Difference between pages "PCSX2" and "SSF"

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{{Outdated}}
 +
 
{{Infobox emulator
 
{{Infobox emulator
−
|logo = PCSX2-Logo.png
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|title        = SSF
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|logowidth = 265
+
|logo         =  
−
|version = 1.6.0
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|logowidth     =
−
|active = Yes
+
|developer    = Shima
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|platform = Windows, Linux, macOS
+
|version       = {{SSFVer}}
−
|target = [[PlayStation 2 emulators|PlayStation 2]]
+
|active       = Yes
−
|developer = [http://pcsx2.net/meet-the-team.html PCSX2 Team]
+
|platform     = Windows<br/>Android
−
|website = [http://pcsx2.net/ PCSX2.net]
+
|architecture  =
−
|source = [https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2 GitHub]
+
|target       = [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn]]
−
|license = GNU GPLv2
+
|compatibility =  
−
|compatibility = [https://pcsx2.net/compatibility-list.html Compatibility list]
+
|accuracy      =  
−
|bios = [[Emulator_Files#PlayStation_2|Required]]
+
|website      =[https://twitter.com/FessX Shima's Twitter]
 +
|prog-lang    =
 +
|support      =  
 +
|license      = Closed-source
 +
|source        =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
'''PCSX2''' is an open-source, plugin-based [[PlayStation 2 emulators|PlayStation 2 emulator]]. Its purpose is to mimic the PS2 hardware using a combination of MIPS CPU [[wikipedia:Interpreter_%28computing%29|interpreters]], [[wikipedia:Dynamic_recompilation|recompilers]] and a [[wikipedia:Virtual_machine|virtual machine]] which manages hardware states and PS2 system memory. In 2016, preliminary work was started on [[PlayStation emulators|PS1]] support<ref>https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/pull/1571</ref>.
+
'''SSF''' is a closed-source [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn emulator]] known for being the most compatible for a long time.
  
 
==Download==
 
==Download==
 
{| cellpadding="4"
 
{| cellpadding="4"
 
|-
 
|-
−
|align=center|{{Icon|Win|Lin|Mac}}
+
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big|APK-big}}
−
|'''[https://pcsx2.net/download.html Stable builds]'''
+
|'''[{{SSFDownloadLink}} Latest release]'''
−
|-
 
−
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big}}
 
−
|'''[http://buildbot.orphis.net/pcsx2/ Dev builds]'''
 
−
|-
 
−
|align=center|{{Icon|Mac-big}}
 
−
|'''[https://github.com/tellowkrinkle/pcsx2/releases Dev macOS builds]
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
The stable builds for Mac and Linux are severely outdated, less so for Windows. Either way, it's still recommended to use the dev builds, unless the latest one is actually broken (which it usually isn't).
+
==Review==
 +
The best Saturn emulator right now. SSF is superior to [[Yabause]] and [[Mednafen]] for compatibility, but is Windows only and closed source. It no longer requires mounting ISO files in a virtual drive to run them (see below).
  
−
==System requirements==
+
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).
−
===Minimum===
 
−
* OS: Windows 8.1 or newer (32 or 64 bit), Ubuntu 18.04/Debian, Arch Linux, or other distro (32 or 64 bit)
 
−
* CPU: Supports SSE2 instruction, two physical cores with hyperthreading, [https://www.cpubenchmark.net/singleThread.html PassMark Single Thread Performance rating near or greater than 1600] (Intel Core i3-3210)
 
−
* GPU: Support Direct3D10 and OpenGL 3.x, 2 GB Video Memory, [https://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html PassMark G3D Mark rating around 3000] (GeForce GTX 750)
 
−
* RAM: 4 GB
 
−
===Recommended===
 
−
* OS: Windows 10 (64 bit), Ubuntu 19.04/Debian, Arch Linux, or other distro (64 bit)
 
−
* CPU: Supports AVX2 instruction, four physical cores with or without hyperthreading, [https://www.cpubenchmark.net/singleThread.html PassMark Single Thread Performance rating near or greater than 2100] (Intel Core i7-4770)
 
−
* GPU: Support Direct3D11 and OpenGL 4.5, 4 GB Video Memory, [https://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html PassMark G3D Mark rating around 6000] (GeForce GTX 1050 Ti)
 
