So, what's the deal with Maximus Arcade?

[Dazz]

I never see Maximus Arcade mentioned when it comes to Arcade Front Ends...  I used MAMEWah for a while, but the configs eventually become bothersome and not too user friendly.  I come across Maximus Arcade while searching for alternatives and after a 30 trail I decided to use it on my cab.  The interface is really nice and cabinet friendly.  Configuring it is really easy and my kids can't mess it up like they were able to with my MAMEWah configs.  I've tried others like GameEX, Mala, ArcadeOS and a couple others before finding Maximus... 

I really like it and was just wondering why everyone seems to shun it... is it just because it requires a purchase? 


Just wondering...

[Havok]

Yes, probably because you have to pay for it, when there are so many good free choices that are being actively developed. The big three in use here seem to be AtomicFE, Mala and Mamewah. I know when I was "shopping" for a front end, I was way more critical of unique functionality and support with the "commercial" ones. I found that everything I needed is available in the free ones, so I decided against Maximus and GameEx in particular - just because I didn't see the need to pay for something that is available for free.

However, Maximus and GameEx are still great front ends - so it really just boils down to if you like it, then go for it...

[FrizzleFried]

I may be more interested in the FE if they actually had some screenshots of what it looks like somewhere on the page...

Doesn't look like there are many skins...I see news from 2004 yet 2 skins?

Hmm...

...and how much is it anyway?   Takes too much searching to find this stuff out.

[Hoopz]

Don't be lazy.  You will get more respect here if you prove that you can search first.   

[Dazz]

I may be more interested in the FE if they actually had some screenshots of what it looks like somewhere on the page...

Doesn't look like there are many skins...I see news from 2004 yet 2 skins?

Hmm...

...and how much is it anyway?   Takes too much searching to find this stuff out.

yeah, I haven't seen very many skins, but they have an editor to build you own.  I'm working on a custom one for my cabinet.  The FE is being updated pretty regularly and has support for tons of emulators. 

The FE is $25 which is a bit much compared to all of the free ones out there.  I've just found the UI to be very kid friendly and the ability to have favorite game lists at the push of a button to be pretty nice.

[Havok]

I've just found the UI to be very kid friendly and the ability to have favorite game lists at the push of a button to be pretty nice.

I think all the FE's out there have a favorites list which can be configured "on the fly". With AtomicFE, for example, you would press the Player1Button1 to add a game to your favorites list, and Player1Button2 to remove a game from your favorites list. Player1Button3 swaps between your favorites list and your regular list, all while in the front end.

[Circo]

Malas auto updating Most Played lists are fairly cool and no set up required.  Also it's FREE...

[headkaze]

Yes, probably because you have to pay for it, when there are so many good free choices that are being actively developed. The big three in use here seem to be AtomicFE, Mala and Mamewah. I know when I was "shopping" for a front end, I was way more critical of unique functionality and support with the "commercial" ones. I found that everything I needed is available in the free ones, so I decided against Maximus and GameEx in particular - just because I didn't see the need to pay for something that is available for free.

However, Maximus and GameEx are still great front ends - so it really just boils down to if you like it, then go for it...

Where did you get the idea that AtomicFE, Mala and MameWah are the "big three"? If I recall correctly, according to the poll you ran on here the top three are GameEx, MameWah and MaLa in that order.

GameEx is not "commercial", it is not like Maximus, so I wouldn't even put it in the same category. But don't take my word for it, you can read a review of it on Retroblast here

[Havok]

Where did you get the idea that AtomicFE, Mala and MameWah are the "big three"? If I recall correctly, according to the poll you ran on here the top three are GameEx, MameWah and MaLa in that order.

GameEx is not "commercial", it is not like Maximus, so I wouldn't even put it in the same category. But don't take my word for it, you can read a review of it on Retroblast here

I was talking about the FREE front ends out there. Don't get your panties in a bind Headkaze. You skewed the results of that survey by having the GameEx fanboys pad the results. GameEx is commercial - you have to PAY to remove the annoying nag screen, and have full functionality, even if the extra functionality is stupid. You still have to PAY to remove the nag screen. At the very least, I would put it in the SHAREWARE category - not FREEWARE.

I would also hazard a guess that Mamewah is probably still top dog, with Mala being second, and then AtomicFE, of the FREE front ends. In that poll, I got 88 replies. Let's see, a quick check shows 10,494 members. Granted, I'm sure many are duplicates, but 88 answers to a poll does not statistically give an accurate picture...

[headkaze]

Let's see, a quick check shows 10,494 members. Granted, I'm sure many are duplicates, but 88 answers to a poll does not statistically give an accurate picture...

