Main Restorations Software Audio/Jukebox/MP3 Everything Else Buy/Sell/Trade
Project Announcements Monitor/Video GroovyMAME Merit/JVL Touchscreen Meet Up Retail Vendors
Driving & Racing Woodworking Software Support Forums Consoles Project Arcade Reviews
Automated Projects Artwork Frontend Support Forums Pinball Forum Discussion Old Boards
Raspberry Pi & Dev Board controls.dat Linux Miscellaneous Arcade Wiki Discussion Old Archives
Lightguns Arcade1Up Try the site in https mode Site News

Unread posts | New Replies | Recent posts | Rules | Chatroom | Wiki | File Repository | RSS | Submit news

  

Author Topic: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)  (Read 18167 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

KenToad

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1500
  • Last login:March 27, 2024, 12:46:35 am
  • Flap Flap Flap
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (for Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #40 on: November 01, 2021, 06:42:41 pm »
I'll test it when I get home, but the persistent problem of the launcher not reloading seemed to go away when I looked at the old and new settings files and added -video opengl, although I haven't tried to break it with rapid inputs again yet.

10yard

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 137
  • Last login:Yesterday at 05:23:54 am
  • L BREAK into program
    • DKAFE Frontend
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (for Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #41 on: November 01, 2021, 07:02:51 pm »
I'll test it when I get home, but the persistent problem of the launcher not reloading seemed to go away when I looked at the old and new settings files and added -video opengl, although I haven't tried to break it with rapid inputs again yet.

Yes, explicitly setting the video mode should resolve the issue on Windows.  I'll make -video opengl the default.
« Last Edit: November 01, 2021, 07:17:00 pm by 10yard »
Check out my Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#readme


KenToad

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1500
  • Last login:March 27, 2024, 12:46:35 am
  • Flap Flap Flap
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (for Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #42 on: November 01, 2021, 08:38:23 pm »
Left Alt, the default action button, kills the frontend. It doesn't do anything when you're in a game, though.

Also, I am not able to rebind the coin button from 5 to 3 in the settings file.

With opengl enabled, I can't replicate the directional input crash when exiting out of a game.

10yard

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 137
  • Last login:Yesterday at 05:23:54 am
  • L BREAK into program
    • DKAFE Frontend
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (for Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #43 on: November 02, 2021, 05:30:12 am »
Left Alt, the default action button, kills the frontend. It doesn't do anything when you're in a game, though.

This was a stupid bug that I have now fixed and updated the release.  Thanks!

Also, I am not able to rebind the coin button from 5 to 3 in the settings file.
This setting should remap the button for you.
Code: [Select]
CONTROL_COIN = 3Note the bindings will apply to the frontend only.  You will also need to change and save your DKWolf/MAME controls config.


With opengl enabled, I can't replicate the directional input crash when exiting out of a game.

Fantastic!  Looks like we fixed it.  I can't replicate the issue either.
Check out my Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#readme


KenToad

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1500
  • Last login:March 27, 2024, 12:46:35 am
  • Flap Flap Flap
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (for Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #44 on: November 02, 2021, 09:31:24 am »
I tried the coaching mode with DKjr. Nothing seemed to be different other than the coaching indicator at the top. What is the point of that mode?

Also, I would recommend including some instructions that pressing 1p start on a game in the frontend brings up the launch menu, while the jump button jumps into the default game.

I also would suggest adding a note that the controls in settings.txt won't affect the settings in the emulator, that you have to start a game and press the menu button (tab) like usual, if you want to remap gameplay buttons. I was confused by that, maybe for the second time.

Everyone should try this out, at the very least for DK chorus. All the music and sound effects are replaced by chorus samples, almost sounds like a barbershop quartet narrating your game, so great.


wp34

  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4794
  • Last login:April 10, 2022, 09:48:19 pm
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (for Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #45 on: November 02, 2021, 10:04:36 am »
This is quite cool.  Love the ROM hacks!   :cheers:

10yard

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 137
  • Last login:Yesterday at 05:23:54 am
  • L BREAK into program
    • DKAFE Frontend
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (for Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #46 on: November 02, 2021, 04:53:25 pm »
I tried the coaching mode with DKjr. Nothing seemed to be different other than the coaching indicator at the top. What is the point of that mode?

