--------------------------------------------------
Soul Calibur III File Corruption FAQ (Version 1.2)
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Author: Campaign4Games
Date Created/Submitted (Version 1.0): 12/11/2005
Date Revised/Submitted (Version 1.2): 01/12/2006
Copyright 2006 by Campaign4Games: This FAQ is used solely for
information purposes, and may only be used on GameFAQs
(
http://www.gamefaqs.com/). This document may not be redistributed,
altered, or copied without permission by me and/or others who have
contributed to this FAQ.
-------------------------------------------
***DISCLAIMER NOTICE***: Please read this.
-------------------------------------------
Reader's discretion is advised. GameFAQs, those who contributed to
this FAQ, anyone listed in the "Credits" section, and yours truly
Campaign4Games are NOT responsible for ANYTHING regarding this FAQ. If
you're unsure or not completely confident of doing ANY procedures
written on this FAQ, then DON'T DO IT!
------------------
Table of Contents:
------------------
I. Version History:
II. Introduction:
III. Chronological Report:
IV. The Biggest Causes of File Corruption:
A) Deleting or Moving (Copying) Other Game Files:
B) Updating Other Game Files:
C) Reproducing the File Corruption "Bug":
D) The Damage AFTER Soul Calibur III File becomes Corrupted:
V. Preventive Measures Against File Corruption:
A) Make a backup/updated copy of your Soul Calibur III file onto
another memory card:
B) Alternative Methods to Delete/Move (Copy)/Update Game Files:
VI. Frequently Asked Questions (Q and A):
***NOTE***: Important to read. There is a way to fix your SC3 file if
your CotS (Chronicles of the Sword) save file is the ONLY thing
corrupted, and NOT your WHOLE SC3 file. Please check the first
question.
VII. Conclusion (My Thoughts regarding this File Corruption):
VIII. Credits:
--------------------
I. Version History:
--------------------
Version 1.0 (12/7/05): Posted onto GameFAQs with introduction, a
chronological report, the biggest causes file corruption, preventive
measures, frequently asked questions, conclusion, and credits.
Version 1.1 (1/09/06): Made fixes on some grammatical errors, and some
minor adjustments in the FAQ. Added a couple of small updates on
chronological report, the biggest causes file corruption, and
preventive measures.
Version 1.2 (1/12/06): Made some adjustments to the FAQ for
clarification purposes in "The Biggest Causes of File Corruption",
"Preventive Measures Against File Corruption", and Question 1 in the
"Frequently Asked Questions" section. Added some small updates in
these sections as well.
------------------
II. Introduction:
------------------
The purpose of this FAQ is to create awareness about this file
corruption issue regarding Soul Calibur III. Also, the main goal is to
provide information for those who have or have not experienced this
file corruption problem, and would like answers as to how to avoid or
lessen their chances of being affected. I will give out the usernames
of those who I referenced, and give credit where credit it due. Please
read this FAQ carefully from top to bottom in order to get a BETTER
understanding of this Soul Calibur III file corruption issue.
---------------------------
III. Chronological Report:
---------------------------
***11/13/2005***: A GameFAQs user named, "Umbra_Militis" (created a
topic on the GameFAQs Soul Calibur III message board: "Corrupt Data
Mystery Solved (Sort Of))", discovered a very strong theory behind the
file corruption case that involved deleting other game files. As more
and more people read this topic, the response to the thread was indeed
showing signs of support toward the user's idea. Please read this
person's initial topic post.
Umbra_Militis wrote: "Well, it turns out that deleting data (not
related to SC3) off of your memory card can actually cause CotS the
become corrupted. I don't know why, but it does."
"I played CotS without out any problems at all up the "New Game Plus"
Chronicle 6.
I had Auto-save on the entire time.
I was soft resetting a lot (not while loading or saving)."
"Then one day I checked to see how much memory I had on my memory card.
About 1100+ remaining. So I deleted my DOA2 video recordings. Then I
decided to play CotS again even though I had beaten it. And then guess
what... CORRUPT DATA."
