Plants Vs Zombies: Garden Warfare (2013 Beta) - Xenia Canary

Alright, gaming enthusiasts! Let's dive into the quirky world of emulating Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare (2013 Beta) on the Xenia Canary emulator. This report sheds light on the compatibility and issues encountered while trying to run this beta version. Buckle up, because it's a bit of a bumpy ride!

Validation Checks

Before we get our hands dirty, it's essential to ensure everything is validated correctly. The following checks were confirmed:

• [x] I've read the FAQ.
• [x] The Xenia build used is from a Canary branch. (not UWP/MLBS/AlexVS/master/pull requests, etc)
• [x] This issue isn't for help (tech support) with Xenia, or a game.
• [x] I've checked if this game doesn't already have a compatibility report.
• [x] Main report is done on Windows with usage of D3D12 backend

This just confirms that the user has done their homework and followed the basic troubleshooting steps before reporting the issue. Good job!

Xenia Canary Version

The specific version of Xenia Canary used for this test is identified by the following commit:

https://github.com/xenia-canary/xenia-canary/commit/b800011265bf47ea6b3f4f2b234d25249823a9be

Knowing the exact commit is crucial because it helps developers pinpoint when regressions might have been introduced or when specific fixes were applied. Always make sure to include this info when reporting issues!

The Issue: Freezing on Loading

Here's the crux of the matter: the game Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare (2013 Beta) unfortunately freezes during the loading screen, immediately after pressing the Start button. This is a significant roadblock, preventing any further gameplay. Freezing issues can stem from various factors, such as shader compilation problems, memory management issues, or unimplemented features in the emulator.

To elaborate, the freezing issue typically occurs when the game transitions from the initial menu or splash screen to the actual gameplay environment. This transition involves loading game assets, initializing game systems, and preparing the game world. If any of these processes encounter an unexpected error or incompatibility with the emulator, it can lead to a complete freeze, halting the game's progress.

Troubleshooting freezing issues often requires a deep dive into the emulator's debug logs, analyzing memory dumps, and potentially experimenting with different emulator settings. Developers might need to identify the specific point at which the game freezes and examine the code responsible for that section to determine the root cause of the problem. In some cases, the issue might be related to unimplemented Xbox 360 system calls or hardware features that the emulator has not yet fully replicated.

Log Analysis

The provided Xenia log file (xenia.log) is invaluable for diagnosing the issue. By examining the log, developers can trace the execution path of the game, identify any error messages or warnings, and gain insights into the state of the emulator at the time of the freeze. The log file essentially provides a detailed record of the emulator's internal operations, including memory access, shader compilation, and system call handling.

Specifically, developers will be looking for patterns or anomalies in the log that precede the freeze. This might include error messages related to file access, memory allocation failures, or shader compilation errors. Additionally, the log can reveal the sequence of events leading up to the freeze, such as the loading of specific game assets or the execution of certain game functions. By analyzing these events, developers can narrow down the potential causes of the issue and focus their efforts on the most relevant areas of the emulator's code.

Furthermore, the log file can provide valuable information about the game's behavior, such as the types of system calls it's making and the data it's accessing. This information can be used to identify unimplemented or incorrectly implemented features in the emulator, which might be contributing to the freezing issue. For example, if the game is making a system call that the emulator doesn't fully support, it could lead to unexpected behavior and ultimately cause the game to freeze. By comparing the game's behavior to the emulator's implementation, developers can identify discrepancies and prioritize the implementation of missing features.

You can find the log file here: xenia.log

Screenshots

Visual evidence is always helpful! Here are a couple of screenshots showing the state of the game right before the freeze:

These images confirm that the game makes it to the initial loading screen but doesn't progress further. It's like being stuck in digital limbo!

Labels

The issue has been labeled as state-intro, indicating that the game gets stuck during the introduction or initial loading phase. Labels help categorize issues, making them easier to track and prioritize.

Possible Causes and Next Steps

So, what could be causing this freeze? Here are a few potential culprits:

1. Incomplete Emulation: The Xenia emulator is still under development, and certain Xbox 360 features might not be fully implemented. This can lead to compatibility issues with specific games.
2. Shader Compilation: Emulating graphics can be tricky. Issues during shader compilation (translating game graphics code to something your PC understands) can cause freezes.
3. Memory Management: Games require careful memory management. If the emulator isn't handling memory correctly, it can lead to crashes and freezes.
4. Beta-Specific Issues: This is a beta version of the game, after all! It might contain bugs or incomplete code that cause problems in the emulator.

Next Steps:

• Analyze the Log: The Xenia developers will need to thoroughly analyze the provided xenia.log file to pinpoint the exact cause of the freeze.
• Experiment with Settings: Trying different Xenia configurations might help. For example, switching between different graphics backends (D3D12, Vulkan, etc.) could potentially resolve the issue.
• Wait for Updates: Emulation is an ongoing process. Keep an eye on Xenia Canary updates, as future versions might include fixes that address this specific issue.

Conclusion

While Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare (2013 Beta) isn't currently playable on Xenia Canary due to this freezing issue, the detailed report provides valuable information for the developers. With continued effort and community support, hopefully, this game will be playable on Xenia in the future. Keep those bug reports coming, folks!

Remember: Emulation is a complex and challenging endeavor. Patience and detailed reporting are key to improving the accuracy and compatibility of emulators like Xenia. Happy gaming! and let's hope for a fix soon.