Policenauts Project FAQ

A forum for discusion, suggestions and information on any Snatcher-related material. Music, games, versions, differences and references.

Also the space for feedback regarding the Snatcher Music Arrangements section by MrRudi.
Marc
General
Posts: 3379
Joined: Thu Oct 14, 2004 2:46 am

Policenauts Project FAQ

Post by Marc »

Feel free to ask any other questions and they'll be added here.

What is Policenauts?

Policenauts is a spiritual sequel to Snatcher, the digital comic originally planned and written by Hideo Kojima between Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake. It was released in Japan for the PC98 in 1994, with console ports for the 3DO in 1995, and the PlayStation and Saturn in 1996. It features an entirely different setting, plot, and characters from Snatcher, but the two games do share some peripheral details. Its game system is a refined version of Snatcher's, with a point-and-click interface instead of scrolling through menus at the bottom of the screen; "Look" and "Investigate" have been combined into one command; and the shooting scenes feature arcade-style shooting, where you have full control over your aim, instead of a 3x3 grid.

When will the patch be released?

The PlayStation version's patch was released on August 24th, 2009. The Saturn version's patch release date is... (say it with us) when it's done.

What are you working on right now?

The Saturn version's patch, and a small 1.01 update to the PlayStation patch. For details on the Saturn patch's progress, see this thread.

What do I do with the patch?

You first make images of your Policenauts discs with an ISO program, then individually apply the xdelta patches to each disc with another program. For help, check this thread.

Will there be patches for other versions?

Possibly, but we don't know when. The order for future patches would be: PC98, 3DO.

Will you do an English dubbed version?

No. We couldn't provide anywhere near the level of quality that would be necessary to make it a pleasant experience.

On what can I play the patch?

For the PlayStation version, a PlayStation emulator or PlayStation hardware (PS1, PS2, PSP). We recommend hardware, if you can. We'll be providing tips for emulation at release.

For the Saturn version, a Saturn emulator or a Saturn.

Where can I find the game?

The game can be purchased from the following locations:

- Game Choice Club

- NCSX

- eBay

No compensation is received by any team member in exchange for providing these links.

Where can I find a ROM of the game?

You mean ISOs of the game? Not from us! We do not endorse piracy. See the above question and answer.

I heard there are three versions of the PlayStation version of Policenauts. Is this true?

Yes, there's the original '96 release, the The Best re-release, and the PSone Books re-release. The PlayStation patch is compatible with all three versions.

Can I help in any way?

We aren't currently looking for assistance with any aspect of the project.

Do you accept donations?

We do not accept monetary donations. The project is pure fan work. However, if you go all stalker on us and obtain our addresses and send us some sort of gift, we would not return it unless it were money (or maybe a couple other things).
Last edited by Artemio on Wed May 14, 2008 1:00 pm, edited 2 times in total.
User avatar
87th
General
Posts: 2150
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2005 3:35 pm
Favorite Game: MetalGear 2: Solid Snake
Kojima games owned: METALGEAR SERIES
MetalGear (MSX2) [European]
MetalGear (NES) [European]
MetalGear (Famicom) [Japanese]
MetalGear 2: Solid Snake (MSX2) [Japanese]
Snake's Revenge (NES) [European]
MetalGear Solid (PlayStation) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Premium Pack (PlayStation) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Integral (PlayStation) [Japanese]
MetalGear: Ghost Babel (Gameboy Color) [European]
MetalGear: Ghost Babel (Gameboy Color) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance (PlayStation 2) [Japanese]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance + The Document of MGS2 (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance (Xbox) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance (PC) [European]
MetalGear AC!D (PSP) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Snake Eater - Premium Pack (PlayStation 2) [Japanese]
MetalGear AC!D2 (PSP) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Subsistence - 1st Edition (PlayStation 2) [Japanese]
MetalGear Solid 3: Subsistence - Promo copy (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Subsistence - 1st Edition (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel (PSP) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Portable Ops (PSP) [American]
MetalGear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots - Limited Edition (+ Bonus Disc, Soundtrack and 6" Old Snake Action Figure) [European]

SNATCHER SERIES
Snatcher (Mega CD) [European]
Snatcher (Saturn) [Japanese]

POLICENAUTS SERIES
Policenauts Pilot Disk (3DO) [Japanese]
Policenauts (3DO) [Japanese]
Policenauts (PlayStation) [Japanese]
Policenauts (Saturn) [Japanese]
Policenauts (Saturn) [Japanese]

