PlayStation
The PlayStation is a console created by Sony.
The system featured many games that made use of the latest 3D technology, but also contained its fair share of sprite-based titles.
Contents
Ripping Tools
The PlayStation uses CD-based technology, meaning that all of the data found within a game can be read using a standard ISO viewer, or by inserting the disk into your computer and browsing it. As such, the console has a vast number of different formats that are used that require their own dedicated tools to view. Some common formats can be seen below.
PSX-vram
For more details on this program, please visit the PSX-vram page.
The most used program for ripping PSX sprites, it will read save states from emulators and display it's contents.
PSicture
A tool capable of finding, displaying, and converting TIM files in games. There are a few plugins that allow it to view other file formats, but it is mostly used for TIM files. This can be helpful if you believe a game uses TIM files, but they are stored in an uncompressed archive file.
PSound
PVV
For more information, see PVV.
Another program that uses Save States to view content in and around the saved data, only it accepts save states from any Playstation emulator that contains them.
Common File Formats
TIM
For more details on this file format, please visit the TIM page.
The .TIM file format is a common format for both sprites and textures.
STR
A common video format. Generally used for cutscenes, introductions and credit sequences.
XA
A common audio format, mostly used for music, but can also be used for sound effects.
Suggested Emulators
ePSXe
Probably the most well-known PSX emulator. It has good compatibility and performance with most games, even including hacks for specific games, such as Valkyrie Profile. However, like any other PSX emulator, it will not play the music from multitrack games (such as Pac Man World or Real Bout Special Dominated Mind).
pSX
It is mostly identical to ePSXe, but it might be a better option for beginners, since it is not plugin based and thus easier to configure. It also plays like an original Playstation, complete with Sony introductory animation, as well as the Playstation logo if an ISO image is uploaded before the Sony animation is finish, and boots you to the system's menu, if nothing is loaded before the Sony animation is finished, where you can access Memory Cards and a CD Player. It can also access the ROM's v-ram by pressing F11 during gameplay.