The coaching and chorus modes are not applicable to DK Junior and were incorrectly set.  I have rectified this now.  Thank you!!

Also, I would recommend including some instructions that pressing 1p start on a game in the frontend brings up the launch menu, while the jump button jumps into the default game.

I agree with your observation.  Now,  when Jumpman faces a machine,  Pauline will announce "Push P1 START for options or push JUMP to play".  The screengrabs below show the announcement as Jumpman is approaching and then facing a machine.  This feature is also displayed on the controls page (when in attract mode) and in the readme docs.



I also would suggest adding a note that the controls in settings.txt won't affect the settings in the emulator, that you have to start a game and press the menu button (tab) like usual, if you want to remap gameplay buttons. I was confused by that, maybe for the second time.

Notes have now been added into the settings file and into the readme documentation as suggested.  Thank you.

Everyone should try this out, at the very least for DK chorus. All the music and sound effects are replaced by chorus samples, almost sounds like a barbershop quartet narrating your game, so great.

It was a lot of fun to work on that chorus version.  Glad you like it  :cheers:
Check out my Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#readme


10yard

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 137
  • Last login:Yesterday at 05:23:54 am
  • L BREAK into program
    • DKAFE Frontend
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (for Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #47 on: January 19, 2022, 11:54:42 am »
Version 0.28 of DKAFE is now available for Windows OS.

It includes a big update to my Galaga themed shooter hack "GalaKong".  There is a single player and a CO-OP mode (were a second player controls the Galaga ship).  I made various tweaks and bug fixes after watching 2 legends play a 1.59M point game on twitch:



Installing my DKAFE frontend is the easiest was to play GalaKong and all the other rom hacks. 

Alternatively,  you can download my MAME plugin.  Instructions are at https://github.com/10yard/galakong


« Last Edit: January 19, 2022, 12:03:04 pm by 10yard »
Check out my Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#readme


10yard

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 137
  • Last login:Yesterday at 05:23:54 am
  • L BREAK into program
    • DKAFE Frontend
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #48 on: February 12, 2022, 09:49:58 am »
I have made an update to my Galakong hack to make it more beneficial to hit multiple targets with one missile.

1 hit = 200 points
2 hits = 500 points
3 hits = 800 points
4 hits = 1200 points

The 4 hit maximum is new.  When achieved, a love heart is displayed with a bonus sound.

Here's a really short video showing me hit 4 barrels.




I am thinking to make my own dedicated cab for Galakong.  It would require a DK control panel which is adapted to have 2nd player (for the CO-OP mode) with 2 way directional controls and a fire button.    I'll post about that project in a new thread.
« Last Edit: February 12, 2022, 10:01:30 am by 10yard »
Check out my Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#readme


SpaceAce83

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2
  • Last login:February 25, 2024, 09:18:56 pm
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #49 on: March 09, 2022, 12:43:21 am »
This is very cool. Thanks for making this available.

10yard

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 137
  • Last login:Yesterday at 05:23:54 am
  • L BREAK into program
    • DKAFE Frontend
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #50 on: March 10, 2022, 06:36:42 am »
This is very cool. Thanks for making this available.

 :cheers:
Check out my Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#readme


bobbyb13

  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1897
  • Last login:Yesterday at 11:50:40 pm
  • I believe I may need an intervention
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #51 on: April 16, 2022, 04:56:05 am »
I just had to say...

Holy crap I have been keeping this thread in my queue since March 10th waiting to have an evening to try and implement this remarkable piece of work!

I hate being so busy that I can't just sit down for some fun.

My head is still spinning from the vector stuff now too of course.

Where do you find the time?!
 :lol
Relax, all right? My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools! I can fix it.

10yard

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 137
  • Last login:Yesterday at 05:23:54 am
  • L BREAK into program
    • DKAFE Frontend
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #52 on: April 16, 2022, 06:09:37 pm »
I just had to say...

Holy crap I have been keeping this thread in my queue since March 10th waiting to have an evening to try and implement this remarkable piece of work!

I hate being so busy that I can't just sit down for some fun.

My head is still spinning from the vector stuff now too of course.

Where do you find the time?!
 :lol

Thank man!
I hope you got chance to sit down and get everything working with DKAFE.  I did go a bit overboard with the configuration.

