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| swindus:
--- Quote from: Havok on September 13, 2006, 03:51:40 pm ---I think you are missing the point of his plug and play modules - they are for someone who wants to quickly and easily setup their system with minimal configuration time, or for someone with little understanding on how to do so. So, in that context - it is what the user wants. I use Atomic - and I don't use plug and play modules. I setup everything manually - I have a fairly complicated tree structure, with filtered lists and multiple emulators - I can (and do) use multiple drives. So, to put this all in perspective: Youki's FE has the best of both worlds: quick and easy "it just works" configuration, AND power user "I want it this way" configuration... --- End quote --- Right! I got the point of the pnp modules. But you can not do your 'power' configuration with these modules automatically.... that is it what I wanted to say and I think that is what the user wants. And again: this is a complicated task. If someone will manage it in the future I will donate some bucks! ;) |
| SirPoonga:
Interesting thread, I finally read it all. Here's the issue, each programming langauge has it's pros and cons. You should use the right language for the application when possible. The problem with that is new laungages come by that would be better so do you recode? There's no such thing as .NET is better than 6.0 is better than python, etc... They have their pros and cons which makes some langauges better than others for some things. If you were to write an internet application you'd probably use Java, php, asp, or possibly perl. You could do it in VB or C# but that probably isn't the best tool. Languages are tools. Is there a tool that did everything when you built your cabinet? No, you use the right tool for the job. Like right now I think you could make an awesome front end using XNA. I am kinda suprised we haven't seen a frontend using game programming tools. From the little bits I've been playing with they are the perfect tools for making a frontend. You can make it graphically anyway you want. Lots of built event handling and such that would be needed. I've been tempted to make a 2.5D frontend for myself. I agree with screaming, anything can be done, the problem it how much time it takes to solve it :) Look at XNA and the Torque Game Builder, before those existed people would have said game programming was tough and you couldn't make it easier. If any of you get to try XNA it is insanely easy to make a game. Also there can not be one FE that is "the best." This is subjective. I use game launcher because of how simple it is. However, like I said, I'd love to make a simple 2.5D FE that used 3D animated menus they way I want them done. Actually it probably could be done in 2D with prerendered sprites. Now that completely different than any current FE. You could combine that with game launcher to satisfy both types of users that want that type of FE but now it isn't simple. I think a community driven FE is fine, it would probably be the most used as it would have the features that are the most popular. BTW, you know I have a forum for FE Devs if needed :) |
| Banacek:
Well, I've started working on my own FE, but this is for the sole purpose of teaching myself more of C# and DirectX. Since I'm going to be having classes on it I'd like to start early. This means that in 3 years I might have something that works :) I love the FE's out there that I used, and I want to thank all the devs reading this thread for your hard work, since I bet you guys don't hear it enough. I'm still rocking MameWah on my computer, and I really am grateful that there's FE's like it out there to help me get to my games easier. As for charging for an FE, it really seems to go against the spirit of MAME and other emulators out there. I'm not saying someone is wrong for doing it, it's their program. But I would feel very off for charging for a program to run another program (that I run myself and didn't create) is free. Just my thought about that... |
| loadman:
--- Quote ---As for charging for an FE, it really seems to go against the spirit of MAME and other emulators out there. I'm not saying someone is wrong for doing it, it's their program. But I would feel very off for charging for a program to run another program (that I run myself and didn't create) is free. Just my thought about that... --- End quote --- I agree, but I still feel compelled to donate (a small token one) if nothing else but to show that the work is appreciated. |
| youki:
--- Quote ---Right! I got the point of the pnp modules. But you can not do your 'power' configuration with these modules automatically.... that is it what I wanted to say and I think that is what the user wants. And again: this is a complicated task. --- End quote --- Pnp Module as been done for "lazy" or "newbie" , but they use Atomic Technologie , they are completly customisable with standard Atomic Tools. That's a way to have a very quick start and to not discourage front end new user. then when you are more confident you can modify the configuration as you want and use 100% of the feature of Atomic. Another point, you said , that all need to be on the same drive. That's wrong. I have a feature in the Pnp "framework" where you can ask for folder at install. But i did not use that in current module for one good reasons . A secondary goal for my Pnp Modules is : You set up the FE with all modules you want. you copy all the roms you want. Then when it is done and works as you want. You simply copy the entire Atomic Folder and subfolder on a DVD ... and your configuration is transportable, you can even run from the DVD from where you want. If i asked for folder in my Pnp module , it won't be possible... |
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