Freezing

[Zaripest]

Well I've gotten pretty much all the bugs out of the programming for my RPG now (thanks to help from ppl on here!), but now I'm running into a new kind of problem. Every time I try to play the game and get into a battle, the game starts to get sort of... jumpy. The music is off and on, the framerate dies down, and sometimes the game even freezes comepletely!
My PS2 is pretty old, but I've taken very good care of it and I've had hardly any trouble with any of my other games. I got the game brand new a couple of months ago and the disc is still in very good condition. Does anyone know what I can do to get past this problem? Is there any way to fix it without going so far as to buy a new PS2 and/or a new disc?
(I've also had problems with freezing occasionally when I've just been going through the different songs in the options menu--but I've noticed that other people have had problems with the songs so I didn't think anything of it...)

[Alutra]

Re: Freezing

My first suggestion would be to see how well the disc plays in someone elses PS2, the newer the better. If you get a better performance, then this might mean your old PS2 might be getting old.

If you get the same performance, this might mean there is some less visible dirt, dust, prints, or goo on your disc. I reccomend very softly and carefully washing the disc with dishsoap and warm water, using the pads of your thumbs to gently wipe from the center to the edge of the nonlabel side. Use a soft cloth and dab it dry, being careful not to rub the disc to much.

If, after this, you get the same performance, It may mean you have a light scratch or scuff on the nonlable side. Sometimes, using CD polish (maybe availible at a nearby video store) can fix this.

If that doesn't work, you may have to go to slightly more extream measures.
A Game trading store That is here in Spokane has a Disc buffer, a machine that actualy buffs away at the plastic non-lable side of the disc, potentialy eliminating deeper scuffs and scratches. Call around to nearby stores to see if they have one. the service should only cost $2-$4.

If there is still a problem, then either the Scratch is too deep to fix, or the disc was reproduced poorly in the first place.

I would also like to note that I have never had problems with my RPGM 3 disc, I have listened to all of the music many times, with no skipping. I bought it the day RPGM 3 was released. It is possible that if some of you are having the same problem, then they may have copied a bad Master disc at some point. (or some playstation 2's just suck.)

Anyway hope that helps, and good luck.

[AbstractOrigin]

Re: Freezing

There's also a Processor checker in-game (Read your Instructional manual) you can use to monitor the PS2's processing power to make sure it doesn't freeze or lag.

[Zaripest]

Re: Freezing

Does it make a difference whether the PS2 is vertical or horizontal?

[Vonwert]

Re: Freezing

I find that if you are having trouble reading disks, then it is best to put it in, and then turn the ps2 vertically. It ususally will read it.

[Rodak]

Re: Freezing

Planned Obsolesence.

As these machines age the laser weakens.

You can take pristine care of it and it will still die in 5 to 10 years.

Wait till people find out about the shelf life of their pricey Plasma TVs!

If that's it, there is nothing for it but replacement (I do not think Sony's repair program covers this... but it may).

Peace.

[Silver Senmurv]

Re: Freezing

It's probably the disc. Keep it clean and that shouldn't happen. I have an old-model PS2 and everything works fine on it. Hopefully you don't have a glitchy disc...

[MACv12]

Re: Freezing

I've also had problems with freezing occasionally when I've just been going through the different songs in the options menu--but I've noticed that other people have had problems with the songs so I didn't think anything of it...
I would also like to note that I have never had problems with my RPGM 3 disc, I have listened to all of the music many times, with no skipping.

Are you saying that the songs are supposed to run in an infinite loop? I thought they were limited in length, like MIDI's or something. They seem to restart at the same point just about every time for me (though I honestly haven't paid much attention to it).

[ErikaFuzzbottom]

Re: Freezing

Well, if they didn't loop, they'd end, and you'd suddenly have no music playing in the area you're in.