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Main => Software Forum => Topic started by: csnow on September 28, 2020, 09:33:10 am

Title: FrontEnd's in 2020 - What is the consensus?
Post by: csnow on September 28, 2020, 09:33:10 am
I have been away a number of years.  HyperSpin was the most popular years ago but what is the cat's meow today?  I am planning a build of 3 cabinets and would like some guidance.  It looks like the paid version of LaunchBox is getting rave reviews. 
Title: Re: FrontEnd's in 2020 - What is the consensus?
Post by: P-chan on September 28, 2020, 10:05:14 am
Also interested in this answer, I really like the look of Launchbox/Big Box and don't mind paying the $30 or whatever if it's worth it.
Title: Re: FrontEnd's in 2020 - What is the consensus?
Post by: Jimbo on September 28, 2020, 11:17:51 am
Depends on your setup.

If you have a massive HD flat screen TV and want it to look all modern and swish, I believe Hyperspin is still going.

If you are running a 15Khz CRT, then something like attractmode is what I'd go for.

Personally I can't stand Hyperspin, it's too flashy and modern looking.  But that's just me.
Title: Re: FrontEnd's in 2020 - What is the consensus?
Post by: meyer980 on September 28, 2020, 12:46:58 pm
I'm going to assume this is for a PC. If that's the case;

1. Attrac tMode if you want complete customizability - but harder to learn
2. LaunchBox (paid) if you just want something that will work and move on

I've used Attract Mode for my last 3 builds and like it a lot. I'm usually going for an authentic 80's looking type of interface though, which is easy to do in Attract Mode.
Title: Re: FrontEnd's in 2020 - What is the consensus?
Post by: csnow on September 28, 2020, 02:41:35 pm
I am PC with 15khz CRT on all three builds which are 1) Vert 4-way  2) Vert 8 way  3)Horizontal   I will be MAME only with maybe Blitz via DreamCast emulation.  Ease of use from configuration and end-user game selection is what I am after vs glitz and glam.  My cabs have specific games that I personally play with maybe 10-20 games each at most.  I am not the guy who has a gazillion games on one cabinet.  I am coming from an ArcadeSD that died and moving to MAME vs spending another $340 on something that might die again.  The ArcadeSD had a very basic interface which was completely satisfactory for me. 
Title: Re: FrontEnd's in 2020 - What is the consensus?
Post by: SteveJ34 on September 30, 2020, 11:38:56 pm
I'm going to assume this is for a PC. If that's the case;

1. Attrac tMode if you want complete customizability - but harder to learn
2. LaunchBox (paid) if you just want something that will work and move on

I've used Attract Mode for my last 3 builds and like it a lot. I'm usually going for an authentic 80's looking type of interface though, which is easy to do in Attract Mode.

What Theme did you use for Attract Mode?

It is difficult pouring through the "theme" section in the forum and not all have images/links to demos.
Title: Re: FrontEnd's in 2020 - What is the consensus?
Post by: meyer980 on October 01, 2020, 10:20:00 am
I'm going to assume this is for a PC. If that's the case;

1. Attrac tMode if you want complete customizability - but harder to learn
2. LaunchBox (paid) if you just want something that will work and move on

I've used Attract Mode for my last 3 builds and like it a lot. I'm usually going for an authentic 80's looking type of interface though, which is easy to do in Attract Mode.

What Theme did you use for Attract Mode?

It is difficult pouring through the "theme" section in the forum and not all have images/links to demos.


I actually just made my own theme. Again, I was going for very simple and clean layouts so it doesn't have all the flash some other themes might. I used this tool each time: https://goodiesfor.me/attractmode/builder/