Difference between revisions of "SSF"

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{{Infobox
+
{{Outdated}}
|first = 0.12 beta R4
 
|second = Yes
 
|third = Windows
 
|fourth = Shima
 
|fifth = [http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/index.html Shima's Site]
 
[https://ssftribute.csdprojects.co.uk/ English Tribute Site]
 
|sixth = Closed source}}
 
  
'''SSF''' is a [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn]] emulator. It is the only Sega Saturn emulator to date that has any level of compatibility with SS games and the only one worth using.
+
{{Infobox emulator
 +
|title        = SSF
 +
|logo          =
 +
|logowidth    =
 +
|developer    = Shima
 +
|version      = {{Version|SSF}}
 +
|active        = Yes
 +
|platform      = [[Emulators on Windows|Windows]]<br/>[[Emulators on Android|Android]]
 +
|architecture  =
 +
|target        = [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn]]
 +
|compatibility = High
 +
|accuracy      = Mid-high
 +
|website      =[https://twitter.com/FessX Shima's Twitter]
 +
|prog-lang    =
 +
|support      =
 +
|license      = Closed-source
 +
|source        = [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF GitHub]
 +
}}
  
==Downloads==
+
'''SSF''' is a closed-source [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn emulator]] known for being the most compatible.
*[http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/files/SSF_TestVer.zip Latest Version] (The "test versions" are development builds.)
+
 
*[http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/files/SSF_012_beta_R4.zip 0.12 Beta R4]
+
==Download==
*[http://segaretro.org/images/5/53/SSF_011_alpha_R5%27%27.7z ''.zip Version 0.11 alpha R5'']
+
{| cellpadding="4"
 +
|-
 +
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big|APK-big}}
 +
|'''[{{SSFDownloadLink}} Latest release]'''
 +
|}
  
 
==Review==
 
==Review==
The best Saturn emulator right now. SSF is superior to Yabause and Mednafen for compatibility, but is Windows only, closed source and requires mounting ISO files in a virtual drive to run them.
+
SSF is superior to [[Yabause]] and to [[Mednafen]] due to higher accuracy and higher game compatibility, and also drastically lower CPU requirements compared to Mednafen. It also has features other Saturn emulators lack such as support for true 3d transparencies (instead of checkboard mesh) and a proper de-interlacer for reducing flicker in 480i games. It no longer requires mounting ISO files in a virtual drive to run them. The source code was uploaded to GitHub just once in late January 2021.
  
A recent major update to 0.12 improved compatibility for certain games and broke others. It added support for some of games such as Astal (needs "Enable SH2 Cache").  Keep both versions, pre- and post-0.12 just in case. To raise compatibility, you can try with "No Bios" enabled or disabled, and you'll want to start with the MaxCompatibility (slow) option, then try with the faster options (that do not always work).
+
The author Shima was, for a time, probably the longest-time active developer on any emulator from the emulator's public launch (Labelled 'SSF 001') in 1999 till 20 years later in late November 2019. It is unknown when the first ever version was released publicly, however, the next version of 'SSF 002' was released on 5th December, 1999.<ref name="20Years_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e3u9wz/ssf_saturn_emulator_has_been_actively_developed/ |title=Thread: 'SSF (Saturn emulator) has been actively developed by the same single author for 20 years now.' |author='ZarkonD' |publisher=Reddit |date=30 November 2019}}</ref>
  
SSF needs an external virtual drive to read ISO files. Close and restart the emulator (as it says in the Japanese dialogue popup appearing) whenever you modify the options for them to take effect.
+
A recent major update to 0.12 improved compatibility for certain games and broke others. It added support for some of the games such as Astal (needs "Enable SH2 Cache").  Keep both versions, pre- and post-0.12 just in case. To raise compatibility, you can try with "No Bios" enabled or disabled, and you'll want to start with the MaxCompatibility (slow) option, then try with the faster options (that do not always work).
  
