Madden 2005 -- funny stuff...

[htismaqe]

I decided to start a franchise in Madden with the Chiefs and instead of playing the games for the first (2004) season, I would sim them to mimic what has happened in real life.

Right now, I'm starting week 4 at 0-3 and here's a couple of gems.

Chris Bober and Jason Dunn are demanding playing time or a trade.

But these are the funniest:

I checked my Advisors screen and amongst other things, they're saying "The sports radio shows are ripping the team new one" and "We've got cap room. Now's not the time to be frugal."

A freaking video game is smart enough to figure it out, but the braintrust at 1 Arrowhead Drive isn't?

[David.]

EA wasn't the only person in the bid for the naming rights. If they hadn't of won the bid, there would be no madden.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Lzen

Well, I'll tell you that I'm not very happy about their monopoly on the naming rights. That is total crap. But I don't think any other company would have done differently if given the opportunity. I think the NFL is the one most responsible for this. They just wanted all the money they could get and EA offered.

EXACTLY.

You can't blame EASports for taking advantage of the NFL's insatiable greed...

[htismaqe]

My game freezes up quite often, just like every other game I own. I have an older XBox with a less-than-stellar laser...

[David.]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

My game freezes up quite often, just like every other game I own. I have an older XBox with a less-than-stellar laser...

me too, my xbox freezes constantly, I'm really tempted to buy a new one.

[Lzen]

I've never had Madden 05 freeze up on me. But I've only owned it for about a month now. Mine's on a PS2, btw.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by David.

me too, my xbox freezes constantly, I'm really tempted to buy a new one.

I'm going to "fix" mine so that I can play games right from my HD...

[royr17]

Well my PS2 is 2 years old and about 3/4 of the time i cant get it to start up so i have to keep reseting it till it starts working, what do yall think the problem is with it ?

[Hammock Parties]

My PC version never freezes up.

[royr17]

What the heck do i do with my game, I cant even get it to start up. Whats wrong with it. Im due for a game and i cant even get the darn thing to work. This really pisses me off. What the **** do i do ?

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by royr17

Well my PS2 is 2 years old and about 3/4 of the time i cant get it to start up so i have to keep reseting it till it starts working, what do yall think the problem is with it ?

If it's 2 years old, it might need more power to the laser.

There's instructions out on the internet on how to increase the power output of the DVD reader by adjusting the trim pots...

[htismaqe]

At best, you should take it apart and clean it good with canned air...

[Mark M]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

If it's 2 years old, it might need more power to the laser.

There's instructions out on the internet on how to increase the power output of the DVD reader by adjusting the trim pots...

Or he could trade it and 5 games for a new, slimmer PS2 at EB Games. Assuming he could find one, of course.

That's what I did, and the thing works like a freaking champ!!

MM
~~

[Lzen]

Originally Posted by royr17

What the heck do i do with my game, I cant even get it to start up. Whats wrong with it. Im due for a game and i cant even get the darn thing to work. This really pisses me off. What the **** do i do ?

You might try this. Keep in mind, if you open you PS2, you cannot send it to Sony for a new one.