"When I went to school the next day I told my friend about it and the
same thing happened to him in his game immediately after deleting data
off the memory card."
"Now I'm not saying this is the only reason for corrupt data. That's
why I said (sort of) at the Topic Title, but this is almost guaranteed
to happen."
***11/25/2005***: I have decided to take on the task of further
investigating this file corruption matter. After sharing ideas with my
theories and talking and getting permission with Umbra_Militis to
further investigate his theory and past experiences from others that
posted on that topic, I've decided to compile all the data from Umbra's
topic and create another topic in the GameFaqs message board:
"TROUBLESHOOTING TOPIC: SC3 File Corruption (Hope this gets Stickied)".
***11/26/2005***: As the reports of file corruption increases in the
U.S. regarding Soul Calibur III, there was also reports of this problem
occurring in the Japanese and PAL version as well.
mao2 wrote:
"The Japanese version apparently has this bug as well. :/"
kried wrote:
"According to a Chinese Gaming site (EMU-ZONE)
There exist a fatal bug that was discovered in Japanese version only
for now. But it also happens in my English edition, so I suppose that
this is a universal bug."
"The detail is still unknown. All known is if you do some act (as
ordinary as you would do, such as save, load, change setting, choose
game mode to play)
THE RECORD WILL BROKEN AND IN SOME SEVERE CASE
EVEN NON SC3 RECORD WILL BE INVOLVED TOO!!!"
IamHBK wrote:
"As for the PAL release, there have been reports of data file
corruption as well.
More and more people seem to experience the freaking bug."
maelstrom_alpha wrote:
"I have some information to add for the PAL release once again. My
friend took his memory card and SC3 to work (we work in a game shop)
and played it during his lunch. Started playing CotS after a few random
VS fights and his data was corrupt. My friend had the same model PS2 as
the one he played at work, so I guess this would tie into "playing on
someone else's PS2". But it's definitely happening for the PAL
release."
***UPDATE*** (1/09/06):
DarkDirtyDwarf wrote:
"I can confirm that this happen in the PAL (italian) version as well
(on unmodded V9 PS2 NOT using any kind of cheat device, NOT resetting
while loading/saving, NEVER using soft reset; autosave was ON)."
"I've deleted a save file (Heroes of the Pacific) from the memory card
(original Sony 8 MB memory card) and the SC3 save file was then
corrupted: it allows me to load in every game mode (I can even save
when playing every mode except CotS) but when saving CotS after
completing a level it says the file is corrupted and that it cannot
save."
***12/2/2005***: An official statement from Namco (Japan) states their
case of the Soul Calibur III file corruption matter, which was
contributed by yipkingsui and translated by Leifang2000.
Leifang2000's Translation: "It basically says, don't delete, move, or
update your other saves on the memory card to avoid the SC3
corruption."
Source:
http://namco-ch.net/policy/info/20051202.php
-------------------------------------------
IV. The Biggest Causes of File Corruption:
-------------------------------------------
A big, "THANK YOU!!!" goes out to:
Umbra_Militis: For a very observant find in the Soul Calibur 3 file
corruption issue regarding deleting other game files.
IamHBK: For providing some insight information, research, and analysis
on the file corruption issue for the U.S. and PAL version of Soul
Calibur III.
mao2: For providing some insight information, research, and analysis on
the file corruption issue for the Japanese version of Soul Calibur III.
And now, ladies and gentlemen, here are the biggest causes of file
corruption. And please make sure you read them carefully and
thoroughly!
***A) Deleting or Moving (Copying) Other Game Files***:
***UPDATE*** (1/12/06)
If you have other games files on your memory card that were created
BEFORE the Soul Calibur III file was created, and you decide to DELETE
or MOVE (COPY) them...guess what? You're in for a file corruption!
And this usually happens if you have OLDER game files that you decide
to delete or move (copy) off of your memory card, which also contains
SC3. For example, let's say you have a memory card with some older
game files that were on there for quite some time. You then created a
Soul Calibur III file on that particular memory card, and then started
to progress in the game. After which, you decide to get rid of one of
your old game files. Well, sooner or later, you will be facing that
file corruption problem once you SAVE your play/progress in CotS or
even your general SC3 save file, and THEN tried to load CotS or your
general SC3 save file AFTERWARDS.
