Best Front-End

[bigdog1977]

GameEx seems easier to use, but on my computer the grafix of it look a little cheesy when switching around games. I also like the layout that MA has when switching emulators but doesnt seem as user friendly. Please give a reason as of why you like yours better. Thx.

[Dazz]

I personally use Maximus, but now that HyperSpin is really starting to come along I find myself using it more and more every day.

[nipsmg]

Between the two, Maximus all the way.  It's amazingly easy to set up, looks great, is very configurable, and is just completely trouble free. 

For me to actually buy software off the net is rare.  When my trial ran out, I absolutely had to buy it.


Edit:

Also, I agree with Dazz, Hyperspin is AWESOME.  However, it's really great for a select number of games, especially those with themes already.  The other emulators are better for running every rom under the sun.  However, keep an eye on it.  It is constantly updated and has a great community.

If I made a bartop cabinet with limited controls (and therefore limited games), I would run hyperspin without a thought.

[leapinlew]

Mala

[cadmium]

GameEx seems easier to use, but on my computer the grafix of it look a little cheesy when switching around games. I also like the layout that MA has when switching emulators but doesnt seem as user friendly.

I have Maximus and it's perfect for for a dedicated cab. I will say that there are a few quirks here and there, but nothing that's a show stopper. I tried a bunch of FE's and that's the most professional and slick out of the bunch, not to mention pretty easy to set up.

Hyperspin has some promise, but it my opinion it's a little busy visually and I'm not sure how well it will scalle with all of the extra graphics for a full set of mame roms- but of course who really needs to play *everything*?

Anyway, MA is my vote.

[TOK]

Maximo G+...

Full 3D walk-through arcade support, scrolling menu, movie support, Direct 3D acceleration of all 3DFX games, cheats menu, automated ROM revision forward and back to any version of MAME, LED support, hiscore.dat support in ALL versions of MAME with an automatic screenshot of high scores that can be shown as a screensaver if the user wishes. Best of all, it has built in XBOX 360 emulation, though its very slow at the moment. Games are *just* playable on a quad-core rig.

[javeryh]

Mala

Yes.

[DeLuSioNal29]

I chose Maximus Arcade because of all the eye candy, but mostly because of the ease of use.  When paired with Admin buttons (select, back, fav and exit) it's virtually kid proof.  Everyone who tries it at home figures it out in minutes.

The author is currently working on LED Wiz support for future releases.  Then it will finally be complete.

~ DeLuSioNaL

[Singapura]

I'm currently setting up my PC to replace the 1000-in-1 in my cab. For simplicity I really like to 1000-in-1 menu but for the PC so far it's a tie between Maximus and GameEx. I like both but they still have issues. Hyperspin will be nice when it's out of beta and has full game and emulator support.

[Havok]

Other!

 

[shmokes]

Best of all, it has built in XBOX 360 emulation, though its very slow at the moment. Games are *just* playable on a quad-core rig.

What???  A frontend will emulate the Xbox 360?  I've never used it, but I know that it sure as hell does not.  Nothing does.  And if anything did, why would it be a frontend?  That doesn't even make sense.

[pinballwizard79]

I use maximus, hyperspin looks awesome

[Popcorrin]

Best of all, it has built in XBOX 360 emulation, though its very slow at the moment. Games are *just* playable on a quad-core rig.

What???  A frontend will emulate the Xbox 360?  I've never used it, but I know that it sure as hell does not.  Nothing does.  And if anything did, why would it be a frontend?  That doesn't even make sense.

I think TOK is pulling your joystick.   

[ratzz]

Maximo G+...

Full 3D walk-through arcade support, scrolling menu, movie support, Direct 3D acceleration of all 3DFX games, cheats menu, automated ROM revision forward and back to any version of MAME, LED support, hiscore.dat support in ALL versions of MAME with an automatic screenshot of high scores that can be shown as a screensaver if the user wishes. Best of all, it has built in XBOX 360 emulation, though its very slow at the moment. Games are *just* playable on a quad-core rig.

Anyone have a link for this fe?

Can't see it in Google 

[Bender]

Maximo G+...

Full 3D walk-through arcade support, scrolling menu, movie support, Direct 3D acceleration of all 3DFX games, cheats menu, automated ROM revision forward and back to any version of MAME, LED support, hiscore.dat support in ALL versions of MAME with an automatic screenshot of high scores that can be shown as a screensaver if the user wishes. Best of all, it has built in XBOX 360 emulation, though its very slow at the moment. Games are *just* playable on a quad-core rig.

Anyone have a link for this fe?

