NeoGenesis Xbox: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox XBOX Homebrews
{{Infobox XBOX Homebrews
| title      = Neogenesis For Xbox
| title      = Neogenesis For Xbox
| image      = [[image:neogenesis_front.png|250px]]
| image      = neogenesisx2.png
| type        = Console
| type        = Console
| version    = v25b19
| version    = 26
| licence     = Mixed
| description = Sega Genesis/Megadrive/32X/SegaCD/MegaCD emulator.
| author      = xport/Madmab
| lastupdated = 2023/10/12
| format      = XBE
| license     = Mixed
| author      = XPort, Madmab
| website    = http://www.emuxtras.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=76&t=53
| website    = http://www.emuxtras.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=76&t=53
| download    = media:Neogenesis_v25b19.zip
| download    = http://www.emuxtras.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=76&t=53
| source      =  
| source      =  
}}
}}
<youtube>Zq03DDWUwoo</youtube>
NeoGenesis is a Sega Genesis/Megadrive/32X/SegaCD/MegaCD emulator for the Xbox. Originally named GENS, it was created by XPort and updated by Madmab.


==What's New==
==Features==
*Full sound/video.
*Ported from Gens.
*Runs real Sega CDs that you put in your XBox DVD drive or it can read ISO/MP3 and BIN image files.
*CUE sheet processing for more accurate CD-MP3 playback.
*CDDISSECT-friendly. Rip with CDDISSECT, upload to XBOX, run CUE.
*Selectable GENS settings.
*ZIP support.
*Netplay.
*Cheat system - Search/Create your own cheat codes or enter Game Genie codes.
*Favorites list.
*Resizable game screen.
*Save Game management - delete save game files.
*Skin-able.
*Samba/NetBIOS sharing support (read files from your PC).
*Relax Network Sharing (read files from your PC).
*Support for filenames > 42 chars from shared directories.
*Play MP3 or M3U playlists in the background (can also read MP3/M3U from across Samba/Relax shares).
*Take in-game screenshots and display them on the game selection list.
*Graphics filters.
*Record/Playback feature - record your gameplay in the emu and then play it back again. Record up to 10 minutes of gameplay.
*Every single in-game command is fully customizable on any of the four joypad controllers.
*Map any emulator or UI command to a single button or a combination of two buttons (e.g. RTrigger+LTrigger = Save State).
*Autofire capabilities for any emulator button on any controller.
*One-button combos.
*Traverse any directory on any drive.
*Save States with 10 save state slots for each game.
*All UI commands (save state, load state, screenshot, etc) can be invoked from the Options/Pause menu as well as in-game via your customized joypad mappings.
*Can be invoked from a command-line to directly run a game from a front-end or dashboard and bypass the user-selection screens (only if the frontend or dashboard supports this feature).
*Can return to the launching program if the launching program supports this feature.


===NeoGenesis Sega Genesis/Megadrive/32X/SegaCD/MegaCD Emulator for XBox v25.19b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)===
==Installation==
Bios should be placed in the bios folder:
*32x_g_bios.bin.
*32x_m_bios.bin.
*32x_s_bios.bin.
*genesis_os_rom.bin.
*mcd_101.bin.
*mcd2_200.bin.
*scd_110.bin.
*scd2_200.bin.


* Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b30. See "Interface Changelog.txt"
==User guide==
===Configuration defaults===
This feature allows you to set default configurations for select emulators.


* Returned to the original size for software filter temp buffers. The reduced size was causing issues with some filters and rewind.
In the General settings menu, there will be a new option - Automatically Use Default Game Configuration (Yes/No). If you set it to Yes, it will bring up the game configuration screen and let you define the default (if no default.stg and default.key file exists).


* BoxCart art and screenshot textures are cleared on game start to help free up a little memory before launching a game. This was done to help make up a little for the change to the software filter temp buffer sizes.
In the Configuration menu, there will be a new option Set default game configuration. You can go in anytime through the Configuration menu to change these defaults to something else if they wish.


* Known Issue
Once set to Automatically use Default Game Configuration, you will not see the game configuration screen again unless:
* You press X when selecting a game.
* Change Use Default Game Configuration back to No.


** If you run a Sega CD game and then run a game with 68000 overclock set to "Yes" (Zero Wing) the game will freeze for brief periods of time (enough to drop the framerate to 20fps).
Keep in mind when it is set to Yes the game will use your Default game settings and not the normal x-port behavior. If set to No, the emulator will behave like it usually does. Each emu is typically different. But all, at the very least carry the controller settings over.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This feature will only be added to emulators in which it is feasible to use.


===NeoGenesis Sega Genesis/Megadrive/32X/SegaCD/MegaCD Emulator for XBox v25.18b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)===
==Controls==
Right-Stick Thumb - Menu (in game)


* Fixed issue where on bin/cue or Redump Sega CD games.. When pausing the game in game (start) and un-pausing the game then the music would not unpause.  (examples are: Heart Of The Alien, Batman Returns, Ecco 1 and 2, Earth Worm Jim Special and Eternal Champions)
'''Text browser:'''


* Fixed long standing issue where on cue/iso/mp3 Sega CD games running on a share.. When pausing the game in game (start) and un-pausing the game then the xbox would hang (stuck in a loop).  This one goes waaaay back.  (examples are: Heart Of The Alien, Batman Returns, Ecco 1 and 2, Earth Worm Jim Special and Eternal Champions)
A - Start Search


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B - Exit


===NeoGenesis Sega Genesis/Megadrive/32X/SegaCD/MegaCD Emulator for XBox v25.17b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)===
X - Continue Last Search


* Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b28. See "Interface Changelog.txt"
Y - Simulate width font


* Had an option reversed that caused the "Neogenesis" build to look for the wrong CD BIOS files.
White/Black - Previous/Next file


* Game SFX volume is no longer saved with non CD game configurations.
Start - Help screen


* Music volume for CDDA images that are of cue/iso/mp3 format can now be controlled seperate from the game volume.
Back - Reset view as if document was loaded for first time.


* Some tweaks to the allocation/deallocation of various things to help allieve some memory issues (and crashes) for those using the PM3 skin.  I personally recommend dumping the PM3 skin, it is a memory hog.
D-Pad - Up/down, Up Page, Down Page


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Left-Stick Thumb - Set font size


===NeoGenesis Sega Genesis/Megadrive/32X/SegaCD/MegaCD Emulator for XBox v25.16b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)===
Left-Stick Up/Down - Top/End of file


* Fixed up detection of redump.org images some more (grrrr).
Right-Stick Thumb - Set text screen size


* Neogenesis was looking for the wrong Jap CD BIOS when running Japanese region sega CD games.  (Typo on my part)  Fixed.
Right-Stick Left/Right - Decrease/Increase fixed-width font size


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
L/R - Move up/down text file


===NeoGenesis Sega Genesis/Megadrive/32X/SegaCD/MegaCD Emulator for XBox v25.15b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)===
'''Screenshot browser:'''


* Activated autoload savestates.
A - Lock/Unlock Aspect Ratio


* CD_Unload code was crashing the emulator when a game would "open" the tray for a disc change on network accessed discs.  Fixed.
B - Exit


* In-Game Change CD option would crash when trying to select a "bin/cue" on a samba share.  Oopsie!  Fixed.
Y - Delete file (Utilities > browse screenshots only)


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
White/Black - Previous/Next file


===NeoGenesis Sega Genesis/Megadrive/32X/SegaCD/MegaCD Emulator for XBox v25.14b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)===
Start - Help screen


* Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b21. See "Interface Changelog.txt"
Back - Toggle between "Full Size" and "Size to fit screen".