I do an hour of development here and there,  lunch breaks,  or late evenings.  Sometimes I will get "into the zone" and can find myself wasting away hours into the early mornings powered by single malt.  A lot of my ideas and solutions come to me when I'm not at a computer.  I like to get outside to run and think through problems with a clear head.

Check out my Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#readme


classicjoe72

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 17
  • Last login:October 11, 2022, 11:23:40 am
  • I want to build a Fix-It-Felix Jr.!
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #53 on: April 27, 2022, 08:26:22 am »
I am just now discovering this but wanted to say this is super cool and thank you for sharing!

10yard

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 137
  • Last login:Yesterday at 05:23:54 am
  • L BREAK into program
    • DKAFE Frontend
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #54 on: June 02, 2022, 08:16:40 am »
I am just now discovering this but wanted to say this is super cool and thank you for sharing!

 :cheers:
Check out my Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#readme


10yard

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 137
  • Last login:Yesterday at 05:23:54 am
  • L BREAK into program
    • DKAFE Frontend
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #55 on: June 02, 2022, 08:35:52 am »
Version 0.32 of DKAFE frontend is now available at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#get-dkafe-for-your-system

I've added lots of new features and improvements since my last update here.  Highlights of additions are as follows.

New rom hacks were added:
- "Vector Kong" by me
- "Galakong Junior" by me
- "RNDMZR" by Paul Goes
- "DK Wizardry" by Paul Goes

Improvement to joystick controls:
- Add D-pad/Hat detection to joystick controls
- Fix bug with joystick axis logic
- Update default settings file to include optional joystick mapping

Windows XP support:
- Fix XP build and bring up to v0.31 (v0.32 will be available soon)
- Fix LUA compatibility on XP

Galakong improvements:
- Include end of level and end of game stats (like Galaga does)
- Add animated explosions
- Add Galaga death sound

Bug fixes and improvements:
- Rework the Raspberry Pi4 build script,  it now produces an SD card image.
- Updates to automatic ROM patching to include DK Junior
- Fix autostart bug
- Fix 7:8 pixel aspect typo in settings.txt file

Gingerbred Kong: 
- A large Gingerbread Kong sprite was added to the old Atari 2600 Graphics hack - replacing the regular arcade Donkey Kong.


Jon
« Last Edit: June 02, 2022, 08:38:25 am by 10yard »
Check out my Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#readme


10yard

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 137
  • Last login:Yesterday at 05:23:54 am
  • L BREAK into program
    • DKAFE Frontend
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #56 on: August 11, 2022, 07:08:18 pm »
Version 0.36 of my arcade frontend is now available at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#get-dkafe-for-your-system

Highlights as follows.

New Plugins:
- Extreme Galakong - It's a stupidly difficult GalaKong variant.  You only get wild barrels and must shoot your way to survival.  See video below.
- A level 5 start option was added to the game launch menu of selected games.
- A stage practice option (Barrels, Pies, Springs and Rivets) was added.



VectorKong improvements:
- Fireballs now turn blue when Jumpman has the hammer.  See pic below.
- The smash animation was simplified
- Top line is now coloured red



Crazy Kong support:
- Crazy Kong rom support was added (cclimber driver added).  You need to put ckongpt2.zip into your ROMS folder for it to appear in the frontend.

Emulation:
- The bundled DKWolf emulator was updated to WolfMAME v0.241
- Fixes to recording and playback when using a MAME emulator that is not default (dkwolf).
- Automatic plugin installation when using a MAME emulator that is not default (dkwolf).

Simplify the MAME/LUA/frontend interface:
- Score tracking now takes your best score from your session (you could play many games before exiting back to the frontend) and is no longer tied to the high score table. You don't even have to register your name in the high score table. Just exit game after achieving your target score if you want and coins will be awarded.
- The "Push coin to end game" logic is now redundant and has been removed. The player can simply exit game anytime after achieving their desired score.
- Remove custom high score table (player, scores) logic and RAM/ROM updating.
- Retain the original authors intended default high score tables entries.

Intro animation:
- The DKAFE intro animation was tidied up. There is better transition from intro into the frontend startup.

Pi 4/400:
- Raspberry Pi4/400 config optimisations.
- Pi4 now uses accelerated video mode.

Windows XP:
- XP build was brought up-to-date.  You can install DKAFE v0.36 to XP if you really want to.


