Xenosaga Episode III: Also Sprach Zarathustra: Difference between revisions

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|caption          =
|caption          =
|developer        = Monolith Soft
|developer        = Monolith Soft
|publisher        = [[Namco]] (AS, JP), [[Bandai|Namco Bandai Games]] (US)
|genre            = RPG
|genre            = RPG
|wikipedia        = [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenosaga_Episode_III:_Also_sprach_Zarathustra Link]
|wikipedia        = [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenosaga_Episode_III:_Also_sprach_Zarathustra Link]
|gameinfo          = It is one year after the events of Episode II and Shion Uzuki has left Vector Industries. After the "Missing Year" fiasco, in which she uncovered information that revealed her former employer's shadowy intentions and her father's involvement with the U-TIC organization, Shion joined the anti-Vector group, Scientia. The CEO of Vector Industries, Wilhelm, is trying to "reset" the universe, going back to the point in time where it all began.
|gameinfo          = The story of Xenosaga III starts a year after "Xenosaga II" ended. Shion has resigned from Vector Industries after learning that the company is deeply connected to the appearance of the Gnosis. She instead joins Scientia, an underground organization working to unveil Vector's secrets in order to bring them down. Uncover the truth and save mankind in the finale of the Xenosaga series which boasts over 3 hours of movies, an updated battle system, and an improved customization feature with more in-depth character specialization and diversification and higher rewards for strategic party management. This RPG also includes an easily accessible database feature, the "Xeno Bible" and a mini-game with over 50 levels that challenges both you and your friends.<br />
|reviewlinks      = [http://www.ign.com/games/xenosaga-episode-iii-also-sprach-zarathustra/ps2-757372 IGN]
It is one year after the events of Episode II and Shion Uzuki has left Vector Industries. After the "Missing Year" fiasco, in which she uncovered information that revealed her former employer's shadowy intentions and her father's involvement with the U-TIC organization, Shion joined the anti-Vector group, Scientia. The CEO of Vector Industries, Wilhelm, is trying to "reset" the universe, going back to the point in time where it all began.
|reviewscore      = 8.0/10
 
''Xenosaga Episode III: Also Sprach Zarathustra'' is the sequel to [[Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Bose]]
|cpu-intensive    = 1
|gamefaqslink      = [http://www.gamefaqs.com/ps2/929933-xenosaga-episode-iii-also-sprach-zarathustra Link]
|reviewlinks      = {{ReviewLink|[http://www.ign.com/games/xenosaga-episode-iii-also-sprach-zarathustra/ps2-757372 IGN]|8.0/10}}, {{ReviewLink|[https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/xenosaga-episode-iii-also-sprach-zarathustra Metacritic]|81/100}}
|na_rating_text    = Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
|na_rating        = T
|japan_rating      = C
|japanese          = SLPM-61147 & SLPS-25640 & SLPS-25641
|english          = SLUS-21389 & SLUS-21417
|widescreenpatch  = 1
<!-- NTSC-U props -->
<!-- NTSC-U props -->
|NTSCU            = 1
|NTSCU            = 1
|serialsNTSCU      = <br>
|serialsNTSCU      = SLUS-21389 <small>(Disc 1)</small><br />SLUS-21417 <small>(Disc 2)</small>
*SLUS-21389 (Disc 1)
*SLUS-21417 (Disc 2)
|CRCsNTSCU        =
|CRCsNTSCU        =
|releasedateNTSCU  = August 29, 2006
|releasedateNTSCU  = August 29, 2006
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<!-- NTSC-J props -->
<!-- NTSC-J props -->
|NTSCJ            = 1
|NTSCJ            = 1
|serialsNTSCJ      = <br>
|serialsNTSCJ      = SCAJ-20179 <small>(Disc 1)</small><br />SCAJ-20180 <small>(Disc 2)</small><br />SLPS-25640 <small>(Disc 1)</small><br />SLPS-25641 <small>(Disc 2)</small><br />SLPM-61147 <small>(Demo)</small>
*SLPS-25640 (Disc 1)
*SLPS-25641 (Disc 2)
|CRCsNTSCJ        =
|CRCsNTSCJ        =
|releasedateNTSCJ  = July 6, 2006
|releasedateNTSCJ  = July 4, 2006 <small>(Asia)</small><br />July 6, 2006
|statusNTSCJ      =
|statusNTSCJ      =
|linuxstatusNTSCJ  =
|linuxstatusNTSCJ  =
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|Comments=Runs at 200% speed.
|Comments=Runs at 200% speed.
|Tester={{ForumUser|General-Plot}}
|Tester={{ForumUser|General-Plot}}
}}
{{TestingEntry
|Status=2
|Region=NTSC-U
|OS=Windows
|CPU=Intel Core i7-6700HQ @ 2.6Ghz
|GPU=Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
|Revision=1.4.0
|Graphics=GSdx9 1.0
|Sound=
*SPU2-X 2.0.0
*LilyPad 0.11.0
|Comments=Runs almost perfect. Occasional  extra long character shadow appears. Slight frameloss in intense cut scenes.
|Tester={{ForumUser|grahf}}
}}
{{TestingEntry
|Status=2
|Region=NTSC-U
|OS= Windows 10 Pro
|CPU= Intel Core I5-6600K @ 4.5GHz
|GPU= Nvidia GTX 1660 SUPER @ 6GB
|Revision=1.6.0 Stable
|Graphics=GSdx 1.2.0 AVX2 OpenGL (Hardware)
|Sound=
* SPU2-X 2.0.0
* LilyPad 0.12.1
|Comments=Safe Emulation Preset with GSdx OpenGL. 4k 60fps, up to 400% speed. Setting Used:
* CRC Hacks: Aggressive
* HW Hacks: Enabled
* Disable Safe Features: Enabled
* Preload Frame Data: Enabled
* Merge Sprite
* Half-Pixel Offset: Sprite(Texture)
* Round Sprite: Full
* Texture Offsets: X:0 / Y: 1000.
Big thanks to Reddit user u/generalmartacus for the sprite alignment settings! These came from a
[https://www.reddit.com/r/Xenosaga/comments/p0vxct/best_way_to_play_the_trilogy/ thread on the Xenosaga Subreddit].
I am only responsibly for the finding out about the CRC and other HW Hacks, as well as extra testing.
|Tester={{ForumUser|Chrono Tigger}}
}}
}}
{{TestingFooter}}
{{TestingFooter}}
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{{TestingFooter}}
{{TestingFooter}}
-->
-->
== Trivia ==
* Original names: '''ゼノサーガ・エピソードⅢ ~ツァラトゥストラはかく語りき~''' (SLPS-25640)
* Also known as '''Xenosaga Episode III: Zarathustra wa Kaku Katariki''' (JP)