Lol! You can't vote twice for a start! Why even start a survey if you think it won't be statistically accurate? Sounds to me like your just upset with the results.

You skewed the results of that survey by having the GameEx fanboys pad the results

http://spaceinvaders.7.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=446

You did the exact same thing on the Atomic forums. Sounds to me like the pot calling the kettle black. Or perhaps a sore loser would be a more accurate description?

GameEx is free did you even read the review? Your not qualified to say what GameEx is and what it isn't.

[Havok]

Lol! You can't vote twice for a start! Why even start a survey if you think it won't be statistically accurate?

What does this have to do with anything? My point, which you apparently missed, was that I received a response of  only 88 people out of a theoretical 10,494.

You did the exact same thing on the Atomic forums. Sounds to me like the pot calling the kettle black. Or perhaps a sore loser would be a more accurate description?

Haha - that was an attempt to drum up some more votes to get the numbers up. I admit I was disappointed with the poor turnout - 88 responses was not enough. That post was only in response to yours:

http://www.gameex.info/forums/index.php?showtopic=2389&hl=

GameEx is free did you even read the review?

Great news! Since GameEx is free, how do I :

Remove the nag screen, and obtain faster loading?
Use Game Extender?
Get Automatic version updates?
Export my most played, favorites and PC Games to Windows Media Center?
Get enhanced LCD/VFD support, with play timer and game controls?
Get mouse emulation?
Get Enhanced Attract Mode/Screensaver: Also run other emulators?
Get Enhanced Internet Radio with 1000's of stations?
Get a CD Player with Internet album lookup?
Automatically create AVI video previews for my games?
Get 7-ZIP GoodMerge Support?
Get a high speed, high quality CD Ripper. Rip and play your CD's without leaving the interface?
Get access to the Karaoke module in GameEx?
Get the DVD's (AKA DVD's on Disk module), which allows playing and access of any DVD's on your hard disk or Network, with automatic DVD artwork download and the ability to use FFDSHOW?
Get Rotated vertical monitor support, with auto configuration for MAME?
Get the Ability to dynamically create Bezel artwork for vertical MAME games on horizontal displays?

without PAYING?

Your not qualified to say what GameEx is and what it isn't.

Yeah. Whatever. I can install software and note the results however, and it sure as hell looks like you have to PAY to get this front end to stop begging you for money, and get full functionality.

Pssst... that ain't freeware...

[Space Fractal]

Yep Headkaze seen to complety wrong on that point: It nagware/crippleware

Havok have say it all, and I´myself even gave up on the nagscreen with seen stay to far to long. I gave up waiting and waiting... So I can test how it was because these nags and cripplede things. So I do not like the freeware version anyway. Other freeware frontends is a lots better on that point (only when we talk about freeware).

Today I tested Maximum Arcade in the trail version:

- I really like it and may be the next one I install on my cab. It a clean clean skin and easy to deal with. I didn't find a method to quit to desktop, and is missing from default (not even Alt-F4 works as it should). It a little minus, but I really like it at first shoot. The little nag/time would not bother me.

[FrizzleFried]

Headkaze,

Are you the author or just a fan?   I looked at GameEX as well and I have to agree that to call something FREEWARE then include an annoying nag screen and NOT full funcationality (which the website touts that it doesn't cripple the software then goes on to say a donation of $25 get you "advanced features") is just wrong.   This is SHAREWARE,  not FREEWARE....or at least CRIPPLEWARE.   Nothing wrong with it,  but to say it's FREE for non-commercial use then include a nag screen isn't too honest....

[Buddabing]

If the registered version has more features than the free version, then it is shareware. Nothing wrong with shareware. That's how the original Doom was sold.

SpaceFractal, I would appreciate it if you could fill out the wiki page on the trial version of Maximus Arcade. I could not get Maximus to work on the machine I use for front end testing. Also, I think that we should add a "LED" feature on the feature list, for front ends which natively support a LED controller, such as MaLa, GameEx, Atomic, etc.

[Space Fractal]

Have updated in wiki about Maximum Arcade. Trail works fine here (but on my regular machine for testing) and started fine up with 640x480 as resoulution. Even in interlace mode it should look very sharp on old arcade monitor.

Just add it about LED feature. Cool idea.

Yep, Im hold as FrizzleFried and do not comment that. Completly correct.

[Organic Jerk]

Maximus Arcade was actually my first choice for a frontend, and I had already started working on a skin for it, but I ended up going mala because of the sheer open-endedness... 

