Super Mario RPG import issues

I picked up a US copy of this recently for dirt cheap, and I'd like to play it on my PAL SNES. I had heard that it wouldn't play on a lot of import adapters, I've got an AD-29 which works perfectly for every other US/Jap game I've tried so I thought it might. It doesn't... apparently there are some mods you can do to a PAL SNES to make it work, although they aren't always successful. Anyone had any experience with getting this game running on a PAL machine?

 

There are 2 revisions of the SMRPG cart. One will work with the Action Replay that you can enter codes in for imports, the other won't work. Ever. You may even have to do the 60hz mod to get it to run with the AR. And if you do the multi-region mod, it won't run.

The easiest thing would be to get a US SNES.

Final Fantasy 3 is another US game that needs an AR to run on a PAL SNES. However, upon completion, theres no ending; the screen just goes black. Which my mate found out (after about 60hours or so), with much displeasure....

 

The reason why SMRPG won't work is because the CIC is BUILT INTO the SA-1. What you need to have is an adapter that hijacks the CIC lines as well as some cheat device to circumvent the in-game protection (if present, apparently it is) You could always buy my HK SNES which plays NTSC games in PAL

BTW, the FF3 story sounds like a white lie. It very may well have protection against PAL systems but thats nothing compared to what's going on in SMRPG.

 

Hate to tell you but you've picked up one of the most problematic SNES imports.

Theres no point in doing the lockout chip mod on the system. SMRPG is one of the few games which actually continually checks for a valid response from the appropriate chip while you are playing. thus if the chip is disabled, the game shuts off/won't run.

You can get around this by either replacing your SNES deck's chip with a NTSC one, or if you're feeling fance, adding a NTSC chip, plus a switch, but for all the hassle you're better off getting a US deck.

As previously mentioned, it also has the speed check which can be got around with a mod, but while the chip lockout is in play, you're just wasting your time.

 

Nope, no lie, no end screen on Pal SNES. Might not be with other adapters, but with the one he had the screen just went black.

 

Damn, one of the best SNES games is the least accessable to people in other areas... :smt009

Sortof like how that second pressing of Rez is supposed to not boot on US Dreamcasts. :smt022

 

You're right. I don't feel so bad anymore. :smt043

 

Funny you should mention that game, I consoled myself with a few hours of it earlier. To be honest I don't see what the fuss is.

Yeah, I knew the game was unlikely to run with my setup. I'd read a bit online, it didn't seem too positive, but for the price I didn't want to pass it up.

The input is appreicated anyway, I guess I'll pick up another SNES at some point. Thanks for the mobo offer Assembler, but I'll need the case too, so I'll probably get a base unit without hookups (unless you're offering the case too). What's the deal with this HK SNES Kyuusaku?

 

It's a UK SNES modified for NTSC (well specifically SFC cartridges, of course or U/C with adapter) for sale in Hong Kong. The mod is 100% legit, it's done by Mani Limited of HK licensed by Nintendo and it even has a 50/60Hz switch.

My SNES for sale contains the box and a standard PAL pad (a tad dirty), the game system is extremely clean, in superb condition except for the bottom half of the front case near the controller ports. It has some yellowing/fading. There's no dirt/grime or smell to it which is a rarity from HK if I may say so. If you wanted to, you could exchange a normal UK SNES's bottom half and have a perfect HK SNES. No power supply or AV cables included but I'm sure you have those. I'd like to get $65 for it + around $15 for shipping and can take paypal. I'd also accept a trade. If you're seriously interested in it, PM me for a picture. I've played Kirby Super Deluxe on it which is also a SA-1 game so I know SMRPG will work with an adapter for sure, no cheat codes necessary but you may need to play in 60hz which the system supports with the flick of a switch

 

I can confirm the black ending screen with FF3 on a PAL SNES, but it happens at certain sections of the game as well.

I have a "Super Adaptor" converter and it will play Super Mario RPB until the second boss then it locks up but that OK as I have a US SNES as well.

Luke

 

lets get this straight guys:

super mario rpg does run with certain adapters but is likely to crash or delete savestates.

the only reliable method to play a ntsc sa1 game on a pal snes is to switch the sa1 from ntsc to pal mode.

how, you ask?
lift pin 127 on the sa1.
you can leave it floating (pin has a pullup resistor)
or connect it to vcc.

ntsc=gnd
pal=vcc

yeah, its that easy.
be sure to enable the cic inside the snes or otherwise it wont work.(just in case you already modded your snes)

fyi:
ff3 has timing issues, this is not a protection of any kind.

 

I was gonna say, it should run on a truly modded SNES, like mine. Problem is, I don't have the game so can't test it.

Terranigma? Hah, I picked that up for a friend for a b/day present sooooo cheap! Good game, too. Shame the idiot sold it before offering me it :smt022 heh

 

That I did not know how to do :smt023

It's certainly a better solution than a full SNES mod if you're just looking to play the game.

 

Err, that is the majority of the full SNES mod!!!

Country switch + 50/60Hz Switch.

I've done em several times. Also hacked mine to accept the US carts. Always meant to make a new custom flap, never got round to it. Looks as ugly as sin, but noone I showed noticed!!!

 

Ok... where is this pin? What do I need to connect it to? Would I still need to do the 50/60hz SNES switch mod?

 

You'll have to count counter clockwise from a labeled pin and find pin 137 then lift it up and if that doesn't work, solder a wire from it to anything 5v. Then apparently you'll have a PAL Mario RPG, no system mods necessary.

 

Find the SA1 chip and its the 127th pin ;-) The corner pins should be marked on the board.

Umm, connect it to nothing IIRC.

And YES as said before the game looks for speed too.

*EDIT* I'm just waiting til you blow the fuse... hehe be careful!!

 

I did an A level in electronics and I'm still confused.

Pin 137 or 127? Wire it to 5v or wire it to nothing?

If I hadn't blown way more money than I have already over the last month I'd so buy that HK SNES right now...