Can't see it in Google 

Goolgle "TOK's Fantasy Front End" 

would be nice though

[FrizzleFried]

No love for MAMEWAH??  Easily the fastest front end...once you get the hang of setting it up that is.

I use Mamewah on both my stand up MAME cabs and MALA (at least for now) on my cocktail.

[Cakemeister]

Mamewah...Easily the fastest front end....

I'm gonna have to sort of like disagree with you there, yeah.

[FrizzleFried]

Mamewah...Easily the fastest front end....

I'm gonna have to sort of like disagree with you there, yeah.

You're welcome to disagree,  but I've run Mamewah, Mala, GameEx and 3darcade and Mamewah,  once set up,  is EASILY the fastest performing front end...

Perhaps I should check out your front end, eh?

[Cakemeister]

IMO Atomic is also faster than MAMEWah.

[MPS]

Between the two, Maximus all the way.  It's amazingly easy to set up, looks great, is very configurable, and is just completely trouble free. 

For me to actually buy software off the net is rare.  When my trial ran out, I absolutely had to buy it.


Edit:

Also, I agree with Dazz, Hyperspin is AWESOME.  However, it's really great for a select number of games, especially those with themes already.  The other emulators are better for running every rom under the sun.  However, keep an eye on it.  It is constantly updated and has a great community.

If I made a bartop cabinet with limited controls (and therefore limited games), I would run hyperspin without a thought.

NIPSMG, I would have to agree 100% with everything you said above.

Right now, I'm playing with the 30 day demo of Maximus Arcade in preparation for building a HTPC with gaming capability.  I have been very pleased with what I have seen so far, and I will happily shell out the $25 for Maximus Arcade.  My only real beef with it is the lack of pre-made skins.  I wish I had some more skinning choices as I am just not talented enough with graphic design programs to make my own.

I signed up for the beta of Hyperspin several months ago.  While it was impressive visually, I would agree with you that it is probably best suited for a cab with a limited amount of games.  I just can't imagine navigating through Hyperspin on a PC with tons of games.  Despite the massive amount of amazing work they have accomplished so far, the fact that there isn't a good way to handle vertical monitors is a huge turn-off to me.  I will be watching development closely, and I hope it continues to evolve.  If it becomes what we all hope it will, and if they can come up with support/themes for vertical monitors, I would happily pay for it as well.

The other front end that I thought had a lot of potential was Ultrastyle.  It is too bad that the author completely flaked out & bailed on the project.  I thought it was a nice looking front end for MAME cabinets, and anyone walking up to it for the first time could easily figure out how to navigate around between games.  I installed it on my cab with a horizontal monitor and my cab with a vertical monitor several years ago.  I am probably overdue to replace Ultrastyle since there is no more development, and the speed issue when navigating the wheel in vertical mode was never fixed.     

[Havok]

IMO Atomic is also faster than MAMEWah.

I'd have to agree. Especially if you turn off the intro movie...

[bigdog1977]

Well Looks like Maximus is ahead! =)

[Ian]

I use Maximus, I will be switching to hyperspin in the future, just not now.

[EVEGames]

No doubt about it, 3DArcade still gets my vote. 
Honorable mention to HyperSpin, which is still in it's infancy and light on features.  Given time, I predict HyperSpin will becoma a crowd favorite.

-EVEGames

[gonzo90017]

I'd have to agree with FrizzleFried. Mamewah is the fastest. I tried AtomicFe on an old 400mhz pc and the video previews would run in slow motion. Using Mamewah they ran full speed. I'm currently using Mamewah on a 233mhz laptop and it runs great.

[Cakemeister]

Discussions of speed unfortunately must remain subjective as very few frontends allow independent measurements of frame rates via Fraps or some other tool.

I still think that Atomic is faster than MAMEwah. If you created an Atomic skin to match the default MAMEWah layout, then had a way to measure frame rates, I would predict that Atomic would come out ahead. In a subjective test, running both frontends with the same skin elements at the same resolution, I would guess that they would look the same. I'm guessing that Youki has already done testing of this type.

[DaveStall]

Just having finished my cabinet a couple of months ago, I went through almost every available front end trying to find what I felt was the best.  After spending a total of about 15 minutes with GameEx I knew I had found the answer.  I really like Maximus Arcade as well, but new features and updates seem to be much faster in being released with GameEx.  The author is quite open to suggestions as well.  If you use your cabinet for other multimedia features as well, GameEx becomes an incredible deal at $25 (assuming you choose to register it which isn't mandatory).

Dave

[loadman]

I like command prompt . 

Fast but feature poor.

C:\ mame invaders



OK 

An oldie but a goodie...

[Havok]

Actually, now that Mame has a front end built in, that isn't too far off...

