Mame32 Front end

[Redseven80]

Can anyone suggest an easy to set up frontend for use with Windows 98 and Mame32? that can also be used with only a MS sidewinder
(6 button) thanks.

[Goz]

MAME32 is a front end.

[Redseven80]

Is it? no wonder i couldn't get another front end to work with it! Software was never my strong point

[Minwah]

It's actually an emulator with a built-in frontend...

But many frontends should still work with it (even if most FE developers recommend against it).

[Redseven80]

Is there away u can use it with a joystick without going up and down through 3500 games? like maybe selecting a game by first letter, as most of the other categories are to hard to remember that there related to the game??

[Goz]

Front ends such as MAMEWAH, Ultrastyle,  etc have side to side features which allow you to go by pages, etc. instead of one game at a time.

-Goz

[Apollo]

I would suggest using Windows command line MAME with MAMEWAH as a front end and making a custom games list. This is surprisingly easy to set up has all the features you are asking about and is a lot more user friendly than MAME32.

[SirPeale]

Is there away u can use it with a joystick without going up and down through 3500 games? like maybe selecting a game by first letter, as most of the other categories are to hard to remember that there related to the game??

You can go right and left to go a page at a time.  You can also hit a letter to jump directly to that section of the alphabet.

Of course, the best solution is to not actually install all 5,397 games, but only the ones you play.

[LeedsFan]

I would suggest using Windows command line MAME with MAMEWAH as a front end and making a custom games list. This is surprisingly easy to set up has all the features you are asking about and is a lot more user friendly than MAME32.

I would have to disagree with that really. I think Mame32 is the most user friendly of the Mame set ups out there. I think most people start with Mame32 when they first get into Mame as it's so accessible. All your options settings are chosen in standard windows boxes..... nothing could be simpler.

But I agree that standard command line Mame with Mamewah is the best way to go really. I had to put in a lot of time learning how to use Mamewah and setting up .ini files etc. But it was worth it in the end!

[Bones]

I would have to disagree with that really. I think Mame32 is the most user friendly of the Mame set ups out there. I think most people start with Mame32 when they first get into Mame as it's so accessible.

Yeah I totally agree. Mame32 is what catches your attention and gets you interested in all this in the first place. Other FE's come after the WOW factor from initially finding Mame32. (For me anyway!)

[Gunstar Hero]

(raises hand)

I started with MAME32.

[Quarters]

I would Install command line MAME and put your roms in the 'roms' directory. Then install  MAME 32 and point it at the existing rom directory. That way You can easily try out front ends and use MAME 32. Make sure your MAME 32 includes the same version of  MAME as the MAME you install.

[Goz]

MAME32 = MAME with training wheels. This is where most people start. It is very easy to use right away if you are in possession of common sense and can use the documentation. It however looks like crap on an arcade monitor.

Start with MAME32 then when you are comfortable take off the wheels and fly.

Other FE's to try with little to NO learning curve GameEx is incredibly easy to configure and so is Ultrastyle.

Game On

-Goz

[GGKoul]

(raises hand)

I started with MAME32.

I still use Mame32.  Its very easy to setup and it's very easy for anyone to load my my Mame machine and play.