For me it was like Mac vs PC...  Maximus Arcade is really easy to set up, and it's looks amazing with it's smooth aminations and transitions, but I needed a bit more open-endedness, especially when talking about setting up PC games and such, (for example: I currently have a whole section dedicated to doom and popular doom wads...) so I ended up choosing Mala because of the relative ease of use with handling all this...

Although I still do check back to MA's site and forums every now and then to see where's it's gotten, since I wouldn't mind changing back if it made it worth the switch..

[Neilyboy]

I would actually consider paying for a front end if it was like 10-15 bucks.. but when i see 25 it totally turns me away.. dont know why but i can see spending 10 bucks for a fe but not 25 when i have all the freebies out there that are just as good if not better.

Neil

[j2m2t2]

Hey spacefractal I just switched from GameEx to Maximus Arcadius because of the mp3 jukebox issues.  I have to say it is an awesome FE.  The mp3 player is plain jane but it lets me go by folder then song.

GameEx is a great FE too but I was using it long enough to change to a new one and MA is easy to setup and get going.

 

[squirrellydw]

I also use MA.  I wish somethings were added quicker but that how it goes.  I also like AtomicFE.  I think Atomic would be the best if the configuration was changed to make it more user friendly, not that its not but it could be set up easier.  I also believe gameEX is not freeware, more like shareware or nagware but I don't want to get into that again.

[headkaze]

From the retroblast review..

“GameEx is completely free for non-commercial use.” Merry Christmas! And it is not “CrippleWare”. There is a nag screen and the advanced features are unlocked with a small donation.

But everyone is entitled to their opinion I guess.

[WunderCade]

Does "non-commercial" mean:

A: personal use, not for commerce

     OR

B: PAY to get rid of the "commercials"

??

[youki]

From the retroblast review..

“GameEx is completely free for non-commercial use.” Merry Christmas! And it is not “CrippleWare”. There is a nag screen and the advanced features are unlocked with a small donation.

But everyone is entitled to their opinion I guess.

 


Interpret that  as :    You are free to use it fully  non-commercially  if you pay....

 

Sorry...

[headkaze]

From the retroblast review..

“GameEx is completely free for non-commercial use.” Merry Christmas! And it is not “CrippleWare”. There is a nag screen and the advanced features are unlocked with a small donation.

But everyone is entitled to their opinion I guess.

 


Interpret that  as :    You are free to use it fully  non-commercially  if you pay....

 

Sorry...

I would rather wait for the GameEx nag screen than use Atomic 

[Sprucemoose]

Headkaze,

Don't be a hater.   

[youki]

I would rather wait for the GameEx nag screen than use Atomic  

If you want i can do a special version just for you with a Nag Screen!  

But of course, it will cost nothing for you . Totally for Free.  Just give me 20$.  

That's incredible the number of free thing you can have.  Believe it or not , but at the shopping center near my house i can have a XBOX 360 for free  , just have to give about 300$ to the  cashier!.

Thanks to you Headkaze , now i realise that all thing i thougth i was buying  , actually was Free!!!  

 

[headkaze]

Don't be a hater.

I'm not I was being serious, I would rather wait for the nag screen than use Atomic. Why? Because it dosn't bother me on an arcade cabinet. I paid for registration to support the author.

But of course, it will cost nothing for you . Totally for Free.  Just give me 20$.

How many times do we have to go through this debate youki? I've heard all this before. The bottom line is, your the author of Atomic, and I never expect you to be a GameEx user. So why waste your time trying to argue the point with me all the time? A nag screen to me is a matter of being patient, it dosn't extend an arm out the screen and take the money from you.

So why are people paying for FE's when yours if free? Maybe they believe they are better FE's and worth the money? Your campaign to discredit them is not going to change that. You can keep saying GameEx is commercial all you want, but I will continue to disagree with you. Let's just agree to disagree.

[Space Fractal]

It still crippleware, that all, headkaze (I even troucht you was the author). It still not freeware as long the very anyoing nag is there (Im dident past that and gave up). Also Retroblast is wrong what the term really is.

You are FORCED to pay to use it permanant. I hate when you really are forced to pay with so very stupid and Anyoing nag like this.

The Nag simply ruin the so called free version, if you ask me. I even not could see about the nag in the so called free version on the homepage (wich it should), and how to pass it. If the nag was gone or was en a lots shooter time, or possible to use right/left (like copyright screens in mame), it would being a lots better use of the nag.

In Maximum Arcade it very clear what the trail version does, and you have to pay it. Good methoed about paying, and I even may doing that. Good commercial frontend.