[protokatie]

I would say (for me anyways) Atomic, mostly because the layout editor is the easiest of the ones I played with (to learn atleast).

Hmm, Loadman got me thinking. I remember seeing old Batch file based quick loader for software on DOS boxes. That would prolly be the quickest   BTW anyone know how to make a .BAT file input values from the keyboard? (IE used to run a game etc)

NM, I found it: The choice command...

[Blanka]

Which one does best in 1920x1200 blocky graphics all the way? So all output must me 1920x1200@60hz, including front end screens, and no smooth scaling may be used.

[headkaze]

What is Maximo I've never heard of that before?

You put a FE that noone's heard of before yet miss out other popular ones.

I agree with Cakemeister speed is relative. For slow machines MameWah and Atomic are in the same ballpark although Atomic can render more complex skins. For faster machines you will probably find that 3D accellerated FE's will win out, ones like Khameleon and my own FE. I must say though for a non-3d accellerated FE and considering the amount of animation and effects HyperSpin does I would say it's damn fast. I even successfully ran HS from remote desktop, so it was streaming through my 100 MBit network and ran quite well.

[Turnarcades]

No love for MAMEWAH??  Easily the fastest front end...once you get the hang of setting it up that is.

I use Mamewah on both my stand up MAME cabs and MALA (at least for now) on my cocktail.

Seconded, for the same reason. Once you know the score, it's a very 'open' frontend, with pretty much limitless additions in terms of rom/emu support - which is where it counts to me. Plus out of the box it isn't resource-dependant like some of the prettier FE's so can be run on lower-spec machines, yet can still be tarted up if you have something with a bit more juice.

[Visitor Q]

I use Game Ex and HyperSpin.

Game Ex has all the functions and HyperSpin has all the looks. I swtich back and forth right now.

[ckong]

No doubt about it, 3DArcade still gets my vote. 

I agree, it's by far the most adjustable one and it can look very awesome. I use it on all my three cabs, although I selected a different skin and arcade set for each cab. It has a nice feel to be able to walk in  virtual arcade surrounded by all the classic games and hearing the arcade sounds. I must admit that it's not easy to set things up.

[Loafmeister]

Even though 3d arcade didn't get my vote, it will always have a place in my arcade cab, even if it's for a "watch this" moment when I show my friends the cab.

[billpa]

Hyperspin for me. Like a lot of people here who like the process of building their cabs as much as playing the games (or more), I enjoy building themes for this front end. And the default sets for other systems are really nice! Not sure why it gets dubbed as a FE for a limited amount of games. When you boil it down, every FE goes through a list and has features to organize the lists. So if you have 5000 roms, you still have to go through a list whether its Mala, Hyperspin, Maximus, etc. etc. 

[Dazz]

I'm with Billpa on this...  HyperSpin is just as good at navigating large game lists as it is with smaller game lists.  Of course smaller lists look better because they have wheel images and themes.  A full 5000 game MAME list is possible and faster ways of navigating big lists (Alpha navigation) is coming in an upcoming release.  Default system themes make games that don't have themes completed look and function quite well.  LED Blinky support is in the works as we speak and will be included in the next release and u360/gamepad support is coming shortly as well.  I think once we get these couple things incorporated along with quick favorites adding, HyperSpin will be on par with functionality of many current FE's. 

[Hoopz]

Someone needs to start a poll, with ALL the front ends possible, and have the damn thing stickied so everyone can find the thing instead of having the same question pop up on a monthly basis.   

Just saying....

[nipsmg]

I'm with Billpa on this...  HyperSpin is just as good at navigating large game lists as it is with smaller game lists.  Of course smaller lists look better because they have wheel images and themes.  A full 5000 game MAME list is possible and faster ways of navigating big lists (Alpha navigation) is coming in an upcoming release.  Default system themes make games that don't have themes completed look and function quite well.  LED Blinky support is in the works as we speak and will be included in the next release and u360/gamepad support is coming shortly as well.  I think once we get these couple things incorporated along with quick favorites adding, HyperSpin will be on par with functionality of many current FE's. 

Can hyperspin take a generic game list (i.e. MAME, NES) and walk through the rom list, displaying a marquee, screenshot, and/or video for each game without a specific theme?

It couldn't when I tested it.  If it can now, then I'd agree it's probably up to part with some of the others.  If not, then there's some ways to go still. 

[Visitor Q]

Someone needs to start a poll, with ALL the front ends possible, and have the damn thing stickied so everyone can find the thing instead of having the same question pop up on a monthly basis.   

Just saying....

Well if that was the case you could not even count HyperSpin, it’s that new and gaining a lot of buzz... I mean the poll result tell you that already.

