:| Do I have to drop $100 on a Logitech PS2/SOCOM headset?  I tried with my Blue Snowball and can't clear tutorial, I plugged in this old PS2 Karaoke mic I have and I can hear static through the mic, so clearly there's something wrong with that and I can't even use it as a test.  Linkums isn't wearing a headset, but I also can't see what mic he's using. Could also just be my PS2's USB ports.

My PS2's disc drive is also busted. There was quite a lot of excitement finding it in the closet, ordering the game off Amazon, and a lot of disappointment when none of it wants to work right. :<  So I was going to use either emulator or Open PS2 Loader to get the route down while I wait for a replacement.  Emulator is its own category, but would a non-disc console run be banned outright, or be on emulator, or would it be worthwhile to do a run that way just to see if or how the timing is different?

Personally, a non-disc run is a ban for me. Just because you need to use a third party program to play the game.
It would also be unfair to the current runs on the leaderboard because load times would be non-existent (I've tested the game via PS2 Loader).

I say stick to emulator and if you like the run, pick up either a new PS2 disc drive to replace the busted one or pick up a used PS2 with a working disc drive. If you do use Open PS2 Loader to learn the route, you better get used to the delay that occurs when you give orders to Rio.

On the microphone issue, Haunter and myself use a rockband microphone and it works just fine. You don't need to use a headset to play this game, unless you want to free up your hands to hold the controller. Maybe try picking up a used Rockband PS2 or PS3 microphone (make sure to clean it lol).

Hope this helps.

Sounds good, thanks for all the info! I'll pick up a rock band mic and a stand for it