GBA Flash Card Linker reviews
 EZF-Advance 2 : EZFA II
The
EZF-Advance II only comes in a 256mbit
version sofar and the flashcartridge
features the following:
- Super Memory Stick(SMS)
function , used to backup
or restore up to 12 savegames.
Flash memory is used, so on internal
battery that'll run out of juice
eventually.
- USB interface ,
plug and pray that it'll install
on your Windows system ;)
- Hardware saver support ,
should have support for every known
save type to this date and future
(hopefully).
- Real Time Clock ,
needed for you Pokemon fans out
there.
The EZF-Advance II comes packaged in
a small cardboard box, containing the
USB cable, in a nice blue flavour, the
Flash 256mbit Flash Cartridge and a small
8" CD-ROM containg the Windows software
and nothing else. The software is tested
to be compatible with both Windows9x
and Windows2000.
But let's get down to what this review
really is about, testing the speed
and compatibility of the Linker and
Flash Card.
BACKUP
First test is backing up a game, the usual backup of Super Mario Advance (J),
a 32Mbit game. To backup, insert the original Game cart into the GBA(SP)
and plug the EZFA2 Linker into the GBA's Expansion port. Hold down START
and SELECT when powering the unit, just like you'd do if you were to upload
more games to the flash cart, ait for the small jingle to play before releasing
START and SELECT.
Once the EFZA2 appears on the screen, open the windows program and pres
the ROM button, again just like if you were to upload more games to the
flash cart. The ROM will now be detected and the program had no trouble
recognizing the good old Super Mario Adventure cartridge, both it's ROM
title and size.
Highlighting the ROM and pressing the DRAW ROM button starts the ROM
copying. The EZFA isn't on the good side of 2 minutes for backing up
a 32mbit game, it actually took no less than 2 minutes and 18 seconds,
far more than most other copiers I've tested. I don't know how many actually
use their EZFA2 for backing up games, but it's not one of the fastest
out there, but then again, not really a problem either.
UPLOAD
Uploading a game is basicly the same procedure as backing up, except that you
have to pic a ROM to upload of course. I tried uploading the SMA game I just
backed up to the EZFA2 Flash cart and it took no more than 1 minute and 33
seconds, not too bad but please note that erasing of the flash isn't included
in that time, it was about 40 seconds extra. Nothing special, the speed,
but surely not slow either.
To play the game, power off the GBA and unplug the USB cable (or leave
it there if you like), power on the GBA normally. A Menu will appear
where you press the StartGame button (press A). You'll then be able to
choose a game from the list on the screen, press A again to pick the
game.
EZF-Advance II Game Saves
Review :
-
GAME SAVES
Worst part about uploading a game is that you have to pick the save type yourself,
two types are available, 64k which is the default, probably means most used
and then 1MB. There's also an option to reduce the size of the ROM, but I
didn't bother to check it out, my advise is not to use it as some games may
become corrupted.
To do the ultimate test, to me
atleast, I tried uploading Mario
and Luigi Superstar Saga which
uses one of the latest save methods.
To make sure the saving actually
worked I picked the 1MB save type
and started playing. When it was
time to save everything seemed
to work and after a power off and
on my save was still there, to
my surprise. The built-in Real
Time Clock will come handy for
Pokemon fans.
The Built-in SMS (Super Memory
Stick) allows you to manage your
savegames on the fly, no need to
connect the GBA to a PC unless
you want to backup the saves to
a PC. The good part about this
feature is that if you delete the
rom you'll still keep your save,
unlike other GBA copiers.
To backup saves from the Windows
program, just hit the RAM button
in the program and pick the save
you want to backup on your HD,
it can get any easier than that.
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