[Dazz]

Can hyperspin take a generic game list (i.e. MAME, NES) and walk through the rom list, displaying a marquee, screenshot, and/or video for each game without a specific theme?

It couldn't when I tested it.  If it can now, then I'd agree it's probably up to part with some of the others.  If not, then there's some ways to go still. 

Actually, this has been in since the very beginning...  Simply make sure that your images/videos are the same name as the rom.  You can then define defaults for the artwork and video in the settings of that emulator.

[thefreakhouse]

I just placed my vote for HyperSpin. Of all the FE's I have tried I have yet to use one that seems so well suited for cab builders as HS. The GUI is the most arcade-esque I have seen yet without looking like the standard scroll lists or something better suited for an HTPC. The downside is it's early development stage it's in. Hopefully the community will continue to get behind it so that it's functional enough to replace the GameEx on my cab build.

[bigdog1977]

Someone needs to start a poll, with ALL the front ends possible, and have the damn thing stickied so everyone can find the thing instead of having the same question pop up on a monthly basis.   

Just saying....

Well that would be nice and all, but with all the new patches and changes that come out for the FE's  I dont see that working very well.  I just posted this to see what you all use and recommend at this time.  Ive been adding the FE's I didnt know about to the poll as you tell me about them. Thanks again for your guys input. 

[loadman]

Someone needs to start a poll, with ALL the front ends possible, and have the damn thing stickied so everyone can find the thing instead of having the same question pop up on a monthly basis.   

Just saying....

Well that would be nice and all, but with all the new patches and changes that come out for the FE's  I dont see that working very well.  I just posted this to see what you all use and recommend at this time.  Ive been adding the FE's I didnt know about to the poll as you tell me about them. Thanks again for your guys input. 

I think he means this type of poll pops up in the 'software' section of this forum a lot.

Not so much in here 

OK Hungry now, MMM I need a Pie!    ...  (Yes this statement has nothing to do with this thread)

[billpa]

Can hyperspin take a generic game list (i.e. MAME, NES) and walk through the rom list, displaying a marquee, screenshot, and/or video for each game without a specific theme?

Yes it can and some people have done that for placeholders until a theme is created.

[Havok]

Someone needs to start a poll, with ALL the front ends possible, and have the damn thing stickied so everyone can find the thing instead of having the same question pop up on a monthly basis.   

Just saying....

Well if that was the case you could not even count HyperSpin, it’s that new and gaining a lot of buzz... I mean the poll result tell you that already.

But - you would need to be able to change your vote since new more applicable front ends are added. (Other for example, should not be an option)

[Hoopz]

Well if that was the case you could not even count HyperSpin, it’s that new and gaining a lot of buzz... I mean the poll result tell you that already.

New options can be added to a poll.  This one started with just two options.

Well that would be nice and all, but with all the new patches and changes that come out for the FE's  I dont see that working very well.  I just posted this to see what you all use and recommend at this time.  Ive been adding the FE's I didnt know about to the poll as you tell me about them. Thanks again for your guys input. 

Polls can also be setup so each person that votes can change their vote "X" number of times.  That would allow someone who is using one FE to change their vote to another when a new FE becomes available. 

The Wiki is a good source for a listing of all FEs that should be included also. 

Don't get me wrong, there is definitely a place here for this question.  But you need to understand that it comes up all the time and it's frustrating that the search feature isn't utilized more. 

Such as how to pronounce game names.   

[Visitor Q]

Well if that was the case you could not even count HyperSpin, it’s that new and gaining a lot of buzz... I mean the poll result tell you that already.

New options can be added to a poll.  This one started with just two options.

Would not make sense as you can only vote once and not change your vote over time.  If the choices are all not there to start with, the poll makes no sense.

Think about it...

[leapinlew]

Hyperspin work in a vertical setup yet?

[Dazz]

Hyperspin work in a vertical setup yet?

Nope, it is under discussion right now though.

[destructor]

Where is EmuLoader on list?

[thatitalian]

I got to admit, I really liked Mala and MA, but more recently I have been impressed a lot with Hyperspin.

Sure there is work to be done on it but it really has the potential to be the best or at least top 3 FE's ever!

[FrizzleFried]

I got to admit, I really liked Mala and MA, but more recently I have been impressed a lot with Hyperspin.

Sure there is work to be done on it but it really has the potential to be the best or at least top 3 FE's ever!

I agree...but only when there are enough themes to cover the vast majority of the games out there...and it has to be easier to get going....a 1 download covers it all scenario.