 
Even though it has a "No Bios" option, you'll sometimes need the BIOS files, of course specifying the correct region in the options.
 
Even though it has a "No Bios" option, you'll sometimes need the BIOS files, of course specifying the correct region in the options.
Line 27: Line 41:
 
* F7: Pause and Load State (Press 0-9 to choose)
 
* F7: Pause and Load State (Press 0-9 to choose)
 
* Shift + F7: Pause and Save State (Press 0-9 to choose)
 
* Shift + F7: Pause and Save State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Numeral Pad 1-6: Disable 2D layers. Useful for sprite ripps. Keep in mind this often causes 3D games to crash, and they already have lower compatibility than 2D one when it comes to general emulations.
+
* Numeral Pad 1-6: Disable 2D layers. Useful for sprite rips. Keep in mind this often causes 3D games to crash, and they already have lower compatibility than 2D one when it comes to general emulations.
 
* You can change the speed of emulation under options up to 4x.
 
* You can change the speed of emulation under options up to 4x.
  
 
==Guides and Info==
 
==Guides and Info==
[http://www.racketboy.com/retro/sega/saturn/ssf-a-nearly-perfect-sega-saturn-emulator General Guide]
+
* [http://www.racketboy.com/retro/sega/saturn/ssf-a-nearly-perfect-sega-saturn-emulator General Guide]
 +
 
 +
* [https://www.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.jp%2Fmj3kj8o5%2Fssf%2Fsetting.html&sandbox=1 Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues. Note that this is Japanese-to-English Google Translate, and has a very shoddy syntax as a result.]
 +
 
 +
* [https://segaretro.org/SSF See the external links in this Sega Retro page for guides and compatibility databases].
 +
 
 +
* An user called 'FreeckyCake' has produced an useful, detailed overview and guide to setting up SSF and uploaded it to a website in early December 2021. It also contains 15 table of content items and small information on decent alternatives such as Mednafen and [[RetroArch]]'s cores of Beetle Saturn and Kronos, although the user probably didn't try Mednafen with a GUI frontend, which marred his experience somewhat.<ref name="FC-Guide_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnPC/comments/r80f95/ssf_emulator_guide_for_beginners_saturn_emulator |title=SSF Emulator Guide For Beginners (Saturn Emulator) |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Reddit |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref><ref name="FC-Guide_AoG">{{cite web|url=https://altarofgaming.com/how-to-play-sega-saturn-games-on-windows-pc/ |title=How to Play Sega Saturn Games on Your Windows PC |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Altar of Gaming |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref>
  
[https://www.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.jp%2Fmj3kj8o5%2Fssf%2Fsetting.html&sandbox=1 Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues. Note that this is Japanese-to-English Google Translate, and has very shoddy syntax as a result.]
+
* The website FantasyAnime, which is well known for hosting fan-translation patches for many SNES RPGs among others has detailed guides for many advanced emulators of old consoles before 2000 and 2010. They have a much more detailed guide than FreeckyCake's guide above to setting up and running SSF, which was last updated on March 2022.<ref name="FA-Tutorial>{{cite web|url=https://fantasyanime.com/emuhelp/ssf |title=SSF Tutorial |publisher=FantasyAnime |date=31 March 2022}}</ref>
  
 
===Troubleshooting===
 
===Troubleshooting===
A rough translation of Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues with various games and fixes for them. The original can be found [http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/setting.html here].
+
A rough translation of Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues with various games and fixes for them. The original can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331080907/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/setting.html here].
  
 
The configuration closest to accurate hardware emulation would be: Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0. Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer". Alternatively, "Setting5" (holding the 5 keyboard button at startup) achieves similar results.
 
