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Xplorer
Score: 95%
Developer: Blaze
Device Type: Accessory



Function:

The Xplorer adds a host of enhancements to your PSX. It allows you to use cheat cartridge -- type game codes, hold up to 10,000 of them, and it already comes with hundreds of pre-loaded codes. The Xplorer also allows you to interact with your PSX using a computer. With a printer cable and the free downloadable software, you can save screenshots and even ?Xplore? your games to make up your OWN cheat codes.

Before we get down to anymore details, allow me to explain the score. Those of you who may have seen my review of the Xploder from last year may wonder why I gave that product 100%, and the newer, updated, improved Xplorer a 95. First, let me assure you that the Xplorer is improved over last year?s model; it looks better AND plays better. There are more features, and future expansion was taken into consideration (hence the ability to update it later with a Code CD). When I tried the Xploder last year, I was blown away! Now, a year has gone by. A device called the Game Wizard came out and offered some different features. Now, the Game Wizard isn?t as professionally put together as the Xploder, and pales beside the Xplorer?s beautiful, intuitive, and well designed interface. That said, the very fact that the other features have been introduced raises the realm of possibilities. The nice folks at Blaze decided to target gamers with a variety of needs and incomes. The Xplorer replaces the Xploder and is Blaze?s entry level unit. As I understand it, the Xplorer FX (midrange) and Xploder Professional (high end) will add several new and exciting features, and if they are capable of the features Blaze claims, they will probably redefine the top end of the rating scale. Evaluated for an entry level cartridge, the Xplorer?s score only suffers from the lack of a FMV* viewing capability.

* If you aren?t interested in the ability to view FMVs outside of gameplay, consider the Xplorer?s score to be 100%.


Performance:

Blaze?s Xplorer is fairly simple to operate. There is only one external control: an On/Off switch. When navigating through the on-screen menus, there is a helpful legend at the bottom of the screen at all times that indicate which buttons to use. The Xplorer is easy to get used to, and is a joy to use. The process of locating your own codes with the Xplorer hooked up to a PC is a little more involved, but an average computer enthusiast should have no problem.

All you?ll need for the Xplorer is a PlayStation with a parallel port. NOTE: I have not personally observed this yet, but I have heard reports that the newest ($99) PlayStations will NO LONGER have this port. Make sure yours does before purchasing the Xplorer (or any game enhancement cartridge).

Installation of Blaze?s Xplorer is simple. First, turn off your PlayStation. Simply remove the panel covering the PlayStation?s parallel port (that?s the hard part), store the removed cover in the indented slot provided on the Xplorer (neat, huh?), and carefully insert the Xplorer into the parallel port. Finally, make sure the Xplorer?s On/Off switch is in the ?On? position, then turn your PlayStation on. You will be greeted by the Xplorer?s on-screen interface.


Features:
  • Enhanced menu system
  • Make your OWN codes (requires PC and software download)
  • Also use with Action Replay, Equalizer, and Game Shark codes
  • Built-in enhanced memory card manager
  • Screen capture (requires PC and software download)
  • Future upgrades available via memory card or CD(!)
  • CD music player with audio VU meters
  • View hidden game screens
  • Save games to your PC and/or share them (requires PC and software download)

Drawbacks & Problems::

I wish it showed FMVs, but then again, the Xplorer is Blaze?s entry level model. For the money, it packs quite a punch. If you can?t afford to get Blaze?s Xplorer FX or Xploder Professional -- or if all you?re looking for is a REALLY good game code cartridge, then the Xplorer is for you!

-Geck0, GameVortex Communications
AKA Robert Perkins

Sony PSOne Xploder Professional Sony PSOne ProgramPad

 
Game Vortex :: PSIllustrated