* Due to an improperly sized array the flicker filter level was resetting to 0 on game load.  Fixed.
D-Pad - Up/Down/Left/Right, Move image 1/4th the total size of the image


* Sound from the genesis plus GX sound engine was being done improperly (incorrect variable types) and was causing weird issues on surround systems.  Fixed.
Left-Stick Thumb - Music Control Menu


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Left-Stick Up/Down - Move screen up/down.


===NeoGenesis Sega Genesis/Megadrive/32X/SegaCD/MegaCD Emulator for XBox v25.13b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)===
Right-Stick Left/Right - Decrease/Increase screen size (size changes proportional to distance the stick is pressed)


* Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b18. See "Interface Changelog.txt"
==Screenshots==
https://dlhb.gamebrew.org/xboxhomebrews/neogenesisx3.png


* Added 6 new software filters from GensX and 2 from NeoGeo CD emulator (see interface changelog for more details).
https://dlhb.gamebrew.org/xboxhomebrews/neogenesisx4.png


* Based on user feedback removed the following software filters 2xSai Scanline, 4xSai Scanline, Super 2xSai Scanline, Super 4xSai Scanline, Eagle 2x Scanline, Eagle 4x Scanline, Super Eagle2x Scanline, Super Eagle4x Scanline.
https://dlhb.gamebrew.org/xboxhomebrews/neogenesisx5.png


* Fixed issue where FPS stop displaying after playing your first game.
https://dlhb.gamebrew.org/xboxhomebrews/neogenesisx6.png


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
https://dlhb.gamebrew.org/xboxhomebrews/neogenesisx7.png


===NeoGenesis Sega Genesis/Megadrive/32X/SegaCD/MegaCD Emulator for XBox v25.12b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)===
==Media==
'''Play Sega CD disks on your xbox (Neogenesis)''' ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq03DDWUwoo TheUnbiasedGamer]) <br>
<youtube>Zq03DDWUwoo</youtube>


* Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b17. See "Interface Changelog.txt"
==Known issue==
If you run a Sega CD game and then run a game with 68000 overclock set to "Yes" (Zero Wing) the game will freeze for brief periods of time (enough to drop the framerate to 20fps).


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
==Changelog==
'''v26 Madmab Ed (Hybrid)'''
* Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b43. See "Interface Changelog.txt"
* This release is to simply updated the interface to CFv1b43.  If you want to use the more recent features like CHD support then use NeoGensPlusGX.


===NeoGenesis Sega Genesis/Megadrive/32X/SegaCD/MegaCD Emulator for XBox v25.11b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)===
'''v25.19b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)'''
* Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b30. See "Interface Changelog.txt".
* Returned to the original size for software filter temp buffers. The reduced size was causing issues with some filters and rewind.
* BoxCart art and screenshot textures are cleared on game start to help free up a little memory before launching a game. This was done to help make up a little for the change to the software filter temp buffer sizes.


* Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b16. See "Interface Changelog.txt"
'''v25.18b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)'''
* Fixed issue where on bin/cue or Redump Sega CD games.. When pausing the game in game (start) and un-pausing the game then the music would not unpause. (examples are: Heart Of The Alien, Batman Returns, Ecco 1 and 2, Earth Worm Jim Special and Eternal Champions).
* Fixed long standing issue where on cue/iso/mp3 Sega CD games running on a share.. When pausing the game in game (start) and un-pausing the game then the xbox would hang (stuck in a loop). This one goes waaaay back. (examples are: Heart Of The Alien, Batman Returns, Ecco 1 and 2, Earth Worm Jim Special and Eternal Champions).


* You can now disable the "Launch Inserted CD" option menu in the "Dummy/Lockdown Mode Settings" menu.
'''v25.17b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)'''
* Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b28. See "Interface Changelog.txt".
* Had an option reversed that caused the "Neogenesis" build to look for the wrong CD BIOS files.
* Game SFX volume is no longer saved with non CD game configurations.
* Music volume for CDDA images that are of cue/iso/mp3 format can now be controlled seperate from the game volume.
* Some tweaks to the allocation/deallocation of various things to help allieve some memory issues (and crashes) for those using the PM3 skin. I personally recommend dumping the PM3 skin, it is a memory hog.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'''v25.16b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)'''
* Fixed up detection of redump.org images some more (grrrr).
* Neogenesis was looking for the wrong Jap CD BIOS when running Japanese region sega CD games. (Typo on my part) Fixed.


===NeoGenesis Sega Genesis/Megadrive/32X/SegaCD/MegaCD Emulator for XBox v25.10b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)===
'''v25.15b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)'''
* Activated autoload savestates.
* CD_Unload code was crashing the emulator when a game would "open" the tray for a disc change on network accessed discs. Fixed.
* In-Game Change CD option would crash when trying to select a "bin/cue" on a samba share. Oopsie. Fixed.


Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b14. See "Interface Changelog.txt"
'''v25.14b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)'''
* Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b21. See "Interface Changelog.txt".
* Due to an improperly sized array the flicker filter level was resetting to 0 on game load. Fixed.
* Sound from the genesis plus GX sound engine was being done improperly (incorrect variable types) and was causing weird issues on surround systems. Fixed.


* Attempt to convert gensx_mk.xbe to use the new sound core. Untested.
'''v25.13b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)'''
* Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b18. See "Interface Changelog.txt".
* Added 6 new software filters from GensX and 2 from NeoGeo CD emulator (see interface changelog for more details).
* Based on user feedback removed the following software filters 2xSai Scanline, 4xSai Scanline, Super 2xSai Scanline, Super 4xSai Scanline, Eagle 2x Scanline, Eagle 4x Scanline, Super Eagle2x Scanline, Super Eagle4x Scanline.
* Fixed issue where FPS stop displaying after playing your first game.


'''v25.12b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)'''
* Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b17. See "Interface Changelog.txt".


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'''v25.11b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)'''
 
* Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b16. See "Interface Changelog.txt"
===NeoGenesis Sega Genesis/Megadrive/32X/SegaCD/MegaCD Emulator for XBox v25.09b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)===
* You can now disable the "Launch Inserted CD" option menu in the "Dummy/Lockdown Mode Settings" menu.


Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b12. See "Interface Changelog.txt"
'''v25.10b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)'''
* Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b14. See "Interface Changelog.txt".
* Attempt to convert gensx_mk.xbe to use the new sound core. Untested.


'''v25.09b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)'''
* Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b12. See "Interface Changelog.txt".
* Fixed issue where playing CD games across a samba share was not working when the "Root Samba Share Name" contains a value.
* Fixed issue where playing CD games across a samba share was not working when the "Root Samba Share Name" contains a value.


'''v25.08b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)'''
* Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b09. See "Interface Changelog.txt".
* UMKT loading got foobared somewhere along the way (TitleID issues). Fixed
* Modified to also be able to run UMKT+Tracks ROM image. However this uses an extra 3 meg of RAM. Shouldn't be a problem since a seperate, older, core is launched to support this.
* What happened to v25.07b? Don't ask.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'''v25.06b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)'''
 
* Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b08. See "Interface Changelog.txt".
===NeoGenesis Sega Genesis/Megadrive/32X/SegaCD/MegaCD Emulator for XBox v25.08b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)===
 
Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b09. See "Interface Changelog.txt"
 
* UMKT loading got foobared somewhere along the way (TitleID issues).  Fixed
 
* Modified to also be able to run UMKT+Tracks ROM image.  However this uses an extra 3 meg of RAM.  Shouldn't be a problem since a seperate, older, core is launched to support this.
 
* What happened to v25.07b?  Don't ask... :P
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
===NeoGenesis Sega Genesis/Megadrive/32X/SegaCD/MegaCD Emulator for XBox v25.06b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)===
 
Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b08. See "Interface Changelog.txt"
 
-----------
Bug Reports
-----------
 
- Pal games cause screen to be blurry?
 
- CDDA doesn't loop properly (Sonic CD goes to next song instead of looping)?
 