***NOTE***: However, if you have other game files on your memory card
that were created AFTER the Soul Calibur III file was created, and you
decided to DELETE or MOVE (COPY) them, well there doesn't seem to be
any problems.
***B) Updating Other Game Files***:
This one happens apparently, but in some case reports. This usually
occurs if you update a "VARIABLE SIZE" game file. Meaning, this game
file changes its file size as you progress in the game. Some game
files have "FIXED" sizes, and others have "VARIABLE" sizes. I assume
if you have other games files on your memory card that were created
BEFORE Soul Calibur III was created, and you decide to UPDATE them,
perhaps that's where the file corruption occurs. Also, to find out if
your other game file are variable size, I guess the best way to find
out about this is to check the back of the jewel case cover of your
game and/or try to look it up in the PS2 System Browser Menu.
***UPDATE*** (1/09/06):
Take, for example, Gran Turismo 4 or GT4 for short. Here are the
memory card specifications for GT4:
GT4: "Memory Card (for PS2) - Minimum 2000kb".
Do you see that word, "Minimum"? That means, initially, this game
require 2000kb to start. After you progress in GT4, and then save, the
game file will eventually change its file size.
I think some other PS2 games with VARIABLE file sizes may be worded
differently. I have a game called Fighter Maker 2 with a game files
size described as:
Fighter Maker 2: "Memory Card (for PS2) - 2022kb above".
In other words, if you see some type of word or perhaps an abbreviation
(i.e. ">") along with the file size number, chances are it could be a
VARIABLE size file.
To also add regarding updating, there were a couple of people having
file corruption problem when UPDATING game files which involved PS2
ONLINE games. Please read the following:
hellgast wrote:
"Today I played sc3 and nothing was wrong, later I played Socom II
which data is on the same memory card."
Later I wanted to play CotS and the data was corrupt.
But all the other sc3 data was fine, I play the pal version."
"It's just a theory but maybe not only deleting files cause corruption
but also data change of other files on the memory card cause
corruption."
vampirelord18 wrote:
"Ok, I got something that concerns me."
"A while ago, I saw this issue about file corruption. No biggie for me,
since we had 2 memory cards anyway. We had always kept a backup of SC3
on our second memory card. But recently, the whole SC3 became corrupted
on our second memory card. At first, I thought I could just delete the
corrupted data. But it wont let me. I didn't have this problem deleting
other corrupted data. Why?"
"Another thing is, no old files were deleted. I asked my brother, who
was the last to use that memory card, and he said he only played
Monster Hunter for a few hours. He said he didn't unlock anything new.
But maybe the money he earned increased the file size?"
***C) Reproducing the File Corruption "Bug"***:
If you want to see how the file corruption works and would like to test
it out for yourself, read the following examples. Just make sure to
create a backup copy of SC3 or other game files before doing this.
Also remember though, DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!
IamHBK wrote:
"As I said, the only method that is 100% viable is the delete older
file thing. Well, testing it is pretty easy. You got to create an SC3
file on a memory card that is not empty. Then you delete one of the
files (obviously, one you don't care of). When going back to SC3, the
game will load, and the next save will corrupt it, but the game wont
say it right now. It must be noted though that sometimes the standard
save does not corrupt the save, but when it does not, the CotS save
function will corrupt it (it's pretty obvious that the CotS save is not
exactly the same than the standard save function). When the game
corrupts the save, it wont say it, but the next load/save operation
will end in failure."
mao2 wrote:
"Here's how you get the bug to occur.
1) Take a memory card which has one or more save game file(s) in it,
then save SCIII (clear a level of CotS and save).
2) Reset and go to your PS2 browser. Delete or move one of the save
game files. (Make sure you make a backup of the file that you still
want before deleting)
3) Start SCIII, then go to the Options and save the game.
4) Start CotS mode, and load the game. You should now get the error
message saying that your file is corrupt, and you are unable to load."