−
* RAM: 8 GB
 
  
−
These are recommended specs for using PCSX2<ref>https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2#system-requirements</ref>, but depending on the game you want to play, your mileage may vary.  Some games need [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-LIST-The-Most-CPU-Intensive-Games high-end, possibly overclocked CPUs] or [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-LIST-The-Most-GPU-Intensive-Games powerful GPUs], whereas some games run even on [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-LIST-Games-that-don-t-need-a-strong-CPU-to-emulate weak processors].
+
SSF requires either an external virtual drive or a specific loader to read disc images. Close and restart the emulator (as it says in the Japanese dialogue popup appearing) whenever you modify the options for them to take effect.
  
−
For those with [[DualShock 3]] controllers, use [[SCP Driver Package]].
+
Even though it has a "No Bios" option, you'll sometimes need the BIOS files, of course specifying the correct region in the options.
  
−
==Setup==
+
Some useful commands:
−
===Gamepad===
+
* F7: Pause and Load State (Press 0-9 to choose)
−
[[File:New_God_Hand_Config.jpg|thumb|Get God Hand running on a laptop]][http://www.mediafire.com/view/115130h5rc6qe6b/LilyPad-SCP.lily Native DS3 controls with LilyPad-SCP] - Import this with the 'Load Bindings' button in LilyPad's config.
+
* 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.
  
−
Either that, or you can use [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Pokopom-KrossX-s-Pad-Plugin the Pokopom XInput Plugin.] If you use a DualShock controller running under a XInput wrapper such as SCP Server, then this plugin is a no-brainer. It's very customizable, and you don't have to configure it beforehand. All of the buttons are bound at startup.
+
==Guides and Info==
 +
[http://www.racketboy.com/retro/sega/saturn/ssf-a-nearly-perfect-sega-saturn-emulator General Guide]
  
−
Also, you can easily (and quite effortlessly) set up and use a DualShock 4 pad if you connect it wirelessly via an official PlayStation DualShock 4 Bluetooth USB dongle PC adapter from Sony. A generic bluetooth adapter (integrated or external) should work too with combination ryochan7/DS4Windows or via steam as a wrapper for wired or wireless.
+
[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.]
  
−
===Video===
+
[https://segaretro.org/SSF See the external links in this Sega Retro page for guides and compatibility databases].
−
Most of the video options should be straightforward, with the possible exception of interlacing modes. Many games will run fine with 'None', while others may experience artifacting or jitter.
 
  
−
* "Sawtooth" is not recommended at all. Artifacting is far too heavy to be usable.
+
===Troubleshooting===
−
* "Bob" has reduced artifacts, but jitter can still occur.
+
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].
−
* "Blend" has the least amount of jitter. However, it can cause blurriness. The Blend interlacer does frame-blending. This is also known as motion blur. This means that if there is heavy jitter, the video output will be extremely blurry since the two jittering frames will blend together. Only use this interlacing method as a last resort.
 
  
−
Another method to get around this is by running GSdx in hardware rendering, doubling the vertical resolution (if a game displays 640x480 on the emulator window, set vertical res to 960) and selecting bob-tff for interlacing. This can eliminate interlacing artifacts in most cases, although issues with upscaling, as well as using hardware emulation over software, can arise.
+
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.
  
−
==Overview==
+
General issues:
−
Code for 64-bit support for all major PC versions of PCSX2 including Windows, Linux and macOS was in development from [https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/pull/3451 June 07, 2020]; and both 32-bit & 64-bit builds for all three desktop PC systems started being available on [https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/pull/3451#issuecomment-653720205 July 04, 2020].<ref name="Reddit_1">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/hkzzv2/pcsx2_now_has_a_64_bit_version/ |title=PCSX2 now has a 64 bit version |publisher=Reddit|accessdate=2020-07-06|date=2020 Jul 04}}</ref> Eventually, this has the potential to reduce the so-called 'technical debt' (Consisting of hacks built in for some games) that still cause issues in 32-bit builds; and broaden the emulator's support for more platforms and devices such as support for ARM64 chips (Also for Mac too).
+
* '''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".
  
