PS2: "Wanted Dead or Alive" freezes on drums

[kanye315]

Firstly, yes, the PS3 instruments work on PS2 (flawlessly)

But, I've discovered an issue with "Wanted Dead or Alive." It is unplayable on drums. Every time you start playing (on any difficulty, even "easy"), in either quickplay solo or solo world tour, it freezes within 20 seconds into the song. Strangely, menues are accessible (so you can quit or restart), and if you hit any drum pad or the kick, they make the correct drum sound. But the song itself stops playing and all the animation stops.

Anybody at HMX or Pi aware of this problem?

PS: I've yet to try the song on multiplayer. Maybe it works that way.

[nicko68]

Firstly, yes, the PS3 instruments work on PS2 (flawlessly)

How? Do USB instruments work with the PS2? AND the old SG guitars with the PS2 connector also work?

[weisguy119]

Is this one of the supposed "features exclusive to the PS2"? :rolleyes:

Seriously, this better be an isolated case. I don't want to go through the whole GH3 mono sound recall crap twice. It's bad enough that I'm scared that the Rock Band controllers will fail on me instantly.

[MrE]

How? Do USB instruments work with the PS2? AND the old SG guitars with the PS2 connector also work?

Yes and Yes

[nicko68]

Yes and Yes

Nice, Harmonix! :)

[weisguy119]

Has this happened to anyone else? I swear, with the failure-prone equipment and slashed features in the PS2 version, this may be the final straw. The Harmonix rep said they cut features to make the gameplay seemless under even the most stressful songs (4 player Run to the Hills on expert). I eventually came to terms with just being able to play the songs without lag. Now, we get a report of glitchy drums in "Wanted Dead or Alive". It's getting to be too much to ignore when plunking down $160.

[Eman311]

Has this happened to anyone else? I swear, with the failure-prone equipment and slashed features in the PS2 version, this may be the final straw. The Harmonix rep said they cut features to make the gameplay seemless under even the most stressful songs (4 player Run to the Hills on expert). I eventually came to terms with just being able to play the songs without lag. Now, we get a report of glitchy drums in "Wanted Dead or Alive". It's getting to be too much to ignore when plunking down $160.

I don't understand it either. Why anyone would pay 160 for a stripped down game is beyond me. It's probably better to simply wait until you have a next gen system, even if thats a few years from now. Rock Band will still be around, and most likely with improved hardware across the board.

[HMXWhitestar19]

Weird....

What kind of PS2 do you have? How old is it? Is it dusty? What does the disc look like? Any scratches? Do you have anything else plugged into the PS2? It could be a disc issue, or a console issue. I hope a cleaning or a replacement disc will fix it for you. Good luck!

[kanye315]

Weird....

What kind of PS2 do you have? How old is it? Is it dusty? What does the disc look like? Any scratches? Do you have anything else plugged into the PS2? It could be a disc issue, or a console issue. I hope a cleaning or a replacement disc will fix it for you. Good luck!

I have a launch-day PS2 which has never had the disc-read error (knock on wood). The disc is clean, i cleaned it several times, and the issue still happened. The problem with this particular issue is that you can't move pass the first block of songs on drum solo tour, b/c the song always freezes.

Curiously, the song worked flawlessly on 3-player quickplay. So far, this seems to be an isolated case with "Wanted Dead or Alive" playing drums solo. I have yet to unlock every song yet, though.

And for the record, this is what my PS2 setup is like:

- Controller port 1: GH2 red SG guitar
- Controller port 2: DualShock controller (to control the mic)
- USB port 1: Powered USB hub
- Powered USB hub: Wireless Strat dongle, Drums, and microphone.

It's a tangled mess that's even sloppier than the 360 and PS3 versions, but not much else you can do about it unless you have another wireless Strat.

[HMXWhitestar19]

Thanks for the info. Since you are playing solo, did you try only having the drums plugged in? Unplug everything else and see if that makes a difference.

[Xzyliac]

This has happened to me before (once with KOTOR, once with MGS3, once with Kingdom Hearts 1&2). Now for KOTOR and MGS it turned out the disc was faulty and the retailer gave me a new one. Problem solved.

