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News from July 1999 | |
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Saturday, July 31st, 1999
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Arcade@Home v0.36c Released!
Here it is! This is not just just a little update, there's been some
big changes in this release. Features like: zipped screen shot support,
vertical splitter bar, disabling the Windows Start key, editing directory
preferences from within the program, new mame summary, IE toolbar,
lockout feature, and several other goodies. Download it from the
Front-Ends section.
z26 v1.32 Released:
An update to my favorite Atari 2600 emulator. This version adds
support for single-load Starpath Supercharger games. The support still
has some rough edges though. Other minor changes as well. Download it
from the Atari 2600 section.
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Friday, July 30th, 1999
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Arcade@Home v0.36c Features!
This is a BIG update! I just sent out a private beta for v0.36c
(second beta for this revision). This version adds a few little bug
fixes but also adds several great new features. Here they are:
- Now supports images in ZIP files! Call your snap shots images.zip and
your flyers flyers.zip. For speed reasons, it only supports the png
image format while zipped.
- Vertical splitter bar between the game list and the tabbed view allows
you to adjust the width of each section.
- New preferences switch to disable the Windows Start key!
- Can now change the directories where Arcade@Home looks for files from
within preferences (no need to edit the MAME.CFG file)!
- Toolbar updated to look like Windows 98/IE.
- When searching for new games (when a new MAME is installed) it now
gives a summary of which games were added and deleted. There's also
a report option where you can review this report at a later date.
- Finally tracked down the run-time error 6 a few people were getting.
This error happened when you select the wrong decimal symbol for
your language/country in Control Panel. Windows then can't decode
the floating point value for the Gamma and Beam settings. Therefore,
if it detects this, it warns you and disables these settings. Note
that this is a Windows/Microsoft Visual Studio v6 problem.
- Lockout feature for your kids or for when friends come over. Just
Run Arcade@Home with the lockout switch "Arcade.exe lockout".
- New Help menu item that views Arcade@Home's web based Q&A.
- Modified the file exists routine for faster overall speed.
- Widened a few drop down lists so all text is now visible.
- HotRod joystick option now sets the -hotrod setting.
- The Driver Status now shows NOT WORKING instead of just NOT.
- The Windows shut down option no longer brings up a requester on startup.
- Made some slight menu changes and tab order corrections.
Told you it was big =) The plan is to release this version tomorrow.
Stop back often or join the mailing list so you know as soon as it's
released.
Now there are 2 Registered Users:
Arcade@Home now has 2 registered users. Richard K. was nice enough to
register his copy of the Arcade@Home front-end. The Budweiser really
quenched my thirst in this hot weather. =) If I lost you, run
Arcade@Home, hit F3, and read were it talks about beerware.
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Thursday, July 29th, 1999
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New bleem! Demo v1.4 Released:
Here's the demo version of bleem! v1.4 released a few days ago as the
full version. Download it from the PSX - bleem! section.
Arcade@Home Front-End Questions & Answers:
Added a new section for questions and answers about Arcade@Home. Most
questions that I usually get about the front-end are answered here.
Check it out at the above link.
RetroFX Makes the Classics New Again:
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This is hard to believe, but
EmuViews
is reporting that the
RetroFX
product is for real and even supplied a sample image of the upcoming
update for the classic Ghosts 'n Goblins (see the image link for a
full screen picture). The technique is to take an existing emulated
game and replace the graphics, sounds and add new effects like 3D
and faster frame rates. While this technology is possible, it would
take considerable effort to pull off. We should be seeing a demo
shortly, so we'll know for sure how good this product really is. How
about updating Galaga next? =)
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Wednesday, July 28th, 1999
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Microsoft 1978, Would you have Invested?:
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Just admit it. You would have NEVER invested in this group of people. That's
why you still pick up people's garbage and Bill can manipulate you into buying
his garbage software. This picture's an oldie but a goodie. Thanks to Avram B.
for the image.
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Tuesday, July 27th, 1999
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Please Turn NumLock Off Before I go Insane!