-----------------------
Changes to the emu core
-----------------------


Changes to the emu core:
* Sound options "DAC Improvement" and "PSG Boost Noise" moved to seperate menu "Sound Configuration".
* Sound options "DAC Improvement" and "PSG Boost Noise" moved to seperate menu "Sound Configuration".
 
* Corrected handling of "Redump" Sega CD images. Sonic CD now works and so should the rest. Still need to do some more extensive testing.
* Corrected handling of "Redump" Sega CD images. Sonic CD now works and so should the rest. Still need to do some more extensive testing.
 
* Added support for Sega-Mega CD Darkwater Images.
* Added support for Sega-Mega CD Darkwater Images.
 
* Fixed some issues with 4-player adapter code. This has only been tested on port 1 and with the following games. Gauntlet IV, The Lost Vikings, and NBA Live '95.
* Fixed some issues with 4-player adapter code. This has only been tested on port 1 and with the following games. Gauntlet IV, The Lost Vikings, and NBA Live '95.
* Streaming CD across Samba and Relax now working. There were a couple bugs related to the new Samba code so it's highly likely this feature worked in my last official release as well as x-port's release. However on those the load times for a Samba share could be up to 3-4 minutes which is rather ridiculous.
 
* Streaming over Relax seems better to me. However both can be a little slow on videos at time, especially Samba shares.
* Streaming CD across Samba and Relax now working. There were a couple bugs related to the new Samba code so it's highly likely this feature worked in my last official release as well as x-port's release. However on those the load times for a Samba share could be up to 3-4 minutes which is rather ridiculous.
 
* Streaming over Relax seems better to me. However both can be a little slow on videos at time, especially Samba shares.
 
* I managed to improve the startup time for Sega CD over a network to between 20 (best case) to 60 seconds (worst case, some soccer game with 98 tracks) without a cue sheet.
* I managed to improve the startup time for Sega CD over a network to between 20 (best case) to 60 seconds (worst case, some soccer game with 98 tracks) without a cue sheet.
 
* Sega CD loads over a network share about 4-10 times faster if you use a cuesheet. So get your hands on the "Sega CUE Maker" and generate yourself some cue files.
* Sega CD loads over a network share about 4-10 times faster if you use a cuesheet. So get your hands on the "Sega CUE Maker" and generate yourself some cue files!
 
* Modified cue sheet reader and iso loading code to be able to handle "Sega CUE Maker" generated "cue" files.
* Modified cue sheet reader and iso loading code to be able to handle "Sega CUE Maker" generated "cue" files.
* Preliminary support for "Redump" Sega CD images. My testing has been limited. One thing I know for sure is that the "Sonic CD" Redump image does NOT work properly.


* Preliminary support for "Redump" Sega CD images. My testing has been limited. One thing I know for sure is that the "Sonic CD" Redump image does NOT work properly.
Neogenesis now uses the sound core from GensPlusGX:
 
* Yet another feature done for Mega Man (?). However this is an older version of the GensPlusGX sound core (2011)
* This means much better sound/music in alot of games that the GensX sound engine had trouble with.
* The biggest fix from the new sound engine is this "implemented Detune overflow (Ariel, Comix Zone, Shaq Fu, Spiderman & many other games using GEMS sound engine)". Plus I suspect some work done in regards to the LFO table may help as well.
* The Genesis Plus YM2612 engine was based off of the MAME sound engine and then they went and fixed a bunch of issues with it. Mostly internal tables and other boring junk like that (verified on a real YM chip). So here is a list of the more interesting changes. Please note that since it is a different sound engine I have no idea if any of these affected GensX. The one we DO know about is the "games using GEMS sound engine". So that is a start. Here is a list of "possible" things fixed. If someone feels like verifying.
* Modified LFO behavior when switched off (AM/PM current level is held) and on (LFO step is reseted): fixes intro in Spider-Man & Venom : Separation Anxiety
* Improved LFO timing accuracy: now updated AFTER sample output, like EG/PG updates, and without any precision loss anymore.
* Implemented EG output immediate changes on register writes
* Implemented accurate CSM mode emulation
* The big catch is.. interpolation is no longer (at this point). If that even matters (beats me I don't have golden ears). This is what Neogenesis turned on when the user set "YM2612 Improvement" to yes.
* So far Ariel, Shaq Fu, Blood Shot (Battle Frenzy), David Crane's Amazing Tennis, Evander Holyfield's Real Deal Boxing, F1 World Championship Edition (main menu), Greatest Heavyweights of the Ring, and Spider-Man (The Animated Series) are the most obvious examples. If anyone figures out where in Comix Zone the issue is, let me know.
* Here is a link with a list of games that use the GEMS sound engine http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Mega_Drive/Genesis_Sound_Engine_List.
* One downside to the sound core upgrade. Old savestates no longer work and the new savestates wont work in any other emu that I know of. Yes folks this emu is now officially a madmab hybrid. :lol:


'''Neogenesis now uses the sound core from GensPlusGX.'''
Changes to the interface:
* Updated to the latest madmab edition interface.


'''v25'''


Yet another feature done for Mega Man (?). However this is an older version of the GensPlusGX sound core (2011)
Changes To NeoGenesis Core:
* Sound no longer stops when saving/loading a save state.
* Memory issues should be no more (mostly). The UMKT hack was using a nice chunk of memory so now whenever you try to load the rom the emu kicks off a seperate XBE to run it.
* Emu shouldn't hang anymore when perusing the cheat database over and over (Whoooops).


This means much better sound/music in alot of games that the GensX sound engine had trouble with.
Interface Related Changes:
* Keep user within ROM directory tree works now. Honest.


The biggest fix from the new sound engine is this "implemented Detune overflow (Ariel, Comix Zone, Shaq Fu, Spiderman & many other games using GEMS sound engine)". Plus I suspect some work done in regards to the LFO table may help as well.
'''v24'''


The Genesis Plus YM2612 engine was based off of the MAME sound engine and then they went and fixed a bunch of issues with it. Mostly internal tables and other boring junk like that (verified on a real YM chip). So here is a list of the more interesting changes. Please note that since it is a different sound engine I have no idea if any of these affected GensX. The one we DO know about is the "games using GEMS sound engine". So that is a start. Here is a list of "possible" things fixed. If someone feels like verifying.
Changes To NeoGenesis Core:
* Four skins to choose from (Genesis, Megadrive, 32x, Sega CD).
* "Auto Game Configurations (aka Configuration defaults)" added (see below description).
* Implemented the UMKT patch that someone did a while back.
* Apparently mp3CDDA and CDDA volume were sharing the volume variable for Mp3music. Created seperate volume variables for each. Mp3CDDA and CDDA volume are saved with each game so you can customize this for CD games.
* CD music volume is now saved with each game. That way the user can better balance the sound in games that use CD audio/music.
* Fixed rewind so it no longer locks up when used by implementing my "rewind frameskip" code from atarixlbox. Bad news is you'll only get rewind in Genesis/Megadrive games. 32x and Sega CD games just use too many resources to make rewind practical.