>How to Fix Your PS2 Disk Read Error:
>
> Let me begin by telling you why you are getting this
>Disk Read Error message from your PS2.
>
> You see, the most common disk read error
>is simply caused by dirt or dust that collects on the
>laser eye and the disk pad ring.
> When this happens the laser can no longer read the disks
>and the magnet that is suppose to hold the game in place
>just isn’t strong enough to hold anymore and the system
>is turning but the game is just wobbling or turning to slow
>and that will cause your PS2 to show a Disk Read Error.
>
> The DVD-ROM type of game is slightly heavier and doesn’t
>need to turn so fast so sometimes they work and sometimes
>they don’t, while the blue-bottom disks are lighter and need
>to turn much faster but the magnet just isn’t strong enough
>to handle the RPM’s.
>
>Cleaning kits don't usually do the trick because all though
>they might clean the laser eye a little it's usually not enough
>to make a difference, plus they don't remove any of the other
>dust that is affecting the performance of the magnet.
>
>This guide will show you how to open and clean your PS2
>as well as show you a way to make the magnet stronger.
>
> My advice to you is to follow these simple instructions
>and I guarantee it will fix the disk read error problem
>and all your games will play and load much faster.
>
>Notice: Opening your PS2 will Void your warranty, if
>you have a fairly new system, say only a few months old,
>you can use an exacto knife to cut the warranty sticker
>if there is one, in the crease and it will appear as if it was
>never opened.
>
>The things you need are:
>1.A very small Phillips head screwdriver.
>2.Q-tips.
>3.Rubbing alcohol or a disk cleaning solution.
>4.White lithium grease or any kind of creamy grease.
>5.A very small, low strength magnet.*
>
>*A simple thin refrigerator magnet works great!
>It's very easy to cut with scissors and is what I always use.
>
>*Before you start these steps, make sure you have unplugged
>your PS2 and have a flat surface to work on, being careful
>not to lose any of the small screws.
>
>Step 1= Opening your PS2:
>
>Take out the 8 to 10 screws that are under the rubber and plastic
>pads on the bottom of the system, some are longer than
>others so remember which goes where.
>When lifting off the cover be very careful not to
>move it in such a way that the silver ribbon that is connected
>to the reset and eject buttons would come unattatched at either end.
>Carefully disconnect the white tape from the casing that is
>attached to the silver ribbon and gently set the cover off
>to the side.
>You will see the ribbon once the cover is lifted, unattaching
>the tape will allow more working space.
> (Do not disconnect the ribbon)
>One side of the ribbon is attatched down by the mother board
>and if it is pulled to hard it will come out of place and is
>very difficult to put back so please use caution.

[Lzen]

>Step 2= Remove the disk housing compartment:
>
>After you have taken the cover off you will see a
>compartment that houses the games once they are inserted,
>it has a white circle with a small gray piece of metal in
>the center.
> Take off the four little screws that are holding
>down the lid to the compartment.
>Clean both the top and underside of the disk housing
>compartment lid with a damp cloth until it is free of
>any dust or debree.
>This is also a good time to blow out any dust that may
>have accumulated inside your system, compressed air in a
>can works great or you can use a damp cloth, but be careful
>not to disturb any of the small connections and don't
>forget to clean the fan too.
>
>Step 3= Grease your system:
>
>Now put a small amount of grease on the two metal rods
>that the door slides back and forth on.
>"The grease probably isn’t necessary, but it may help
>your system perform better as it gets older and it will
>help keep the disk door from ever jamming up."
>
>Step 4= Cleaning the disk pad ring:
>
>Clean the rubber disk pad around the cd spinner with a
>soft cloth or Q-tip until it is free of dust and debree.
>(It's where the cd sits and is about the size of a half dollar)
>
>Step 5= Cleaning the laser eye is important:
>
>Gently clean the laser eye with rubbing alcohol or a
>disk cleaning solution using a soft cloth or Q-tips until
>the eye looks clean and clear and then use a new Q-tip
>to dry the laser off making sure there is no foggy look to it.
>
>Step 6= Making your magnet stronger:
>
>In the older PS2's the magnets in the PS2 systems
>were not quite as strong as they should have been
>and Sony is now selling replacement magnets that are
>a little stronger for those that would like them.
>
>Here's another alternative that works just as well!
>
>Your PS2 should work properly now after you have
>reassembled it, but if you would like to make your magnet
>stronger, I suggest following the next step, many claim
>that it makes their games load and play much faster.
>
>First you need to put the disk housing compartment cover
>back on with the four screws, make sure you have cleaned
>the bottom of the cover first.
>As I mentioned above, the disk housing compartment has a
>white circle with a small gray peice of metal in the center,
>that is where you will be placing your magnet,
>right on top of that little gray piece of metal.
>
>If you are using a refrigerator magnet like the kind that
>some businesses hand out, cut a small circular piece out
>about the size of a dime or small enough to fit in the
>center of the white circle on top of the gray piece of
>metal and place it there.
>The magnet should stay where it belongs on it's own,
>however you can ad a dab of elmer's glue to make sure if
>you like. This will make the existing magnet stronger so it
>will hold the games in place with ease. If you added glue to
>the magnet, let it dry a little before turning on your system.
>
>Step 7= Reassemble the system:
>
>Carefully reassemble the system, making sure your magnet
>or magnets are in place, reattach the white tape on the
>silver ribbon back where it was to keep it from moving
>around, and finally reattach the cover.
>
>Note: Before putting the lid screws all back in, you can check
>to see if your PS2 is working by putting the cover on without
>the screws and plugging your system back in.
>That way you won't have to undo all the screws again to
>take the cover back off. If it's working correctly, go ahead
>and finish putting the screws in.
>
>Give your problem discs a good cleaning using the technique
>found at the end of this guide, even the slightest amount of
>dust, dirt or scratches can cause an error.
>
>If your system still shows "disk read error" then you may
>need to clean the second laser eye.
>It is the laser eye that the ps2 uses for all dvd based discs
>and is located underneath the laser eye you have just cleaned
>and is inside the black plastic case.
>You will need to open the black plastic cover just enough to
>get a Q-tip in with alchohol on it (some covers come off all
>the way and some can't be removed at all)
>and gently clean it like the first one.
>If you are not able to open it far enough to get a q-tip in
>you can just try blowing it out with the can of compressed air.
>
>After you have cleaned the second laser eye check again
>to see if your disk read error is gone, if not, read on.