I figured everyone has heard that MAME v0.36 beta 1 has a bug in it
that causes some systems to lock-up at the MAME startup screen. I was
mistaken because I've been hit with a ton of e-mails. I don't have
this problem on the two systems I tried, but many people report that if
you turn off your NumLock key, it doesn't lock up. Please try this or
just use MAME v0.35 final till this problem is fixed.
Arcade@Home v0.36 Info:
Since Arcade@Home v0.36a was released (about 5 1/2 days ago) 11,075
people have downloaded it from this site alone (I can't count the
number of downloads from
Daves VGC,
Retrogames
and other sites that have their own direct downloads). It seems like
this release was a great success. For those of you still getting the
run-time error 6, I've finally duplicated it and know why it's
happening. It happens when you specify a different decimal symbol then
your language/country normally uses. In other words, if you're
set to English, but have the decimal symbol set to "," you will get
this error. Likewise, if you are set to German, but change your decimal
symbol to "." it will also fail. This has to do with how Windows and
Microsoft programs are able to convert text strings to numbers. While
there is no way around this problem (it's a Microsoft Windows issue) I
do have a work-around where it won't crash and burn anymore. Should be
released within a day, stay tuned.
Arcade@Home v0.36c Being Tested:
Arcade@Home v0.36c is being beta tested as I type this. It's mostly
a maintenance release but will add some new features. Expect it within
a day or two.
bleem! v1.4 Full Released:
For those of you with the bleem! cd-key, here's a big update for you.
I won't list all the improvements here, check it out on their site at
the above link.
Blame it on Cedar Point:
No updates cause I was at Cedar Point. If you just crawled out from
under a rock and have never heard of Cedar Point, take a look at the
above link. They only have 3 world records this year:
- 1) The amusement park with the greatest number of rides
- 2) The amusement park with the greatest number of roller coasters (13)
- 3) Tallest freefall ride (Power Tower 240ft)
But next year they will again regain the top spot as the park with the
tallest (310ft) and fastest (92mph) coaster in the world. That 80
degree drop from the first hill should get your attention. It should
keep Cedar Point ranked as the number one amusement park in the world.
Buy the way, did I mention they also have one of the best classic
arcades in the world as well.
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Sunday, July 25th, 1999
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Arcade@Home v0.36b Released!
There were a few bugs with the v0.36a release from a few days ago which
this version should fix. Following are the fixes/enhancements:
- Added a toolbar to select several different game list options.
- Fixed the run-time error 35753 when trying to download from the net.
- The run-time error 6 some people are getting on startup has something
to do with the German version of Windows 98. If you set your
international settings to English (Standard) the problem goes away.
I've added some changes to the code which may fix the problem, but
I can't duplicate it here. Note that other international versions
work. I'm still doing research about this problem.
- Finds history.dat information where it missed a few games before.
- Clicking on the close window box in preferences no longer locks you
out of the program.
- Now runs on NT4.0 again. I don't know why NT won't run MAME.EXE when
it's in quotes, but it doesn't. I also didn't know anyone used
Arcade@Home in NT so I didn't think it was a big issue.
- Breakers Revenge is now excluded when you select Hide NeoGeo Games.
- Only searches for games if you save the mame.cfg file.
- The function Delete High Score File now actually works.
- Fixed a couple of typos.
If you're already running v0.36a, you can just download the
243K upgrade file. However, if you're not running Arcade@Home or
running an older version, make sure you download the full install.
Download them from the Front-Ends section.
Unofficial MAME32 v0.36 Beta 1 Released:
The unofficial version of MAME32 has been released. Download it from
the M.A.M.E. section. Thanks to
Dave's VGC
for the file.
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Saturday, July 24th, 1999
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X-MAME v0.36 Beta 1.1 Released:
X-MAME (the X11/Unix port of MAME) has been updated to v0.36 beta 1.1.
This brings it up to date with the DOS version. Download it from the
M.A.M.E. section.