[youki]

So why are people paying for FE's when yours if free? Maybe they believe they are better FE's and worth the money?

Why lot of ex-GameEX users comes to Atomic or Mala ?

Your campaign to discredit them is not going to change that.

The problem is not GameEX , i have always said he is very good , he has strong point and weak points as all other FE .  The problem  is you  , Trying to make us believe that GameEX is Free.  

GameEX is a ShareWare that's the point.  Just call things by their name.

[Space Fractal]

Yep correct (I say your post after I wrote the above).
 

Trying to say GameEX is free when it forced to pay is not good, even GameEX may been a very strong and good frontend when it paid. It should simply just sell as it really is: Shareware (wich is not a bad concept at all).

[headkaze]

BTW I'm not the author of GameEx - I only wrote the Setup Wizard, Theme Editor and some Plugins & Wrappers.

Trying to say GameEX is free when it forced to pay is not good, even GameEX may been a very strong and good frontend when it paid. It should simply just sell as it really is: Shareware (wich is not a bad concept at all).

What makes you think your "forced to pay"?

The problem is not GameEX , i have always said he is very good , he has strong point and weak points as all other FE .  The problem  is you  , Trying to make us believe that GameEX is Free. 

I'm not the only one who calls it free software. I show you a review of GameEx from a 3rd party who is more qualified to say what type of software he is reviewing. You still say it's wrong! I give up trying to argue the point with you.

[Space Fractal]

The Nagscreen say it all.....

[headkaze]

The Nag simply ruin the so called free version, if you ask me. I even not could see about the nag in the so called free version on the homepage (wich it should), and how to pass it. If the nag was gone or was en a lots shooter time, or possible to use right/left (like copyright screens in mame), it would being a lots better use of the nag.

I agree with you on that point. Actually I will contact Tom and see what he thinks about adding a way to skip it like Mame's right/left thing.

[youki]

For the review you talk about :

Cost:

Nag Screen Edition = FREE
Registered Version Including Access to Advanced Features = £14 (about $25 U.S.)

Registered version.... So please explain the difference with a ShareWare .


And you know concerning "review" and article in magazine or elsewere...  my company uses to have "article" on their products talking on their product everywhere , and some deep "test" too.  They are all written by communication people in my company  and sent to publisher (whatever it is) , the publisher change the shape  and some text,  then they are reviewed by the company and then publish...   I don't  say that Retroblast does that , but i  find this article very suspicious in his shape , and the fact it insist a lot on the fact GameEX is FREE .   In addition of that  , the guy who wrote the article didn't take his own screen shot.  They seems to have been provided by the GameEX author.  (as indicated at the end of the article next the little star...  "*all graphics courtesy of tom speir , GameEX developper".

[youki]

The Nag simply ruin the so called free version, if you ask me. I even not could see about the nag in the so called free version on the homepage (wich it should), and how to pass it. If the nag was gone or was en a lots shooter time, or possible to use right/left (like copyright screens in mame), it would being a lots better use of the nag.

I agree with you on that point. Actually I will contact Tom and see what he thinks about adding a way to skip it like Mame's right/left thing.

Why don't you ask him to simply remove it ?

[youki]

 

I didn't noticed that before , but at the beginning of the retoblast review page. there is a link :

To win a FREE GameEX license!

It a freeware where you can win Free License!.   


I guess you will have to give 20$ to your FREE License you just won! 


  

[headkaze]

Freeware: Legally obtainable software that you may use at no cost, monetary or otherwise, for as long as you wish.

Nagware: has a popup (nag) screen, asking you to purchase the software. You must press a button to get past the nag screen.

Shareware: commercial software that can be downloaded. Payment is required for legal use of the software. Some authors use the honor system, more commonly code is included to prevent the use of some or all functions if payment is not made in accordance with the shareware agreement.

source: alt.comp.freeware's Ware Glossary (http://www.pricelesswarehome.org/acf/WareGlossary.php)

You are not required to pay for GameEx to be a legal user of the software. Nagware is a closer way to describe it.

I don't  say that Retroblast does that , but i  find this article very suspicious in his shape , and the fact it insist a lot on the fact GameEX is FREE .   In addition of that  , the guy who wrote the article didn't take his own screen shot.  They seems to have been provided by the GameEX author.  (as indicated at the end of the article next the little star...  "*all graphics courtesy of tom speir , GameEX developper".

You think it is "suspicious" because Tom provided the screenshots? Give me a break 

Why don't you ask him to simply remove it ?