The configuration closest to accurate hardware emulation would be: Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0. Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer". Alternatively, "Setting5" (holding the 5 keyboard button at startup) achieves similar results.
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Game-specific issues:
 
Game-specific issues:
* '''Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter''' (fix for sound noise): Disable "Sound Thread".
+
* '''Astal''', '''Denpa Shounenteki Game''' : Enable "SH2 Cache".
* '''Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai II''' (fix for cutscenes): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" and "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
+
* '''Baroque''' (FMV issues): Enable "Check Sprite Priority".
* '''The Tower:''' Enable "VDP2 RAM Write Timing".
+
* '''Castlevania Symphony of the Night''' (fix for data select screen), '''Macross Do You Remember Love''', '''World Heroes Perfect''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Quovadis 2''' (fix for FMVs): Set "Dot Clock" to 3.0 or above, and "EZ Setting" to "High".
+
* '''Chaos Seed''': Enable "Check Cycle Pattern". Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Galjan''': Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer".
+
* '''Daina ☆ Airan, Deep Fear, Mr. Bones, X-Men Vs. Street Fighter''': Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Whizz, Thunder Hawk II''': Enable "Bus Wait".
 
 
* '''Dark Savior''': Enable "Bus Wait" (fix for logo). Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for save data screen).
 
* '''Dark Savior''': Enable "Bus Wait" (fix for logo). Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for save data screen).
* '''Taito Chase HQ Plus SC'''I: Enable "CD Track/Index".
 
 
* '''Daytona USA Circuit Edition''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
 
* '''Daytona USA Circuit Edition''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Virtua Fighter 2''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for key config screen). Enable "Memory Access Wait".
+
* '''Galjan''': Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer".
* '''Baroque''' (FMV issues): Enable "Check Sprite Priority".
+
* '''Gokujou Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack (aka Fantastic Journey)''': Enable "Bus Wait", Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0.
* '''Sonic Jam''': Set "Dot Clock" to 2.7 or above. Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" (fix for 2P Mode in Sonic 2).  
+
* '''Grandia''' (FMV issues): Set "Dot Clock" on 3.7 or above. Set "SlaveSH2 Speed" to 90%, Set "EZ Setting" to Highest.
 +
* '''Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai II''' (fix for cutscenes): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" and "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
 
* '''Lunar Silver Star Story''' (FMV issues): Enable "SCU DMA Delay Interrupt".
 
* '''Lunar Silver Star Story''' (FMV issues): Enable "SCU DMA Delay Interrupt".
* '''Grandia''' (FMV issues): Set "Dot Clock" on 3.7 or above. Set "SlaveSH2 Speed" to 90%, Set "EZ Setting" to Highest.
+
* '''Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter''' (fix for sound noise): Disable "Sound Thread".
* '''Deep Fear, Daina ☆ Airan, Mr. Bones, X-Men Vs. Street Fighter''': Enable "Memory Access Wait".
+
* '''Megaman X3''', '''Pro Mahjong Kiwame S''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.7 or above. Set "1Block Clock" to a value as low as possible.
 +
* '''Quovadis 2''' (fix for FMVs): Set "Dot Clock" to 3.0 or above, and "EZ Setting" to "High".
 
* '''Riglord Saga 2''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3 or above.
 
* '''Riglord Saga 2''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3 or above.
 +
* '''Ruri Iro no Yuki''' (fix for company logo among other stuff): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
 
* '''Sol Divide''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.4 or above.
 
* '''Sol Divide''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.4 or above.
* '''Pro Mahjong Kiwame S, Megaman X3''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.7 or above. Set "1Block Clock" to a value as low as possible.
+
* '''Sonic Jam''': Set "Dot Clock" to 2.7 or above. Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" (fix for 2P Mode in Sonic 2).  
* '''World Heroes Perfect, Castlevania Symphony of the Night''' (fix for data select screen), '''Macross Do You Remember Love''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
+
* '''Taito Chase HQ Plus SC'''I: Enable "CD Track/Index".
* '''Chaos Seed''': Enable "Check Cycle Pattern". Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
 
* '''Denpa Shounenteki Game, Astal''': Enable "SH2 Cache".
 