>
>If your PS2 still shows disk read error:
>
>After the cover is off of the disk tray and the laser has been
>cleaned you will need to plug the unit back in, (The unit needs
>to be hooked up to a TV as well to test it while you have it open.
>
>You should have a DVD, a game disk with a silver or gold back and
>one with a purple back in order to fine tune the system to play
>all three.) It will be necessary to have the unit powered up to
>perform the repair. Press the eject button so that the tray slides
>forward exposing the undercarriage. At the back of the unit you
>should see a small white, geared wheel about the size of a quarter.
>This may just be the cause of all your problems.

[Lzen]

This wheel changes the angle in which the disk is held.
>You will notice that there is a small metal tab that holds the wheel
>in place. Take a felt-tip marker and mark the point on the wheel that
>meets the tab. That way you will always know the original position
>that the wheel was in. Now that the orig. position has been marked,
>feel free to spin the wheel for a few full rotations in order to see
>how it changes the angle. It will only alter the angle a few degrees
>before it goes back to zero, after it reaches the maximum angle it
>will go back to flat after each full rotation. Once you've toyed with
>it to see how it works, put the wheel back to the original position
>that you have marked. Then advance the wheel about 1/8 of a turn and
>place the disk tray cover back on top of the disk tray.
>(You will not need to screw the tray cover back down in order to test
>the machine, you will only need to hold down the cover with your
>fingers while trying to load/test a disk)
>Now place a DVD in the tray and press the eject/close button in order
>to close the tray and load the DVD (hold down the cover as explained
>above). Wait to see if the DVD loads, you may have to use the browser
>in order to load each disk you test. If the DVD loads, eject it and
>load a silver backed disk, if that loads try a purple backed disk.
>If all three loaded successfully, congratulations you're finished.
>If not, remove the tray cover, eject the disk and advance the wheel
>another 1/8 turn and repeat the process.
>It's just a matter of finding an angle that will facilitate the
>operation of all three types of disks. Once you've found the
>proper angle and the system is operating to its full potential,
>close it up and reasemble the PS2.
>
>(If this doesn't help, return the wheel to it's original position
>and continue on.)
>
>Try The DIAGNOSIS MODE-
>
>Diagnosis mode could be the solution.
>
>Load your PS2 without a disc inside and wait until you
>get to the main menu. Press Triangle and highlight "Console",
>then press Triangle again and set "Diagnosis" to ON.
>What does this setting do?
> Basically, it focuses the laser on the disc so that it has
>an easier time reading discs. In addition, you must turn this
>setting on EVERY time you load your PS2, as the PS2's system
>settings are never saved when you turn off your console.
>
>PS: Please make sure you have followed the instructions above
>first about cleaning your PS2 and checking to see if it works
>before attempting to make any adjustments to your system because
>about 90% of disk read errors are simply caused by dust.
>
>If your system still shows "disk read error" see below:
>
>If dust isn't the problem, then an inproper amount of voltage
>going to your PS2's laser is. You must fix this by finding two
>silver screws (pots) nestled deep within the PS2's inner workings.
>One of these screws alters the amount of CD voltage, and the
>other alters the amount of DVD voltage. If your PS2 only has
>problems with CD-based games, you'll only want to tamper with
>the CD screw, and vice-versa if your DVD games don't work.
>If your PS2 won't play anything, you'll have to tamper with both!
>
>Warning: Risk of being shocked, use caution!
>
>Note: To be done properly this step requires an altimeter, you
>might destroy the laser if adjusted to far. If you want to try
>it anyway please make very small adjustments (2 degrees) and do so
>at your own risk.
>
>First, unplug all of the PS2's cables, and take the back expansion
>bay cover off of your PS2 and flip your console upside-down.
>Now, remove the bottom part of
>the PS2 (the smaller part) from the top part. Be very careful when
>doing this, as there's a ribbon wire connecting the two pieces
>together that will ruin the machine if it is ripped or torn.
>Now, there are two screws that hold a metal cover and the expansion
>bay down. Remove the screws and the metal cover and expansion bay.
> The expansion bay cannot be removed entirely because of another
>ribbon wire. Now, here's the hard part. While you are still holding
>the expansion bay, you have to adjust the two silver screws.
>(Having someone's help is a good idea)
>They are recessed inside a cover but you can see them and get to
>them with the screwdriver. One of them adjusts the CD voltage and
>one of them adjusts the DVD voltage. How do you tell them apart?
>
> If the front of the PS2 is facing you, the left screw is the
>CD screw.
> Turn the screw you want about "two degrees" clockwise,
>turn the screws in very small increments only or risk damage
>to your system. Try your PS2 each time or you may pass up the
>spot that works. After every adjustment, plug everything back in,
>load the problem disc and turn the PS2's power on.
> If the game still doesn't work, power everything down, unplug
>everything, and turn the screw an additional two degrees to the
>right and try the problem disc again. Keep repeating this method
>until you find the right spot. When your games work, put everything
>back together and enjoy!
>
>If you have the ability to take the laser unit out,
>you can perform the adjustment this way:
>
>Adjusting the pots. (Potential Resistors) Turn the laser upside
>down, with the "white extension" to your right. The two pots are
>"screw like" objects which are separated by a black screw.
>The dvd pot is to the left and the cd pot is to the right.
>Clockwise = Lowers Pot - Counterclockwise = Raises Pot.
>The basic idea in nearly every case is to lower the dvd pot
>until the system begins playing games. The dvd pot if lowered
>below 600 or raised above 1050 will permanently burn out your
>laser, the cd pot however can not be damaged by fluctuations
>in pot value. I would highly recommend using an altimeter,
>etc to check resistances. Or be very careful!
>
>There is always a chance that your laser is just simply
>warn out and has to be replaced and all the adjustments in
>the world won't fix it. This is more common in the older
>models which were produced in the cheapest way possible.
>
>Tips:
>Always store your games in their cases to keep them free
>of scratches and scuffs.
>Always check the disk for dust and debree before you insert
>it in your PS2 console.