Some questions about blu ray CD

[thugcat]

Hi all,

I'm totally a total newb in hacking, but I know C++ and some C#. So i'm not totally beginning from the scratch ^^

I have some question regarding hacking :

Let's take 3 games, a PSX game A, a PS2 game B and a PS3 game C. Let's also say that I own those three games. Is is possible to actually read files and behavior script, root code from the CD ? Is it possible to, for example take a model of the game and extract it from the cd ? Is is possible to crack the code to show how the game behave ? In fact, is it possible to extract all the things and READ them ?

I know it is possible for PC game, since modding exist and is quite easy most of the time. But what is the matter for console CD ? Where should I begin to learn to do it ?

Thanks in advance mates.

[Pyriel]

• Is is possible to actually read files and behavior script, root code from the CD?
  
  Files and script definitely. Assuming by "root code" you just mean disassemble the binary, yes. You won't be able to see uncompiled source, and decompilers are something of unicorn for computer scientists. If you can learn to work with the lowest of low-level code you'll be fine.
  
  In all cases your results may vary. Some games have tools that can read and present the files in a meaningful way, including scripting at times. It's far more likely that you'll have to reverse-engineer the structure of the files and even the script engine for yourself, if you have an interest in figuring them out.
  
  
• Is it possible to, for example take a model of the game and extract it from the cd?
  
  As in a 3D model? Yes, but again, figuring out how they're stored can be a chore if standard formats for mesh, texture, images in general, container files, and on and on, aren't used. Maybe with the PS3 you'll get lucky and find that the data is all stored in the file system as individual files, or there are XML manifests embedded for some games, but I doubt it.
  
  
• Is is possible to crack the code to show how the game behave? In fact, is it possible to extract all the things and READ them?
  
  See the answer to your first question. You can extract whatever you want, and know the behavior of anything you like, if you can work it out for yourself.
  
  
• I know it is possible for PC game, since modding exist and is quite easy most of the time. But what is the matter for console CD?
  
  Some limited amount of modding is possible. It's up to you to make the game not crash as a result of your mods though. Very few games have a plugin or DLC format that can be exploited by end-users, so you will almost always have to insert your additions or changes into a disc image, and patch in whatever changes are required to the game's code to get them included.
  
  
• Where should I begin to learn to do it?
  
  You really need a specific goal. There are a lot of resources people can point you to, but the references will be much better if you're attempting something more narrow than "learning to hack". For that question, I'd just suggest you start small and look at what people have already done. Maybe try to recreate the work as a learning exercise. If it's well-documented that would help you along, or if you have access to a forum where the parties responsible post, maybe they'd be willing to answer your questions.

[thugcat]

Thanks for you answer and taking the time to explain it well.

So, I sumarize : Likely possible but it's up to me to work quite a few in order to make something up. That's good.

Maybe could you tell me some way to read files in isos or roms ? A kind of few software ?

[Pyriel]

There are tons of tools you can use. Most ROM-writing software, ISO Buster, CD Mage, if it's a fairly standard kind of disc image, you can always mount it (Linux) or use a drive emulation software (Windows) to mount the image, and just browse it like any other drive/file system.