* .modified LFO behavior when switched off (AM/PM current level is held) and on (LFO step is reseted): fixes intro in Spider-Man & Venom : Separation Anxiety
Interface Related Changes:
* Given the full "Madmab Edition" treatment.
* New dual-preview skin to support Ressurection Xtra's. Say thank you to Gilou9999 for the skin.
* New feature "Seconds before playing movie" determines how long the emu will wait before playing a movie. The default is half a second. This will help speed up rom browsing. Especially useful for people streaming stuff (like movies) across the network.
* If streaming movies from across the network and the user press on the dpad or a, b, x or y the emulator will abort the transfer. This should help speed up rom browsing and allow the user an "out" especially for the larger movies.
* Fixed an issue with the software filters displaying garbage.
* Activated the "Keep user Within ROM Directory Tree?" which I somehow missed.
* Fixed up the box/cart art position on a few skins.
* Fixed a problem where setting the box/cart orientation was screwed up.
* Fixed the bug that screwed up Gilou's skin to begin with (too weird to explain).
* Accurate Screen Pixel Ratio option added (see "http://fancyxbox.info/?doc=1&secao=screen" for more into) per gilou9999's suggestion. Some numbers are still a WIP. Go into Game/Text Screen Size Position" and select "Set Game Screen to Accurate Screen Pixel Ratio". The emu will ask you if you wish to turn off software/hardware filters and flicker filter. This is recommended for the most accurate screen. You'll still have to manually adjust the image on the Y axis. We can't do everything for you, ya lazy bum.
* Added an option to display a "Static" video if no movie found. Can be set to yes or no. Static file must be named "Tv Static.xmv" and placed in the emu's "backgrounds" directory.


* .improved LFO timing accuracy: now updated AFTER sample output, like EG/PG updates, and without any precision loss anymore.
Rewind changes:
* Rewind is a bit of a memory hog. On some emu's at 720p it is barely useful. Some emu's can't even handle it. Here is what I did.
* Tweaked around with the rewind system fixed a couple potential xbox lockers.
* Modified the rewind system so if memory runs low it clears half the buffer, if that doesn't work it clears the entire buffer. What this means is that on memory intensive emu's you'll have a rewind system that mostly works. It's pretty much a "better than nothing" set-up.
* NeoGenesis in CD or 32x mode cannot deal with it. Frameskip had to be activated for it to even work in Genesis mode.


* - implemented EG output immediate changes on register writes
Fixes to the keyboard/keypad including. These affect emu's that use a keyboard/keypad (Winuaex, AdamX, Atarixlbox):
*Keyboard/keypad no longer corrupts portions of the screen when being moved.
*Keyboard/keypad can be moved diagonally in ALL directions now
*Keyboard/keypad transparency now works properly when "Pause game while using Keyboard/Pad" is set to ON.
*Fixed issue with screen blurring when Keyboard/keypad is activated. I'm surprised I did not notice this earlier.


* - implemented accurate CSM mode emulation
Movies. The ability to display movie previews:
*You can set the movie/previews directory in the "Change Default Directories" section.
*The movie name has to be exactly the same as the ROM name. Only one movie per game.
*Display order can be set to. None, Screenshots Only, Movies Only, Screenshots 1st- Then Movies, Movies 1st- Then Screenshots.
*Movies display over screenshots so if you want you can see screenshots when no movie exists.
*Can now stream videos and screenshots from Samba or Relax.
*Sound for movies can be turned on/off.
*Box/Cart art can be displayed in seperate window.
*Transparencies for Box/Cart art (and screenshots) is now supported Check out some of the 3d Box/Cart art floating around.
*Skin author can now designate two locations where Boxart or Cartart will display based on width vs height.
*Old Screenshots are now sorted and displayed in proper order.
*Old Screenshots can be named anything (as long as it has .png extension).
*In Game Options Screen can be sized and positioned now.


The big catch is.. interpolation is no longer (at this point). If that even matters (beats me I don't have golden ears). This is what Neogenesis turned on when the user set "YM2612 Improvement" to yes.
Others:
* Auto Game Configurations (aka Configuration defaults) for select emulators.
* Pressing Back while in the the controller settings menu will set the value to "None".
* Hopefully addressed weird issues with "Force Reload D:\\*.ini Settings".
* New option to "Keep user Within ROM Directory Tree". You can find it in "General Settings, Page Two". Useful for keeping n00bs from getting lost while selecting games.
* Hopefully cleaned up all instances where the current "game select" directory would get trashed.
* Transparency control for keypad and keyboard should now function properly.
* Tightened up the Synopsis parsing code (sorry RessX).
* Fixed issue where cycling thru screenshots when non-available would create an infinite loop.
* Fixed two bugs that would cause the game select screen to slow down massively. One related to having Box/Cart art timer set to 0. The other related to the rather large size of the Xtra's. You dirty pirate you.
* Created a new overlay system. The file "overlay.ini" contains configuration information for each overlay, including the color of the transparent button.
* Fixed issue with the "Music Control Menu" where the "Go to next/previous song" options were not working.
* Fixed issue where "View playlist" did not show the first two songs.
* Fixed issue where "pause" would still display even after changing songs while viewing the playlist in "clear screen" mode.
* Add song to playlist now functions correctly.
* Added a seperate "Volume Control Menu". It can be accessed by pressing "Y" in the "In Game Options" menu, or from the "Game Configuration" menu. It lets the user set the volume for in game sound, mp3_cdda, cdda, movie and mp3 music player from 0-100.
* Fixed issue where games that had more than 48 CRCs in the cheat code database would cause a crash when game is selected while searching for cheat codes.
* Rumble codes and cheat codes are now stored in seperate files. ("rumblelist.inf" and "codelist.inf" respectively). To make it easier to search for "rumble codes" only. Note to cheat code makers: be sure to make your cheat codes and rumble codes seperately now. For those importing rumbles, the rumble does not have to be "activated" in order to work, it just works. Remove it from the list if you no longer wish to use it, or set it to "Rumble Enabled On - Nothing".
* Cheat code menus moved around. In-Game menu option "Cheat Codes" was moved into "Game Utilities" and replaced with "Cheat Code Database" to make it easier for the gamer to use codes in the database. Cheat code creators just need to go into "Game Utilities" to get to their stuff.
* Skin can now have a "Startup Movie" on loading menu. Please use with discretion (no long movies). User can press B to skip the movie.
* "Startup Movie" can be displayed full screen or in a window. If fullscreen is used the loading menu will not be displayed.
* Transparency for "Startup Movie" can be set as well.
* Moved the network initialization code to run before the loading menu. This moves the delay caused by network init to before the display of the loading menu, not after.
* Files when selecting within a zip are sorted.
* Added a seperate timer for alternating Box/Cart art.
* LThumb-Down - Go to next Box/Cart. LThumb-Up - Go to previous Box/Cart.
* Ability to view synopsis from within game. (press right analog stick down).
* New option to "Force Game Screen Size/Position". There are two configurable screensizes. (To deal with multi-core systems like MekaX and XboyAdvance). This will be useful when switching from HDTV to SDTV or vice versa. It will save the user the trouble of resizing the screens for something that is likely temporary.
* Numerous changes to menu system see above (current menu configuration layout)
* Skin Sprites can now be named for easier manipulation. Directory names must be of the format "0_spritename", "1_spritename", etc. Do not use underscores for the spritename. It is a delimiter.
* Added "Select Skin Configuration Used" and "Save Skin Configuration as" to the "Configure SKin" menu in place of the above moved options. This allows multiple skin configurations in one skin allowing the user more "pre-defined" options on how a skin looks. For example the placement of the games list and the preview screens. Gilou's Dynamic skins really take advantage of this, check 'em out.
* Sprites now display when sizing the preview screens.
* Changed "Seconds before auto-advancing Screenshot" to "Seconds Before Auto-Advancing Artwork".
* Changed "offset X" and "offset Y" to "Offset X (left/right)" and "Offset Y (up/down)" in the Sprite Settings menu.
* New Option to pause or not pause emulation when keyboard or keypad is up.