I don't see anything wrong with a nag screen per say. I think you should be able so skip it though. If it was up to me there would be no nag screen. But it's a way to encourge people to help support the software and associated sites, and I know it costs Tom money to run those. It's not for me to decide how the author wishes to distribute his software but I guess there is no harm in asking him.

It a freeware where you can win Free License!.

A "license" is to remove the nag screen and enable some of the advanced options. These advanced options are not in other FE software, but the basic free version is full useable with a nag screen. What part of that don't you understand?

[21up]

Hi all
i agree on a lot of these points,i wanted gameex as it seemed the easy
one to set up.I had looked at atomic a few times and read reports on it but i am not so good at setting things up,like dos and command lines,so went with gameex .
And that nag screen in my opinion in gameex was just ridiculas,if it had been shorter
like a second or 2 then ok.
I paid for it as i wanted something simple ,i also bought maximus,but i prefer gameex.
I dont need all the whistles and stops that gameex has ,as i dont understand a lot of them just needed a front end for my games.

And if the nag screen had been a lot shorter i would not have bought it as it would have done what i wanted.

but anyhow i have bought them both so i will continue with them one in cab /one in cocktail.

Must say though there is a lot more activity on gameex forum and plenty of updates all the time.

Maximus only updates when he gets time,lots of questions in maximus as regards (when is mameseer gonna sort this out we dont see him at all)
you dont get that on gameex tom does very well as regards support

cheers and all the best Peter.
i think i will probably have a go at atomic fe it keeps popping up in my searching.

[youki]

So lets play the Ware Game   

I take "ware" definition , and i try to find what fit the best.

Abandonware: software that the original owner no longer offers to the public. Abandonware refers to a product that is no longer marketed or distributed by the author/company that published it. Orphanware is used when the author cannot be located or the company is no longer in existence. Copyright laws apply to Orphanware and Abandonware. The programs are freeware only if they were released as freeware (or given freeware status by the owner at a later date).

No

Adware: software that displays advertising for other products and/or services (often downloaded from the internet by the software)..

No

Betaware: a preliminary but useable version of what will be the final version of a program. Beta versions are intended for testing by users (alpha versions are test versions for the developers).

Humm... it could , i think

CDware: promo CDs included with magazines, books or other products

No

Crippleware: free version of a commercial program. More limited in features and functionality than the commercial product. Crippleware has severe limitations. Functionality that is important to the average user has been disabled

.

I'd say Yes.

Demoware: software that is intended to give potential purchasers an idea of how the program works. Not a full version, type of limitation varies.

I'd say Yes

Donationware: monetary contribution requested (optional)

I'd say NO , the donation is NOT optional to have all feature

Freeware: Legally obtainable software that you may use at no cost, monetary or otherwise, for as long as you wish.

I'd say No.  As you don't have all feature.

Liteware: free version of a commercial program. A useful program that is more limited in features and functionality than the commercial product. Liteware is not time-limited.

I'd say Yes

Malware: software that contains malicious programming

I don't know.     But let say NO

Nagware: has a popup (nag) screen, asking you to purchase the software. You must press a button to get past the nag screen.

NO , because if i well understood you can not pass the screen by pressing a button... you MUST wait.

Registerware: you must provide personal information via registration in order to download and/or use the program

NO

Requestware: you are asked to do something. Examples: send a postcard or email to the software author, perform a good deed, make a contribution to charity

NO

Shareware: commercial software that can be downloaded. Payment is required for legal use of the software. Some authors use the honor system, more commonly code is included to prevent the use of some or all functions if payment is not made in accordance with the shareware agreement.

YES  concerning the FULL version, You MUST pay to have the full feature. 
The "free" version , in that context  could be considered as DEMOWare.

Spyware: software that sends information about you and your computer to others (usually without your knowledge and consent). Spyware may also install files on your hard drive without your knowledge.

I hope not

Trialware: software which stops working after a period of time or number of uses.

NO

Commercial Software: software that is sold.

YES , you have to give money for the Full version


In fact reading all that definitions,  i think the best would be LiteWare for the GAMEEX limited version  if  there was no "Nagscreen" .

[Space Fractal]

What is wrong with shareware? Nothing. GameEx is shareware/Liteware and is nothing wrong about it.

Remember ID Software actuelly sell Doom as shareware and got a massive succus. The demo version of Doom was actuelly big.

Hmm, this thread is actuelly going offtopic since this thread was about Maximus Arcade and not GameEX.

----

Retroblast only contain it free with the nagscreen included, not freeware as I can see.

[youki]

Hmm, this thread is actuelly going offtopic since this thread was about Maximus Arcade and not GameEX.

I think it is one point where all of us could be agree!