[Dazz]

I agree...but only when there are enough themes to cover the vast majority of the games out there...and it has to be easier to get going....a 1 download covers it all scenario.

BBB was just in our chat room talking about some stuff that he has been working on that will help automate some of this including a theme auditor.

[bent98]

I have both Mala and Hyperspin installed on my cab and I have tried just about every FE out there. I will admit I use Mala more right now just because of a few supported features that HS doesn’t have yet. LEDblinky, u360 support, and D-tools pre and post commands just to name a few will be coming very soon and every day more artwork and wheel art is available. Billy has done a fantastic job and he completely dedicated to the success and evolution of this FE. Within next few weeks all the features in need will be added to this FE and Hyperspin will be the main FE on my cabinet. It's really is an amazing accomplishment to come so far in such a short period of time and I love the fact you can jump into HS chat and speak to the programmer directly. The interested and continued new people that would like to join the efforts in this endeavor as growing every day. I look forward to what the future hold for HS and my prediction is if we took this survey in 6 months there is no doubt HS would be #1. (That of course is just my humble opinion and takes nothing away all the other great FE's that are available to our community.)

  Thanks BBB

[thatitalian]

I got to admit, I really liked Mala and MA, but more recently I have been impressed a lot with Hyperspin.

Sure there is work to be done on it but it really has the potential to be the best or at least top 3 FE's ever!

I agree...but only when there are enough themes to cover the vast majority of the games out there...and it has to be easier to get going....a 1 download covers it all scenario.

Yeah, I know that it is quite difficult to get into i.e. the whole setup and installation of themes, etc, but this is being worked on. Once this is up and running it should be even more appealing, and once the themes have been fully developed and other options developed (i.e. the use with LED blinky or similar) then this will kick ***!

Hopefully this will give some motivation to BBB and the rest of the lads as the response for this FE is amazing considering it isn't finished yet!

[Hoopz]

Well if that was the case you could not even count HyperSpin, it’s that new and gaining a lot of buzz... I mean the poll result tell you that already.

New options can be added to a poll.  This one started with just two options.

Would not make sense as you can only vote once and not change your vote over time.  If the choices are all not there to start with, the poll makes no sense.

Think about it...

Read all of what I wrote then you think about it.  This poll started with two (2) choices.  The OP changed it once people added their thoughts.  Adding a choice to a poll isn't difficult. 

The other comment that I made that you either failed to read or didn't understand is that the OP can setup a poll so that someone can change their vote.  If I voted for one FE, then want to change my vote to another FE, I can.  That would allow for new FEs that catch people's attention to be added throughout time. 

[Visitor Q]

Well if that was the case you could not even count HyperSpin, it’s that new and gaining a lot of buzz... I mean the poll result tell you that already.

New options can be added to a poll.  This one started with just two options.

Would not make sense as you can only vote once and not change your vote over time.  If the choices are all not there to start with, the poll makes no sense.

Think about it...

Read all of what I wrote then you think about it.  This poll started with two (2) choices.  The OP changed it once people added their thoughts.  Adding a choice to a poll isn't difficult. 

The other comment that I made that you either failed to read or didn't understand is that the OP can setup a poll so that someone can change their vote.  If I voted for one FE, then want to change my vote to another FE, I can.  That would allow for new FEs that catch people's attention to be added throughout time. 

Yeah well when all that happens, you let us know.

[bigdog1977]

Don't get me wrong, there is definitely a place here for this question.  But you need to understand that it comes up all the time and it's frustrating that the search feature isn't utilized more. 

Such as how to pronounce game names.   

Yeah well is this post hurting your harddrive space??? No!! Did you have to answer?? NO!!! This is a forum to ask questions! I agree always with searching the forums first and I DID! I also found a bunch of outdated info, thus the reason I posted! Next time Ill make the topic Im a noob with questions please be non helpfull and flame my post! LOL

Serious, what are you here for hoopz?? To just read the wiki and search forums everyday and give negative feed back??  or to help out people that have the same hobby as you?? Thank you too everyone else that helped us out! =)

[swaffar]

Maximus is going in my all-in-one-cab-in-a-control-panel...  hyperspin is just too flashy, too busy, and too much.  it dazzles on first sight, but for everyday use, it's just plain unnecessary.  even if they had themes for every game for every system i still wouldn't want to use it.

perhaps if i were putting my system on public display and trying to sell it, i'd use HSpin

[thatitalian]

Maximus is going in my all-in-one-cab-in-a-control-panel...  hyperspin is just too flashy, too busy, and too much.  it dazzles on first sight, but for everyday use, it's just plain unnecessary.  even if they had themes for every game for every system i still wouldn't want to use it.

perhaps if i were putting my system on public display and trying to sell it, i'd use HSpin

Isn't that half the fun? You want someone to go on it and say "Holy S**t!" and I think HS does that.