Jon
« Last Edit: August 12, 2022, 06:12:14 am by 10yard »
Check out my Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#readme


DefJam

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 56
  • Last login:February 11, 2024, 02:03:20 pm
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #57 on: January 28, 2023, 03:19:53 pm »
Hi, just stumbled on this front end and it just awesome!    I have a DK machine with a 60 in 1 board in it and that is going to get moved out for this!    Question for you, I am trying to get the X64 version running.    GOod news is the front end opens and runs great, but I cannot get a game to start.    I walk up to machine, push up..... it shows me a little description, I hit the jump button to start, but it just kicks me back to the main screen.     Any suggestions ? (I could be doing something ridiculously wrong).

Also, anyone have any good suggestions on how to get this hooked up to the arcade monitor in the PC ?    I have a pi 4 or I could use an old laptop or something...(If i can get it running).

This is an incredible piece of software!   

What are the chances you can add donkey kong game from the gameboy to this ?   I know it is not arcade based, but that game is fantastic, and very much in the spirit of the arcade games.  be interesting to have all the console ports as well, but that gameboy DK game is really fantastic.   

javeryh

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7901
  • Last login:Yesterday at 10:28:40 am
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #58 on: January 29, 2023, 02:48:08 pm »
Been meaning to try this out...  Glad to see it is still being worked on!

10yard

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 137
  • Last login:Yesterday at 05:23:54 am
  • L BREAK into program
    • DKAFE Frontend
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #59 on: January 31, 2023, 04:48:22 am »
Hi, just stumbled on this front end and it just awesome!    I have a DK machine with a 60 in 1 board in it and that is going to get moved out for this!    Question for you, I am trying to get the X64 version running.    GOod news is the front end opens and runs great, but I cannot get a game to start.    I walk up to machine, push up..... it shows me a little description, I hit the jump button to start, but it just kicks me back to the main screen.     Any suggestions ? (I could be doing something ridiculously wrong).

Also, anyone have any good suggestions on how to get this hooked up to the arcade monitor in the PC ?    I have a pi 4 or I could use an old laptop or something...(If i can get it running).

This is an incredible piece of software!   

What are the chances you can add donkey kong game from the gameboy to this ?   I know it is not arcade based, but that game is fantastic, and very much in the spirit of the arcade games.  be interesting to have all the console ports as well, but that gameboy DK game is really fantastic.

Thanks man!  Glad that you like the frontend.

Did you place your dkong.zip into the dkafe/roms folder and generate all of the patched roms?  You should see confirmation of this when you started up the frontend. 
The bundled emulator supports only DK roms so if you've changed the romlist.csv to include other games then you would also need to define another emulator in the settings.txt

It's already possible to launch GB and other emulators.  There's a shell folder where you can define a launch script.  If you look in that folder you'll see already a file named "dkong_gb.bat".  You can update that .bat file to include the location of your gameboy emulator and location of your gameboy rom.  Then add a new line into the romlist.csv (or change an existing line).  You'll need to set the rom name to "dkong_gb" and the subfolder name to "shell".  Remove the emulator number and prizes.  See screenshot below.  I've changed DK Junior to DK on the GBA.   Give me a shout if you need more help.



Maybe I should add popular console versions to the default DKAFE setup.  Automatically set them up in the frontend when roms are detected.

« Last Edit: January 31, 2023, 09:07:29 am by 10yard »
Check out my Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#readme


DefJam

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 56
  • Last login:February 11, 2024, 02:03:20 pm
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #60 on: January 31, 2023, 11:00:56 pm »
Hi 10Yard,

I tried out your front-end on a different PC and it works just fine, so something about it doesn't like my gateway 7811 FX from I think 2009 that is still running strong... well, still running.   Its running Windows 10.... but for whatever reason, no go. 
 

How would you add all the consoles ?    If you added console versions would they show up on the mainscreen ?   (Also Wondering if I could use DKafe to launch some of the other 4 way classics, pacman, frogger, but not ruin the look of the front end...etc..    that DK game on the game boy is really fun, but just recalled it needs two buttons so I won't be able to use that one in the arcade cabinet) 

It really is great, I played the first 3 cabinets, love that there are goals that unlock coins.... and then when all the coins came tumbling down.... just awesome!