* '''Gokujou Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack (aka Fantastic Journey)''': Enable "Bus Wait", Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0.
 
* '''Ruri Iro no Yuki''' (fix for company logo among other stuff): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
 
 
* '''Toshinden URA''' (if FMVs skip): Set "1Block Clock" to 50. Disable "Check SlaveSH2 Idle Loop". Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 1. Enable "Enable Instruction Cache".
 
* '''Toshinden URA''' (if FMVs skip): Set "1Block Clock" to 50. Disable "Check SlaveSH2 Idle Loop". Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 1. Enable "Enable Instruction Cache".
 +
* '''The Tower:''' Enable "VDP2 RAM Write Timing".
 +
* '''Thunder Hawk II, Whizz''': Enable "Bus Wait".
 +
* '''Virtua Fighter 2''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for key config screen). Enable "Memory Access Wait".
 +
 +
===SSF Drag and Drop Loader===
 +
[https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e9cqrd/drag_drop_rom_loader_for_ssf_emulator_sega_saturn/ The best option] for SSF. Put it in your SSF directory. It works with normal Saturn filenames. Just drag and drop the game file, like Mednafen.
 +
 +
'''Note:''' Unfortunately, the web-link shown in the 2019 Reddit post linked above is since erased. Other sources will need to be found. It is probably found in [https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html this thread] at [[Playnite]] Forums. Be sure to grab the file quickly as it is on an unstable host at MediaFire.<ref name="PF_ROMLoader">{{cite web|url=https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html |title=Romloader app for SSF Emu (sega saturn) |author='cos37' |publisher=Playnite Forums |date=11 December 2019}}</ref>
 +
 +
===CHDSSF===
 +
[https://github.com/batteryshark/CHDSSF This loader] allows you to use disc image without having to mount them at all with the only major caveat being that it requires you to convert your rips to .CHD beforehand using [http://forums.bannister.org//ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=68262#Post68262 chdman] or one of it's forks.
 +
 +
 +
===Cheating with CEP===
 +
 +
# [https://gamehacking.org/downloads/cep022.zip download CEP] and prepare your CODELIST.TXT file. You can find an [https://eadmaster.altervista.org/pub/index.php?page=cheatpacks#ssf example with some codes and an handy converter here].
 +
# start SSF.exe and wait for the game to load, then click About->cep, and leave the dialog with the base address opened.
 +
# start cep.exe
 +
# click "Process" tab, and select the correct emulator version and code type (usually "60codes")
 +
# make sure the address in the field in the 2nd line matches the one in SSF (NO NEED TO CLICK "Search"). Usually it won't match and you will have to change a few digits.
 +
# click "Codes" tab, select the current game and the cheat codes you want to enable
 +
# click the "On" button to activate codes
  
 
===Free Virtual Drive Software===
 
===Free Virtual Drive Software===
As said above, SSF requires a virtual drive to read ISO files. Sadly, most of the good free ones don't work with SSF for one reason or another. They either have a bunch of adware or they don't support mdf/mds files. The ones that do work (along with some that don't) will be listed below.
+
As said above one of the ways to get SSF to use disc images is using a virtual disc drive. Sadly, most of the good free ones don't work with SSF for one reason or another. They either have a bunch of adware or they don't support some formats. The ones that do work (along with some that don't) will be listed below.
  
{| class="wikitable"
+
As of [https://twitter.com/FessX/status/1151502018185293824 Preview Version R4], you can mount CD images that use .cue and .bin files by going to Options > Peripherals, then in the ''CD Image'' section, select '''Enable''', then select the .cue file of your choosing, and restart the emulator. Mind you that this feature is still experimental, ergo the game will likely crash at certain points, so it's best to use the software below.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
 
|+List of Free Virtual Drive Software
 
|+List of Free Virtual Drive Software
 
|-
 
|-
! scope="col" style="text-align: center;"|Program Name
+
! scope="col"|Program Name
! scope="col" style="text-align: center;"|Pros
+
! scope="col"|Pros
! scope="col" style="text-align: center;"|Cons
+
! scope="col"|Cons
 
|-
 
|-
| style="text-align: center;"|[https://www.elby.ch/en/download.html Virtual CloneDrive]
+
|[https://www.elby.ch/en/download.html Virtual CloneDrive]
| style="text-align: center;"|
+
|
 
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
 
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
 
* Very lightweight.  
 
