Best features

Efriim

I discovered video screensavers and I thought that was good, then I pressed the start button and it opened the game. that's the best feature.

simpleethat

@Efriim I have definitely let the screensaver run and found things to try that way. You can also use Right on the DPad/Stick (maybe keyboard too) to go to the next random game.

I really enjoy launching images, I have mine setup to display the cartridge itself because that made sense to me.

I also love being able to fast forward through things, great for old RPGs with really slow text cutscenes or grinding out levels. You can also use it to give yourself the double speed challenge if you're a masochist.

Efriim

I updated to the sixaxishelper, skeptically... The install replaces and uninstalls the previous ps3controller package.

I first notice that it asks you to go to the bluetooth menu to sync the controller! Then I notice the controller no longer vibrates on sync and the leds no longer scintillate.
This update is amazing though!

First off it fixed the mapping issues I was having when I use the controller wireless versus usb connection.

Secondly, it allows you you to connect a mix of controllers in the blue tooth menu! Whereas the ps3controller driver previously would override and disconnect non ps3 controllers.
I have a Wii U Classic and a PS3 controller at the same time, that's the best feature!

Efriim

@Efriim I spoke too soon, The Wii U Controller is apparently registered as a keyboard on connect, and I haven't worked that out yet unfortunately only the directional buttons work. Additionally I'm having a problem with this and supplementary/runcommand/joy2key.py??? Will probably try to start a help thread for this, if I can't find anything.

Clyde

@Efriim said in Best features:

I discovered video screensavers and I thought that was good, then I pressed the start button and it opened the game. that's the best feature.

Yep, definitely one of the best features for me, too.

@simpleethat said in Best features:

@Efriim I have definitely let the screensaver run and found things to try that way. You can also use Right on the DPad/Stick (maybe keyboard too) to go to the next random game.

Me too, and its one of the first things I tell my guests if they're interested in playing some games.

Retropie's "Hotkey" button (Select in my case) also skips to the next random game, by the way. I would like a button to return to the last video, though, since sometimes I'm too slow at sprinting from my couch to the cabinet if an interesting game shows up. :)

I really enjoy launching images, I have mine setup to display the cartridge itself because that made sense to me.

Same here, and Flyers for the arcade games, or a photo of the original cabinet if no flyer is available.

I also love being able to fast forward through things, great for old RPGs with really slow text cutscenes or grinding out levels. You can also use it to give yourself the double speed challenge if you're a masochist.

I love the save slots. Without them, I would never get through some of the tougher games, or just call it a day and continue another time.

Efriim

@Clyde said in Best features:

I love the save slots. Without them, I would never get through some of the tougher games, or just call it a day and continue another time.

Oh yeah for the nintendo games or msx games with passwords. I try not to cheat but sometimes I just need to get past a part in a game.

On top of that, retroarch has a setting to autosave on exit and autoload on start. This is a feature that the nintendo virtual console uses.
I setup mine to autosave on a usbdrive (I had to turn off the usbromservice) this saves space and ensures I won't run out of space from savestates but it also counts as a backup.

Clyde

@Efriim said in Best features:

Oh yeah for the nintendo games or msx games with passwords. I try not to cheat but sometimes I just need to get past a part in a game.

Or for games like Demon's Crest, which begins with a frustratingly difficult boss battle (because you have to learn how to beat it) and a non-skippable, 23-seconds-long intro. Without a save point right after the intro, I would've stopped playing after the first 4-5 deaths. I really don't know what the developers were thinking to make the intro non-skippable. 😒

On top of that, retroarch has a setting to autosave on exit and autoload on start. This is a feature that the nintendo virtual console uses.

I noticed that, but I prefer manual saving at specific points rather than an auto-save that I don't need 99% of the time. It is useful for games with score tables that are not saved by Ratroarch, as it is the case for many console games.

Efriim

@Clyde
Ha, I used to own Demon's Crest, that one is no problem.
Now Gargoyle's Quest II is another challenge. The river of flame is hell.
And ActRaiser 2, I think I remember playing 1 and 2 at the local videogame store. There is one jump on the first level, that can take a hundred tries, and then the rest of the game isn't any easier

I didn't think I wanted the autosave feature either, but I opted for it when I was thinking about save backups on a memory card, it was an easy solution. And then I realized that there isn't anything wrong with it, and it's actually really awesome to load right where I left off. Maybe disable it for a few games.

Clyde

@Efriim Another reason for me to not use the auto save is that one function of my DIY cabinet is to entertain my guests, and for that the games should start normally at their title screen, not somewhere I or others left them. But in general I like it that there is such a feature. 👍