Don't get me wrong MA is very very good, is very user friendly and is very customisable. It becomes difficult to pick as if more themes were developed for MA then it would really rock!

However, I am still overly impressed with the feel and fun of HS

[headkaze]

Maximo G+...

Full 3D walk-through arcade support, scrolling menu, movie support, Direct 3D acceleration of all 3DFX games, cheats menu, automated ROM revision forward and back to any version of MAME, LED support, hiscore.dat support in ALL versions of MAME with an automatic screenshot of high scores that can be shown as a screensaver if the user wishes. Best of all, it has built in XBOX 360 emulation, though its very slow at the moment. Games are *just* playable on a quad-core rig.

Is this a joke? XBox 360 emulation is obviously made up. But why is there a FE noone has heard of before in the list and why can't anyone provide a link to it? It's not in the wiki I can't find it on Google 

[somunny]

Serious, what are you here for hoopz?? To just read the wiki and search forums everyday and give negative feed back??  or to help out people that have the same hobby as you?? Thank you too everyone else that helped us out! =)

10 days and you're already calling people out.  Good luck. 

This is a topic that comes up all the time.  Much like "which joystick is the best?", there are so many variables that go into the decision that you'll never boil it down to a definitive answer.

That said, I use Mamewah.

[bigdog1977]

Serious, what are you here for hoopz?? To just read the wiki and search forums everyday and give negative feed back??  or to help out people that have the same hobby as you?? Thank you too everyone else that helped us out! =)

10 days and you're already calling people out.  Good luck. 

This is a topic that comes up all the time.  Much like "which joystick is the best?", there are so many variables that go into the decision that you'll never boil it down to a definitive answer.

That said, I use Mamewah.

Im not calling anyone out there Indiana Jones!  , Just trying to get an idea of what you guys are using at this time, with out all the BS. Thanks for the feedback.

[torcer]

Mala....but this thread made me check out Hyperspin, and I must say that it's an impresive project; if they keep making "themes," this HS will end up on my cabs in about a year. 

[headkaze]

Im not calling anyone out there Indiana Jones!  , Just trying to get an idea of what you guys are using at this time, with out all the BS. Thanks for the feedback.

Since your the one who added Maximo to the poll, and what looks like the only one to vote for it. You care to explain what it is? Seems a little strange you start up a poll about best FE's, and put it there, vote for it and noone has heard of it except for you.

[massive88]

Since your the one who added Maximo to the poll, and what looks like the only one to vote for it. You care to explain what it is? Seems a little strange you start up a poll about best FE's, and put it there, vote for it and noone has heard of it except for you.

I heard next version of Maximo has PS4 emulation in it!

[whynotpizza]

Maximus is going in my all-in-one-cab-in-a-control-panel...  hyperspin is just too flashy, too busy, and too much.  it dazzles on first sight, but for everyday use, it's just plain unnecessary.  even if they had themes for every game for every system i still wouldn't want to use it.

perhaps if i were putting my system on public display and trying to sell it, i'd use HSpin

My personal vote is MaLa. It strikes the right balance of pizazz,  configuration options, feature/functionality and overall performance.

I agree with swaffar, HyperSpin is just too flashy and over the top. In addition, HyperSpin is not as configuration-friendly as MaLa and some of the other top FE's out there.

For years I have stayed away from the FE's, and stuck with Mame32.

Don't let any of the FE's fool you into thinking they are EASY to setup. While this might be true for some folks, if you have any incling of creativity and attention to detail, you will sink a ton of time into getting an FE setup and configured for your situation.

With that said, having spend a ton of time with MaLa (and some other's out there), I am extremely pleased with the end result. 

The MaLa setup I have simply rocks, and has Mame and Visual Pinball all bundled together nicely in one cabinet. A lot of little gotchya's along the way (Mame, Visual Pinball, Mala, WinXP, Dual Monitors, etc) have inspired me to put together an extensive user manual which I hope to publish.

If you are considering using an FE to spice up the arcade experience, be prepared to spend some time. In the end, it would be worth it!

   David

[Visitor Q]

HyperSpin is flashy, even impressed my girlfriend and she knows or cares very little about this stuff. With that said, it’s a work in progress and has come very far already since launch. I still prefer Game Ex overall for its sheer function and features as there are many. Never used MA but it looks nice and have heard many good things about it ease of use to configure and use.