"Here's another method.
1) Take a memory card which has one or more save game file(s) in it,
then save SCIII (clear a level of CotS and save).
2) Reset and go to your PS2 browser. Delete or move one of the save
game
files. (Make sure you make a backup of the file that you still want
before deleting)
3) Start SCIII, then start CotS mode and load the game.
4) Clear a level in CotS, then save. You should now get the error
message saying that your file is corrupt, and you are unable to save."
***D) The Damage AFTER Soul Calibur III Becomes Corrupted***:
In MOST file corruption cases, the CotS (Chronicles of the Sword) SAVE
File is the one that gets corrupted and NOT your whole Soul Calibur III
file. Unfortunately, there were SOME cases where the WHOLE Soul
Calibur 3 is corrupted, and you can't even load the game file at all.
And in the worst-case scenario, there have been SEVERAL cases where the
WHOLE memory card, and its game files including Soul Calibur III, ends
up being corrupted.
When does it happen? If you did one of the following listed in the
"The Biggest Causes of File Corruption", it often occurs when the Soul
Calibur III game SAVES which causes the SC3 game file to corrupt. But
you won't see the file corruption message right away; it usually occurs
once you try to load or save the game again AFTER you have already
saved. And in some cases, it happens later on as you continue playing
Soul Calibur III.
Now think of this file corruption as something like a Time bomb. If
you trigger the Time Bomb by doing what you're not supposed to do, it
may eventually set off. It may not happen to you now, but it may occur
later on as you progress in the game. For example, some reported cases
of file corruption in CotS mode occurred between Chronicles 1-5.
Others have occurred in Chronicles 15-20 or later. That's what I meant
by "Time Bomb". Tic-tock...tic-tock...tic-tock...KABOOM!!!
---------------------------------------------------
V. Preventive Measures Against File Corruption:
---------------------------------------------------
***A) Make a backup/updated copy of your Soul Calibur III file onto
another memory card***:
If you don't have an extra memory card, I suggest you get one. Buy
one! Borrow one from a friend! If you disregard getting an extra
memory card, you're facing a big risk with this file corruption once
this problem occurs.
***UPDATE*** (1/12/06): Even if you make a backup SC3 copy onto another
memory card, that DOES NOT MEAN you're immune to file corruption
especially if you DO or REPEAT anything of what's listed in the "The
Biggest Causes of File Corruption" section on that particular memory
card which also contains the SC3 file. It doesn't matter if it's the
ORIGINAL or a COPIED/BACKUP file of SC3.
***B) Alternative Methods to Delete/Move (Copy)/Update Game Files***:
IamHBK wrote:
"I would say the safest way as for now is either have a free memory
card and put your very first save file as SC3, or check if the file is
valid by loading it in-game (both standard load and CotS) and copying
it on another memory card EVERY TIME you do with your PS2 something
else than playing SC3. This way, if something strange appears, you
could always revert the old save file."
wakuwaku wrote (rewritten):
"I only have 2 memory cards, going to call A the memory card with SC3
data, and B the other one:"
"- first, I would copy the files on B to A, to clean B.
-save SC3 data on B, so it becomes the first save on B.
-put back the stuffs copied to A back on B."
***Note (Regarding wakuwaku's message): Make sure that you copy your
SC3 file FIRST onto "B". THEN, copy your other game files onto "B".
***UPDATE*** (1/09/06):
***Note (Regarding wakuwaku's message): If you decide to follow
wakuwaku's step, make sure that EVERYTHING is cleaned out (deleted) on
"B", including the PS2 SYSTEM file. That way, your SC3 file becomes
the FIRST file created onto "B". Also, I would keep any other game
files that are VARIABLE files sizes and PS2 ONLINE game files AWAY from
the SC3 game file, if you decide to PLAY/UPDATE them. Meaning,
separate them onto different memory cards. Treat this as a safety
precaution for now. Revert back to "The Biggest Causes of File
Corruption" section regarding UPDATING if you don't understand.
mao2 wrote:
"I'm currently using a new PS2 memory card just for SCIII in slot 1,
and another memory card containing the PS2 system settings file (and
other junk) in slot 2. This way, the memory card in slot 1 is kept
clean with only the SCIII file. So far, no problems at all."