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Friday, July 23rd, 1999
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Arcade@Home v0.36a Q&A:
Seems that the release is going fairly well. A few little bugs have
been identified and squashed. I'm trying to track down a few more
before I release v0.36b (no amount of beta testing will every uncover
all the bugs). Expect this revision within the next day. Until then,
Below are the most popular questions/problems I've been getting e-mails
on:
- "I can't see any screen shots": Most likely, you are not
pointing MAME and Arcade@Home in the right directory. A few revisions
back, MAME went with a new image standard and also changed the default
snap shot directory name and the corresponding mame.cfg setting. To
get things squared away, from within Arcade@Home select the
"Tools->Edit MAME Config File" menu item. Scroll down to the line that
says something like "snap = SNAP". Change this to read "snap =
[directory where your snapshots are]". You may want to use the
complete path name like "snap = C:\MAME\SNAP".
- "I can't see any alternate screen shots": Basically, it's
the same answer as above. Arcade@Home now follows the MAME32 standard
of looking for flyers in the flyers directory. Do a
"Tools->Edit MAME Config File" and change your "altss =" line to read
something like "flyers = C:\MAME\FLYERS".
- "I'm getting a Run-time error 35753 when I try to download a
ROM": I could just answer this by saying hit F3 and read the help
file. But, I am looking into why this error happens on some systems,
but not on mine.
Stay tuned for news on the maintenance release v0.36b.
Arcade@Home v0.36a Released!
Here it is! I know you've been waiting for it and I hope you enjoy it.
This version is really slick, with lots of big new features as well as
little things like sounds and background images. In any case, enjoy.
Don't forget to read the help file "Arcade.txt". It should answer
most questions for you. Download it from the Front-Ends page.
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Thursday, July 22nd, 1999
|
Flyer Archive Updated to Version 3.5:
The flyer and poster archive for MAME has been updated to version 3.5
which supports 40 new and 24 replaced images for a total of 760.
Download it from his site at the above link.
MacMAME v0.36 Beta 1 Released:
MacMAME v0.36 beta 1 has been released. This brings it up to date with
the DOS MAME core. Download it from the M.A.M.E. section.
Arcade@Home v0.36a Features!
As promised, here's the list of new features in version 0.36a. It's
quite long, so get comfortable before you start reading:
- Now supports the new PNG image file format as well as PCX, BMP, GIF,
JPG, TIF, TGA, and PCT.
- Displays game history from history.dat file (on Game Info tab).
- VERY cool screen saver function where it cycles through random games
after a user adjustable amount of time. Note that this only works
when the Arcade@Home window is active (if you see a game you would
like to play, just hit your [Ctrl] key). =)
- Added report that verifies the ROM zip file integrity (uses unzip32.dll).
- New Preferences window where many settings are configured.
- Now supports a game list background image like MAME32. Uses the file
"Arcade\arcade.gif" (which can be changed to any GIF file you wish
or turned off completely in preferences).
- Can now change the alt screen shot cycle speed (1 to 10 seconds).
- The alternate screen shot default directory is now FLYERS and the
mame.cfg setting is now "flyers=FLYERS" to go with the MAME32 standard.
- Added two new columns, Category and Version which show the game genre
(shooter, platform, etc.) and the version of MAME that the game was
added. See the catver.ini file to update this listing.
- Plays sound on startup and when selecting certain settings (can be
turned off or changed to any WAV file "Arcade\startup.wav" &
"Arcade\click.wav").
- Added "Refresh Game List" function which searches for installed games.
- Added "Search List for Game" function which searches the game names and
file names.
- New filter that lists only games you've already played (kind of like a
favorite game list).
- Supports new MAME v0.36 joysticks (PSX and N64) and goes with the new
MAME standard of using joystick names instead of numbers.
- Enhanced ROM and sound sample downloading now allows you to also
specify your own search URLs (directly to where the un-protected
ROMs are located). Add the URLs in the "Arcade\roms.dat" &
"Arcade\samples.dat" files.
- Pixel Size setting adjusted to MAME v0.36 standard.
- Enhanced Sync and VESA function adjusted to MAME v0.36 standard.
- Tweaked modes switch added for tweaked VGA modes.
- Can delete the current screen shot by right clicking on the image and
selecting delete.
- Hover mouse over screen shot to see the file name of the image.
- Detailed verify report shows results at the bottom.
- Display Vector and Rotation Options switched to be more logical.
- Changed hide tabs to be a button instead of a checkbox.
- Creates default.mwr file when searching for new games.
- Can read the whatsnew.txt and readme.txt files from within the program.