[Bender]

Hyper Spin too flashy, not finished
Maximus no U360 or LED blinky support

MaLa, ahhh, Just right

[Visitor Q]

Hyper Spin too flashy, not finished
Maximus no U360 or LED blinky support

MaLa, ahhh, Just right

Pretty sure Game Ex does it all too. 

[(+_+)]

Maximus is going in my all-in-one-cab-in-a-control-panel...  hyperspin is just too flashy, too busy, and too much.  it dazzles on first sight, but for everyday use, it's just plain unnecessary.  even if they had themes for every game for every system i still wouldn't want to use it.

perhaps if i were putting my system on public display and trying to sell it, i'd use HSpin

Isn't that half the fun? You want someone to go on it and say "Holy S**t!" and I think HS does that.

Don't get me wrong MA is very very good, is very user friendly and is very customisable. It becomes difficult to pick as if more themes were developed for MA then it would really rock!

However, I am still overly impressed with the feel and fun of HS

Obviously mine! I kidd, but only a little. 

I've been working on my new C#/WPF/SQL Server FE for a while a while now and the first thing that came to mind when I saw HS was Holy S**t! also. Very GUIcally impressive.

Some of you may be saying SQL Server  . The reasons are many fold.

1) Simplicity of all data access and manipulation. Believe me when I say, the amount of code is reduced drastically.
2) Everything is stored in one pot. Screenshots, game info, favorites, data, music tag info, lyrics and more.
3) SQL server compact edition will eventually (I hope) will be a part of the OS.
4) It's really fast bacause you can index whatever you want.
5) Easy to back it all up.
6) I got to play with the latest MS toys.
7) In terms of simplicity, it blows my old VB version out of the water (Except for the times when WPF gives me a hard time.

WPF kicks @SS!

I'll eventually post a video or something when the time is right. That time isn't now.

[cadmium]

Hyper Spin too flashy, not finished
Maximus no U360 or LED blinky support

MaLa, ahhh, Just right

To be fair, I have Maximus Arcade and 2 u360's which are handled just fine. MA can execute anything you want before during or after a game is launched, so that should work for LED Blinky too. Though I want to say that the developer is working on official LED blinky support for the next version.

[RetroBorg]

I voted for HyperSpin, I think 3D Arcade is right up there though, but unfortunately I'm not clever enough to get it to do what I want it to do, so before HyperSpin came along I used MameWah but had tried out all the others.

I really like HyperSpin and sadly find myself enjoying the frontend more than the games at the moment. Since it's been released I've been pretty much addicted to making themes and have chalked up 18 themes so far, not bad for someone who's never made a skin for any frontend before. For those with basic photoshop skills it's really easy to make a theme especially now that HyperTheme has been released.

I don't really understand why people say it's any harder to navigate a large list in HyperSpin, it seems to me just as easy to navigate as MameWah.

I think the only reasonable reason for not liking HyperSpin would be that it currently doesn't have as many options as some other frontends right now and it doesn't have 6000 plus themes yet but it's only early days and it already has 245 Mame themes and it would seem that BadBoyBill is working around the clock adding features.

No doubt in about 6 months time the poll should be: Before HyperSpin came along which frontend did you use? 









 

[FrizzleFried]

Maximo is the beez-kneez!  My understanding is that next version will come with Street Fighter IV built right in!

[Visitor Q]

LOL! 

[cadmium]

No doubt in about 6 months time the poll should be: Before HyperSpin came along which frontend did you use? 
 

If they can remove the seizure inducing quality of having dozens of brightly colored graphics screaming around my screen.

It's a little over the top is what I'm trying to say 

[Dazz]

No doubt in about 6 months time the poll should be: Before HyperSpin came along which frontend did you use? 
 

If they can remove the seizure inducing quality of having dozens of brightly colored graphics screaming around my screen.

It's a little over the top is what I'm trying to say 

I'm not really sure what you are trying to say...  HS allows 4 artworks + background.  There is a particle system in place, but very few themes currently use it and the ones that do don't have "dozens of brightly colored graphics screaming around".  Default themes are even less flashy with most containing a background, boxart image, and video.  Hell, if you don't want to have to deal with themes you can always just use the default themes without using a single game theme.  Using the default themes really brings it down on the "flashy" and brings it to the level that most front ends have.










Or are you talking about the wheel images?  Well if it is the wheel images you are worried about... guess what?  You can set and alpha blending to them and make them completely invisible except when you move the wheel or even different levels of faded where you can barely see the wheel image.  So, where are all of these "dozens of brightly colored graphics screaming around"? 

BBB has definitely listened to the community and has added many new features and continues to add new functionality.  As of a couple hours ago he started to focus on one of the communities major issues, ease of install and theme tracking/updating.  So these aspects will be getting much easier in the future as well...