ZONE OF THE ENDERS SERIES
Zone Of the Enders (PlayStation 2) [European]
Zone Of the Enders: The Second Runner - Special Edition (PlayStation 2) [European]

BOKTAI SERIES
boktai: The Sun Is In Your Hand! (Gameboy Advance) [European]
boktai 2: Solar Boy Django (Gameboy Advance) [European]

OTHER SERIES
Penguin Adventure (MSX) [European]
Kabushiki Baibai Trainer Kabutore (DS) [Japanese]

KOJIMA-RELATED GAMES
Konami Krazy Racers (Gameboy Advance) [European]
Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii) [American]
PSN: eighty7th
Wii Friend Code: 4890580757769739
Location: Zanzibarland
Contact:

Post by 87th »

The end of "How's the translation going?" threads. :)

PS- Policenauts + Animals = Great combination!
Attachments
Gizmo loves Policenauts
Gizmo loves Policenauts
User avatar
Henry Spencer
General
Posts: 1380
Joined: Sun Nov 26, 2006 9:07 am
Favorite Game: Shenmue I, MGS, Snatcher, Zelda: Ocarina Of Time.
Kojima games owned: Metal Gear (NES)
Metal Gear: Ghost Babel (GB)
Metal Gear Solid (PSX)
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance (PS2)
Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence (PS2)
Policenauts (Saturn/PSX/3DO)
Snatcher (PC Engine/Mega CD)
Zone Of The Enders (PS2)
Zone Of The Enders 2: Special Edition (PS2)
Super Smash Bros. Brawl; it counts, right? ;P
PSN: henryspencer666
Xbox Live: Magiking
Location: Right Behind You
Contact:

Post by Henry Spencer »

Hahaha. That was a great reply to the maoning going on about the translation, Marc. And a golden reply from 87th as well. Haha.

I suppose this FAQ was a way to counter the questions with the obvious answers time after time? I can imagine, it becomes very tiresome, it happened to me on one of my projects, actually.
User avatar
DarkTetsuya
Runner
Posts: 150
Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2004 7:26 pm

Post by DarkTetsuya »

87th wrote:The end of "How's the translation going?" threads. :)

PS- Policenauts + Animals = Great combination!
policenautsonmycat.com? :P

DT
User avatar
Artemio
Site Admin
Posts: 2947
Joined: Wed Oct 06, 2004 11:33 am
Favorite Game: Snatcher! ... no wait, Policenauts...
Kojima games owned: http://junkerhq.net/kojima.html
PSN: Artemio
Wii Friend Code: 6335316353781527
Xbox Live: JunkerHQ
Location: Mexico
Contact:

Post by Artemio »

DarkTetsuya wrote:
87th wrote:The end of "How's the translation going?" threads. :)

PS- Policenauts + Animals = Great combination!
policenautsonmycat.com? :P

DT
hmmm might be a good idea ^^
From the mathematical perspective, consciousness might be regarded as a second derivative of sensation.
-- Terrel Miedaner

[Junker HQ]
User avatar
87th
General
Posts: 2150
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2005 3:35 pm
Favorite Game: MetalGear 2: Solid Snake
Kojima games owned: METALGEAR SERIES
MetalGear (MSX2) [European]
MetalGear (NES) [European]
MetalGear (Famicom) [Japanese]
MetalGear 2: Solid Snake (MSX2) [Japanese]
Snake's Revenge (NES) [European]
MetalGear Solid (PlayStation) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Premium Pack (PlayStation) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Integral (PlayStation) [Japanese]
MetalGear: Ghost Babel (Gameboy Color) [European]
MetalGear: Ghost Babel (Gameboy Color) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance (PlayStation 2) [Japanese]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance + The Document of MGS2 (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance (Xbox) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance (PC) [European]
MetalGear AC!D (PSP) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Snake Eater - Premium Pack (PlayStation 2) [Japanese]
MetalGear AC!D2 (PSP) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Subsistence - 1st Edition (PlayStation 2) [Japanese]
MetalGear Solid 3: Subsistence - Promo copy (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Subsistence - 1st Edition (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel (PSP) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Portable Ops (PSP) [American]
MetalGear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots - Limited Edition (+ Bonus Disc, Soundtrack and 6" Old Snake Action Figure) [European]

SNATCHER SERIES
Snatcher (Mega CD) [European]
Snatcher (Saturn) [Japanese]

POLICENAUTS SERIES
Policenauts Pilot Disk (3DO) [Japanese]
Policenauts (3DO) [Japanese]
Policenauts (PlayStation) [Japanese]
Policenauts (Saturn) [Japanese]
Policenauts (Saturn) [Japanese]