−
PCSX2 is a plugin-based emulator in name only. All plugins are developed in tandem with the emulator in the same source tree. With the exception of some specialized input plugins discussed below, there has not been a reason to add additional plugins such as the older ZeroGS/ZeroSPU2 for many years. Similar to current versions of Dolphin, the PCSX2 developers intend to eventually have all the plugins statically linked/"baked-in". To facilitate this, PSX emulator support was dropped from LilyPad and GSdx (does not affect playing PSX games in PCSX2). Currently, all plugins except the graphics plugin (GSdx) have been integrated into the core.
+
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 SC'''I: 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".
  
−
==Issues==
+
===SSF Drag and Drop Loader===
−
{{main|https://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Sticky-PCSX2-General-Troubleshooting-FAQ PCSX2 General Troubleshooting FAQ}}
+
[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.
  
−
===Automatic game fixes===
 
−
Whenever you encounter any kind of bug that isn't graphical in nature, objects going through other objects, untargetable objects that should be targetable or A.I. freezing, for example, make sure that the automatic game fixes option from the system menu is activated.
 
  
−
===Major graphical glitches===
 
−
Whenever a game has graphical problems such as garbage texture, missing effects, light sources visible through a wall, burn-in or transparent objects being opaque, the easiest fix is generally to switch to software mode either by pressing F9 in-game or via the configuration panel of the GSdx plugin. If using the DX11 renderer another option is to try the OGL one which is generally more up to date and more accurate. If you're using stable version of the emulator, try using the most recent development build. Newer development builds of the emulator have fixes in the hardware rendering which may remove graphical errors such as red or green bars appearing on the screen. The newest development build can be found at https://pcsx2.net/download/development/dev-windows.html, click the download link of the revision closest to the top of the page.
 
  
−
===Poor performance in software mode===
+
===CHDSSF===
−
Many games will require you to switch to software mode to fix various issues, albeit at the cost of a significant performance loss. However, an easily overlooked setting in the graphical plugin configuration panel, extra rendering threads, might help lessen the performance loss if you have a quad-core or higher CPU. It is recommended to set it to the number of cores in your CPU minus one if you aren't using the MTVU speed-hack, or minus two if you are (ex: if you are using a quad core CPU you should set this number to 3 without MTVU and 2 with MTVU).
+
[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.
−
The process described above is partially automated in recent development versions of PCSX2 but you might still need to tweak it to get optimal performance levels
 
  
−
===Multi-threaded microVU===
 
−
Multi-threaded microVU (MTVU), while generally a very useful speed-hack, might sometime cause minor problems like hanging and absence of performance gain or more severe ones like massive performance hits, save-states corruption (PCSX2 keeps a backup you can load with Shift+F3 in case any issues arise) and crashes to desktop.
 
  
−
===Crashes===
+
===Cheating with CEP===
−
Crashes could be the results of several things.
 
−
Switching between hardware and software rendering rapidly is likely to cause the emulator to lock up. This can be easily avoided by waiting a few seconds after switching between hardware and software rendering before switching again.
 
−
If your GPU drivers also crash simultaneously (or you get massive graphical corruption on your desktop and/or a BSOD while trying to run a game) this means you're either using outdated drivers or you're trying to use an AMD card with the OGL renderer and Blending Accuracy set to none, in which case either set it to basic or higher or use the DX11 renderer instead.
 
−
If the log warns you about TLB miss you are either:
 
  
−
* Using a bad dump of a game, in which case you'll need to [[Ripping Games|re-rip your disc]] or re-download the game you are trying to play.
+
# [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].
−
* Playing the game directly from your DVD drive, in which case you should [[Ripping Games|rip the game]] and play using the .iso instead (it's not advised to play directly from your DVD drive).
+
# start SSF.exe and wait for the game to load, then click About->cep, and leave the dialog with the base address opened.
−
* Trying to play a game that isn't supported by the emulator, in which case you cannot do anything except trying another version of the game (PAL or NTSC-J for example).
+
# start cep.exe
−
* Trying to play a game with a massive or in some cases any EE overclock applied, in which case turn it back down the speedhack menu.
+
# click "Process" tab, and select the correct emulator version and code type (usually "60codes")
−
* You need to check the Wiki to see if the game requires any specific settings regarding the Clamping Mode of the EE/VU.
+
# 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.
−
* Cheats used in the game's .pnach file are invalid.
+
# click "Codes" tab, select the current game and the cheat codes you want to enable
 +
# click the "On" button to activate codes
  
−
If PCSX2 still crashes after doing all of the above, check that you aren't using any speed-hacks and that your system is stable and not overheating especially if you are overclocking.
+
===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.
  