10yard

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 137
  • Last login:Yesterday at 05:23:54 am
  • L BREAK into program
    • DKAFE Frontend
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #61 on: February 02, 2023, 07:08:44 am »
I tried out your front-end on a different PC and it works just fine, so something about it doesn't like my gateway 7811 FX from I think 2009 that is still running strong... well, still running.   Its running Windows 10.... but for whatever reason, no go. 

Good to know you have it working on a different PC!  Maybe try the 32bit version on that older PC for better compatibility.

How would you add all the consoles ?    If you added console versions would they show up on the mainscreen ?   (Also Wondering if I could use DKafe to launch some of the other 4 way classics, pacman, frogger, but not ruin the look of the front end...etc..    that DK game on the game boy is really fun, but just recalled it needs two buttons so I won't be able to use that one in the arcade cabinet) 
e!
For console versions,  maybe I should add a second screen that is accessed by climbing up the top ladder.  The screen would become active if console versions of the game were detected in the roms folder.  For 4-way arcade classics,  it's already fairly easy to swap out default DK games in the rom list if you wanted to.  If you take a look in the artwork/icon folder,  you'll see i've already created arcade cabinet sprites for Pacman, Ms.Pacman, Galaga, Rally-X and 10 Yard Fight. 



I already gave some thought to an alternative 60-in-1 frontend on my github project page, under the "What's Next?" heading.



It really is great, I played the first 3 cabinets, love that there are goals that unlock coins.... and then when all the coins came tumbling down.... just awesome!
:cheers:
Check out my Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#readme


10yard

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 137
  • Last login:Yesterday at 05:23:54 am
  • L BREAK into program
    • DKAFE Frontend
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #62 on: March 23, 2023, 05:29:45 am »
Version 0.39 of my DKAFE frontend is now available at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#get-dkafe-for-your-system

Here's a very short video review by GenXGrownUp.



Improvements since my last post are as follows.

- My Allen Kong plugin was added. 
It's very screwed up version of Donkey Kong were you take control of Allen Staal. Allen will vent his joy and frustration via hundreds of included sound samples.  Samples were mostly taken from his Twitch stream.
WARNING: THIS GAME CONTAINS VERY STRONG LANGUAGE
   

   
You should also check out Allen's twitch stream at https://www.twitch.tv/muscleandfitness

-  My latest rom hacks were added:
2NUTKong - Relentless barrel boards without breaks so you must try to retain focus.  All delays have been removed from the game.
NoLuck-Kong -100% barrel steering and fixed points remove your reliance on luck when putting up a score.
OctoMonkey - An extremely short game.  You play 1/8 of a game with x8 points awarded.
Quarter-Kong - You play quarter of a regular game with x4 points awarded.
Half-Kong - You play half a regular game with twice the points awarded.

- Added "DK Heart Hunt" hack by Paul Goes.   

   

- Added "Kana Kong" rom hack by Kirai Shouen and 125scratch.

- Added descriptive text for each hack displayed in the frontend - text appears when Jumpman faces a machine.  Text can be toggled on/off.

- Raspberry Pi4 and XP releases were brought up to the latest 0.39 version.
« Last Edit: March 30, 2023, 08:00:20 am by 10yard »
Check out my Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#readme


ncflagg

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 228
  • Last login:January 18, 2024, 05:20:30 pm
  • Oh, yeah. Idaho IS right next to Iowa.
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #63 on: December 30, 2023, 03:36:21 pm »
This is an excellent project. The pixel art is nice and I really appreciate the play-to-unlock system.

I've looked through the documentation but can't figure out how to rotate the frontend menu 90 degrees. I'm trying to add it to my Windows XP cabinet. Feel like I'm missing something obvious. The included dkwolf (mame) emulator rotates fine with the -ror command argument.

(sorry for the double-post in the software forum)

10yard

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 137
  • Last login:Yesterday at 05:23:54 am
  • L BREAK into program
    • DKAFE Frontend
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #64 on: December 30, 2023, 05:33:38 pm »
This is an excellent project. The pixel art is nice and I really appreciate the play-to-unlock system.

I've looked through the documentation but can't figure out how to rotate the frontend menu 90 degrees. I'm trying to add it to my Windows XP cabinet. Feel like I'm missing something obvious. The included dkwolf (mame) emulator rotates fine with the -ror command argument.