- Changes made to the mame.cfg file are immediately updated.
- Skip lines now supports negative numbers.
- Added some status indicators while searching the internet for a file.
- If MAME crashes it no longer causes a lock-up or an error 52.
- No longer generates an overflow error when the log file is over 32K.
- Large screen shots no longer cover the tabs.
- No longer reports that it cannot find MAME.EXE if you are using
AMAME or another executable instead.
- Programmed work-around for Puzzle de Pon R and Magician Lord (Home)
that didn't display as a Neo-Geo game.
- No longer gives an error when you maximize the window at 640x480.
- Wrong alternate screen shots are no longer displayed.
- No longer shows the wrong screen shot on slower machines.
- Doesn't cause an error if there are no games on the game list.
- Will now run certain Windows apps where it wouldn't run them before.
- Doesn't center the window after certain functions.
- Can now use long path names for directories.
- View Only NeoGeo Games filter no longer removes other filters.
- No longer deletes the game stats file under certain circumstances.
- Vector default setting now sets beam to 1.2 and flicker to 35.
- Game list title is now displayed correctly when a different font is
selected.
- Correctly sets the SNES Joystick command line.
Wow, told you it was long! I've probably missed a few things that
I added or changed, but didn't record. Also there will probably be a
few surprises as well. =) So far, the beta testers haven't had any
problems, so we are on track for a release maybe even this evening! I'm
working on new interface screen shots that should be available in an
hour or two. Stay tuned or join the mailing list.
All MAME Screen Shots On-Line:
I've updated the MAME screen shots page to show every screen shot.
If you have been trying to find that one game, this is the place to
look. Check it out at the above link.
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Wednesday, July 21st, 1999
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Arcade@Home v0.36a RC1 Being Tested!
Arcade@Home v0.36a release candidate 1 was sent out to the beta
testers this evening. If everything check out, I'll be releasing it
to the public in the next day or two. Tomorrow morning I'll post a
list of the new features to get your juices flowing. =) Join the
mailing list at the above link so you'll be notified the instant of
its release.
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Tuesday, July 20th, 1999
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EMU+ Updated to v0.36 Beta 1:
EMU+ also gets updated to the MAME v0.36 beta 1 source. Download from
the M.A.M.E. section. Thanks to
Retrogames
for the file.
AMAME & PMAME Updated to v0.36 Beta 1:
Rodimus Prime has updated his AMAME and PMAME to the MAME v0.36 beta
1 build. Download it from the M.A.M.E. section.
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Monday, July 19th, 1999
|
Redump v1.8 Released:
Redump converts your NeoGeo dumps from MGD2 to MVS format. I've
verified this program does what it says and I've also talked to the
author to verify it's origin. Version 1.8 converts Alpha Mission II,
Fatal Fury, and Thrash Rally to MVS. Download it from the M.A.M.E.
section. Thanks to
Retrogames
for the file.
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Sunday, July 18th, 1999
|
MAME v0.36 Beta 1 Released!
MAME v0.36 beta 1 has been released. I was having trouble getting it
to compile, but finally figured it out. Also, this binary contains all
the support files (unlike the one at DVGC). Check out this listing of
games added!
- Champion Skill [Mirko Buffoni]
- Vapor Trail - Hyper Offence Formation [Bryan McPhail]
- Meteoroids [Zsolt Vasvari]
- Razzmatazz [Nicola Salmoria]
- Power Surge [Nicola Salmoria]
- High Way Race [Zsolt Vasvari]
- Blood Bros [Carlos A. Lozano, Phil Stroffolino, Richard Bush]
- Riot City [Andrew Prime]
- Body Slam [Andrew Prime]
- Quartet [Andrew Prime]
- Atomic Point [Andrew Prime]
- Moonwalker [Andrew Prime]
- Shadow Dancer [Andrew Prime]
- Hang-On [Andrew Prime]
- Raiden [Oliver Bergmann, Bryan McPhail, Randy Mongenel]
- Hydra [Aaron Giles]
- Pit Fighter [Aaron Giles]
- Kick Start (not working due to protection) [Zsolt Vasvari]
- Sky Soldiers [Bryan McPhail]
- Time Soldiers [Bryan McPhail]
- Sky Adventure [Bryan McPhail]
- Gang Wars [Bryan McPhail]
- Gold Medalist (not working) [Bryan McPhail]
- Super Champion Baseball (not working) [Bryan McPhail]
- Hopper Robo [Zsolt Vasvari]
- Ikari III - The Rescue [Bryan McPhail]
- Cosmic Chasm [Mathis Rosenhauer]
- Munch Mobile [Phil Stroffolino]
- Marvin's Maze [Phil Stroffolino]
Download it from the M.A.M.E. section.