−
===Extreme fluctuation emulation speed===
+
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.
−
The large fluctuation in emulation generally are caused by the games themselves and cannot be avoided but there is a handful of cases where this is caused by specific configuration issues
 
  
−
* Using large internal resolution multiplier on a lower end GPU, even if the game runs mostly fine some effect can cause the emulator to suddenly have to do a lot of very heavy operation on the VRAM, lower GPU tend to have much lower VRAM bandwidth and will get absolutely crushed by what PCSX2 tries to do, especially true when using Large framebuffer and even more so when using the OGL renderer, obviously the only real fix is turning the resolution down and disabling Large Framebuffer if possible
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
−
* Playing the game directly from the original DVD using a disc drive, in which case you should [[Ripping Games|rip the game]] and play using the .iso instead
+
|+List of Free Virtual Drive Software
−
* Having the Blending accuracy set too high in the OGL renderer (Full and Ultra mostly)
+
|-
−
* Using EE overclock in some games
+
! scope="col"|Program Name
 +
! scope="col"|Pros
 +
! scope="col"|Cons
 +
|-
 +
|[https://www.elby.ch/en/download.html 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.
 +
|-
 +
|[http://yubsoft.com/imgdrive/ 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.
 +
|-
 +
|[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.
 +
* 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 [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)
 +
|-
 +
|[http://www.daemon-tools.cc/products/dtLite 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. <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.
 +
|-
 +
|[http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/ 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.
 +
|-
 +
|[http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm MagicDisc]
 +
|
 +
* Lightweight.
 +
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
 +
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
 +
|
 +
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
 +
|}
  
−
===Intermittent warped audio===
+
==External links==
−
Due to how the synchronizing function of the audio plugin works, even when running games on a computer that is capable of going way above 100% speed in a stable fashion, random bits of time-stretched audio can be heard occasionally or even frequently, there are however a few ways to work around that issue.
+
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200417060901/http://aaaaaaaa.g2.xrea.com/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from xrea.com)]
−
* Set the audio syncing method to Async Mix (can cause A/V sync issue, not recommended with rhythm games), do not set it to None as it basically does the same thing as Async Mix but has more issues
+
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331134556/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from geocities.jp)]
−
* Unlock the PCSX2 framerate limiter and use an external one such as MSI Afterburner
+
* [https://ssftribute.csdprojects.co.uk/ English Tribute Site]
−
 
+
* [http://segasaturn.org/ Updated Compatibility List Based On Game Region]
−
===Blurry===
 
−
It's either interlacing or a filter in the game itself. For the former, switching the de-interlacing mode with F5 may help, and may cause flicker or screen shaking. For the latter, hacks are required. Either Aggressive-CRC if the game is listed there, or skipdraw (toy with the number, 1-100) might work otherwise.
 
−
 
 
−
===Black lines===
 
−
Black lines are caused by scaling to a non-integer internal resolution (anything other than Yx Native), texture filtering (Try anything that isn't bilinear (Forced), improperly offset textures (TC Offset, Wild Arms Offset hacks, Half-Pixel Offset), or improperly handled texture edges (Merge Sprite hack, Sprite/Round Sprite combobox). Native resolution, for the most part, fixes these issues, however, software rendering may be required as well.
 
−
 
 
−
==Special hardware==
 
−
===Pressure-sensitive buttons===
 
−
The DualShock 2 joypad bundled with the PS2 has all buttons and sticks with variable pressure states.
 
−
 
 
−
While most PS2 games don't require this feature, instead preferring variable trigger/stick pressure (e.g. sneaking past the sleeping dog in Chulip), a select few do. Some examples include:
 
−
 
 
−
* All three attack buttons in the Bouncer do different attacks based on whether the press was light, medium or strong. Same goes for the musical game Mad Maestro.
 
−
* Star Ocean 3 has a musical item that plays different melodies depending on pressure and they're required for progressing.
 