(sorry for the double-post in the software forum)

It’s good to know you appreciate my project.  Thank you.
I’m away over New Year but will definitely add rotation to the frontend settings when I get home.

The next release v0.55 will include 3 stages.  The barrels and rivets stages are full of DK rom hacks.  The pies stage is mostly empty but I’ll be filling it out with console versions of DK.  There will be 122 configurable game slots in total!
It’s been a while since I posted an update on here so I will be sure to do that soon.
« Last Edit: December 30, 2023, 05:56:14 pm by 10yard »
Check out my Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#readme


ncflagg

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 228
  • Last login:January 18, 2024, 05:20:30 pm
  • Oh, yeah. Idaho IS right next to Iowa.
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #65 on: January 03, 2024, 07:30:37 pm »
I see that rotating the frontend in Windows Vista+ is now available (thanks!), but rotating Windows XP is currently a no-go due to the Python issue you mentioned in Github. I wanted to see if I could get a couple of the rom hacks working manually and I am able to, but dkwolf only seems to work in GDI video mode and runs at about 75% speed. I tried an older (and more efficient version of MAME on my setup); DK Rainbow seems to work ok as do the other roms but features are missing (no lava in lava hack for example). I thought these were straight rom hacks but there appears to be some overlay component?

How do hacks like dklava and galakong work, in general?

If there is some overlay component involved, is there some way to call the game directly to an alternate emulator while skipping the frontend?
« Last Edit: January 03, 2024, 07:33:53 pm by ncflagg »

10yard

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 137
  • Last login:Yesterday at 05:23:54 am
  • L BREAK into program
    • DKAFE Frontend
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #66 on: January 05, 2024, 03:53:15 am »
How do hacks like dklava and galakong work, in general?

Several hacks (including dklavapanic and galakong) require a MAME plugin.  That plugin can be found inside the dkafe\dkwolf\plugins folder.  The plugin contains LUA scripting which adds features that cannot be implemented by a traditional Z80 rom hack.  Most of my plugins are made compatible with MAME versions from 0.196 (when LUA was properly introduced).  The current DKWolf runs on my own build of WolfMAME version 0.241.
My plugin scripts query the ram after each frame update to ascertain information such as Jumpman's X, Y position.  I manipulate the ram to change behaviour during gameplay.  I made a routine to draw additional pixel graphics on top of a frame. 

If there is some overlay component involved, is there some way to call the game directly to an alternate emulator while skipping the frontend?

Yes,  you will need to have the associated plugin installed.

You can get the rom hacks working on regular MAME (or WolfMAME).
Copy the associated plugin from the dkafe\dkwolf\plugins folder into your emulators plugin folder.   Do not copy all of the plugin folders,  as some come bundled with MAME and are specific to the version.  Only copy the plugin(s) you need.

In MAME settings you can then enable or disable the plugin.

You can also launch from command line using the -plugin argument i.e.
Code: [Select]
mame dkong -plugin dklavapanic

For reference,  this video review of my DKCoach plugin (by GenXGrownup) includes steps on how to install.




If you want to install all of my current plugins then you should copy these plugin folders.

allenkong
dkchorus
dkcoach
dkend (coming in version 0.55)
dklavapanic
dklevel22 (coming in version 0.55)
dkstart5
dkwho
galakong
gingerbreadkong
konkeydong
vectorkong




XP performance can be improved by dropping your screen resolution.   I was able to drop my XP setup to 512 x 448px which is perfect for upscale of DK which uses 256 x 224 graphics.
« Last Edit: January 05, 2024, 03:57:42 am by 10yard »
Check out my Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#readme


ncflagg

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 228
  • Last login:January 18, 2024, 05:20:30 pm
  • Oh, yeah. Idaho IS right next to Iowa.
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #67 on: January 08, 2024, 11:12:41 pm »
That was most helpful.
It may be another side effect of GDI mode, but Mame (dkwolf) was not defaulting to fullscreen and was running at 640x480. I was able to get dklavapanic working at full speed at a more appropriate resolution in WinXP like below.

run_dklavapanic.bat
Code: [Select]
qres.exe -x 256 -y 240
cd \DKAFE\dkwolf\
dkwolf.exe -video gdi -ror -nounevenstretch -rompath C:\dkafe\roms dkong -plugin dklavapanic
qres.exe -x 640 -y 480