I know that HS doesn't appeal to everyone, but those playing the "too flashy" card hasn't looked at it lately.  Please elaborate a little and I'm sure there is either a work around that you are not familiar with or something that might be relatively simple to incorporate. 

[bigdog1977]

Maximo G+...

Full 3D walk-through arcade support, scrolling menu, movie support, Direct 3D acceleration of all 3DFX games, cheats menu, automated ROM revision forward and back to any version of MAME, LED support, hiscore.dat support in ALL versions of MAME with an automatic screenshot of high scores that can be shown as a screensaver if the user wishes. Best of all, it has built in XBOX 360 emulation, though its very slow at the moment. Games are *just* playable on a quad-core rig.

hahah I have no idea what Maximo is! LOL ask TOK. I just put it on there cause he said it exsited! I didnt vote for it. He must have. Think I'll leave it there its kinda funny!

[Dazz]

Maximo G+...

Full 3D walk-through arcade support, scrolling menu, movie support, Direct 3D acceleration of all 3DFX games, cheats menu, automated ROM revision forward and back to any version of MAME, LED support, hiscore.dat support in ALL versions of MAME with an automatic screenshot of high scores that can be shown as a screensaver if the user wishes. Best of all, it has built in XBOX 360 emulation, though its very slow at the moment. Games are *just* playable on a quad-core rig.

hahah I have no idea what Maximo is! LOL ask TOK. I just put it on there cause he said it exsited! I didnt vote for it. He must have. Think I'll leave it there its kinda funny!

I think this is going to be the new ongoing joke around here... Anytime someone suggests a FE we should all recommend Maximo right off.

Of course then there is going to be some smart ass come along and create a FE and use the name Maximo just because.

[Hoopz]

Well if that was the case you could not even count HyperSpin, it’s that new and gaining a lot of buzz... I mean the poll result tell you that already.

New options can be added to a poll.  This one started with just two options.

Would not make sense as you can only vote once and not change your vote over time.  If the choices are all not there to start with, the poll makes no sense.

Think about it...

Read all of what I wrote then you think about it.  This poll started with two (2) choices.  The OP changed it once people added their thoughts.  Adding a choice to a poll isn't difficult. 

The other comment that I made that you either failed to read or didn't understand is that the OP can setup a poll so that someone can change their vote.  If I voted for one FE, then want to change my vote to another FE, I can.  That would allow for new FEs that catch people's attention to be added throughout time. 

Yeah well when all that happens, you let us know.

Here's the link.  Saint's agreed to sticky it so that should make it easy for everyone to find.   

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=84933.0

[cadmium]

I'm not really sure what you are trying to say...  HS allows 4 artworks + background. 

Look, I'm certainly not going to complain about a free front-end. And it's certainly cool. And competition is great, and I may even run it myself.

I'll let those screenshots speak for themselves. It's just a little too over the top for *my* tastes. That's all. I'm not condemning it at all, just saying it's a little too much eye candy in my humble opinion.

[bigdog1977]

Well hands down Im all for Maximo G+..   

[LLUncoolJ]

Thought I 'd revisit this thread and see if anybody has changed their tune. I am currently running Maximus. I also have a Mala setup that I like (mainly because the game lists are easier to create and it runs my LEDs flawlessly). My CP admin buttons were originally laid out for Mala and people have a hard time navigating the menu in MA. Currently, I have Vista installed and we all know how older programs despise Vista. MA allows me to shut down without a mouse...which is good for my kids.

Maybe I'll look into Hyperspin. I think this winter I may modify my CP (replace Ultimarc 4/8's with Happ competitions, add a 4 way, and maybe another admin button) and back everything up and downgrade to XP. That may cure a lot of my problems.

[arzoo]

Thought I 'd revisit this thread and see if anybody has changed their tune. I am currently running Maximus. I also have a Mala setup that I like (mainly because the game lists are easier to create and it runs my LEDs flawlessly). My CP admin buttons were originally laid out for Mala and people have a hard time navigating the menu in MA. Currently, I have Vista installed and we all know how older programs despise Vista. MA allows me to shut down without a mouse...which is good for my kids.

Maybe I'll look into Hyperspin. I think this winter I may modify my CP (replace Ultimarc 4/8's with Happ competitions, add a 4 way, and maybe another admin button) and back everything up and downgrade to XP. That may cure a lot of my problems.

It's been revisited 
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=84933.0

[Dartful Dodger]

I was switching between ArcadeOS and Mame32, I eventually settled on ArcadeOS. This was over 8 years ago.

Maybe I'll try one of these fancy frontends after I finish the cab I've been working on for the last 6 years...