−
 
 
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Games requiring variable trigger pressure need physical controllers with analog sticks, but rare are third-party controllers which support variable pressure buttons. To know if your controller supports it, open the LilyPad plugin settings by going to the PCSX2 menu and selecting "Config", "Controllers (PAD)", and "Plugin Settings". At the LilyPad plugin popup, select your gamepad from the list of detected controllers in the "Device Diagnostics" box in the lower left then click the "Test Device" button.
 
−
 
 
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A small popup window will appear, showing a list of all the gamepad's buttons as well as their current state. 0.000 = indicates unpressed, 1.000 = indicates fully depressed. Roll either analog stick around. See how the values change from 0.000 to 0.xyz, with the .xyz values shifting incrementally. These changing .xyz values show how the plugin detects different changes in angle as you move the analog stick around.
 
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Now press any of the buttons normally used by games, i.e. the triangle/square/cross/circle buttons. See how the values immediately shift from 0.000 = unpressed, directly to 1.000 = pressed. If your gamepad truly has pressure sensitive buttons you will see gradual 0.xyz changes as you slowly press each button, just like the different changes in angle as you move the analog sticks around.
 
−
If the buttons change from 0.000 directly to 1.000 this proves that your gamepad buttons are not pressure sensitive and are merely tracking the pressed/unpressed state.
 
−
 
 
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The solution would be to either buy an official DualShock 3 controller and use an appropriate 3rd party driver such as [[SCP Driver Package]], or mapping the button to a rarely used trigger/stick in LilyPad this way:
 
−
 
 
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An additional button needs to be mapped to circle as well but configured to deliver "light" pressure. This is done by opening the gamepad plugin configuration and choosing a rarely used key - for example, the lower shoulder button L2 - and remapping it to the circle button, and setting the sensitivity to 0.500 or thereabouts. In the game, merely use the remapped L2@circle button to deliver "light" tap/hold tunes while the regular circle button can be used normally to deliver "hard" tap/hold tunes.
 
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==Lightgun support==
 
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Lightgun support is available in the pcxs2 emulator via a third party plugin called nuvee. His allows you to use and mouse or mouse compatible device (such as a lightgun) to play the large ps2 library of lightgun games<ref>https://lightgungamer.com/pcsx2</ref>.
 
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==See also==
 
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* [[How To Play PCSX2 Online]]
 
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* [[Online PS2 games]]
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
−
{{reflist}}
+
{{Reflist}}
−
 
 
−
==External links==
 
−
* [https://pcsx2.net/compatibility-list.html Official compatibility list]
 
−
* [http://pcsx2.net/247-official-pcsx2-configuration-guide-video.html Official PCSX2 setup guide]
 
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* [http://neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=427321 NeoGAF guide]
 
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* [http://wiki.pcsx2.net/index.php/Main_Page PCSX2 wiki]
 
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* [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-PCSX2-Widescreen-Game-Patches?pid=271674#pid271674 PCSX2 widescreen game patches] and [http://ps2wide.net/ widescreen hacks]
 
−
* [https://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-60-fps-codes 60 fps codes]
 
  
 
[[Category:Emulators]]
 
[[Category:Emulators]]
 
[[Category:Console emulators]]
 
[[Category:Console emulators]]
 
[[Category:Home console emulators]]
 
[[Category:Home console emulators]]
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[[Category:PlayStation 2 emulators]]
 
 
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
 
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
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[[Category:Linux emulation software]]
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[[Category:Sega Saturn emulators]]
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[[Category:macOS emulation software]]
+
[[Category:Closed-source emulators]]
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[[Category:Netplay]]
 

Revision as of 03:44, 14 October 2021

SSF
Developer(s) Shima
Latest version PreviewVer R30
Active Yes
Platform(s) Windows
Android
Emulates Sega Saturn
Website Shima's Twitter
License Closed-source

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

Download

Windows Android Latest release

Review

The best Saturn emulator right now. SSF is superior to Yabause and Mednafen for compatibility, but is Windows only and closed source. It no longer requires mounting ISO files in a virtual drive to run them (see below).

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).

SSF requires either an external virtual drive or a specific loader to read disc images. Close and restart the emulator (as it says in the Japanese dialogue popup appearing) whenever you modify the options for them to take effect.

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

General Guide

Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues. Note that this is Japanese-to-English Google Translate, and has a very shoddy syntax as a result.

See the external links in this Sega Retro page for guides and compatibility databases.

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.


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. [1] (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. ↑ Daemon tools spying
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