Loser Mail of the Day:
Got more loser mail today. This time from someone known only as
marsares (which I believe is French for someone who enjoys being
sexually dominated by farm animals of the same gender). I couldn't
reprint this loser's message because he couldn't express himself
without using vulgar language (a tell-tale sign of low intelligence).
Anyway, he wanted to defend the loser from a few days ago by saying
how certain things suck, like Java. What's strange is that I agree
that Java sucks, and therefore don't use it. I believe he was trying
to make a point, yet every point he made I totally agree with, like
"banners suck". Yeah, banners suck, I agree. So do commercials and
fund-raisers on PBS. But, to someone who hasn't even been
weaned yet, I guess the impression is all things are free. POP! -
That's the sound of you leaving your mother's bosom. CRACK! - That's
the sound of you getting hit in the back of the head giving you a nice
dose of reality. Of course, like all loser mail, this one also had a
bad return e-mail address. I guess when you're a loser, you can't even
get your own return address correct.
|
Saturday, July 17th, 1999
|
New Cabinet Pictures On-Line:
Well, it's been a LONG time since I updated the Cabinet Pics section.
However, I've just added 4 new cabinet pictures from Terry, Marisa,
Steak, and Lonnie. Terry's picture was submitted to me in May (seems
that I've really been putting this off). Sorry to the several other
people that submitted pictures, but that I didn't post. The main
reasons why these were not posted were that: a) The picture was of poor
quality b) The Picture didn't show the screen and the control panel or
c) The cabinet was so stock, you couldn't learn anything by seeing it
(or even know for sure if it really was a conversion or not). Check
out the Cabinet Pics section to see these four great cabinet conversions.
Slow Days of Summer:
Well, another few slow days of summer for emulation. Nothing of real
interest is happening. I'm been working on the final change to the
Arcade@Home front-end. It has to do with the download feature and this
*must* be completed before it's released. I got a few things to do
around the house today, but expect to finish things up later tonight =)
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Thursday, July 15th, 1999
|
Ultimate Patchers Cheats v8.5e Released:
The Ultimate Patchers cheats v8.5e for MAME v0.35 final has been
released. This adds cheats to many MAME games. Thanks to
SYS2064
for the file. BTW, when are the cheats going to be updated on their
own page again? Download from the M.A.M.E. section.
Slight Change to Arcade@Home Site:
You may have noticed that the left navigation frame has been slightly
changed to support mouse over events and a highlight that shows your
last section. I did have some initial problems getting it
working 100% on both Netscape and IE, but everything seems to be
working at this point. If you are experiencing any problems, refresh
the navigation frame or delete your cache and try it again. If you
are still having a problem, let me know.
XMAME v0.35.3 Released:
Seems that XMAME v0.35.2 (X11/Unix port of MAME) didn't completely fix
the svgalib code. Version 0.35.3 now fixes it for resolutions at or
above 640x480. Download it from the M.A.M.E. section.
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Wednesday, July 14th, 1999
|
bleem! v1.3 Beta 1 Released:
This is a major update of the full version of bleem! (bleem! CD key
required). Following is a list of the enhancements:
- Significant Direct3D Speed Optimizations
- Significant Direct3D Texture Improvements
- Improved Direct3D support for Background Graphics
- Improved Direct3D Clipping (FF8's Popup Menus, etc.)
- Corrected Minor Software Graphics Errors (Vertical Lines in FF7)
- Improved Sound Effects and Music
- Improved CDXA Sound
- Improved CD-ROM Support for Multi-Disc games
- Fixed Xenogears Saving/Loading
- Added AutoConfig for Gravis Xterminator
- Overall Speed Improvements (Tekken3, Crash3, etc.)