* Very lightweight.  
 
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
 
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
| style="text-align: center;"|
+
|
 
* Doesn't support .mdf/.mds files. This is kind of a big deal, since quite a few of the Saturn's popular titles are only available as mdf/mds.
 
* Doesn't support .mdf/.mds files. This is kind of a big deal, since quite a few of the Saturn's popular titles are only available as mdf/mds.
 
* Can't mount .cue files. DON'T mount the .bin instead, as SSF will boot you back to the bios whenever it feels like it if you do. Instead, make a .ccd/.img copy with CloneCD and another virtual drive program.
 
* Can't mount .cue files. DON'T mount the .bin instead, as SSF will boot you back to the bios whenever it feels like it if you do. Instead, make a .ccd/.img copy with CloneCD and another virtual drive program.
 
|-
 
|-
| style="text-align: center;"|[http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD-Tools/CD-DVD-Rip-Other-Tools/Alcohol-52.shtml Alcohol 52% Free Edition]
+
|[http://yubsoft.com/imgdrive/ ImgDrive]
| style="text-align: center;"|
+
|
 +
* Very lightweight.
 +
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
 +
* Can be used from the command line.
 +
|
 +
* Doesn't seem to work with .cue/.bin or .cue/.iso files (disc gets mounted, but without audio tracks).
 +
.mds/.mdf & .ccd/.img/.sub files are fine, though.
 +
|-
 +
|[http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD-Tools/CD-DVD-Rip-Other-Tools/Alcohol-52.shtml Alcohol 52% Free Edition]
 +
|
 
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
 
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
 
* Very reliable.
 
* Very reliable.
| style="text-align: center;"|
+
|
 
* Installer contains optional adware.
 
* Installer contains optional adware.
 
* Mounting the images causes the sound files to autoplay.
 
* Mounting the images causes the sound files to autoplay.
Line 101: Line 151:
 
(You can mostly ignore the program by stopping it from running on startup, or you can install the program while completely offline using an [http://www.free-codecs.com/download/alcohol_52.htm offline installer] and the crapware will fail to install itself and won't cause any further issues at any point)
 
(You can mostly ignore the program by stopping it from running on startup, or you can install the program while completely offline using an [http://www.free-codecs.com/download/alcohol_52.htm offline installer] and the crapware will fail to install itself and won't cause any further issues at any point)
 
|-
 
|-
| style="text-align: center;"|[http://www.daemon-tools.cc/products/dtLite Daemon Tools LITE]
+
|[http://www.daemon-tools.cc/products/dtLite Daemon Tools LITE]
| style="text-align: center;"|
+
|
 
* Nice UI.
 
* Nice UI.
 
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
 
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
| style="text-align: center;"|
+
|
 
* Installer tries to fill your computer up with adware, and newer versions force you to install adware (Version 4.30.4 does not force it).
 
* Installer tries to fill your computer up with adware, and newer versions force you to install adware (Version 4.30.4 does not force it).
 
* Sends data on every image you mount to an outside location. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/daemon-tools-knows-what-you-mounted-last-summer|title=Daemon tools spying}}</ref> (mostly applies to versions 4.4x and on, [https://mega.nz/#!ZLwFXJYL!CYc0yn38agyZcfcJm487Id2XoJZ9JrzfyGpZ-nGY9AQ version 4.3x] seems unaffected and still works with modern systems but might be buggier)
 
* Sends data on every image you mount to an outside location. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/daemon-tools-knows-what-you-mounted-last-summer|title=Daemon tools spying}}</ref> (mostly applies to versions 4.4x and on, [https://mega.nz/#!ZLwFXJYL!CYc0yn38agyZcfcJm487Id2XoJZ9JrzfyGpZ-nGY9AQ version 4.3x] seems unaffected and still works with modern systems but might be buggier)
 
* No longer run by the original team. Possibly Chinese spyware at this point.
 