So far Ariel, Shaq Fu, Blood Shot (Battle Frenzy), David Crane's Amazing Tennis, Evander Holyfield's Real Deal Boxing, F1 World Championship Edition (main menu), Greatest Heavyweights of the Ring, and Spider-Man (The Animated Series) are the most obvious examples. If anyone figures out where in Comix Zone the issue is, let me know.
Finished the "Media browser":
* Be sure to use the RessurectionXtras or Xtras for maximum enjoyment ("http://www.emuxtras.net").
* Ability to display documentation (text or graphic) and commercials (xmv format only).
* Assigned buttons (white/black) to go to next/previous files when viewing documentation. See below graphic/text file viewer controls.
* Once the user opens a document - the emulator remembers this document as long as the game session is running.
* View settings for each document viewed are now stored in a "bookmark" file so next time you view a file your settings are restored. Press Back to "reset" as if reading document for first time.
* "View Text File" changed to "Browse Manuals/Videos"
* Support added for different kinds of documentation in the media browser. Including "Manuals", "Game FAQs", "Game Maps", "Commercials", and "Other". The user can also specify where these directories are located. Defaults are "Manuals", "GameFAQs", "VGMAPS", "Commercials", and "Other". "Other" is in the media root directory (typically "x:\media\Other") for non emu specific stuff.
* User can specify whether manual is displayed "Full Size" or be "Sized to fit screen" when loaded. Keep in mind any saved bookmarks override this. Press Back to toggle between "Full Size" and "Size to fit screen".
* Commercials can be displayed either full screen, at the size of the video with black background, or same size of the video with synopsis background.
* NOTE: Some emulators are tight on memory (eg: NeoGenesis) and not all the Xtra's will load. If you have trouble with an image loading you might have to resize it.
* In screenshot viewer. If the image is smaller than your text file screensize settings it will work as follows.
** If the image is taller than it is wide it will continue expanding the image (based on aspect ratio) until the width fits within the width of your text file screensize width. (Most normal manuals)
** If the image is wider than it is tall it will continue expanding the image (based on aspect ratio) until the height fits within the height of your text file screensize height. (For example NES manuals).
* This seems to effectively stretch the image in the best manner possible for scanned manual reading.
* Browsing manuals/videos should auto select any file matching your ROM name exactly. Select "View Media Directory" for manual browsing.
* Unmapped controls that allow you to move the screen around since word wrap should work correctly now.
* Change Fixed Width font controls are now mapped to the right analog stick (left/right) like the help screen says it should be. Doh.
* Set font size keeps seperate settings for Fixed Width fonts and proportional fonts since they produce different results.
* Graphic documentation can now be stored in a ZIP file and still work with the media browser functions (next/previous and bookmarks).
* Music no longer starts playing after viewing text file in game.
* Number of lines displayed in the text file viewer now properly match user set text screen size.
* Number of lines displayed updates properly if user modifies text screen size within text file viewer.
* Text file viewer functions turn off FixedWidth before displaying any menu.
* Added a fixed width font for the text file viewer. If you wanna use it you have to make sure that a file named "FixedFont.ttf" is located in the emulator directory. Press "Y" in the text file viewer to switch to the fixed font.


Here is a link with a list of games that use the GEMS sound engine http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Mega_Drive/Genesis_Sound_Engine_List
Carryovers from Atarixlbox:
* Ability to pick a file from within a zip file. That way on computer based emu's multi-disk games can be zipped now. Keep in mind that if you play any game that "saves" to a floppy, that disk has to be a seperate UNZIPPED file.
* Fixed a few interface "quirks" regarding playing game sounds while emu is paused.
* Select save state screen tells you whether your "loading" or "saving", it also now displays whether a save file has a record session (R) associated with it.
* When a new save state is created it deletes any recordings. If you press the "back" button while in the save state select screen it will allow you to delete that save state (as well as it's recording).
* Utilities menu display modifed to state "stop or start recording/playback" depending on whether they are turned on or off. It also displays total minutes remaining or played so far.
* Record/Playback turn off when exiting a game. Boy that sure caused some confusion.
* Switched positioning control of sprites in the skin menu to the left analog stick, that way you don't have to worry about unintentionally lowering the volume.
* Savestate load screen is a little more informational when sent to it from the save/record option.
* When you save a picture it removes the screenshot save path making it easier to see long names.
* Changed order of some of the entries in the "Music Control Menu".
* Playlist repeat mode, and View Name setting is saved in INI file. Although song name only shows in the music control menu.
* (cheat codes) When "adding a code" from the "edit code" screen the current code is copied as a template.
* You can activate/deactivate a code from the "cheat code list" menu by pressing start.
* Deleting a cheat code now asks you if you are sure (I got tired of accidently deleting my codes).
* Fixed up the problem created from using multiple files in a Zip file.
* Fixed problem when a filename inside a zip contains too many characters. While I was at it I fixed the space as the last character when trimming to 42 characters behavior. Zip files where the path was saved now unzip correctly.
* Rewind and Fastforward are de-activated during record/playback and netplay mode. It even tells you so when you try..
* (Internal) Modified YesNoMenu so it doesn't clear m_menuText.
* Added ability to add in cheat codes from a Gameshark compatible database (see description below). This includes the ability to export the cheat codes in a game to "share" with your friends. Cheat/rumble codes are included for most games. When "adding" codes from the gameshark DB it will move you to the entries with a matching CRC. If not you'll have to manually find the game.


==Credits==
Special thanks:
*X-port for porting a great collection of emu's over to the xbox, releasing the source code, and answering my questions.
*Atariage (Albert in particular) - For providing a place for me to ramble on. For encouragement in general.
*Gilou9999 for a new PM3 skin, synopsis, suggestions, rumble codes, etc.
*Megaman for doing the cheat codes. Bomb Bloke for creating useful scripts.
*Bigby, Du0ph0ne, TheMaster3, Nytmar3 for some beta testing.
*Comments of support from various interested parties.


* One downside to the sound core upgrade. Old savestates no longer work and the new savestates wont work in any other emu that I know of. Yes folks this emu is now officially a madmab hybrid!  :lol:
==External links==
* EmuXtras - http://www.emuxtras.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=76&t=53

Latest revision as of 07:04, 29 January 2024

Neogenesis For Xbox
Neogenesisx2.png
General
AuthorXPort, Madmab
TypeConsole
Version26
LicenseMixed
Last Updated2023/10/12
Links
Download
Website

NeoGenesis is a Sega Genesis/Megadrive/32X/SegaCD/MegaCD emulator for the Xbox. Originally named GENS, it was created by XPort and updated by Madmab.

Features

  • Full sound/video.
  • Ported from Gens.
  • Runs real Sega CDs that you put in your XBox DVD drive or it can read ISO/MP3 and BIN image files.
  • CUE sheet processing for more accurate CD-MP3 playback.
  • CDDISSECT-friendly. Rip with CDDISSECT, upload to XBOX, run CUE.
  • Selectable GENS settings.
  • ZIP support.
  • Netplay.
  • Cheat system - Search/Create your own cheat codes or enter Game Genie codes.
  • Favorites list.
  • Resizable game screen.
  • Save Game management - delete save game files.
  • Skin-able.
  • Samba/NetBIOS sharing support (read files from your PC).
  • Relax Network Sharing (read files from your PC).
  • Support for filenames > 42 chars from shared directories.
  • Play MP3 or M3U playlists in the background (can also read MP3/M3U from across Samba/Relax shares).
  • Take in-game screenshots and display them on the game selection list.
  • Graphics filters.
  • Record/Playback feature - record your gameplay in the emu and then play it back again. Record up to 10 minutes of gameplay.
  • Every single in-game command is fully customizable on any of the four joypad controllers.
  • Map any emulator or UI command to a single button or a combination of two buttons (e.g. RTrigger+LTrigger = Save State).
  • Autofire capabilities for any emulator button on any controller.
  • One-button combos.
  • Traverse any directory on any drive.
  • Save States with 10 save state slots for each game.
  • All UI commands (save state, load state, screenshot, etc) can be invoked from the Options/Pause menu as well as in-game via your customized joypad mappings.
  • Can be invoked from a command-line to directly run a game from a front-end or dashboard and bypass the user-selection screens (only if the frontend or dashboard supports this feature).
  • Can return to the launching program if the launching program supports this feature.