- Insert Disc Message doesn't lock out Configuration Menus
Download it from the bleem! site at the above link.
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Tuesday, July 13th, 1999
|
XMAME v0.35.2 Released:
This is a small updated to the X11/Unix port of MAME that fixes
"a nasty bug in the svgalib code". Download it from the M.A.M.E.
section.
Loser Mail of the Day:
Loser mail is always fun to recieve. Check out this e-mail from
pye(sugarite):
Your site and the concept behind it repulses me. I hate to be blunt, but
I don't waste too much time with flame-mail. Get a life, look back on this
little attempt at middle-management of yours, laugh like the rest of us,
and move on.
I'm already laughing. =) What could this person mean by
middle-management? I guess game emulation repulses him, but why was
he here? Of course, he's too big of a tough guy to actually give his
real e-mail address. But, what do you expect from a lamer like this?
Controllers with Spinner and Trackball:
If you are looking for an arcade controller that also has a trackball
and spinner option. Check out Arcade Solutions at the above link.
They also do custom configurations, so you can get exactly what you
want.
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Monday, July 12th, 1999
|
Information about MAMEnet:
John Hardy IV sent me an e-mail pointing me to the above site. It talks
about what MAMEnet does and doesn't do and what the future plans are.
I guess this means that it's okay to post this binary.
MAMEnet v0.35 Final Released:
It seems as though the latest MAME32 had some networking play features
turned off so someone turned them on and compiled this version. The
network play is still VERY buggy (probably the reason it's turned off).
But, when you get it working, it does work. Also, I've been told that
this code is NOT commented out but instead is a switch, therefore
doesn't fall under the new MAME license agreement. To me it
sounds like a fine line between uncommenting and turning a driver or
feature off with a switch. But, I got this file from
Retrogames
so I assume that it's a MAMEDEV sanctioned release. Download it from
the M.A.M.E. section.
MAME32 v0.35 Final Released!
This brings MAME32 up to date with the DOS source. Download it from
M.A.M.E. section. Thanks to _PSI_ for the news.
|
Sunday, July 11th, 1999
|
EMU+ v0.35 Final Released:
EMU+ (an enhanced unofficial version of MAME that supports additional
features) has been updated to the v0.35 final source. Thanks to the
great site
EmuLition
for the file, check em out. Download EMU+ from the M.A.M.E. section.
NeoGeo.drv for KBMAME Updated:
This driver adds support for the the new Alpha Mission 2 MVS dump.
Make sure it's named am2_mvs.zip. Also note that this is an enhanced
version unlike the other ones floating around the net. Download it
from the M.A.M.E. section.
XMAME v0.35 Final Released:
XMAME (the X11/Unix port of MAME) has been updated to the v0.35 final
source. Download it from the M.A.M.E. section.
Another s..l..o..w.. Day:
There were no updates to the site yesterday or yet today because there
really wasn't any emulation news. However, the day's not over yet, and
Nicola likes to release things on Sunday night, so you never know. I'm
working on the Arcade@Home front-end today and should be ready for
another private beta in the next day and a public release VERY shortly
thereafter. Everyone is asking "why the delay?". Quiet honestly, the
code is solid and it's really ready to go, the controversy with the ROM
download feature is why it's delayed. However, we have worked out a
download method that all parties have agreed with. I'm coding these
enhancements to the download feature now so they'll be included in the
next release. I'll be posting a list of new features in the next
couple of days so stay tuned. Also, join the mailing list at the above
link so you know the instant that it's released.
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Friday, July 9th, 1999
|
Alpha Mission II MVS Conversion:
No need to download that 5MB Alpha Mission II MVS redump, just
convert you existing mgd2 set. Download Redump v1.6 and extract into
the same directory as your extracted Alpha Mission II set. Run "REDUMP
aplham2" and in seconds you'll have a converted set. ZIP up the new
files and you're in business. Download from the M.A.M.E. section.
Thanks to Phill W. for the file and smf for the utility.
