Xenosaga Episode III: Also Sprach Zarathustra: Difference between revisions

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(Game description and info courtesy of www.gamefaqs.com, info contributor(s): jygting, Menji, bradleyk, XSFanatic, UEHacker, beefybuffalo, cubemasterX, Y0u, Chaos Control, natsume20, Cosmic!, NyuuTheKitsune, NekoLelouch, LordAndrew, Alex 'vin' Kleinheider,)
(Added a new Testing Entry for version 1.6.0, as there has not been a recent version listed.)
(12 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
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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        = [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenosaga_Episode_III:_Also_sprach_Zarathustra Link]
|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 />
|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 />
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.
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.
|reviewlinks      = [http://www.ign.com/games/xenosaga-episode-iii-also-sprach-zarathustra/ps2-757372 IGN]
 
|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
|cpu-intensive    = 1
|gamefaqslink      = [http://www.gamefaqs.com/ps2/929933-xenosaga-episode-iii-also-sprach-zarathustra Link]
|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|[http://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_text    = Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
|na_rating        = T
|na_rating        = T
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|japanese          = SLPM-61147 & SLPS-25640 & SLPS-25641
|japanese          = SLPM-61147 & SLPS-25640 & SLPS-25641
|english          = SLUS-21389 & SLUS-21417
|english          = SLUS-21389 & SLUS-21417
|widescreenpatch  = 1
<!-- NTSC-U props -->
<!-- NTSC-U props -->
|NTSCU            = 1
|NTSCU            = 1
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|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>
|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>
|CRCsNTSCJ        =
|CRCsNTSCJ        =
|releasedateNTSCJ  = July 4, 2006<br />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}}
Line 105: Line 147:


==Known Issues==
==Known Issues==
{{Issue
|IssueName=Darker screen/edge issues
|IsFixed=0
|IssueLevel=0
|Description=In dx11 hardware mode, screen often gets darker than it should be.
|Workaround=Dx9 mode would fix this, but fps is severely reduced.(30~50%)<br>
Alternatively: Enabling Alpha and 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 and the screen being too dark problems.
}}


{{Issue
{{Issue
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|Description=Straight line going across the middle of cut scene
|Description=Straight line going across the middle of cut scene
|Workaround= *OpenGL ONLY* Fix Enable HW hacks Round Sprite= Check  
|Workaround= *OpenGL ONLY* Fix Enable HW hacks Round Sprite= Check  
*'''Alternatively''': PCSX2 1.6.0 - CRC Hack Level Direct3D 11 (Hardware) - CRC Hack Level = Aggressive. Solves line going down middle of screen.
}}
{{Issue
|IssueName=Bottom half of flashback scenes are covered in a black box
|IsFixed=0
|IssueLevel=0
|Description=Flashback cutscenes have a sepia filter over them, but the bottom half of the frame has a semi-transparent black box overlaying it.
|Workaround=Setting the CRC hack level to aggressive will remove the black box, but also remove the sepia filter. Alternatively, the software renderer will work.<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 06:48, 10 August 2021

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

Minor glitches in Zarathustra dungeon

  • Status: Active
  • Type: Minor
  • Description: There are some minor glitches in Zarathustra dungeon.
  • Workaround: No known solution

Line going across middle of cut scenes

  • Status: Active
  • Type: Minor
  • Description: Straight line going across the middle of cut scene
  • Workaround: *OpenGL ONLY* Fix Enable HW hacks Round Sprite= Check
  • Alternatively: PCSX2 1.6.0 - CRC Hack Level Direct3D 11 (Hardware) - CRC Hack Level = Aggressive. Solves line going down middle of screen.

Bottom half of flashback scenes are covered in a black box

  • Status: Active
  • Type: Minor
  • Description: Flashback cutscenes have a sepia filter over them, but the bottom half of the frame has a semi-transparent black box overlaying it.
  • Workaround: Setting the CRC hack level to aggressive will remove the black box, but also remove the sepia filter. Alternatively, the software renderer will work.

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