* No longer run by the original team. Possibly Chinese spyware at this point.
 
|-
 
|-
| style="text-align: center;"|[http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/ WinCDEmu]
+
|[http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/ WinCDEmu]
| style="text-align: center;"|
+
|
 
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
 
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
 
* Open-source.
 
* Open-source.
Line 117: Line 167:
 
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
 
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
 
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
 
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
| style="text-align: center;"|
+
|
 
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
 
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
 
|-
 
|-
| style="text-align: center;"|[http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm MagicDisc]
+
|[http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm MagicDisc]
| style="text-align: center;"|
+
|
 
* Lightweight.
 
* Lightweight.
 
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
 
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
 
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
 
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
| style="text-align: center;"|
+
|
 
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
 
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
==External links==
 +
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200417060901/http://aaaaaaaa.g2.xrea.com/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from xrea.com)]
 +
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331134556/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from geocities.jp)]
 +
* [https://ssftribute.csdprojects.co.uk/ English Tribute Site]
 +
* [http://segasaturn.org/ Updated Compatibility List Based On Game Region]
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
+
{{Reflist}}
  
 
[[Category:Emulators]]
 
[[Category:Emulators]]
 +
[[Category:Console emulators]]
 +
[[Category:Home console emulators]]
 +
[[Category:Sega Saturn emulators]]
 
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
 
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Sega Saturn emulators]]
+
[[Category:Android emulation software]]
 +
[[Category:Closed-source emulators]]

Revision as of 09:35, 3 June 2022

SSF
Developer(s) Shima
Latest version PreviewVer R30 [+]
Active Yes
Platform(s) Windows
Android
Emulates Sega Saturn
Compatibility High
Accuracy Mid-high
Website Shima's Twitter
License Closed-source
Source code GitHub

SSF is a closed-source Sega Saturn emulator known for being the most compatible.

Download

Windows Android Latest release

Review

SSF is superior to Yabause and to Mednafen due to higher accuracy and higher game compatibility, and also drastically lower CPU requirements compared to Mednafen. It also has features other Saturn emulators lack such as support for true 3d transparencies (instead of checkboard mesh) and a proper de-interlacer for reducing flicker in 480i games. It no longer requires mounting ISO files in a virtual drive to run them. The source code was uploaded to GitHub just once in late January 2021.

The author Shima was, for a time, probably the longest-time active developer on any emulator from the emulator's public launch (Labelled 'SSF 001') in 1999 till 20 years later in late November 2019. It is unknown when the first ever version was released publicly, however, the next version of 'SSF 002' was released on 5th December, 1999.[1]

A recent major update to 0.12 improved compatibility for certain games and broke others. It added support for some of the games such as Astal (needs "Enable SH2 Cache"). Keep both versions, pre- and post-0.12 just in case. To raise compatibility, you can try with "No Bios" enabled or disabled, and you'll want to start with the MaxCompatibility (slow) option, then try with the faster options (that do not always work).

Even though it has a "No Bios" option, you'll sometimes need the BIOS files, of course specifying the correct region in the options.

Some useful commands:

  • F7: Pause and Load State (Press 0-9 to choose)
  • Shift + F7: Pause and Save State (Press 0-9 to choose)
  • Numeral Pad 1-6: Disable 2D layers. Useful for sprite rips. Keep in mind this often causes 3D games to crash, and they already have lower compatibility than 2D one when it comes to general emulations.
  • You can change the speed of emulation under options up to 4x.

