I want to provide some notes in case anyone is interested in running this version in the future. This list goes over the quirks, benefits and negatives of playing Restless Dreams (as it's known in North America).
- Faster inventory menu
When in the inventory, cursor, selection, etc. are all faster than PS2. The time save from this depends on the ending and one's ability to manage the faster menus, but it saves several seconds throughout a run.
- Frame rate skips (i.e. Lag)
This occurs with greater frequency on Xbox. You'll encounter frame rate skipping/dipping when playing this version, particularly on the streets.
In my experience, installing this game to the Xbox exasperates the frame rate dips, but still is faster overall than disc RTA.
- Don't play this version with 3D (aka tank controls)
Unlike the Dualshock 2, the original Xbox controllers only have an L and R trigger, similar to the Dreamcast. To compensate for this the Xbox version sets the default strafe keys to X and B. This is pretty crap and annoying, especially when attempting to do a quickturn. Thankfully if you are playing in 2D you only switch to 3D at the end of a NG run. If you have a Duke Controller a good way to get around the X and B quick turn is to set Black to the same strafe button as X. B and Black are close together, this can make the quick turn easier.
Instead of quick turning at the top of the stairs at the last area, I opt to switch my strafe from left to right at the bottom of the stairs.
Another reason to play 2D on Xbox - the analog is a full 360 degrees, unlike PS2's cardinal and intermediate 2D style.
- Camera floating
I don't know if this is something about my settings or what, but it is weird. I never experienced this on PC. Sometimes when you readjust the camera (by default its L), the camera unlocks from the set position and 'floats.' This can be really disorienting and problematic with 2D controls. I double tap the L trigger to lock it back in place.
- Duke vs. S Controller
If you have larger hands, I would suggest the Duke controller. The DPad is silly, but the closeness of the buttons together make a positive difference. Too bad the Duke hurts my hands when I speedrun.
- Resetting runs
To soft reset on the Xbox version, hold Back and Start together for several seconds. Unlike PS2, Xbox's "soft" reset isn't soft. It doesn't boot you to the main menu, it reboots the game. That means if you need to change settings after a run is finished (i.e. going from 3D back to 2D), you need to go to a save file, change the settings you desire, save, then do the button combo.
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Camera differences There's a few rooms that are substantially different camera angle wise compared to PS2. The two that come to mind are the door exiting the well (it's the PC camera angle), and the gallows (much easier execution on 2D compared to PS2).
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Miscellaneous Stuff
- Improved lighting effects, shadows and lights are far less jagged than PS2
- Slightly sharper graphics than PS2
- UFO Ending and Born From A Wish Scenario accessible
- Don't play this on the Xbox 360
The backwards compatibility for this game is garbage.
Going forward we will be requiring a visible IGT timer on submissions on the PC version, preferably using the LiveSplit script. Most people already do this, but we're making it mandatory to make run verification easier. Thank you for your understanding.
Runs submitted prior to this change will no
