bit-tech Shopping: Intec Action Replay Max (PS2)

Rating: 6

Time with product: 5 Months

Strengths: Dvd Region X, some USB flash drive support, online updates for codes

Weaknesses: some USB flash drive support(did not work with my off-brand USB), Slow boot up time

Summary: I did not use the AR MAX too long, as it did not fit my needs. I used the cheat functionality a few times, and it worked fine, although the boot up time seemed interminable(probably 45-60 seconds?) Unfortunately this version of the AR MAX(30,000+ codes) did not have a good USB FLash drive support. It was not able to recognize my generic usb key drive, so I did some research and gave the codebreaker from pelican? a try (PL-650), and that was able to suit my needs. The AR MAX does have the DVD Region X feature, which allows you to play any region DVDs. I did not get a chance to test, as I only have region 1 dvds. I did not dare attempt the compression features that the AR MAX offers, as using compression technology is an invitation to squander all those hours spent gaming. The AR MAX is okay for a standard cheat device, however if you need to get files onto your PS2 memory card from your computer, I would say get a newer version, or the codebreaker(pl-650) or newer for better USB support

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: Plays all region movies. Tons of codes. Power Saves.

Weaknesses: None

Summary: This is a nice product. It plays DVD movies from any region, has a massive amount of codes, and the power saves are awesome! Power Saves can be used to unlock a ton of content that you may never find no matter how much you play the game. One issue is that the codes that are pre-installed are from older games, and you'll need a network adapter to download cheats and power saves from newer games.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: Many ways to get cheat codes for games.Large selection of games and cheat codes to choose from.Not very expensive.

Weaknesses: Long loading times, especially if you have a large code database.Any extras that come with AR Max never seem to work properly, such as the max memory cards.

Summary: I purchased the AR Max to add life to games that I have already beaten, but haven't found every secret/unlockable. I don't have online access for my PS2, which seems to be the fastest and easiest way to update the codelist. So, as per the instruction booklet, I tried to burn the newest codelist to a cdr and use that to update the AR Max, but after burning like 7 cd's I could not get it to work even after calling the customer service line for help. I realized that I could download the codelist to a USB flash drive, plug it into my PS2 and transfer it to my PS2 memory card. I did it and it worked like a gem. Ever since I have been enjoying all of my old games using the massive amounts of codes that the AR Max has. I love this accessory and I recommend it to everyone.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: Over 50K cheat codes, USB flash drive and CD-R support, region-free DVD support, inexpensive to purchase

Weaknesses: Dated codes, load times, newer game codes require network adapter/PC and online connection, save compression can be tricky, doesn't include memory card

Summary: Cheat devices like Action Replay, Game Shark, Code Breaker, etc. have been around for various systems for years now. Because new versions of said software are released periodically, it becomes all the more important to know exactly what you're looking at if you're considering a purchase.The version of Action Replay Max that we're considering came out between 2002 and 2004, but be careful to pick up the more recent 2004 model (both have the same UPC) because it includes 20K more cheat codes on the disc as well as PC support that the 2002 model does not.Also of note is the fact that this version of Action Replay Max does not include a free memory card that has become standard on the newer releases. Given that this version is now several years old, you'll have to download codes for new release games using a network adapter or PC and an Internet connection.Action Replay Max also includes DVD, MP3, media center, etc. support, but I found these novelties of little interest. Cheat codes definitely aren't for everybody, but for folks with a library of early PS2 titles, this version of Action Replay should have codes for most of the games you have.The real problem with this release of Action Replay Max is that it's getting old. People looking for instant access to the latest cheat codes will want to buy something newer. On the plus side, you can easily find this release new for $5-$10 now, so it won't cost you much as all.It all comes down to being an educated consumer. This product does have a lot to offer for its minimal asking price, and if you have Internet access and don't mind downloading newer codes, it can do most of what the latest version can anyway. If you have a good idea of what you're getting before purchase, you'll probably be quite happy with the results.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Months

Strengths: Great all around cheat device. Excellent website for codes to newly released games. Easy to use.

Weaknesses: have not found any yet

Summary: The Action Replay Max is an excellent Cheat Device for the PS2. It comes loaded with tons of codes and can have newer codes added. This cheat disk also allows you to watch any region DVD on your PS2. There is also a memory manager that allows you to save even more game saves on your memory card but this feature supposedly does not work well. All in all, this is a great little cheat device that I am very happy with.