emergency Linux (http://www.xbox-linux.org/down/ar/MechAssaul_EmergencyL.zip)
- MechAssault Install Linux (http://www.xbox-linux.org/down/ar/MechAssaul_InstallLin.zip)
- MechAssault Restore Dashboard (http://www.xbox-linux.org/down/ar/MechAssaul_RestoreDas.zip)
Installation:
- OPTION 1
- Insert the Xbox Memory Unit into the Xbox Control Pad
- Plug the Xbox Control Pad into the Xbox Adapter
- Plug the Xbox Adapter into a free USB port
- Install the Xbox Controller drivers.
- The Xbox Control Pad should be recognized as a valid device now (actually, like three or four devices under XP).
- OPTION 2
- Insert the Xbox Memory Unit into the Action Replay USB dongle.
- Install Action Replay for Windows.
- Open the folder containing the Action Replay Saved Game ZIP files, listed above.
- Launch Action Replay.
- Drag and drop each ZIP file from the folder window to the left-hand column (Memory Card) within Action Replay. You should get a little [+] on your cursor just before dropping, confirming the action. The Memory Card title will show a loading progress, and then the file you dropped will show up in the list.
- Repeat for each ZIP file.
- Quit Action Replay.
- Disconnect the Xbox Control Pad and plug it into the Xbox.
- Using the Xbox Dashboard, copy the three saved games to the Xbox hard drive.
- Reboot into MechAssault (the proper version of the game), go to CAMPAIGNS, and then choose the appropriate Saved Game file on the hard drive (usually Install Linux), and wait.
- Assuming the Dashboard is not too new (and other things), the Xbox LIVE! menu item should be replaced by one for Linux. Select it and you're in Linux.
Note: This installation was done under Windows XP. Other versions will differ slightly in how the drivers are recognized.
From here, you can choose to install a complete build of Linux, such as Xebian. The version you currently have is a VERY stripped down version and does not do very much other than load the Kernel and open your access to the file system.
See the complete Xebian HOWTO for full details.
Happy penguin!
