NOOB - need some knowledge

[jousley]

Hey guys, this is my first post, and I am a NOOB at this point. But I am totally going to figure this out. I would like to build an arcade game (I have some direction through a couple of instructables). The construction of the classice arcade console is a piece of cake. I'll mount a P4 computer in a box, mount the screen, have a hidden compartment for a mouse and a keyboard, and make her look pretty - no biggie. I will be mounting classic arcade type buttons and joysticks and have them "compute" to keystrokes to the CPU. but the software will be a challenge as I am just beginning my education on MAME and GameEx frontend.

I have yet to read the documentation, but will do that tomorrow, and have seen many youtube videos and the site videos. there are so many options in GameEx, but what I want is very simple. I will have the console plugged in, and when I press the "on" button, I would like the arcade to load simply (no windows stuff) - just a black screen until it is ready to go. then I would like a few categorized options (action games, puzzle games, RPG games, and All games, etc) maybe with a video for each category exemplifying a game of that category. Using the joystick to choose which category. Then once a category is chosen, to have a simple list of the games of that category and perhaps a video displaying a scene when each game is highlighted by the joystick. Then click of a button, start a game.. and that's it.

I recognize that this will entail setting up the parameters and settings in GameEx, and at this point have no idea how to achieve this. But would appreciate all knowledge to begin to point me in the right direction. Forum posts, websites, documents, anything that will help me obtain my goal. I know many of you are quite proficient at MAME and GameEx, and would greatly appreciate where you can direct me to help me obtain my objective. In advance, I appreciate all knowledge and suggestions given, as I will follow up with all of them. I am pretty good when it comes to computer and software and hope to be able to assist others in the futuer as I become more orientated to this platform

Again, thanks in advance and I will have more questions as you direct me.

J.

[AlphaUMi]

Unfortunately I can't assist you into building and configuring a cabinet (Xpadder, how to set up Windows and GameEx in a cabinet and so on): but I can assure you that more experienced users and the moderators here will guide you 'til the goal.

But maybe I can be of help configuring GameEx for your needs: first thing, do you want to use only a MAME set, or are you planning to include other emulator in your setup?

[DazzleHP]

and when I press the "on" button, I would like the arcade to load simply (no windows stuff) - just a black screen until it is ready to go.

This can be achieved using InstantSheller:

http://www.gameex.co...tantsheller.zip

As for the rest, everything you require can be done but you will have to do some learning. Unfortunately there is no "one solution suits all" otherwise we'd all be using it

to start you off search "clrmamepro"

Good luck! And i'm sure the regulars here can give you further assistance should you need it

[jousley]

Thanks for the replies so far. I plan to only use a MAME set thus far. and I appreciate the help. I am looking up what you have indicated right now and hope to learn how to achieve my goal. Thanks again

J>

[AlphaUMi]

Speaking of GameEx configuration, just start by learning to use the Setup Wizard (Setup Wizard.exe). The "?" buttons give you some explanation of what any option does... you can disable every feature you aren't going to use and leave only MAME.