Game problems FAQ
Here is a list of notable games that can be problematic to emulate. Solutions are provided if possible.
Contents
PS1
Metal Gear Solid
MGS rewrites BIOS commands in order to work, and just a simulated one won't cut it. Do not use simulated BIOS in PCSX-R. These will just give a blank screen. If you are using BIOS and it is still not working, try different BIOS files.
If the game stutters, enable the relevant fix in your sound plugin.
Trying to fight Psycho Mantis on an emulator that can't change controller ports? Die enough times and you will be given another method: shooting statues.[1]
Game Boy Color
Nintendo DS
Pokemon Series
All of the Pokemon games have issues, owing to the fact that the DeSmuME devs hate the series and refuse to fix them. You can't trade between emulators (devs refused to merge WiFi implementation), and there are tons of graphical glitches. Save yourself the trouble and just get a flash cart.
DSi
DeSmuME does not support DSi features in games.
PS2
Note: If the game is not set in options to 60Hz it might lead to graphic problems from the get go, some examples being God Hand, Metal Slug, Tekken 5 and Destroy All Humans.
Ace Combat 4/5/Zero
All three are perfectly playable in software mode, but have major graphical issues in hardware mode. Use software mode if your PC is up to the task. This series used to have hit detection issues, but the latest GIT version, with automatic game fixes turned on, will work.
Jak and Daxter Series
Suffers from crazy visual errors like blacked out eyes. Run the game in software mode, or activate the alpha hack to fix the shadows. Blacked out eyes can't be fixed without using software mode.
Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3
These games need a very high end CPU to run at full speed and will run slowly on most CPUs. All of the various blades of grass in MGS3 are one cause of its slowdown.
Shadow of the Colossus
This game needs a very high end CPU to run at full speed.
Time Crisis 2
There is currently no lightgun support in PCSX2.
Zone of the Enders 1 and 2
This game needs a very high end CPU to run at full speed.
PSP
Dangan Ronpa
Make sure you're using the latest version of PPSSPP.
Go to Game Settings > Graphics. If you use a Nvidia GPU, select Read Framebuffers to Memory (GPU) under "Rendering Mode". If you use an AMD GPU or Android device, select Read Framebuffers to Memory (CPU).
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
As of the latest version of PPSSPP (0.9.7.2) the PC emulation seems perfect minus the online, even if the framerate is locked to 20 FPS, that is until one of the last bosses in the game the level "Peace Walker battle 2", the bug is said boss's life not descreasing from the last 2 bars, making the game unbeatable. The problem has been brought to attention for a while But the only solution seems to use a cheat to defeat the Mech, "_C1 One Hit Kill [Mechs] _L 0x2001B764 0xAE200064" which works ONLY for the US version, thus you will need to have that one, to keep your savegames, open the US version, create and install everything as per the first configuration and then from "...ppsspp\memstick\PSP\SAVEDATA" take the files inside "ULES01372001" and then place them into "ULUS10509003".
GameCube
Beyond Good and Evil
Both the GCN and PS2 versions have graphical glitches in their emulators. Play the PC version if you can.
Star Wars: Rogue Leader
Has a severe graphical issues with the skybox due to the developer's use of unusual GameCube features. There is currently no fix. Modded Wii's can boot this.
Star Wars: Rebel Strike
Simply does not run. If you really want to play this, a modded Wii can boot it.
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
GBA connection issues and various other glitches plague this title.
Zelda: Twilight Princess
There is major slowdown in Hyrule Field. Use this patch to improve it: [2]
Wii
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
Suffers from numerous problems. Play it on the real console if you can.
Metroid Prime Trilogy
Glitch city. Just play the GameCube versions.
Zelda: Skyward Sword
Requires a real Wiimote and Motion Plus to emulate. See details here: [3]