Guides and Info

  • An user called 'FreeckyCake' has produced an useful, detailed overview and guide to setting up SSF and uploaded it to a website in early December 2021. It also contains 15 table of content items and small information on decent alternatives such as Mednafen and RetroArch's cores of Beetle Saturn and Kronos, although the user probably didn't try Mednafen with a GUI frontend, which marred his experience somewhat.[2][3]
  • The website FantasyAnime, which is well known for hosting fan-translation patches for many SNES RPGs among others has detailed guides for many advanced emulators of old consoles before 2000 and 2010. They have a much more detailed guide than FreeckyCake's guide above to setting up and running SSF, which was last updated on March 2022.[4]

Troubleshooting

A rough translation of Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues with various games and fixes for them. The original can be found here.

The configuration closest to accurate hardware emulation would be: Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0. Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer". Alternatively, "Setting5" (holding the 5 keyboard button at startup) achieves similar results.

General issues:

  • Character sprites in SNK games don't appear: Change "Cartridge" to "1MBytes RAM Cartridge".
  • Flickering in FMVs: Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
  • No sound: Enable "Memory Access Wait".
  • Stuttering sound: Enable "Scanline Base Timing".

Game-specific issues:

  • Astal, Denpa Shounenteki Game : Enable "SH2 Cache".
  • Baroque (FMV issues): Enable "Check Sprite Priority".
  • Castlevania Symphony of the Night (fix for data select screen), Macross Do You Remember Love, World Heroes Perfect: Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
  • Chaos Seed: Enable "Check Cycle Pattern". Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
  • Daina ☆ Airan, Deep Fear, Mr. Bones, X-Men Vs. Street Fighter: Enable "Memory Access Wait".
  • Dark Savior: Enable "Bus Wait" (fix for logo). Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for save data screen).
  • Daytona USA Circuit Edition: Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
  • Galjan: Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer".
  • Gokujou Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack (aka Fantastic Journey): Enable "Bus Wait", Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0.
  • Grandia (FMV issues): Set "Dot Clock" on 3.7 or above. Set "SlaveSH2 Speed" to 90%, Set "EZ Setting" to Highest.
  • Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai II (fix for cutscenes): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" and "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
  • Lunar Silver Star Story (FMV issues): Enable "SCU DMA Delay Interrupt".
  • Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter (fix for sound noise): Disable "Sound Thread".
  • Megaman X3, Pro Mahjong Kiwame S: Set "Dot Clock" to 3.7 or above. Set "1Block Clock" to a value as low as possible.
  • Quovadis 2 (fix for FMVs): Set "Dot Clock" to 3.0 or above, and "EZ Setting" to "High".
  • Riglord Saga 2: Set "Dot Clock" to 3 or above.
  • Ruri Iro no Yuki (fix for company logo among other stuff): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
  • Sol Divide: Set "Dot Clock" to 3.4 or above.
  • Sonic Jam: Set "Dot Clock" to 2.7 or above. Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" (fix for 2P Mode in Sonic 2).
  • Taito Chase HQ Plus SCI: Enable "CD Track/Index".
  • Toshinden URA (if FMVs skip): Set "1Block Clock" to 50. Disable "Check SlaveSH2 Idle Loop". Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 1. Enable "Enable Instruction Cache".
  • The Tower: Enable "VDP2 RAM Write Timing".
  • Thunder Hawk II, Whizz: Enable "Bus Wait".
  • Virtua Fighter 2: Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for key config screen). Enable "Memory Access Wait".

SSF Drag and Drop Loader

The best option for SSF. Put it in your SSF directory. It works with normal Saturn filenames. Just drag and drop the game file, like Mednafen.

Note: Unfortunately, the web-link shown in the 2019 Reddit post linked above is since erased. Other sources will need to be found. It is probably found in this thread at Playnite Forums. Be sure to grab the file quickly as it is on an unstable host at MediaFire.[5]

CHDSSF

This loader allows you to use disc image without having to mount them at all with the only major caveat being that it requires you to convert your rips to .CHD beforehand using chdman or one of it's forks.