Installation

Bios should be placed in the bios folder:

  • 32x_g_bios.bin.
  • 32x_m_bios.bin.
  • 32x_s_bios.bin.
  • genesis_os_rom.bin.
  • mcd_101.bin.
  • mcd2_200.bin.
  • scd_110.bin.
  • scd2_200.bin.

User guide

Configuration defaults

This feature allows you to set default configurations for select emulators.

In the General settings menu, there will be a new option - Automatically Use Default Game Configuration (Yes/No). If you set it to Yes, it will bring up the game configuration screen and let you define the default (if no default.stg and default.key file exists).

In the Configuration menu, there will be a new option Set default game configuration. You can go in anytime through the Configuration menu to change these defaults to something else if they wish.

Once set to Automatically use Default Game Configuration, you will not see the game configuration screen again unless:

  • You press X when selecting a game.
  • Change Use Default Game Configuration back to No.

Keep in mind when it is set to Yes the game will use your Default game settings and not the normal x-port behavior. If set to No, the emulator will behave like it usually does. Each emu is typically different. But all, at the very least carry the controller settings over.

This feature will only be added to emulators in which it is feasible to use.

Controls

Right-Stick Thumb - Menu (in game)

Text browser:

A - Start Search

B - Exit

X - Continue Last Search

Y - Simulate width font

White/Black - Previous/Next file

Start - Help screen

Back - Reset view as if document was loaded for first time.

D-Pad - Up/down, Up Page, Down Page

Left-Stick Thumb - Set font size

Left-Stick Up/Down - Top/End of file

Right-Stick Thumb - Set text screen size

Right-Stick Left/Right - Decrease/Increase fixed-width font size

L/R - Move up/down text file

Screenshot browser:

A - Lock/Unlock Aspect Ratio

B - Exit

Y - Delete file (Utilities > browse screenshots only)

White/Black - Previous/Next file

Start - Help screen

Back - Toggle between "Full Size" and "Size to fit screen".

D-Pad - Up/Down/Left/Right, Move image 1/4th the total size of the image

Left-Stick Thumb - Music Control Menu

Left-Stick Up/Down - Move screen up/down.

Right-Stick Left/Right - Decrease/Increase screen size (size changes proportional to distance the stick is pressed)

Screenshots

neogenesisx3.png

neogenesisx4.png

neogenesisx5.png

neogenesisx6.png

neogenesisx7.png

Media

Play Sega CD disks on your xbox (Neogenesis) (TheUnbiasedGamer)

Known issue

If you run a Sega CD game and then run a game with 68000 overclock set to "Yes" (Zero Wing) the game will freeze for brief periods of time (enough to drop the framerate to 20fps).

Changelog

v26 Madmab Ed (Hybrid)

  • Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b43. See "Interface Changelog.txt"
  • This release is to simply updated the interface to CFv1b43. If you want to use the more recent features like CHD support then use NeoGensPlusGX.

v25.19b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)

  • Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b30. See "Interface Changelog.txt".
  • Returned to the original size for software filter temp buffers. The reduced size was causing issues with some filters and rewind.
  • BoxCart art and screenshot textures are cleared on game start to help free up a little memory before launching a game. This was done to help make up a little for the change to the software filter temp buffer sizes.

v25.18b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)

  • Fixed issue where on bin/cue or Redump Sega CD games.. When pausing the game in game (start) and un-pausing the game then the music would not unpause. (examples are: Heart Of The Alien, Batman Returns, Ecco 1 and 2, Earth Worm Jim Special and Eternal Champions).
  • Fixed long standing issue where on cue/iso/mp3 Sega CD games running on a share.. When pausing the game in game (start) and un-pausing the game then the xbox would hang (stuck in a loop). This one goes waaaay back. (examples are: Heart Of The Alien, Batman Returns, Ecco 1 and 2, Earth Worm Jim Special and Eternal Champions).

v25.17b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)

  • Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b28. See "Interface Changelog.txt".
  • Had an option reversed that caused the "Neogenesis" build to look for the wrong CD BIOS files.
  • Game SFX volume is no longer saved with non CD game configurations.
  • Music volume for CDDA images that are of cue/iso/mp3 format can now be controlled seperate from the game volume.
  • Some tweaks to the allocation/deallocation of various things to help allieve some memory issues (and crashes) for those using the PM3 skin. I personally recommend dumping the PM3 skin, it is a memory hog.

v25.16b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)

  • Fixed up detection of redump.org images some more (grrrr).
  • Neogenesis was looking for the wrong Jap CD BIOS when running Japanese region sega CD games. (Typo on my part) Fixed.

v25.15b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)

  • Activated autoload savestates.
  • CD_Unload code was crashing the emulator when a game would "open" the tray for a disc change on network accessed discs. Fixed.
  • In-Game Change CD option would crash when trying to select a "bin/cue" on a samba share. Oopsie. Fixed.

v25.14b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)

  • Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b21. See "Interface Changelog.txt".
  • Due to an improperly sized array the flicker filter level was resetting to 0 on game load. Fixed.
  • Sound from the genesis plus GX sound engine was being done improperly (incorrect variable types) and was causing weird issues on surround systems. Fixed.

v25.13b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)

  • Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b18. See "Interface Changelog.txt".
  • Added 6 new software filters from GensX and 2 from NeoGeo CD emulator (see interface changelog for more details).
  • Based on user feedback removed the following software filters 2xSai Scanline, 4xSai Scanline, Super 2xSai Scanline, Super 4xSai Scanline, Eagle 2x Scanline, Eagle 4x Scanline, Super Eagle2x Scanline, Super Eagle4x Scanline.
  • Fixed issue where FPS stop displaying after playing your first game.

v25.12b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)

  • Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b17. See "Interface Changelog.txt".

v25.11b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)

  • Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b16. See "Interface Changelog.txt"
  • You can now disable the "Launch Inserted CD" option menu in the "Dummy/Lockdown Mode Settings" menu.

v25.10b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)

  • Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b14. See "Interface Changelog.txt".
  • Attempt to convert gensx_mk.xbe to use the new sound core. Untested.

v25.09b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)

  • Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b12. See "Interface Changelog.txt".
  • Fixed issue where playing CD games across a samba share was not working when the "Root Samba Share Name" contains a value.

v25.08b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)

  • Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b09. See "Interface Changelog.txt".
  • UMKT loading got foobared somewhere along the way (TitleID issues). Fixed
  • Modified to also be able to run UMKT+Tracks ROM image. However this uses an extra 3 meg of RAM. Shouldn't be a problem since a seperate, older, core is launched to support this.
  • What happened to v25.07b? Don't ask.

v25.06b Madmab Ed (Hybrid)

  • Updated to madmab edition interface CFv1b08. See "Interface Changelog.txt".

Changes to the emu core:

  • Sound options "DAC Improvement" and "PSG Boost Noise" moved to seperate menu "Sound Configuration".
  • Corrected handling of "Redump" Sega CD images. Sonic CD now works and so should the rest. Still need to do some more extensive testing.
  • Added support for Sega-Mega CD Darkwater Images.
  • Fixed some issues with 4-player adapter code. This has only been tested on port 1 and with the following games. Gauntlet IV, The Lost Vikings, and NBA Live '95.
  • Streaming CD across Samba and Relax now working. There were a couple bugs related to the new Samba code so it's highly likely this feature worked in my last official release as well as x-port's release. However on those the load times for a Samba share could be up to 3-4 minutes which is rather ridiculous.
  • Streaming over Relax seems better to me. However both can be a little slow on videos at time, especially Samba shares.
  • I managed to improve the startup time for Sega CD over a network to between 20 (best case) to 60 seconds (worst case, some soccer game with 98 tracks) without a cue sheet.
  • Sega CD loads over a network share about 4-10 times faster if you use a cuesheet. So get your hands on the "Sega CUE Maker" and generate yourself some cue files.
  • Modified cue sheet reader and iso loading code to be able to handle "Sega CUE Maker" generated "cue" files.
  • Preliminary support for "Redump" Sega CD images. My testing has been limited. One thing I know for sure is that the "Sonic CD" Redump image does NOT work properly.