I took a different approach to Kingdom Hearts. A local game retailer 'round here actually repairs disc for about 5 bucks (free if it doesn't work) and that fixed the issue too.

[budxors]

It would be nice if someone else with the PS2 version could report if they can do Dead or Alive in solo drum tour. Hard to tell if it is a faulty disc or if its on the OP's end unless we can get some secondary reports.

[DrummerGirl]

I purchased the ps3 bundle and the ps2 game for my ps2 slim console, I can also confirm that all the ps3 instruments work with the ps2. Maybe I'm lucky, but I have not had any trouble playing Dead or Alive on the drums, I've tried all the levels and have not found any issues. I don't know if it makes a difference, but I have not purchased a usb adapter yet, I just have the drums plugged directly into one of the USB ports on my console.

[Quinarvy]

The reason the PS3 controllers work?

There exactly the same (plus a PS button)

[CRCError]

I would think you have a faulty disc, it happens sometimes.

Just exchange the disc at your retailer. They should exchange it for the exact same title with no hassle.

[kanye315]

I'm having the same issue with the same song now on guitar solo tour. It works fine in quickplay and 2+ multiplayer, but for some reason "Wanted Dead or Alive" just refuses to work right on solo tour, which is a big issue because it prevents me from advancing and unlocking songs.

"Orange Crush" and "Learn To Fly" had a few hiccups too, but they ran all the way through.

If it keeps happening, I may have to go exchange it at Best Buy.

[weisguy119]

If it keeps happening, I may have to go exchange it at Best Buy.

Exchange it and let us know if the new disk works properly. In the end, it could be just that your launch day PS2 is crapping out. Try cleaning your laser with a Q-tip and some rubbing alcohol.

[kanye315]

Exchange it and let us know if the new disk works properly. In the end, it could be just that your launch day PS2 is crapping out. Try cleaning your laser with a Q-tip and some rubbing alcohol.

I wouldn't doubt that it's my PS2 itself and not the game. How do I clean the laser? How do I reach in there? Do I need to dismantle the PS2?

[MrE]

I wouldn't doubt that it's my PS2 itself and not the game. How do I clean the laser? How do I reach in there? Do I need to dismantle the PS2?

they do sell cleaning discs with brushes on the underside for cleaning the lens. Might be the easiest way for you to clean it since you have the Phat PS2.

[raygunn]

I have the PS3 bundle playing on my PS2 - no USB hub. Drums and Strat plugged in to the USB ports. I've played Wanted Dead or Alive on Easy mode in solo and multiplayer modes and it worked fine. As suggested in another post, try unplugging everything else. Good luck!

[kanye315]

"Wanted Dead or Alive" is completely unplayable.

I opened up my PS2 and cleaned the lens, and it didn't help.

I think my game is defective. I'm going to Best Buy tomorrow to exchange it. Hopefully that solves the problem.

[kanye315]

I exchanged the game at Best Buy today. Now it's even worse.

What gives?

I cleaned my PS2 lens and everything. Any recommendations that doesn't involve buying a 360 or PS3, or a new PS2?

[Huskie]

I exchanged the game at Best Buy today. Now it's even worse.

What gives?


Same song but worse or now more than the one song is bad?

[kanye315]

Same song but worse or now more than the one song is bad?

Well I only tried that song in Solo World tour (guitar) and the loading screen took forever, and the song froze before it even started (before, it would start playing a bit before freezing)

I'm thinking of opening my PS2 again and giving it a more thorough cleaning. I have a launch day PS2 with a lot of miles... but there is no way in hell I'm buying a new one (or a 360 or PS3)

[Huskie]

Well I only tried that song in Solo World tour (guitar) and the loading screen took forever, and the song froze before it even started (before, it would start playing a bit before freezing)

I'm thinking of opening my PS2 again and giving it a more thorough cleaning. I have a launch day PS2 with a lot of miles... but there is no way in hell I'm buying a new one (or a 360 or PS3)

I know this may sound like a dumb question but is there anyway you can try this on another's PS2?
Maybe it's the way the peripherals are hooked up? (as others have mentioned)

I have not purchased the PS2 game yet. I was planning on purchasing the bundle but was gonna wait it out a little to see what unfolds.