***Note (Regarding mao2's message): This would be the BEST way if you
want to avoid having your memory card and other game files completely
corrupted since several cases were reported. And also, this would be
the best way if you have other game files that are VARIABLE file sizes
and PS2 ONLINE game files.
-----------------------------------------
VI. Frequently Asked Questions (Q and A):
-----------------------------------------
***Note to Reader: I would recommend reading this section if you
happen to have a question that you would like to have answered. There
are some cases of file corruption that may not relate to what's been
described in the "The Biggest Causes of File Corruption" section.
Also, there is a way to FIX your SC3 file if the CotS save file is the
ONLY thing corrupted, and NOT your WHOLE SC3 file.
***1. (QUESTION)***:
Is there any way I can retrieve or be able to play CotS (Chronicles of
the Sword) mode again if I got that file corruption message only in
CotS Mode?
***UPDATE*** (1/12/06)
***(ANSWER TO #1)***:
1. Let's say you were playing CotS mode, and all of a sudden you get
the file corruption message while saving. If you have an extra memory
card, preferably a memory card with no game files on it, take your
memory card that has the corrupted SC3 file out of the PS2 memory slot,
and put in the other memory card, then save. Do this AFTER you get the
file corruption message. Remember, DO NOT pull out or insert the memory
card if the PS2 is loading or saving onto the memory card. Also
remember, you have to do this trick AT THE TIME this file corruption
message occurs. You might be able to save your current progress. And
to make things FINALIZED, SAVE your NEW SC3 save file in OPTIONS MODE
as well AFTER you have SAVED in CotS Mode. After which, check your NEW
SC3 save file and see if your GOLD and UNLOCKABLES remained intact
(i.e. ToS Mode, Shop Mode, etc...). To double-check your NEW SC3 save
file, reboot the PS2. When everything is ok, DELETE your CORRUPTED SC3
save file in the PS2 Browser menu. It's considered JUNK.
OR THE ALTERNATIVE:
2. But let's say you have already encountered the file corruption
message, and you tried to load your current CotS save file and you
still get the file corruption message.
If you still want to play CotS, and you're willing to start over in
CotS without having to deal with that file corruption message, please
read the following below. The only thing you will lose from starting
over is your progress in CotS (i.e. Your current Chronicle Stage you
saved) not your gold or your unlockables. They should still be there
if you check the other game modes (ToS (Tales of Souls), Shop, etc.).
If your CotS save file is the only thing corrupted and NOT your whole
SC3 file, then try this:
***UPDATE*** (1/12/06)
Start a new game in CotS (Chronicles of the Sword). When you start a
new game and you try to save but still get the file corruption message,
take your memory card that has the corrupted Soul Calibur III file out
of the PS2 memory slot, and put in another memory card (preferably a
clean one with no game files on it), then save. Do this AFTER you get
the file corruption message. Remember, DO NOT pull out or insert the
memory card if the PS2 is loading or saving onto the memory card.
Also, to make your NEW SC3 save file FINALIZED, SAVE in OPTIONS MODE as
well in SC3 AFTER you have SAVED in CotS Mode. After which, check your
NEW SC3 save file and see if your GOLD and UNLOCKABLES remained intact
(i.e. ToS Mode, Shop Mode, etc...). To double-check your NEW SC3 save
file, reboot the PS2. When everything is ok, DELETE your CORRUPTED SC3
save file in the PS2 Browser menu. It's considered JUNK.
Example: Thanks goes out to big_midnight for verifying and giving
specific details on this trick.
big_midnight wrote:
"Campaign4Games thank you very much my data is no longer corrupted
thanks to your advice!"
"For anybody having the same problem as me here is exactly what I
did...all thanks to Campaign4Games of course."
"Note: This regards to people who have found their Cots data to become
corrupt. If it has become corrupt sort it immediately because it starts
to affect the entire file. The only thing you lose in this process is
your progress in Cots, better than losing the entire game data."