15 New Improved MAME Sound Samples:
Dith from Dith's World
Has optimized and resampled 15 MAME sound sample sets to filter out
noise and reduce file size. Because there has been some controversy
over if these samples are actually better than then standard MAME
samples, Dith has created a
MP3 file
(113K) so you can hear the difference. Download them from the M.A.M.E.
section.
PMAME v0.35 Final Released:
A day after AMAME's release, Rodimus Prime releases PMAME v0.35 final.
PMAME is an unofficial version of MAME optimized to run on the classic
Pentium chip (P90 to P233). Rodimus has been having a streak of bad
luck which delayed this release. Download it from the M.A.M.E. section.
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Thursday, July 8th, 1999
|
AMAME v0.35 Final Released:
AMAME (optimized for PII, AMD, and 486 CPUs) has been updated to v0.35
final. This is an unofficial version of MAME compiled by Rodimus Prime.
Download it from the M.A.M.E. section.
Nice E-mail from Happ Controls:
Got a nice e-mail from Happ Controls today saying that Arcade@Home was
their largest outside referrer for the month of May. I e-mailed them
back asking what kind of profit sharing I should expect because of
this. =) Haven't heard back yet.
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Wednesday, July 7th, 1999
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Cheat Codes:
Arcade@Home has a new affiliate, GameSages. GameSages is the largest
and most popular game cheat site on the net spanning 18,247 cheats for
6,038 different games. Even arcade and NeoGeo cheats are included.
You can visit GameSages at the above link or on the Cheat Codes link
on the left-hand navigation bar.
HotRod: Official Joystick of the IDSA:
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It seems that even the IDSA loves the HotRod controller. Probably
because it includes legal Capcom ROM licenses. Or, it could be, as
they put it, the "HotRod rocks. Buy one." Visit the IDSA's site
at the above link for the complete review.
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MacMAME v0.35 Final Released:
The final build of v0.35 for the Mac includes the following:
- In sync with DOS 0.35 final + fixes. [Brad Oliver]
- Fixed some misc issues with InputSprocket: it would not work if you started MacMAME via a drag-n-drop, and it would fail to find mice the first time you clicked on the Configure button. [Brad Oliver]
- Made the OpenGL and RAVE failure error messages a little clearer. [Brad Oliver]
Download from the M.A.M.E. section.
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Tuesday, July 6th, 1999
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RallyX Sample Updated:
Dith from Dith's World
has updated the RallyX samples to clean out the noise and reduce the
sampling frequency to match that of the arcade cabinet. Download it
from the M.A.M.E. section.
KBMAME and Neogeo.drv Update:
KBMAME was updated to support the fixed Fatal Fury 3 and Gururin ROMs.
Also, the neogeo.drv is a brand new exclusive file that supports
the new MAME MVS file format changes as well as being in-line with
MAME's standards on CRC values, file sizes, and file names. Download
both from the M.A.M.E. section.
ClrMAME v1.40 Released:
ClrMAME, the MAME directory cleaner, has been updated to version 1.40.
Included in this release
- Support for new "bad dumps" (complemented crcs)
- rebuilding, wrong checksum check and name check can recognize such roms
- Reporting errors in -listinfo: (I think I will add some more tests in the future. This feature can be enabled/disabled. (Pulldown-Menu))
- Double Foldername
- Double Description
- This IS NOT A Parent
- This IS NOT A Clone
- Parent - Clone Conflict
- You can load a datfile (-listinfo output) instead of getting the needed information from mame.exe. (So you can use modified -listinfo outputs) This feature can be enabled/disabled. (Pulldown-Menu)
Download from the author's site at the above link.
Redump Tool for NeoGeo ROMs:
Can't find those new MVS dumps to NeoGeo games? Well, instead of
downloading, convert them. The redump tool allows you to convert
3countb, bstars, cyberlip, joyjoy, maglordh, ncombat, roboarmy,
sengoku2, socbrawl, tpgolf, and wh1 from the home mgd2 format to the
arcade mvs format. Just extract the ROMs to the same directory as
redump and run with the game name as the argument. Seconds later, ZIP
up the newly created files and your done. I tried it myself and it
worked perfectly. I don't know who wrote this utility so I can give
no credit (if it's you, please inform me). Download from the M.A.M.E.
section under Utilities.
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Monday, July 5th, 1999
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MAME v0.35.1 Released!