EDIT: Some of the hacks still aren't very playable. allenkong and galakong (for example) stutter a bunch when the MP3s are played.
« Last Edit: January 09, 2024, 12:37:19 am by ncflagg »

10yard

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 137
  • Last login:Yesterday at 05:23:54 am
  • L BREAK into program
    • DKAFE Frontend
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #68 on: January 09, 2024, 05:00:03 am »
That was most helpful.
It may be another side effect of GDI mode, but Mame (dkwolf) was not defaulting to fullscreen and was running at 640x480. I was able to get dklavapanic working at full speed at a more appropriate resolution in WinXP like below.

run_dklavapanic.bat
Code: [Select]
qres.exe -x 256 -y 240
cd \DKAFE\dkwolf\
dkwolf.exe -video gdi -ror -nounevenstretch -rompath C:\dkafe\roms dkong -plugin dklavapanic
qres.exe -x 640 -y 480

Great solution!

Quote
EDIT: Some of the hacks still aren't very playable. allenkong and galakong (for example) stutter a bunch when the MP3s are played.

For galakong,  i'll convert the .mp3 files to .wav on the XP release.
I'll probably drop XP support for allenkong.

Check out my Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#readme


ncflagg

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 228
  • Last login:January 18, 2024, 05:20:30 pm
  • Oh, yeah. Idaho IS right next to Iowa.
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #69 on: January 09, 2024, 10:54:35 am »
Quote
For galakong,  i'll convert the .mp3 files to .wav on the XP release.
I'll probably drop XP support for allenkong.

Instead of putting the extra work of converting to WAV (including the FE music) on you for the XP use-case, I'd be happy converting audio myself where needed. If it doesn't already, maybe just alter the behavior of the FE and MAME to first look for .MP3 and fall back to .WAV? That way, you don't have to increase the download size and I'll still have the option to fill up my mostly empty disk with giant WAVs to eke out some performance.
« Last Edit: January 09, 2024, 10:59:03 am by ncflagg »

10yard

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 137
  • Last login:Yesterday at 05:23:54 am
  • L BREAK into program
    • DKAFE Frontend
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #70 on: January 09, 2024, 02:05:30 pm »
Quote
For galakong,  i'll convert the .mp3 files to .wav on the XP release.
I'll probably drop XP support for allenkong.

Instead of putting the extra work of converting to WAV (including the FE music) on you for the XP use-case, I'd be happy converting audio myself where needed. If it doesn't already, maybe just alter the behavior of the FE and MAME to first look for .MP3 and fall back to .WAV? That way, you don't have to increase the download size and I'll still have the option to fill up my mostly empty disk with giant WAVs to eke out some performance.
The frontend playlist already supports WAV, MP3 and OGG formats across all platforms.  You can go ahead and add WAV files to playlist and it should detect them.
Galakong already supports .WAV and WAV files are provided in the galakong/sounds folder.  My allenkong plugin generates sound externally from MAME and is tied to .mp3 format only at the moment.  It was originally WAV but the total files size was huge so I converted over to MP3. 
Check out my Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#readme


ncflagg

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 228
  • Last login:January 18, 2024, 05:20:30 pm
  • Oh, yeah. Idaho IS right next to Iowa.
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #71 on: January 09, 2024, 10:37:43 pm »
I did try earlier deleting the playlist mp3s and adding a random wav to that folder but it didn't play. It doesn't seems like that's really a concern now though with the other issues I've already mentioned.

I see now that galakong is currently using wav files so I think this PC just isn't up for it. I appreciate all of your help. I'm tempted to rebuild this PC (again) just for DKAFE.  ;D

10yard

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 137
  • Last login:Yesterday at 05:23:54 am
  • L BREAK into program
    • DKAFE Frontend
Re: DKAFE - Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend (Windows and Raspberry Pi4)
« Reply #72 on: January 10, 2024, 09:49:09 am »
I did try earlier deleting the playlist mp3s and adding a random wav to that folder but it didn't play. It doesn't seems like that's really a concern now though with the other issues I've already mentioned.
WAV detection was recently added so grabbing the latest DKAFE release v0.55 should sort for you.

I appreciate all of your help. I'm tempted to rebuild this PC (again) just for DKAFE.  ;D
:cheers:

Check out my Donkey Kong Arcade Frontend at https://github.com/10yard/dkafe#readme