ZONE OF THE ENDERS SERIES
Zone Of the Enders (PlayStation 2) [European]
Zone Of the Enders: The Second Runner - Special Edition (PlayStation 2) [European]

BOKTAI SERIES
boktai: The Sun Is In Your Hand! (Gameboy Advance) [European]
boktai 2: Solar Boy Django (Gameboy Advance) [European]

OTHER SERIES
Penguin Adventure (MSX) [European]
Kabushiki Baibai Trainer Kabutore (DS) [Japanese]

KOJIMA-RELATED GAMES
Konami Krazy Racers (Gameboy Advance) [European]
Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii) [American]
PSN: eighty7th
Wii Friend Code: 4890580757769739
Location: Zanzibarland
Contact:

Post by 87th »

Quick! Someone register it before the joke gets stale!
Attachments
Oops... too late!
Oops... too late!
User avatar
HELTER SKELTER 77
Posts: 25
Joined: Wed May 02, 2007 9:25 pm

Post by HELTER SKELTER 77 »

hahhaahahaa. the cat with the gun reminds me of Killer7.
Arkley
Posts: 44
Joined: Tue Sep 05, 2006 12:18 am

Post by Arkley »

Ready for some Policenauts on Kitty action?

[/img]
Attachments
IMG.jpg
User avatar
DarkTetsuya
Runner
Posts: 150
Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2004 7:26 pm

Post by DarkTetsuya »

Oh god what've I DONE?! LOL

DT
User avatar
Artemio
Site Admin
Posts: 2947
Joined: Wed Oct 06, 2004 11:33 am
Favorite Game: Snatcher! ... no wait, Policenauts...
Kojima games owned: http://junkerhq.net/kojima.html
PSN: Artemio
Wii Friend Code: 6335316353781527
Xbox Live: JunkerHQ
Location: Mexico
Contact:

Post by Artemio »

You might not want to try the domain name....
From the mathematical perspective, consciousness might be regarded as a second derivative of sensation.
-- Terrel Miedaner

[Junker HQ]
User avatar
DarkTetsuya
Runner
Posts: 150
Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2004 7:26 pm

Post by DarkTetsuya »

Snatcher wrote:You might not want to try the domain name....
... fuck did someone beat us to it?

DT
User avatar
Artemio
Site Admin
Posts: 2947
Joined: Wed Oct 06, 2004 11:33 am
Favorite Game: Snatcher! ... no wait, Policenauts...
Kojima games owned: http://junkerhq.net/kojima.html
PSN: Artemio
Wii Friend Code: 6335316353781527
Xbox Live: JunkerHQ
Location: Mexico
Contact:

Post by Artemio »

No.. it points to this page =P
From the mathematical perspective, consciousness might be regarded as a second derivative of sensation.
-- Terrel Miedaner

[Junker HQ]
User avatar
8bitsonic
Major
Posts: 512
Joined: Sun May 08, 2005 4:35 pm
Favorite Game: Snatcher
Kojima games owned: MGS Essential Collection, Snatcher (PC88/PCE/MCD), Policenauts (TheBest/PSone Books). Also have Bleemcast for MGS.
PSN: The_Swill_Man
Wii Friend Code: 8648649929043816
Xbox Live: The Swill Man
Location: Urine Space
Contact:

Post by 8bitsonic »

Alright, here's a question- say you guys finish the patch for disc 1 before disc 2. Would you release it on its own, or wait until disc 2's patch was done and release them together?
Image
User avatar
87th
General
Posts: 2150
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2005 3:35 pm
Favorite Game: MetalGear 2: Solid Snake
Kojima games owned: METALGEAR SERIES
MetalGear (MSX2) [European]
MetalGear (NES) [European]
MetalGear (Famicom) [Japanese]
MetalGear 2: Solid Snake (MSX2) [Japanese]
Snake's Revenge (NES) [European]
MetalGear Solid (PlayStation) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Premium Pack (PlayStation) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Integral (PlayStation) [Japanese]
MetalGear: Ghost Babel (Gameboy Color) [European]
MetalGear: Ghost Babel (Gameboy Color) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance (PlayStation 2) [Japanese]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance + The Document of MGS2 (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance (Xbox) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance (PC) [European]
MetalGear AC!D (PSP) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Snake Eater - Premium Pack (PlayStation 2) [Japanese]
MetalGear AC!D2 (PSP) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Subsistence - 1st Edition (PlayStation 2) [Japanese]
MetalGear Solid 3: Subsistence - Promo copy (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Subsistence - 1st Edition (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel (PSP) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Portable Ops (PSP) [American]
MetalGear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots - Limited Edition (+ Bonus Disc, Soundtrack and 6" Old Snake Action Figure) [European]