Thanks for keeping us informed on the PS2 version.

[soulslayer83]

I don't understand it either. Why anyone would pay 160 for a stripped down game is beyond me. It's probably better to simply wait until you have a next gen system, even if thats a few years from now. Rock Band will still be around, and most likely with improved hardware across the board.

people play 160 for the game even though it is striped down cause it is still a good deal considering GH3 s 90$ and RB for ps2 is like GH now but with drum so when you buy rock band for ps2 its like u get GH and "drum hero" for an extra 70 (if drum hero was a actually a game

[kanye315]

I know this may sound like a dumb question but is there anyway you can try this on another's PS2?
Maybe it's the way the peripherals are hooked up? (as others have mentioned)

I have not purchased the PS2 game yet. I was planning on purchasing the bundle but was gonna wait it out a little to see what unfolds.

Thanks for keeping us informed on the PS2 version.

Not a dumb question. Haven't had a chance to try it on another PS2 yet. But according to other people on the boards, the song works fine for them.

And I've tried every combination of peripherels. Nothing works.

I'm going to give my PS2 a more thorough cleaning in a bit. Hopefully that fixes it.

If not, I wonder if Pi Studios / Harmonix may have developed the game based on a later PS2 version. Maybe the song (and thus, much of the game) is unplayable on ALL launch PS2s. Because when I opened mine up, it looked pretty clean.

[MrE]

If not, I wonder if Pi Studios / Harmonix may have developed the game based on a later PS2 version. Maybe the song (and thus, much of the game) is unplayable on ALL launch PS2s. Because when I opened mine up, it looked pretty clean.

that is possible. I believe the Slim PS2 does have a slightly faster processor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_2#Technical_specifications) but I don't think it would make that much of a difference. I think your drive is probably about to go.

[Xero314]

Not a dumb question. Haven't had a chance to try it on another PS2 yet. But according to other people on the boards, the song works fine for them.

And I've tried every combination of peripherels. Nothing works.

I'm going to give my PS2 a more thorough cleaning in a bit. Hopefully that fixes it.

If not, I wonder if Pi Studios / Harmonix may have developed the game based on a later PS2 version. Maybe the song (and thus, much of the game) is unplayable on ALL launch PS2s. Because when I opened mine up, it looked pretty clean.

The problem you are having does not sound like a dirt issue.

It could be a scratch, and yes it could even be on both disks tried because the system is scratching the disk. I know for a fact that my launch day ps2 puts a nice fins scratch in every disk I put in it. I'm lucky that the scratch is no where even close to the data, but that may not always be the case.

if it's not a scratch then if can be the fact that laser on unfixed first gen PS2s drop over time putting them further and further from the disk. This can cause some disks to read just fine and not others. There are fixes for the falling laser issue posted all over the net, just do a search for "Disk Read Error" which is the usual sign that it's gone far enough.

I have a launch day PS2 and I will be trying out the PS2 version of RB on it as soon as I get my hands on it (I already have the PS3 version just getting the PS2 version as a gift), so I will let you know if it happens on all first gen PS2s. But i am assuming that others would be having issues if this was not just an issue with your system.

[kanye315]

Just gave the inside / lens a thorough cleaning.

Nothing. This new disc is even worse. Bon Jovi and Foo Fighters won't even start. It just freezes (but again, I can pause and do anything on the pause menu).

Both discs were scratch-free by the way.

It has to be my PS2 crapping out. I need to try it on someone elses to confirm.

Ugh. Now I don't know if it's even worth buying another PS2.

I'm so damn pissed. I've never had this issue before (and no, it's not the dreaded "disc read error")

[weisguy119]

Next year will see the release of a new PS2 model. It will retail at $99.99. Buy one of those, unless the PS3 ever becomes truly backwards compatible. Come to think of it, maybe it isn't fully backwards compatible so they can sell even more PS2s at the reduced price of $99.99. Conspiracy?