"1) Start a new Cots game, make a new character etc.
2) At the first prompt to save, try to.
3) You will be told that the file is corrupt and may be harming the
entire SC3 data, click off the message.
4) Swap the memory card with another one and save the game onto this
card, the new data will not be corrupt, however, on the corrupt memory
card the data is still damaged."
***Note from Author: Also, SAVE your NEW SC3 save file in OPTIONS MODE
as well to FINALIZE it AFTER you SAVED in CotS. After which, check
your NEW SC3 save file and see if your GOLD and UNLOCKABLES remained
intact (i.e. ToS Mode, Shop Mode, etc...). To double-check your NEW
SC3 save file, reboot the PS2. When everything is ok, go to #5.
"5) After doing the save turn off the game and enter the browser.
6) I highly recommend you delete the original file (the corrupt one)
because as of all games damaged files can mess up any others on the
memory card.
7) Go to the other memory card (the one with the new/safe data) and
COPY IT TO BE SAFE.
The best thing to do is copy it onto the other memory card so then you
have two safe files so if the corruption happens again you will have a
backup."
"I hope this helps. Thanks to Campaign4Games for pointing me in the
right direction."
***UPDATE*** (1/12/06)
***Note: There could be other ways to fix this file corruption problem
when it comes to swapping memory cards. Just make a note to yourself:
DO NOT pull out or insert the memory card if the PS2 is loading or
saving onto the memory card. Plus, SAVE in OPTIONS MODE as well to
FINALIZE it. Check your NEW SC3 save file and see if your GOLD and
UNLOCKABLES remained intact (i.e. ToS Mode, Shop Mode, etc...). To
double-check your NEW SC3 save file, reboot the PS2. When everything
is ok, DELETE your corrupted SC3 save file...it's considered a junk
file.
***2. (QUESTION)***:
If my WHOLE Soul Calibur III file is corrupted, is there a way to fix
it?
***(ANSWER TO #2)***:
Sorry, but I couldn't find a way to fix that problem, yet. If the
WHOLE SC3 file is corrupted, chances are it's unsalvageable.
***3. (QUESTION)***:
Can you get the file corruption if you have AutoSave: "ON"? I never
had problems with it while playing SC3.
***(ANSWER TO #3)***:
Some people had file corruption problems when having AutoSave: "ON",
and some haven't. For me, I would prefer leaving AutoSave: "OFF".
Why? Because there were reports back then of file corruption issues
with AutoSave involving previous Namco titles: Soul Calibur 2, Tekken
5, and perhaps others. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the case
with Soul Calibur III. And AutoSave has this tendency to
save/overwrite the previous Soul Calibur III save file at times when
you don't necessarily want it to. Now the question I want to ask...is
it really that important for you to have AutoSave "ON"?
Also, having AutoSave: "ON" can probably speed up the reduced life span
of your memory card with all those unnecessary saves. Even the Sony
manufacturers warned about continuously overwriting a game file. I got
the information on the back of the PS2 memory card package. Here's one
example of what they have to say:
"Precautions":
"The memory card (8MB) (for PlayStation 2) has limited capacity for
rewriting over saved data. After repeated use, the card may lose the
ability to save data. If you find that your card can no longer save
data, use a new memory card (8MB) (for PlayStation 2), sold
separately".
***4. (QUESTION)***:
Can you get the file corruption if you do the soft reset (SELECT +
START) technique? I never had problems with it while playing SC3.
***(ANSWER TO #4)***:
Same thing. Some people got the file corruption doing this and some
didn't. The one thing you must realize is that Soul Calibur III is a
VERY SENSITIVE game when it comes to file corruption issues, especially
in CotS (Chronicles of the Sword). For now, just try to avoid doing
the soft reset. Think of it as a safety precaution.
***5. (QUESTION)***:
Can file corruption be the case if you have an older model PS2?
***(ANSWER TO #5)***:
Not exactly. As it turned out, one person mentioned that their slim-
line PS2 with a MagicGate memory card got corrupted.