SNATCHER SERIES
Snatcher (Mega CD) [European]
Snatcher (Saturn) [Japanese]

POLICENAUTS SERIES
Policenauts Pilot Disk (3DO) [Japanese]
Policenauts (3DO) [Japanese]
Policenauts (PlayStation) [Japanese]
Policenauts (Saturn) [Japanese]
Policenauts (Saturn) [Japanese]

ZONE OF THE ENDERS SERIES
Zone Of the Enders (PlayStation 2) [European]
Zone Of the Enders: The Second Runner - Special Edition (PlayStation 2) [European]

BOKTAI SERIES
boktai: The Sun Is In Your Hand! (Gameboy Advance) [European]
boktai 2: Solar Boy Django (Gameboy Advance) [European]

OTHER SERIES
Penguin Adventure (MSX) [European]
Kabushiki Baibai Trainer Kabutore (DS) [Japanese]

KOJIMA-RELATED GAMES
Konami Krazy Racers (Gameboy Advance) [European]
Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii) [American]
PSN: eighty7th
Wii Friend Code: 4890580757769739
Location: Zanzibarland
Contact:

Post by 87th »

8bitsonic wrote:Alright, here's a question- say you guys finish the patch for disc 1 before disc 2. Would you release it on its own, or wait until disc 2's patch was done and release them together?
If the PlayStation version's anything like the Saturn one, I hope it's all released at the same time. You barely spend 30 minutes on disc 1 on the Saturn. I'd hate to have to wait to find out what happens next.
User avatar
epitaph
Runner
Posts: 132
Joined: Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:27 pm
Favorite Game: Deus Ex
Kojima games owned: Snatcher (SCD, US)
Policenauts (PC-98)
Policenauts (3DO)
Policenauts (PS1)
Policenauts (Saturn)
Metal Gear Solid (PS1, EU)
Metal Gear Solid: Integral (PC, EU)
Metal Gear Solid 2 (PS2, EU)
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance (PC, EU)
Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence (PS2, US)
Location: Northern Europe

Post by epitaph »

87th wrote:
8bitsonic wrote:Alright, here's a question- say you guys finish the patch for disc 1 before disc 2. Would you release it on its own, or wait until disc 2's patch was done and release them together?
If the PlayStation version's anything like the Saturn one, I hope it's all released at the same time. You barely spend 30 minutes on disc 1 on the Saturn. I'd hate to have to wait to find out what happens next.
You spend a bit more time on disc 1 in the PSX version. The FMV in the Saturn version has a higher frame rate (very noticeable if you go from playing the Saturn version to the PSX version) and was possibly compressed using a different algorithm than the one used for the PSX version (I can't confirm this), resulting in larger files (hence the need for more discs). I was actually thinking I'd make a comparison video, just haven't been assed to do it yet.
"The west, so afraid of powerful government, now has no government. Only financial power."

Localization, not translation.

It is a title screen.
Something pushes a button.
User avatar
Kojima_Devotee
J.U.N.K.E.R.
Posts: 212
Joined: Wed Jun 15, 2005 3:00 pm

Post by Kojima_Devotee »

Just to reiterate, both the original and The Best versions will definitely work with the patch?
Image
Sure, mainstream games are fun, but you haven't tried Snatcher yet.
User avatar
Artemio
Site Admin
Posts: 2947
Joined: Wed Oct 06, 2004 11:33 am
Favorite Game: Snatcher! ... no wait, Policenauts...
Kojima games owned: http://junkerhq.net/kojima.html
PSN: Artemio
Wii Friend Code: 6335316353781527
Xbox Live: JunkerHQ
Location: Mexico
Contact:

Post by Artemio »

8bitsonic wrote:Alright, here's a question- say you guys finish the patch for disc 1 before disc 2. Would you release it on its own, or wait until disc 2's patch was done and release them together?
That would be almost impossible to happen. You see, the process is not linear. Maybe you need to grasp what is being done in a simpler way. View it as a program that puts text on screen. It either does it correctly, it doesn't at all or it has problems with some parts. When hacking it, the process goes something like fixing general problems and trhen fixing particular problems. Because the text printing routine is very general, it is a more normal case to fix everything at the exact same time. It is not like going from a non existant start until the end id found.