Cheating with CEP

  1. download CEP and prepare your CODELIST.TXT file. You can find an example with some codes and an handy converter here.
  2. start SSF.exe and wait for the game to load, then click About->cep, and leave the dialog with the base address opened.
  3. start cep.exe
  4. click "Process" tab, and select the correct emulator version and code type (usually "60codes")
  5. make sure the address in the field in the 2nd line matches the one in SSF (NO NEED TO CLICK "Search"). Usually it won't match and you will have to change a few digits.
  6. click "Codes" tab, select the current game and the cheat codes you want to enable
  7. click the "On" button to activate codes

Free Virtual Drive Software

As said above one of the ways to get SSF to use disc images is using a virtual disc drive. Sadly, most of the good free ones don't work with SSF for one reason or another. They either have a bunch of adware or they don't support some formats. The ones that do work (along with some that don't) will be listed below.

As of Preview Version R4, you can mount CD images that use .cue and .bin files by going to Options > Peripherals, then in the CD Image section, select Enable, then select the .cue file of your choosing, and restart the emulator. Mind you that this feature is still experimental, ergo the game will likely crash at certain points, so it's best to use the software below.

List of Free Virtual Drive Software
Program Name Pros Cons
Virtual CloneDrive
  • Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
  • Very lightweight.
  • Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
  • Doesn't support .mdf/.mds files. This is kind of a big deal, since quite a few of the Saturn's popular titles are only available as mdf/mds.
  • Can't mount .cue files. DON'T mount the .bin instead, as SSF will boot you back to the bios whenever it feels like it if you do. Instead, make a .ccd/.img copy with CloneCD and another virtual drive program.
ImgDrive
  • Very lightweight.
  • Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
  • Can be used from the command line.
  • Doesn't seem to work with .cue/.bin or .cue/.iso files (disc gets mounted, but without audio tracks).

.mds/.mdf & .ccd/.img/.sub files are fine, though.

Alcohol 52% Free Edition
  • Supports every Saturn image extension.
  • Very reliable.
  • Installer contains optional adware.
  • Mounting the images causes the sound files to autoplay.
  • The installer forces you to install crapware called Smart File Advisor, which you can't uninstall without uninstalling Alcohol.

(You can mostly ignore the program by stopping it from running on startup, or you can install the program while completely offline using an offline installer and the crapware will fail to install itself and won't cause any further issues at any point)

Daemon Tools LITE
  • Nice UI.
  • Supports every Saturn image extension.
  • Installer tries to fill your computer up with adware, and newer versions force you to install adware (Version 4.30.4 does not force it).
  • Sends data on every image you mount to an outside location. [6] (mostly applies to versions 4.4x and on, version 4.3x seems unaffected and still works with modern systems but might be buggier)
  • No longer run by the original team. Possibly Chinese spyware at this point.
WinCDEmu
  • Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
  • Open-source.
  • Very lightweight.
  • Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
  • Supports every Saturn image extension.
  • SSF isn't compatible with it.
MagicDisc
  • Lightweight.
  • Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
  • Supports every Saturn image extension.
  • SSF isn't compatible with it.

External links

References

  1. 'ZarkonD' (30 November 2019). Thread: 'SSF (Saturn emulator) has been actively developed by the same single author for 20 years now.'. Reddit
  2. 'FreeckyCake' (3 Dec 2021). SSF Emulator Guide For Beginners (Saturn Emulator). Reddit
  3. 'FreeckyCake' (3 Dec 2021). How to Play Sega Saturn Games on Your Windows PC. Altar of Gaming
  4. SSF Tutorial. FantasyAnime (31 March 2022)
  5. 'cos37' (11 December 2019). Romloader app for SSF Emu (sega saturn). Playnite Forums
  6. Daemon tools spying