Gina_chan wrote:
"I got Data corruption like minutes after I deleted some old data on my
game. I have a slim PS2 and a MagicGate memory card. Hope this helps."
Now, if you have an older model PS2 (SCPH 30000, 35000), and had disc
read errors or some other problems, there were a couple of cases where
people ran into file corruption problems. But I would say it could be
in the very small percentage rate of file corruption cases. You may
want to read question #7 to find out.
***6. (QUESTION)***:
Can file corruption be the case if you have an older PS2 memory card,
or a third-party memory card?
***(ANSWER TO #6)***:
If you did any of the following listed in the "The Biggest Causes of
File Corruption" section, it doesn't matter whether it's an OLD PS2
memory card or NEW one. Also, file corruption might occur depending on
your copying/deleting/saving/updating habits of the memory card
especially if you have only one being used for your collection of PS2
games. And if you had a corrupted file encounter with another game
file, besides SC3, it could make matters worse if that other game file
could not be deleted off of the PS2 System/Browser menu. If you
experience a corrupted file that cannot delete, go to question #12.
As far as third-party memory cards go, well so far, I haven't heard of
any problems. But that also depends on what brand of third-party
memory card you buy.
***7. (QUESTION)***:
Will I get a file corruption if I use another person's (friend's) PS2
system with Soul Calibur III and my memory card?
***(ANSWER TO #7)***:
It happened to several people, but I would probably treat this as a
small percentage of file corruption cases. Please read the following
post.
JJmax7 wrote:
"My entire file got corrupted when I tried to play the game on a
friends PS2, he has the really old one that has read errors all the
time. The first time I tried to run it and it was corrupted. And that
was the first problem I had with the game."
robotechfaniam wrote:
"A few nights ago (same as my old topic), I took my copy of SCIII and
memory card to his place. I put mine in the second slot. He deleted
about 3 of his saves. When we load up SCIII, I see no one is there. I
realize it loaded from the wrong memory card. I switch memory cards and
go to Slot 1 in the character select. See all my CAS and unlocked. Play
one fight. Go to title and get error. BAM. Everything gone."
maelstrom_alpha wrote:
"I have some information to add for the PAL release once again. My
friend took his memory card and SC3 to work (we work in a game shop)
and played it during his lunch. Started playing CotS after a few random
VS fights and his data was corrupt. My friend had the same model PS2 as
the one he played at work, so I guess this would tie into "playing on
someone else's PS2". But it's definitely happening for the PAL
release."
marklar1313 wrote:
"I just thought that I would share my corruption details. I have a slim
PS2. I played the game for about a month with no problems. Then I took
my game and memory card to my friend's house. He has an old model PS2
with a hard-drive. I saved at his house. When I came back home and
tried to play CotS, it was corrupt."
***8. (QUESTION)***:
Does this file corruption happen when deleting, moving, or updating
other game files from a specific type of game?
***(ANSWER TO #8)***:
Well, there are over 1000 PS2 titles out there, so it's really hard to
tell right now.
***9. (QUESTION)***:
Could there be a bad batch of Soul Calibur III out there? If so, will
Namco exchange our defective copy?
***(ANSWER TO #9)***:
There could be a bad batch out there for the U.S. version, and some
that could be OK. But even if you try to exchange for another copy at
the place you bought Soul Calibur 3, how will you know if your
exchanged copy doesn't have that file corruption problem? They might
have some old stock of that file-corrupted version.
In the U.S., they are trying to work on a fixed version. When it comes
to exchanging your copy to Namco, there is no official statement yet
from them. There is, of course, measures being done in Japan.
mao2 wrote:
"Anyway, it seems like those in Japan can get their buggy discs
exchanged by contacting Namco. The current bugged version is
SLPS_255.77; 1 VER = 1.01 (this can be found by opening the system file
in the disc with a word processor like Notepad), while the serial
number at the bottom of the discs is either SLPS-25577 1 or SLPS-25577
2. If your game has a higher version number, then it's most probably a
fixed, non-buggy version."
