Multiple ROM names - which one(s) do I use?

[pmilnes]

Hi there,

I have put together a list of 150 games or so that I want on my machine... I am trying to avoid having people scroll through 5,000+ games and ROMs.

My question is, how do I know WHICH ROM to use?

For example, the game Pengo has the following ROMs in the ROM folder:

Pengo.zip
Pengo2.zip
Pengo2u.zip
Pengo3u.zip
Pengo4.zip

Do I need all of these ROMs for that game?  If not, which one should I put in that folder to shorten and simplify my game list?

Thanks!

[DaveMMR]

Whenever it doubt you can check MAWS.  (http://www.mameworld.net/maws/).   Here's the results for Pengo:

pengob     Pengo (bootleg)     
pengo    Pengo (set 1 rev c)    
pengo2u    Pengo (set 2 not encrypted)
pengo2    Pengo (set 2)    
pengo3u    Pengo (set 3 not encrypted)    
pengo4    Pengo (set 4)

There's more to it than that though (text from MAWS):

(Set 2) draws its maze much more quickly and has snappy original music, whereas (Set 1)'s music is a copy of an instrumental pop song (Hot Butter - Popcorn - 1972).

I personally use Set 1 for Pengo.  I like "Popcorn".   

EDIT: Clarity.

[javeryh]

I look at maws first to find out the info but if there are multiple sets I usually go with the latest one (or in your example, pengo4) - I'm not sure why but I haven't run into problems or anything yet...

[pmilnes]

MAWS seems to be just what I need.

Thanks, guys!

[u_rebelscum]

Don't forget the parent/clone relationships.  Clones share ROMs with the parent, so if you have slipt sets, you need the parent ROM set to play a clone.  Umm, more info in mameFAQ

[web.geek]

[We interrupt this thread for an unrelated message:]

Whoa! The new MAMEDEV design rocks! 

[/Resuming thread]

[Ummon]

I've found that mostly parent sets are desired. The exceptions are few - Pengo is one, Puckman is another. Also, some are just a matter of what you feel like playing - ie: Robotron vs Robotryo.