Neogenesis now uses the sound core from GensPlusGX:

  • Yet another feature done for Mega Man (?). However this is an older version of the GensPlusGX sound core (2011)
  • This means much better sound/music in alot of games that the GensX sound engine had trouble with.
  • The biggest fix from the new sound engine is this "implemented Detune overflow (Ariel, Comix Zone, Shaq Fu, Spiderman & many other games using GEMS sound engine)". Plus I suspect some work done in regards to the LFO table may help as well.
  • The Genesis Plus YM2612 engine was based off of the MAME sound engine and then they went and fixed a bunch of issues with it. Mostly internal tables and other boring junk like that (verified on a real YM chip). So here is a list of the more interesting changes. Please note that since it is a different sound engine I have no idea if any of these affected GensX. The one we DO know about is the "games using GEMS sound engine". So that is a start. Here is a list of "possible" things fixed. If someone feels like verifying.
  • Modified LFO behavior when switched off (AM/PM current level is held) and on (LFO step is reseted): fixes intro in Spider-Man & Venom : Separation Anxiety
  • Improved LFO timing accuracy: now updated AFTER sample output, like EG/PG updates, and without any precision loss anymore.
  • Implemented EG output immediate changes on register writes
  • Implemented accurate CSM mode emulation
  • The big catch is.. interpolation is no longer (at this point). If that even matters (beats me I don't have golden ears). This is what Neogenesis turned on when the user set "YM2612 Improvement" to yes.
  • So far Ariel, Shaq Fu, Blood Shot (Battle Frenzy), David Crane's Amazing Tennis, Evander Holyfield's Real Deal Boxing, F1 World Championship Edition (main menu), Greatest Heavyweights of the Ring, and Spider-Man (The Animated Series) are the most obvious examples. If anyone figures out where in Comix Zone the issue is, let me know.
  • Here is a link with a list of games that use the GEMS sound engine http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Mega_Drive/Genesis_Sound_Engine_List.
  • One downside to the sound core upgrade. Old savestates no longer work and the new savestates wont work in any other emu that I know of. Yes folks this emu is now officially a madmab hybrid. :lol:

Changes to the interface:

  • Updated to the latest madmab edition interface.

v25

Changes To NeoGenesis Core:

  • Sound no longer stops when saving/loading a save state.
  • Memory issues should be no more (mostly). The UMKT hack was using a nice chunk of memory so now whenever you try to load the rom the emu kicks off a seperate XBE to run it.
  • Emu shouldn't hang anymore when perusing the cheat database over and over (Whoooops).

Interface Related Changes:

  • Keep user within ROM directory tree works now. Honest.

v24

Changes To NeoGenesis Core:

  • Four skins to choose from (Genesis, Megadrive, 32x, Sega CD).
  • "Auto Game Configurations (aka Configuration defaults)" added (see below description).
  • Implemented the UMKT patch that someone did a while back.
  • Apparently mp3CDDA and CDDA volume were sharing the volume variable for Mp3music. Created seperate volume variables for each. Mp3CDDA and CDDA volume are saved with each game so you can customize this for CD games.
  • CD music volume is now saved with each game. That way the user can better balance the sound in games that use CD audio/music.
  • Fixed rewind so it no longer locks up when used by implementing my "rewind frameskip" code from atarixlbox. Bad news is you'll only get rewind in Genesis/Megadrive games. 32x and Sega CD games just use too many resources to make rewind practical.

Interface Related Changes:

  • Given the full "Madmab Edition" treatment.
  • New dual-preview skin to support Ressurection Xtra's. Say thank you to Gilou9999 for the skin.
  • New feature "Seconds before playing movie" determines how long the emu will wait before playing a movie. The default is half a second. This will help speed up rom browsing. Especially useful for people streaming stuff (like movies) across the network.
  • If streaming movies from across the network and the user press on the dpad or a, b, x or y the emulator will abort the transfer. This should help speed up rom browsing and allow the user an "out" especially for the larger movies.
  • Fixed an issue with the software filters displaying garbage.
  • Activated the "Keep user Within ROM Directory Tree?" which I somehow missed.
  • Fixed up the box/cart art position on a few skins.
  • Fixed a problem where setting the box/cart orientation was screwed up.
  • Fixed the bug that screwed up Gilou's skin to begin with (too weird to explain).
  • Accurate Screen Pixel Ratio option added (see "http://fancyxbox.info/?doc=1&secao=screen" for more into) per gilou9999's suggestion. Some numbers are still a WIP. Go into Game/Text Screen Size Position" and select "Set Game Screen to Accurate Screen Pixel Ratio". The emu will ask you if you wish to turn off software/hardware filters and flicker filter. This is recommended for the most accurate screen. You'll still have to manually adjust the image on the Y axis. We can't do everything for you, ya lazy bum.
  • Added an option to display a "Static" video if no movie found. Can be set to yes or no. Static file must be named "Tv Static.xmv" and placed in the emu's "backgrounds" directory.

Rewind changes:

  • Rewind is a bit of a memory hog. On some emu's at 720p it is barely useful. Some emu's can't even handle it. Here is what I did.
  • Tweaked around with the rewind system fixed a couple potential xbox lockers.
  • Modified the rewind system so if memory runs low it clears half the buffer, if that doesn't work it clears the entire buffer. What this means is that on memory intensive emu's you'll have a rewind system that mostly works. It's pretty much a "better than nothing" set-up.
  • NeoGenesis in CD or 32x mode cannot deal with it. Frameskip had to be activated for it to even work in Genesis mode.

Fixes to the keyboard/keypad including. These affect emu's that use a keyboard/keypad (Winuaex, AdamX, Atarixlbox):

  • Keyboard/keypad no longer corrupts portions of the screen when being moved.
  • Keyboard/keypad can be moved diagonally in ALL directions now
  • Keyboard/keypad transparency now works properly when "Pause game while using Keyboard/Pad" is set to ON.
  • Fixed issue with screen blurring when Keyboard/keypad is activated. I'm surprised I did not notice this earlier.

Movies. The ability to display movie previews:

  • You can set the movie/previews directory in the "Change Default Directories" section.
  • The movie name has to be exactly the same as the ROM name. Only one movie per game.
  • Display order can be set to. None, Screenshots Only, Movies Only, Screenshots 1st- Then Movies, Movies 1st- Then Screenshots.
  • Movies display over screenshots so if you want you can see screenshots when no movie exists.
  • Can now stream videos and screenshots from Samba or Relax.
  • Sound for movies can be turned on/off.
  • Box/Cart art can be displayed in seperate window.
  • Transparencies for Box/Cart art (and screenshots) is now supported Check out some of the 3d Box/Cart art floating around.
  • Skin author can now designate two locations where Boxart or Cartart will display based on width vs height.
  • Old Screenshots are now sorted and displayed in proper order.
  • Old Screenshots can be named anything (as long as it has .png extension).
  • In Game Options Screen can be sized and positioned now.

