Forbidden Siren 2

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Revision as of 12:55, 30 December 2013 by Yuri (talk | contribs) (A new issue that I forgot, but needs confirmation from others.)
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Forbidden Siren 2

PAL region cover art
Region PAL:
Serial numbers: SCES-53851
Release date: August 4, 2006
CRCs: C040B6AB
Windows Status: Ingame
Linux Status: ?
Mac Status: ?
Region NTSC-J:
Release date: February 9, 2006
Windows Status: ?
Linux Status: ?
Mac Status: ?

Developer(s): SCE Japan Studio
Genre: Horror
Wikipedia: Link
Game description: Sequel to Siren (Forbidden Siren in Europe). Like its predecessor, Forbidden Siren 2 is divided into numerous scenarios, organized chronologically in a table called the "Link Navigator". In order to complete a scenario, the player must accomplish a primary mission objective that usually involves reaching an exit point, subduing certain enemies (called "Shibito" and "Yamibito"), or finding an item. Objectives in different scenarios are interconnected via a butterfly effect, and a character's actions in one scenario can trigger a secondary objective in another.
The game's defining feature is the characters' collective ability to "sightjack," or see and hear from the perspectives of nearby shibito, yamibito, humans, and other creatures.
The game was released in Japan, Australia and Europe in 2006.

Test configuration on Windows:

PCSX2 version: v1.1.0 r5760
Graphics by GSdx: r5752
Sound by SPU2-X: 2.0.0 r5761
Pad plugin is XPad: v0.2.0

Hack comments: Default ones and MTVU. Currently (r5760) the game database has XgKickHack enabled.

Test configuration on Linux:

PCSX2 version: untested
Graphics by ZZogl: untested
Sound by SPU2-X: untested


PC specs used to test the game:

CPU: Intel i5 2500K @3300Mhz
GPU: GeForce GTX 460 SE 768MB

Comments: The game has horizontal black lines when using upscaling in hardware mode. Native HW mode is ok, but with the mentioned issues. Software mode runs fine with the above mentioned configuration.
I played the game till the end and I say it is playable! Of course the SPS issue on the first some levels are disturbing and sometimes makes the game more frustrating than it is necessary (save states are a blessing here). Also the special sightjacks function only in software mode!

Widescreen support

Available as a .pnatch file. Grab it from the PCSX2 forums.

Known Issues

Post-processing effects not present

  • Type: Graphical issue
  • Affected Game Versions: All
  • Description: The grid like full screen effect is missing in hardware mode. Also some dark areas are a bit brighter than originally intended.
  • Solution: Currently no post-processing support in GSdx. Switch to software mode.

Sightjack visuals

  • Type: Graphical issue
  • Affected Game Versions: All
  • Description: The visuals are not properly rendered in HW mode. A semi transparent bar is the middle off the screen and the cloudy vision of the shibitos have blinking rectangular shapes.
  • Solution: Software mode.

Tsukasa Sightjack

  • Type: Graphical issue
  • Affected Game Versions: All
  • Description: It is a special sightjack where you control Mikami Shu through the eyesight of his dog, Tsukasa. The problem here is, that nothing is visible in sightjack mode. Special sightjacks also include reminiscence scenes, other R3 control and child Shu eyesight.
  • Solution: Playable under software mode.

SPS (Spiky Polygon Syndrome) issue

  • Type: Graphical issue
  • Affected Game Versions: All
  • Description: The game levels are often filled (more or less) with spiky artefacts. About the 1st third of the game has lot of these. Later on very few or non existent. Both in HW and SW mode.
  • Solution: Nothing. At this time the game is not fully emulated.

Driving a car after tutorial level

  • Type: Gameplay control
  • Affected Game Versions: All probably
  • Description: The controls of the car are not working after the tutorial level. You can play fine for the first time, but in later levels, where you have to use a car to advance, the controls are simply not working. You can enter the vehicle though.
  • Solution: The only solution I found was to restart the emulator. Used save states before entering the car. After that I had no issues in the same level, re-entering the car multiple times, etc. But in next level you need to restart as described before.
  • This needs confirmation from other users, please test it!