Yes, another day another MAME build. It seems that v0.35 final wasn't
so final after all. I've recompiled in the source code changes and
built this new version of v0.35 final. I'm calling it v0.35.1 for a
lack of a better reason. Download it from the M.A.M.E. section.
HotRod Orders Going Out:
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Check out the above link for a picture of MANY HotRod controllers
loaded up and ready to be shipped, maybe one of these is yours. =)
Seems to be about 50 HotRods in this picture, check it out.
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Interesting News at Retrogames:
Seems that atila from Retrogames.com is a little pissed about the
Arcade@Home front-end having a download feature that downloads from the
zyclone server as well as many other web sites on the net. What's
strange is that this feature has been in place for months and that
Retrogames' assistant, Prophet, is a beta tester of Arcade@Home for
quite some time. It has never been a secrete that the front-end has
this feature and the download URL is clearly displayed when downloading.
Also, it's not linking but instead a ROM search tool done with a custom
browser (the front-end). It has nothing to do with the Arcade@Home
site and NONE of the links on this site are linked to any other server
in any way. Also, this feature is not uncommon with front-ends and it
was a VERY commonly requested feature. I haven't talked to atila yet
about this, so I don't yet know what his feelings are. I'll keep you
posted.
7 Million Visitors Very Shortly:
No prizes, just a milestone. Thanks for visiting!
New MAME Samples On-Line:
The new MAME samples are now on-line. These new samples include: Rip
Off, Solar Quest, Space Wars, and Star Castle. Download from the
M.A.M.E. section.
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Sunday, July 4th, 1999
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MAME v0.35 Final Released!
MAME v0.35 final has been released! This final release of version 0.35
adds support for 12 new games to bring the total up to 1474 games.
Download it from the M.A.M.E. section.
Pugsy's MAME Cheats Updated:
Pugsy's MAME cheats has been updated to support MAME v0.35 RC2 games.
Download it from the M.A.M.E. section.
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Friday, July 2nd, 1999
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HotRod's ARE Shipping:
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The HotRod joysticks ARE being shipped. They have hundreds of orders
to fill, but shipments are being done on a first come first serve basis.
Also note that the CD-ROM with the Capcom ROMs, MAME, and a special
version of Arcade@Home are not being included at this time. Those will
be shipped out once MAME v0.35 final is release, the latest Arcade@Home
is completed, and all the ROMs are loaded and organized. This process
should be done within 30 days and everyone that purchased a HotRod will
get another shipment of this free extra CD-ROM.
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Metal Slug X Patch:
This small 22K file patches the Metal Slug X C2 ROM that was
incorrectly dumped. Once patched, the ROM will pass MAME's checksum
checks. To process, extract this file along with your MSX_C2.ROM file
to the same directory. Then, just run msx_c2.exe and follow the
instructions. Thanks to Dutch for this file.
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Thursday, July 1st, 1999
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New MAME History File:
Brian has released his MAME history file for MAME v0.35 final. Could
this mean that v0.35 final is just around the corner? Download it from
the M.A.M.E. section.
Ultimate Patches MAME Cheats v8.4B:
The Ultimate Patches MAME cheats v8.4b has been released. This version
adds support for the latest games added to MAME. Download it from the
M.A.M.E. section. Thanks to
SYS2064
for the file.
MAMEX Link Removed:
The broken link to MAMEX (the controversial MAME derivative that
allowed support for 3 additional Neo-Geo games) has been deleted. I
never did receive an e-mail from Nicola, so we'll have to wait for
v0.35 final to see the new license agreement. However, in the meantime
it seems that KBMAME allows support for these games via it's neogeo.drv
file. It also seems that it's okay to distribute this binary because
it's based on pre-RC2 source code. The current KBMAME is KBM3 and it's
available on the M.A.M.E. section.
Arcade@Home Fan Site:
Visit the above Arcade@Home fan site. I'm sure a lot of hard work went
into designing this site. I see quite a few errors on it, but I'm
sure he's still hard at work on the design. It's too bad that he
doesn't have an e-mail address link so we can all tell him what a good
job he's doing on his site. =) Thanks to
Emulation Sphere
for the link.
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