I understand you'd like to receive the game sooner, we all do. But in reality it is not because we don't want to provide it, it ie because we can't just yet.
From the mathematical perspective, consciousness might be regarded as a second derivative of sensation.
-- Terrel Miedaner

[Junker HQ]
Marc
General
Posts: 3379
Joined: Thu Oct 14, 2004 2:46 am

Post by Marc »

8bitsonic wrote:Alright, here's a question- say you guys finish the patch for disc 1 before disc 2. Would you release it on its own, or wait until disc 2's patch was done and release them together?
We'll wait until everything is ready. As Snatcher said, it wouldn't happen like that anyway. The coding work is a non-linear process.
epitaph wrote:
87th wrote:
8bitsonic wrote:Alright, here's a question- say you guys finish the patch for disc 1 before disc 2. Would you release it on its own, or wait until disc 2's patch was done and release them together?
If the PlayStation version's anything like the Saturn one, I hope it's all released at the same time. You barely spend 30 minutes on disc 1 on the Saturn. I'd hate to have to wait to find out what happens next.
You spend a bit more time on disc 1 in the PSX version. The FMV in the Saturn version has a higher frame rate (very noticeable if you go from playing the Saturn version to the PSX version) and was possibly compressed using a different algorithm than the one used for the PSX version (I can't confirm this), resulting in larger files (hence the need for more discs). I was actually thinking I'd make a comparison video, just haven't been assed to do it yet.
The reason the first disc of the Saturn version is so short gameplay-wise is because it contains extra movies that open up after completing the game -- an interview with Karen Hojo's actress, game trailers, and short making of videos, which aren't found in the PS version and take up space.
Kojima_Devotee wrote:Just to reiterate, both the original and The Best versions will definitely work with the patch?
Yeah, as will the PSone Books version.
User avatar
Kojima_Devotee
J.U.N.K.E.R.
Posts: 212
Joined: Wed Jun 15, 2005 3:00 pm

Post by Kojima_Devotee »

I see. I was just double-checking because the copy I've obtained is the "The Best" version. On the website, it says both the original and "The Best" versions would definitely handle the patch without issue. Unfortunately, I tend to get nervous easily, so I thought I'd ask you guys directly. :razz:

Speaking of the website's FAQ, it says there might have been some uncertainties due to the different Konami logo screen in the "The Books" version. Have those potential issues been resolved? (If you don't mind me asking.)

Sorry, I just like learning about the whole process you guys are going through. I know it's not fun, but at least you guys get some publicity and fans from the project. :grin:
Image
Sure, mainstream games are fun, but you haven't tried Snatcher yet.
User avatar
Crowley
Runner
Posts: 190
Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2004 5:06 am
Location: Suomi, ulkomaanpellet!

Re: Project FAQ

Post by Crowley »

Aww, the puppy picture is down!
JimboKudo
Major
Posts: 604
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:06 am
Location: Missouri, USA

Re: Project FAQ

Post by JimboKudo »

Crowley wrote:Aww, the puppy picture is down!
Uh oh, they better get it back up soon. How else will we soothe our souls as we wait for the patch to come out?
User avatar
Crowley
Runner
Posts: 190
Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2004 5:06 am
Location: Suomi, ulkomaanpellet!

Re: Project FAQ

Post by Crowley »

Judging by the file name and my memory, this is the image that was linked:
http://www.breederretriever.com/photopo ... RIEVER.JPG
User avatar
dhaosdante
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Nov 10, 2006 12:06 am

Re: Project FAQ

Post by dhaosdante »

I'm kinda a big deal around the internet if you didn't know already.

So yeah I would actually be a great way to promote the patch, my face sells people. It sells.
JimboKudo
Major
Posts: 604
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:06 am
Location: Missouri, USA

Re: Project FAQ

Post by JimboKudo »

dhaosdante wrote:I'm kinda a big deal around the internet if you didn't know already.

So yeah I would actually be a great way to promote the patch, my face sells people. It sells.
Did you even work on the patch? I think I've heard your username somewhere before (almost positive), but you shouldn't get a place in any credits if you haven't done any work for the patch team.
User avatar
The Spoony Hou
Runner
Posts: 170
Joined: Wed May 16, 2007 2:28 am
Location: Brazil

Re: Project FAQ

Post by The Spoony Hou »

JimboKudo wrote:Did you even work on the patch? I think I've heard your username somewhere before (almost positive), but you shouldn't get a place in any credits if you haven't done any work for the patch team.
Well, he did make a topic telling everyone on the project to fuck themselves because he was tired of waiting for the patch :/ .
Post Reply