[Huskie]

Not a dumb question. Haven't had a chance to try it on another PS2 yet. But according to other people on the boards, the song works fine for them.

And I've tried every combination of peripherels. Nothing works.

I'm going to give my PS2 a more thorough cleaning in a bit. Hopefully that fixes it.

If not, I wonder if Pi Studios / Harmonix may have developed the game based on a later PS2 version. Maybe the song (and thus, much of the game) is unplayable on ALL launch PS2s. Because when I opened mine up, it looked pretty clean.
I noticed others posting that they did not have any trouble which is why I was thinking maybe you do have a bad CD and the store just got a bad batch. Trying your CD in another's PS2 might help see if it's the CD or your PS2. Maybe your's is sensitive to minor CD errors where another might not have a problem.

And thanks for trying the different combinations. Thought it might be that as others mentioned other ways they had it all hooked up.

[kanye315]

Going to test it on another PS2 tomorrow. Anybody else have any suggestions?

[Xero314]

I'm so damn pissed. I've never had this issue before (and no, it's not the dreaded "disc read error")

I realize you are not getting the "Disk Read Error" but having a hard time reading certain disks is often caused by the same thing that leads to the disk read error. If you have never had your PS2 fixed and never fixed it yourself then the laser is almost certainly not rising to the full position necessary for reading. It's also highly probably that your PS2 doesn't grip the disks well which causes them to slip. In most games this is not an issue as they will continue trying until they read the disk. In a music based Rythm game this would probably have greater effect.

You may want to try turning your PS2 on it's side. Believe it or not this will solve certian read issues (which it really sounds like your issue is).

[kanye315]

I realize you are not getting the "Disk Read Error" but having a hard time reading certain disks is often caused by the same thing that leads to the disk read error. If you have never had your PS2 fixed and never fixed it yourself then the laser is almost certainly not rising to the full position necessary for reading. It's also highly probably that your PS2 doesn't grip the disks well which causes them to slip. In most games this is not an issue as they will continue trying until they read the disk. In a music based Rythm game this would probably have greater effect.

You may want to try turning your PS2 on it's side. Believe it or not this will solve certian read issues (which it really sounds like your issue is).

Turning it on its side didn't help. I'll be trying it on another PS2 today just to confirm that it's my PS2 and not the disc.

I just don't know if it's worth trying to fix a 7-year-old console. My PS2 is ancient, and has always struggled with dual-layer DVDs (the game probably is dual-layered.... maybe that's part of it). I've opened it up a few times and cleaned it out, but I don't know if I'd be up for a lens replacement or any drastic modification (like adjusting the lens while the console is open and running.)

I might just bite the bullet and buy new PS2. Refurbed and used ones scare me, and they're usually not THAT much cheaper than a new one. Buying a console for the second time sucks, especially when it's ancient history, but if nothing else, I play GH1 and 2 and Rock Band on it, and I know I will be for a long time. So I may plunge and buy the slim PS2 ($130), because there is no set release date for the smaller $100 PS2 and I don't have the patience to wait.

I try to make myself feel better about this buy telling myself that most small consumer electronics don't last this long. Computers, iPods, etc. don't usually last this long, so it's only appropriate that my PS2 start wearing out now. I should be thankful I never had problems before.

If anybody else has any other suggestions or ideas, I'd be very grateful to hear them.

Thanks for all the help, everyone!

[Tarzanman]

If you have a launch PS2 and you are having disc reading problems, then the pots on your laser are probably starting to go bad.

The fact that you have problems with dual layer games makes me think that this is the case.

You can either buy a new PS2 (at $120) or you can spit out the cash for a PS3 and the PS3 version or Rock band. (easily ~$600+ or so).

Tough call. What I would do is BUY A USED PS2. You should be able to find them for $70-$100 on craigslist. If you sell your old one for $50, then that will help you mitigate the cost

[j0rd4n]

From what I can tell, the only features the PS2 version doesn't have is online play, character creation, and the set list mode for the band. The last 2 I could care less about because I just want to play. As for online play, I'm not too bothered because we've already got enough people interested that want to play in the band w/us.

edit: sorry to sorta hijack and get off-topic, but thought this deserved a reply

[Eagoyle]

Have you contacted Sony about your problem. A while back you could have Sony fix your PS2 (if it was one of the very early models), for only the price of shipping it to them. I did this with mine 2 or 3 years ago.

