Which is the better MAME version?

[Richardgregory]

I am using Window 7 64bit. And am evaluating my choices of MAME versions. I tried the latest 1.51 but the interface isn't easy like the others I've seen. MAME UI seems most friendly.  Any recommendations for a MAME thats easy to configure and nice interface?

I think Maximus Arcade will be used as the front end. I like the simplicity of it.

Thanks. 

[EMDB]

If you use a frontend the plain command line MAME 64 bits, preferable compiled with no-nags and hi-score support (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,64298.0.html) is your best choice...

[Wade007]

I like MAME UI as a configurable MAME program.

I used Mala as my frontend and MAMEUI (64bit no-nag version) as my "back-end". Works great.

The nice thing about MAME UI is that it has the graphical user interface. Fairly easy to configure. No command line nonsense. Just point your Frontend to the MAME UI executable after you have set it up how you like and you should be good to go.

[B2K24]

I enjoy using the official binary along side GameEX --> http://www.gameex.com/

[BadMouth]

I use MAMEPlus or MAME UI for testing and making adjustments to single games.
My front end uses the official MAME binary when it launches games.
They can both live in one folder and utilize the same files.

I've had issues with rapid fire screw with the joystick directions on the last version of MAMEPlus I tried (.146 I think)

MAME UI: http://www.mameui.info/

[ark_ader]

.84

[paigeoliver]

.55 because it works and no major titles are broken in that release.

However I normally have multiple versions installed.

[PL1]

Since you like MAMEUI, check out MAMEUIFX.

I wouldn't use it in a dedicated cab, but it works great on the living room big screen with a portable CP. 

For a vertical widescreen cab or widescreen cocktail, look into MameLayPlus.


Scott

[danny_galaga]

.78 for me.

Almost every person is going to say a different one when you ask that question 

[Richardgregory]

I checked out MAMEUI64 - and yup, it's much easier with the GUI - I might just use this as my backend and stick with Maximus Arcade as the Frontend. 

I have to evaluate the other Frontends out there as well, but not sure if they are as nice looking as Maximus?

[Richardgregory]

Thanks!  I checked out MAMEUIFX - I think it's better than the MAMEUI64.  Maybe I'll switch over to this for the back end. 

Since you like MAMEUI, check out MAMEUIFX.

I wouldn't use it in a dedicated cab, but it works great on the living room big screen with a portable CP. 

For a vertical widescreen cab or widescreen cocktail, look into MameLayPlus.


Scott

[Richardgregory]

By the way, why would the command line be preferred over to a MAME application that offers a Graphical User Interface, which one can selection the game options from there?  Maybe I'm missing something.

[Haze]

By the way, why would the command line be preferred over to a MAME application that offers a Graphical User Interface, which one can selection the game options from there?  Maybe I'm missing something.

because the command line version is the official more stable version..

the UI code has been falling apart for years now and you'd be best avoiding it.  There will almost certainly come a day when you can't even launch half the games from it, so moving away now is wise.

If you're running a frontend you'll be doing the configuration etc. from the frontend anyway so I can't understand why you'd even want a UI build.

There are fancy frontends like the ones mentioned then more powerful ones like QMC2 that aren't as pretty but expose all the options.

[PL1]

By the way, why would the command line be preferred over to a MAME application that offers a Graphical User Interface, which one can selection the game options from there?  Maybe I'm missing something.

Like Haze mentioned, the official release is more stable and usually several days to several weeks ahead of the GUI releases which have to be at least recompiled and some parts may need to be rewritten.

That said, I haven't noticed any instability problems with MAMEUIFX.   

For now, I like it because it is so easy to search for a game mentioned on the forum, view the related history/screenshot/cab/marquee/CP on the right, copy the ROM (and parent) from the archive folder up to the roms folder, right-click on game title to audit, and launch.

If you're changing your game list often, a GUI version makes it a bit easier -- otherwise the official release is your best bet.


Scott

[Richardgregory]

My thought was that a backend such as a GUI would allow me and easier way to configure each game as necessary. Ie.  control keys, etc.  no?

[PL1]

Key configuration, whether MAME defaults or per-game, is still handled by the same MAME menus.

Not sure if any of the other settings are easier to tweak in the GUI version.   

IMHO the main advantages of MAMEUIFX are the search function and the right-click to audit.


Scott

[matt4949]

Since you like MAMEUI, check out MAMEUIFX.

I wouldn't use it in a dedicated cab, but it works great on the living room big screen with a portable CP. 

For a vertical widescreen cab or widescreen cocktail, look into MameLayPlus.


Scott

just checked out your link
 MameLayPlus.
flippin awsome. thanks

[tron84]

I enjoy using the official binary along side GameEX --> http://www.gameex.com/

+1   GameEx, I really like using this one also for the FE.
Then I use this Mame build, EMU 0151 ("cv1k.c" & nonag) (32 & 64Bit) [w / support new dump]
Cave SH-3, no nag, hi score build.  So I can play the cave games
It is the "C" in the Emu part.
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.systempixel.fr/&prev=/search%3Fq%3DSystem%2BPixel%2BMAME%2BPlus%26biw%3D668%26bih%3D380

EDIT:  More Mame 0151 r5097 (Cave SH-3 & nonag) is the one I use.  The one above is the UME build. Not enough JaVa  in me. The is in the "C" emu part also.


Whats up B2K24  Hope all is well brother, its been a minute. Glad to see ya on here.