If you would like to visit the Japanese website/forum where mao2 got
the information from, go to:
Source:
http://www.geocities.jp/sc3taisaku/index.html
***10. (QUESTION)***:
Would having a Mod Chip on a PS2 cause a file corruption?
***(ANSWER TO #10)***:
In my opinion, only you will find out. Why? Because there is large
number of Mod Chips out for the PS2, and there's no way to tell from a
GOOD Mod Chip to a BAD Mod Chip. Plus, the one's making the chips have
to make an updated version or file when newer games come out. I won't
say that all Mod Chips are bad, but hey, Mod Chips CAN do something
weird to your PS2 system whether you know it or not.
***11. (QUESTION)***:
If I use a GameShark, ARMAX, or any other cheat device to "UNLOCK
STUFF" for SC3...could that create a file corruption problem?
***(ANSWER TO #11)***:
I read in a Codebreaker web site, that a couple of people were having
problems with their memory card...whether the code is not working, or
having some corrupted file issue. The other thing I want to point out
is that, for example, the Codebreaker save file is a VARIABLE size
file. Once you input or add new codes into the save file, the file
size changes. Thus, it could be a possibility.
***12. (QUESTION)***: Let's say my memory card is totally corrupted,
and I cannot delete my game files off of the PS2 System/Browser menu.
What should I do?
***(ANSWER TO #12)***:
Use a GameShark, ARMAX, Codebreaker, or whatever cheat utility
device/disc that has the option to reformat your memory card. The PS2
System/Browser menu, however, DOES NOT offer that option. If you
reformat the memory card, you actually refresh the flash memory and it
may become more stable. It would also erase any corrupted or broken
files that you couldn't get rid of in the PS2 System/Browser. Just
make sure there are no files that you don't want deleted once you
decide to do the reformat process. Remember, doing a reformat erases
EVERYTHING.
***Note to Reader: If you're concerned about these OTHER file
corruption cases, please revert back to the "Preventive Measures
against File Corruption" section. This will pretty much take care of
most of these cases.
--------------------------------------------------------------
VII. Conclusion (My Thoughts regarding this File Corruption):
--------------------------------------------------------------
I believe there are WAY too many save features in Soul Calibur III.
Think about it...the save features are included in Options mode, CotS
mode, Shop mode (Items, Weapons, Armor), and CAS mode. Either having
load, save, delete, and/or Edit, the PS2 CPU and the RAM must be
working overtime or just plain going crazy trying to keep up with the
user's request to load, save, or whatever...ALL into one file (300K).
Perhaps Namco should have made separate files for certain modes,
especially for CotS. So that way it would make things easier for the
CPU and RAM to distribute the user's request to load, save, whatever
more efficiently. Also, a 300K file doesn't seem feasible for a game
with so many "UNLOCKABLES".maybe they should've made the file size
bigger. That's just my opinion, even though the damage is already
done.
Anyway, regarding the issue with this Soul Calibur III file corruption:
There could be other cases of file corruption out there that are not
listed in this FAQ. But everything on the "The Biggest Causes of File
Corruption" serves the MAJORITY of file corruption cases.
----------------
VIII. Credits:
----------------
***Thanks go out to***:
kried
Gina_chan
JJmax7
robotechfaniam
wakuwaku
maelstrom_alpha
yipkingsui
LeiFang2000
marklar1313
hellgast
vampirelord18
DarkDirtyDwarf
For their information and support for my message board topic and
Umbra's topic as well, and everyone else who posted.
***Big thanks and appreciation goes out to***:
IamHBK: For information, research, and analysis of file corruption in
the U.S. and PAL versions of Soul Calibur III.
mao2: For information, research, and analysis of file corruption in the
Japanese version of Soul Calibur III.
big_midnight: For verifying and providing specific details on one of my
tricks regarding fixing CotS.
***Special thanks and the utmost respect goes out to***:
Umbra_Militis: For pioneering the theory posted on GameFAQs. The
theory related to the Soul Calibur III file corruption involving
deleting other game files.
And thanks go out to you for reading this FAQ.
This is Campaign4Games signing off for now. :)
