4 player games on two player controls

[stickguy20]

I am making a Mame cabinet that will have two player controls.   I would like to play games like the simpsons that have 4 player capabilities.  The only problem is that player one is always marge.  In this game like others, of the four players avaliable to choose from, each character is defaulted to its own controls.  Is it possible to have independent coin and start buttons for players 1-4  but have players 1 and 3 share on set of controls, and players 2 and 4 share another.  This way if a player wants to be player 3 they use the coin and start button of player 3 but play on the first player controls.  This way each of the avaliable 4 characters are playable on a set of 2 controls.  I think i understand how it would need to be wired but i dont what to buy the extra buttons and larger ipac controler if it will not work.  I hope this makes sense. 


Any input will be appreciated.

[JcProAm]

I don't have too much expertise but you should be able to map it as a shift button feature for a 3 and 4 player coin insert and start button.  what encoder are you using?

[CrazyKongFan]

Just find one of the ROMsets for the 2 player version. It just has a 1 and 2 player start, and either one can select their character. Gauntlet also has one of these.

[DaveMMR]

I'm killing time right now so I'll get you started with the rom names of 2 player versions of popular 4 player games:

simpsons2p   The Simpsons (2 Players World, set 1)
gauntlet2p   Gauntlet (2 Players, rev 6)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Japan 2 Players) (there was no 2p version for USA or World as far as I can tell)
ssridersabd   Sunset Riders (2 Players ver ABD)

As CrazyKongfan said, these variations, usually assigning characters based on coin-slot used, add a character select screen.

If you want, you can just enter the name of any 4-player game on MAWS and they'll list the clones, usually including 2-player variations.  If there's not one listed, you may be able to change the settings in the dip switch or service mode settings (to change a game from 4 to 2 player - I think NBA Jam and Revolution X are examples).

[severdhed]

i'm pretty sure that captain america and the avengers has a dip switch setting as well to toggle 2 or 4 player modes.

if i recall correctly, every 4 player game that i really wanted to play had a 2 player version.

[nickynooch]

Cool!