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==Known Issues==
==Known Issues==


{{Issue
|IssueName=Broken graphics on certain surfaces in final dungeon
|IsFixed=0
|IssueLevel=0
|Description=There are garbage graphics on some transparent/reflective surfaces in the final dungeon.
|Workaround=No solution exists.
}}
{{Issue
|IssueName=One single shadow broken in final dungeon
|IsFixed=0
|IssueLevel=0
|Description=There is one single broken shadow on the ceiling of one of the rooms in the final dungeon.
|Workaround=No solution exists.
}}


{{Issue
{{Issue
|IssueName=Darker screen
|IssueName=Line going across middle of flashback cutscenes
|IsFixed=0
|IsFixed=0
|IssueLevel=0
|IssueLevel=0
|Description=In dx11 hardware mode, screen often gets darker than it should be.
|Description=Straight horizontal line going across the middle of flashback (sepia filter) cutscenes.
|Workaround=Dx9 mode would fix this, but fps is severely reduced.(30~50%)<br>
|Workaround=No solution exists, but it's least noticeable on hardware renderers at native resolution; however it appears on every configuration, including software rendering.  
Alternatively: Enabling Alpha and Half-pixel Offset along with a TC Offset Y of 1000 (in the configuration menu of HW hack) fix the shadows and the screen being too dark problems.
}}
}}


{{Issue
{{Issue
|IssueName=Minor glitches in Zarathustra dungeon
|IssueName=Broken floor shadow following playable character
|IsFixed=0
|IsFixed=0
|IssueLevel=0
|IssueLevel=0
|Description=There are some minor glitches in Zarathustra dungeon.
|Description=An incorrect shadow will follow the playable character in the overworld.
|Workaround=No known solution
|Workaround=Select OpenGL as the renderer and enable "Disable Safe Features".<br>
}}
}}


{{Issue
{{Issue
|IssueName=Line going across middle of cut scenes
|IssueName=Ghosting images around characters during cutscenes when upscaling
|IsFixed=0
|IsFixed=0
|IssueLevel=0
|IssueLevel=0
|Description=Straight line going across the middle of cut scene
|Description=Ghosting will be visible around characters during cutscenes when running higher than native resolution. This is due to bloom not working well with upscaling.
|Workaround= Enable HW hacks Round Sprite= check *OpenGL*   ( in DX11 this will corrupt the cut scenes) This fix is currently broke with current git build
|Workaround=Set Half Pixel Offset to Normal (Vertex) and Round Sprite to Full. Alternatively, enable Merge Sprite. If nothing seems to fix it, press F9 to switch to software rendering.<br>
}}
 
