FRONTEND - EXTENDING THE DEBATE.

[ZaneMn]

     Hello,
I am just building my first MAME cabinet and I am starting to configure the computer so it will be ready to play just after my build is complete.  I am to the point where I am looking at frontends.

     I am not looking just to play MAME but also other platforms.  I have the Sega Genesis emu GENS, as well as a SNES, NES, ULTRA 64, C64, PLAYSTATION, and ATARI emulator.  I have been looking at Emulaxion, but when I install the files and try to run them it says I am missing files.  The developer's site says that they are included in the current release on his site, but THE JUST FLAT OUT ARE NOT.  Can any point me to a realiable frontend that will run these emus and have soild suport from it's programmers?

   

[)p(]

   I have been looking at Emulaxion, but when I install the files and try to run them it says I am missing files.  The developer's site says that they are included in the current release on his site, but THE JUST FLAT OUT ARE NOT.  Can any point me to a realiable frontend that will run these emus and have soild suport from it's programmers?

   

Which files are missing according to you?

peter

[PacManFan]

Try out EmuTron. it's argueably the BEST front end out there.(I know I'm going to catch hell for this...)
You can download the new 2.01 release at:
http://216.194.68.209/~admin17/
It is a non- windows looking full screen FE with lots of good features that will supoort ANY command line driven Emulator.
As far as support, I'll be available to answer any questions.

-PacManFan...

[Bill_S]

Just to clarify, he's says it's arguably the best because it's his.

I personally haven't tried Emutron yet, but I intend to.  I think it looks pretty cool.  I'm thinking about waiting for version 3 though
automatic script/config wizard is good for me

[toyguy]

Emulaxian will launch pretty much anything, it has excellent support at the web site and via email, and it runs great with a minimal amount of configuration.

Did you download both parts of the installation?  It's split into 2 zip files.  Did you extract them into the same directory, using the "keep file paths" option of your unzipper?  If so, it should run using the default game list after you edit the mame emulator config file.

Sounds like something's wrong with the install, as I just installed a fresh copy of 0.77 and it worked fine.

[Brad Lee]

I've been using AdvanceMenu in tiled mode- basically it shows a 4x4 grid of snapshots that's navigable by the joystick. I set windows to use it as the shell instead of explorer.exe, so it's full screen with no windows effects, if that's what you're looking to avoid.
It can be set for different emulators but Ive only used it with mame variations

It can be a little tricky on the setup, especially if you're delving into the custom resolutions and such, but overall it's not too difficult.

For use without a keyboard I think it makes a good choice

[Howard_Casto]

     I am not looking just to play MAME but also other platforms.  I have the Sega Genesis emu GENS, as well as a SNES, NES, ULTRA 64, C64, PLAYSTATION, and ATARI emulator.  I have been looking at Emulaxion, but when I install the files and try to run them it says I am missing files.  The developer's site says that they are included in the current release on his site, but THE JUST FLAT OUT ARE NOT.  Can any point me to a realiable frontend that will run these emus and have soild suport from it's programmers?

There is only one front-end at this point that is designed to run all of that crap, namely mine.  But as for tech support I'm too busy with other projects and I rarely take the time anymore.  It will work but as of now there are some install issues and I don't have time to hold anyone's hand until dx laz is finished.  As for peter's fe it works flawlessly but again, he'll help you but he's not going to hold your hand.  These are free so you shouldn't even expect tech support at all.  

[atog]

amen to that.  Asking for tech support is one thing, EXPECTING tech support is just wrong.  These guys wrote these things mostly for their own benefit and have been kind enough to release them for our use.  If you have tech troubles with one, move on to the next.

[)p(]

amen to that.  Asking for tech support is one thing, EXPECTING tech support is just wrong.  These guys wrote these things mostly for their own benefit and have been kind enough to release them for our use.  If you have tech troubles with one, move on to the next.

 

That said I think that most authors around here have allways answered any serious questions thrown at them...mostly within a day or less...so I would say support for most fe's is very generous indeed  

peter

[Howard_Casto]

agreed...

I think the main thing is being a victim of our own success. (if you could call it that   ) At one point I would answer within the hour if I was home.  Now I have 3-4 projects going on at once and I barely have time to answer simple non tech support  related questions.  It's sad but true.  

Another thing that I want to add but please no one take it personal.  I think these "which fe is the best" posts are becoming rather distasteful.  At one point all of the fe's were a little known secret but now we have all the major one's that suit the needs of arcade cabinets on the links page of the faq.  And saint is willing to post anyone's there so if you have a fe and it's not represented then tell him.  

Opinions about fe's are just that, opinions.  Some are easier to setup than others and some work better than others and some work best on certain hardware.  Making a statement like "i want it to run every emu well with no glitches and solid, free tech support" is like asking for a million dollars for doing nothing.  There isn't a single front end that will do that.  Why?  Because they are free and generally are made by a single person in their spare time.  Even the smallest commerical programs are worked on full time and with a team of people.  

I didn't say anything before but it's really getting to me.  Peter's 3darcade/emulaxian is the original of the next generation fe's.  It is unquesitonably the most stable fe out there and in most cases it will launch without any setup. Of course you have to configure it but that's to be expected of any fe.  If you want to say that some rinky dink fe that's only been out a week or so is buggy and won't work that's one thing, but peter's is the third oldest fe period, end of story.  And he gives better tech support than anyone, even me at my best.  

In closing, momma always said don't bite the hand that feeds ya.  So don't b*tch about not getting something to work publically in such a rude tone, especially when it's someone who's so prominant in the community.  

[Jakobud]

Give Game Launcher a try.  It's been around a while and supports all those Emulators you mentioned.  I use it and it works like a charm.

[Magnet_Eye]

FRONTENDS are lame!

I want the BACKEND!!!  

[CM]

So much complaining ...

for those not happy with the existing frontends .. might I suggest the ultimate frontend solution:  ebay!  

You click the game you want and *BAM* (shipping .. err I mean .. load times will vary)  there it is in your home with a full 3D-cabinet, mapped controls, marquee, artwork, snaps, sounds.  

[SirPoonga]

FRONTENDS are lame!

I want the BACKEND!!!  

You know what, that really isn't that funny considering my FE has a BE.