I don't know if they are still honoring this special, but it is worth a shot. May get you a few more years out of your system. Also mention that yu have trouble with dual-layer discs. I have heard rumors there was something they were doing for that problem as well.

[Xero314]

Turning it on its side didn't help. I'll be trying it on another PS2 today just to confirm that it's my PS2 and not the disc.
[QUOTE]
To bad that didn't work because it is the simplest work around.
[QUOTE=kanye315;203989]
I just don't know if it's worth trying to fix a 7-year-old console. My PS2 is ancient, and has always struggled with dual-layer DVDs (the game probably is dual-layered.... maybe that's part of it). I've opened it up a few times and cleaned it out, but I don't know if I'd be up for a lens replacement or any drastic modification (like adjusting the lens while the console is open and running.)


You can fix the lens positioning pretty easily, I've done it a number of times on my machine. it just takes removing a repositioning a the gear used in lifting the laser. If I recall the early ones did not have a stopper and would sometimes slip. Check it out online the fix is pretty easy and worth trying.

[kanye315]

If you have a launch PS2 and you are having disc reading problems, then the pots on your laser are probably starting to go bad.

The fact that you have problems with dual layer games makes me think that this is the case.

You can either buy a new PS2 (at $120) or you can spit out the cash for a PS3 and the PS3 version or Rock band. (easily ~$600+ or so).

Tough call. What I would do is BUY A USED PS2. You should be able to find them for $70-$100 on craigslist. If you sell your old one for $50, then that will help you mitigate the cost

I already have Rock Band for PS3 (bought the bundle for the instruments + PS2 standalone game)

But no way I can buy a PS3. Nor do I want to.

I'm just going to have to buy a new PS2. I don't trust a used one. If I'm going to spend 70 to 100 already, I'll shell out a few more for a new one that lasts.


BTW: I tried playing the game on the worst-looking PS2 I've ever seen, and it worked flawlessly. Sucks, considering my PS2 is in pristine shape. But I guess the internals can't last forever.

[kanye315]

Have you contacted Sony about your problem. A while back you could have Sony fix your PS2 (if it was one of the very early models), for only the price of shipping it to them. I did this with mine 2 or 3 years ago.

I don't know if they are still honoring this special, but it is worth a shot. May get you a few more years out of your system. Also mention that yu have trouble with dual-layer discs. I have heard rumors there was something they were doing for that problem as well.

I believe it was the class action lawsuit that forced Sony to do this. Unfortunately, they stopped doing this in 2005. I'm better off buying a new one.

[Huskie]

...

If anybody else has any other suggestions or ideas, I'd be very grateful to hear them.

Thanks for all the help, everyone!
I searched and found a long topic about disk read errors posted at Gamespot's forums:
PlayStation 2 Disk read error Solutions! (http://www.gamespot.com/pages/forums/show_msgs.php?topic_id=23572005)

Maybe something in there might help?

[Hallnit]

I have a PS2 that is only a year old, are you saying that I can use the PS3 rockban bundle on my PS2??

Thanks,
G

[riffmaster]

I noticed that this thread was posted on 12/14, and the official release date for the PS2 version is today, 12/18. While I haven't seen one in the stores yet today (Target, Best Buy, Circuit City in Orlando), I can't help wondering.....

How exactly is it that you managed to obtain a Bundle kit of Rock Band on 12/14?

[Huskie]

I noticed that this thread was posted on 12/14, and the official release date for the PS2 version is today, 12/18. While I haven't seen one in the stores yet today (Target, Best Buy, Circuit City in Orlando), I can't help wondering.....

How exactly is it that you managed to obtain a Bundle kit of Rock Band on 12/14?
They did the PS2 disc only with a PS3 bundle. Works like a charm.

[dave66]

i've got rb ps 2 verson and bought the ps3 verson, it all works great. even the GH3 and the Gh 2 guitars. and it plays in stearo