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What are the rules (or more likely what should be the rules) around using TG settings for clones, particularly when TG settings are easier than MAME defaults? MAME TG settings, as specified by TG, are (almost?) always for a particular ROM set. Should you be able to use them for clones as well? For example TG specifies settings for Jungle Hunt (jungleh), but doesn't mention the clones. TG settings for the Jungle Hunt "family" have one more man than MAME defaults and score higher (Finish Bonus = Timer X2).

What do people think?

-George

Rule 2h reads:

h) Recording submissions must be recorded with that particular ROMset's defaults or TG (Twin Galaxies) settings. A recording set at easier or different settings is subject to deletion, especially if it is higher than others at more difficult settings. Recording on TG settings, which are the official arcade game settings, is preferred, and will gain your scores further notice from your fellow players.

It does not address the fact that TG settings generally do not exist for clones.

More importantly, in my opinion, this rule was a huge mistake from the start.

It was probably written with the assumption that TG settings would be harder than default, but this is sometimes not the case.

Having a general rule that ties TG settings to MARP can do nothing but create confusion like we see here. I understand that many MARPers also want their accomplishments recognized by TG, and on a case by case basis this can be accomplished through special rules if the community chooses.

I however, would prefer that the general rule would be to use MAME defaults, unless otherwise specified in special rules. The problem this then brings up is that MAME defaults change sometimes, with MARP having no control over it. In these cases we can either choose to stick with the old settings, or to go with the new defaults. In the latter case, if the new settings allow for higher scoring, then no further action is necessary, if the new settings make scoring more difficult, then older recordings using the easier defaults might have to be adjusted, if possible, or deleted. This is an unavoidable evil, as TG settings could also change with time.

Is there support out there for changing Rule 2h to use MAME defaults unless otherwise indicated? If so then the question of TG settings applying to clones becomes moot.

You can use TG settings for clones too. This has been custom at marp so far.
Best would be to use same settings as other players have used, not getting advantage using easier settings, using common sense settings.

Individual game settings can be discussed here, and maybe voted upon, if need be. If a game has special rules, those overrule any mame default or TG settings.

Cheers,
TJT

Weehawk wrote:
Is there support out there for changing Rule 2h to use MAME defaults unless otherwise indicated? If so then the question of TG settings applying to clones becomes moot.

I'm afraid not allowing TG settings, would make quite a mess at this point...So many games are using those already.

I however, would prefer that the general rule would be to use MAME defaults, unless otherwise specified in special rules. The problem this then brings up is that MAME defaults change sometimes, with MARP having no control over it. In these cases we can either choose to stick with the old settings, or to go with the new defaults. In the latter case, if the new settings allow for higher scoring, then no further action is necessary, if the new settings make scoring more difficult, then older recordings using the easier defaults might have to be adjusted, if possible, or deleted. This is an unavoidable evil, as TG settings could also change with time.

If settings change, my opinion is that we make special rules that match old settings.(or settings that are best for that game )
Don't want to have old(and maybe VERY good)replays beaten by easier settings. And vice versa, don't want to give advantage to old mame versions that use easier settings.

MC TJT RC

Hey, what happened to "man who did it himself" hehehe