==Fixed Issues==
{{Issue
|IssueName=Darker screen/edge issues
|IsFixed=1
|IssueLevel=0
|Description=In dx11 hardware mode, screen often gets darker than it should be.
|Workaround=This has been resolved in recent v1.5.0 git builds. Use OpenGL renderer and keep Blending Accuracy to at least Basic level.<br>
*'''Alternatively''': Enabling Half-pixel Offset (should remove issue along side of screen) along with a TC Offset Y of 1000 (in the configuration menu of HW hack) fix the shadows.
}}
}}


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<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Xenosaga_Episode_III_Also_Sprach_Zarathustra_Forum_1.jpg|Xenosaga Episode III: Also Sprach Zarathustra (SLPS 25640)
File:Xenosaga_Episode_III_Also_Sprach_Zarathustra_Forum_1.jpg|Xenosaga Episode III: Also Sprach Zarathustra (SLPS 25640)
File:Xenosaga_Episode_III-_Also_Sprach_Zarathustra_(SLPS_25640)_with_half_screen_graphical_issue.png|Xenosaga Episode III: Also Sprach Zarathustra (SLPS 25640) displaying graphical issue
</gallery>
</gallery>



Revision as of 09:04, 18 August 2022

Xenosaga Episode III: Also Sprach Zarathustra

Game general and emulation properties:
CERO rating: C
ESRB rating: T (Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence)
Widescreen patch available
CPU intensive game
Languages supported:
English: SLUS-21389 & SLUS-21417
Japanese: SLPM-61147 & SLPS-25640 & SLPS-25641
Region NTSC-U:
Serial numbers: SLUS-21389 (Disc 1)
SLUS-21417 (Disc 2)
Release date: August 29, 2006
Windows Status: Playable
Linux Status: ?
Mac Status: ?
Region NTSC-J/C/K:
Serial numbers: SCAJ-20179 (Disc 1)
SCAJ-20180 (Disc 2)
SLPS-25640 (Disc 1)
SLPS-25641 (Disc 2)
SLPM-61147 (Demo)
Release date: July 4, 2006 (Asia)
July 6, 2006
Windows Status: ?
Linux Status: ?
Mac Status: ?

Developer(s): Monolith Soft
Publisher(s): Namco (AS, JP), Namco Bandai Games (US)
Genre: RPG
Wikipedia: Link
Game review links: IGN8.0/10, Metacritic81/100
Game description: The story of Xenosaga III starts a year after "Xenosaga II" ended. Shion has resigned from Vector Industries after learning that the company is deeply connected to the appearance of the Gnosis. She instead joins Scientia, an underground organization working to unveil Vector's secrets in order to bring them down. Uncover the truth and save mankind in the finale of the Xenosaga series which boasts over 3 hours of movies, an updated battle system, and an improved customization feature with more in-depth character specialization and diversification and higher rewards for strategic party management. This RPG also includes an easily accessible database feature, the "Xeno Bible" and a mini-game with over 50 levels that challenges both you and your friends.
It is one year after the events of Episode II and Shion Uzuki has left Vector Industries. After the "Missing Year" fiasco, in which she uncovered information that revealed her former employer's shadowy intentions and her father's involvement with the U-TIC organization, Shion joined the anti-Vector group, Scientia. The CEO of Vector Industries, Wilhelm, is trying to "reset" the universe, going back to the point in time where it all began.

Xenosaga Episode III: Also Sprach Zarathustra is the sequel to Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Bose


Test configurations on Windows:


Environment Configurations Comments Tester
Region OS CPU/GPU Revision Graphics Sound/Pad
NTSC-U ?
  • ?
  • ?
0.9.7 GSdx 3693 0.1.16
  • SPU2-X 3702m 1.4
  • LilyPad r3878 0.10
EE Cycle 2, VU Stealing 2. May run without speedhacks but there were no issues either way. "Allow 8-bit textures" has to be enabled in GSdx or some parts will have a severe drop in fps. Some cut scenes are distorted and unwatchable using a hardware renderer but they are far and few between (maybe half a dozen in the whole game), the context is still clear from audio. Software rendering may fix this and all scenes are available on youtube but as said, it's hardly necessary. 84.58.40.232
NTSC-U(?) ?
  • Intel G620
  • Radeon hd6570
0.9.9 GSdx 5315 0.1.16
  • SPU2-X 5259 2.0.0
  • LilyPad r5258 0.11.0
In dx11 hardware mode, screen often gets darker than it sould be. dx9 mode would fix this, but fps is severely reduced.(30~50%). There's some minor glitches in Zarathustra dungeon, etc. FPS: 40~60(dx11), 20~45(dx9) Subsystem
NTSC-U Windows
  • Intel Core i7 @ 3.4Ghz
  • Nvidia GTX 285 768MB
1.1.0 r5517 GSdx 5464 SSE41
  • SPU2-X 2.0.0
  • LilyPad 0.11.0
Runs at 200% speed.
NTSC-U Windows
  • Intel Core i7-6700HQ @ 2.6Ghz
  • Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
1.4.0 GSdx9 1.0
  • SPU2-X 2.0.0
  • LilyPad 0.11.0
Runs almost perfect. Occasional extra long character shadow appears. Slight frameloss in intense cut scenes.
NTSC-U Windows 10 Pro
  • Intel Core I5-6600K @ 4.5GHz
  • Nvidia GTX 1660 SUPER @ 6GB
1.6.0 Stable GSdx 1.2.0 AVX2 OpenGL (Hardware)
  • SPU2-X 2.0.0
  • LilyPad 0.12.1
Safe Emulation Preset with GSdx OpenGL. 4k 60fps, up to 400% speed. Setting Used:

• CRC Hacks: Aggressive • HW Hacks: Enabled • Disable Safe Features: Enabled • Preload Frame Data: Enabled • Merge Sprite • Half-Pixel Offset: Sprite(Texture) • Round Sprite: Full • Texture Offsets: X:0 / Y: 1000. Big thanks to Reddit user u/generalmartacus for the sprite alignment settings! These came from a thread on the Xenosaga Subreddit. I am only responsibly for the finding out about the CRC and other HW Hacks, as well as extra testing.


Trivia

  • Original names: ゼノサーガ・エピソードⅢ ~ツァラトゥストラはかく語りき~ (SLPS-25640)
  • Also known as Xenosaga Episode III: Zarathustra wa Kaku Katariki (JP)



Known Issues

Broken graphics on certain surfaces in final dungeon

  • Status: Active
  • Type: Minor
  • Description: There are garbage graphics on some transparent/reflective surfaces in the final dungeon.
  • Workaround: No solution exists.

One single shadow broken in final dungeon

  • Status: Active
  • Type: Minor
  • Description: There is one single broken shadow on the ceiling of one of the rooms in the final dungeon.
  • Workaround: No solution exists.

Line going across middle of flashback cutscenes

  • Status: Active
  • Type: Minor
  • Description: Straight horizontal line going across the middle of flashback (sepia filter) cutscenes.
  • Workaround: No solution exists, but it's least noticeable on hardware renderers at native resolution; however it appears on every configuration, including software rendering.

Broken floor shadow following playable character

  • Status: Active
  • Type: Minor
  • Description: An incorrect shadow will follow the playable character in the overworld.
  • Workaround: Select OpenGL as the renderer and enable "Disable Safe Features".

Ghosting images around characters during cutscenes when upscaling

  • Status: Active
  • Type: Minor
  • Description: Ghosting will be visible around characters during cutscenes when running higher than native resolution. This is due to bloom not working well with upscaling.
  • Workaround: Set Half Pixel Offset to Normal (Vertex) and Round Sprite to Full. Alternatively, enable Merge Sprite. If nothing seems to fix it, press F9 to switch to software rendering.

Fixed Issues

Darker screen/edge issues

  • Status: Fixed
  • Type: Minor
  • Description: In dx11 hardware mode, screen often gets darker than it should be.
  • Workaround: This has been resolved in recent v1.5.0 git builds. Use OpenGL renderer and keep Blending Accuracy to at least Basic level.
  • Alternatively: Enabling Half-pixel Offset (should remove issue along side of screen) along with a TC Offset Y of 1000 (in the configuration menu of HW hack) fix the shadows.

Scenes are distorted and unwatchable

  • Status: Fixed
  • Type: Serious
  • Description: Some cut scenes are distorted and unwatchable using a hardware renderer but they are far and few between (maybe half a dozen in the whole game), the context is still clear from audio.
  • Workaround: Software rendering may fix this.

(fixed since r5229)

The gallery

Public compatibility forum links