Others:

  • Auto Game Configurations (aka Configuration defaults) for select emulators.
  • Pressing Back while in the the controller settings menu will set the value to "None".
  • Hopefully addressed weird issues with "Force Reload D:\\*.ini Settings".
  • New option to "Keep user Within ROM Directory Tree". You can find it in "General Settings, Page Two". Useful for keeping n00bs from getting lost while selecting games.
  • Hopefully cleaned up all instances where the current "game select" directory would get trashed.
  • Transparency control for keypad and keyboard should now function properly.
  • Tightened up the Synopsis parsing code (sorry RessX).
  • Fixed issue where cycling thru screenshots when non-available would create an infinite loop.
  • Fixed two bugs that would cause the game select screen to slow down massively. One related to having Box/Cart art timer set to 0. The other related to the rather large size of the Xtra's. You dirty pirate you.
  • Created a new overlay system. The file "overlay.ini" contains configuration information for each overlay, including the color of the transparent button.
  • Fixed issue with the "Music Control Menu" where the "Go to next/previous song" options were not working.
  • Fixed issue where "View playlist" did not show the first two songs.
  • Fixed issue where "pause" would still display even after changing songs while viewing the playlist in "clear screen" mode.
  • Add song to playlist now functions correctly.
  • Added a seperate "Volume Control Menu". It can be accessed by pressing "Y" in the "In Game Options" menu, or from the "Game Configuration" menu. It lets the user set the volume for in game sound, mp3_cdda, cdda, movie and mp3 music player from 0-100.
  • Fixed issue where games that had more than 48 CRCs in the cheat code database would cause a crash when game is selected while searching for cheat codes.
  • Rumble codes and cheat codes are now stored in seperate files. ("rumblelist.inf" and "codelist.inf" respectively). To make it easier to search for "rumble codes" only. Note to cheat code makers: be sure to make your cheat codes and rumble codes seperately now. For those importing rumbles, the rumble does not have to be "activated" in order to work, it just works. Remove it from the list if you no longer wish to use it, or set it to "Rumble Enabled On - Nothing".
  • Cheat code menus moved around. In-Game menu option "Cheat Codes" was moved into "Game Utilities" and replaced with "Cheat Code Database" to make it easier for the gamer to use codes in the database. Cheat code creators just need to go into "Game Utilities" to get to their stuff.
  • Skin can now have a "Startup Movie" on loading menu. Please use with discretion (no long movies). User can press B to skip the movie.
  • "Startup Movie" can be displayed full screen or in a window. If fullscreen is used the loading menu will not be displayed.
  • Transparency for "Startup Movie" can be set as well.
  • Moved the network initialization code to run before the loading menu. This moves the delay caused by network init to before the display of the loading menu, not after.
  • Files when selecting within a zip are sorted.
  • Added a seperate timer for alternating Box/Cart art.
  • LThumb-Down - Go to next Box/Cart. LThumb-Up - Go to previous Box/Cart.
  • Ability to view synopsis from within game. (press right analog stick down).
  • New option to "Force Game Screen Size/Position". There are two configurable screensizes. (To deal with multi-core systems like MekaX and XboyAdvance). This will be useful when switching from HDTV to SDTV or vice versa. It will save the user the trouble of resizing the screens for something that is likely temporary.
  • Numerous changes to menu system see above (current menu configuration layout)
  • Skin Sprites can now be named for easier manipulation. Directory names must be of the format "0_spritename", "1_spritename", etc. Do not use underscores for the spritename. It is a delimiter.
  • Added "Select Skin Configuration Used" and "Save Skin Configuration as" to the "Configure SKin" menu in place of the above moved options. This allows multiple skin configurations in one skin allowing the user more "pre-defined" options on how a skin looks. For example the placement of the games list and the preview screens. Gilou's Dynamic skins really take advantage of this, check 'em out.
  • Sprites now display when sizing the preview screens.
  • Changed "Seconds before auto-advancing Screenshot" to "Seconds Before Auto-Advancing Artwork".
  • Changed "offset X" and "offset Y" to "Offset X (left/right)" and "Offset Y (up/down)" in the Sprite Settings menu.
  • New Option to pause or not pause emulation when keyboard or keypad is up.

Finished the "Media browser":

  • Be sure to use the RessurectionXtras or Xtras for maximum enjoyment ("http://www.emuxtras.net").
  • Ability to display documentation (text or graphic) and commercials (xmv format only).
  • Assigned buttons (white/black) to go to next/previous files when viewing documentation. See below graphic/text file viewer controls.
  • Once the user opens a document - the emulator remembers this document as long as the game session is running.
  • View settings for each document viewed are now stored in a "bookmark" file so next time you view a file your settings are restored. Press Back to "reset" as if reading document for first time.
  • "View Text File" changed to "Browse Manuals/Videos"
  • Support added for different kinds of documentation in the media browser. Including "Manuals", "Game FAQs", "Game Maps", "Commercials", and "Other". The user can also specify where these directories are located. Defaults are "Manuals", "GameFAQs", "VGMAPS", "Commercials", and "Other". "Other" is in the media root directory (typically "x:\media\Other") for non emu specific stuff.
  • User can specify whether manual is displayed "Full Size" or be "Sized to fit screen" when loaded. Keep in mind any saved bookmarks override this. Press Back to toggle between "Full Size" and "Size to fit screen".
  • Commercials can be displayed either full screen, at the size of the video with black background, or same size of the video with synopsis background.
  • NOTE: Some emulators are tight on memory (eg: NeoGenesis) and not all the Xtra's will load. If you have trouble with an image loading you might have to resize it.
  • In screenshot viewer. If the image is smaller than your text file screensize settings it will work as follows.
    • If the image is taller than it is wide it will continue expanding the image (based on aspect ratio) until the width fits within the width of your text file screensize width. (Most normal manuals)
    • If the image is wider than it is tall it will continue expanding the image (based on aspect ratio) until the height fits within the height of your text file screensize height. (For example NES manuals).
  • This seems to effectively stretch the image in the best manner possible for scanned manual reading.
  • Browsing manuals/videos should auto select any file matching your ROM name exactly. Select "View Media Directory" for manual browsing.
  • Unmapped controls that allow you to move the screen around since word wrap should work correctly now.
  • Change Fixed Width font controls are now mapped to the right analog stick (left/right) like the help screen says it should be. Doh.
  • Set font size keeps seperate settings for Fixed Width fonts and proportional fonts since they produce different results.
  • Graphic documentation can now be stored in a ZIP file and still work with the media browser functions (next/previous and bookmarks).
  • Music no longer starts playing after viewing text file in game.
  • Number of lines displayed in the text file viewer now properly match user set text screen size.
  • Number of lines displayed updates properly if user modifies text screen size within text file viewer.
  • Text file viewer functions turn off FixedWidth before displaying any menu.
  • Added a fixed width font for the text file viewer. If you wanna use it you have to make sure that a file named "FixedFont.ttf" is located in the emulator directory. Press "Y" in the text file viewer to switch to the fixed font.

Carryovers from Atarixlbox:

  • Ability to pick a file from within a zip file. That way on computer based emu's multi-disk games can be zipped now. Keep in mind that if you play any game that "saves" to a floppy, that disk has to be a seperate UNZIPPED file.
  • Fixed a few interface "quirks" regarding playing game sounds while emu is paused.
  • Select save state screen tells you whether your "loading" or "saving", it also now displays whether a save file has a record session (R) associated with it.
  • When a new save state is created it deletes any recordings. If you press the "back" button while in the save state select screen it will allow you to delete that save state (as well as it's recording).
  • Utilities menu display modifed to state "stop or start recording/playback" depending on whether they are turned on or off. It also displays total minutes remaining or played so far.
  • Record/Playback turn off when exiting a game. Boy that sure caused some confusion.
  • Switched positioning control of sprites in the skin menu to the left analog stick, that way you don't have to worry about unintentionally lowering the volume.
  • Savestate load screen is a little more informational when sent to it from the save/record option.
  • When you save a picture it removes the screenshot save path making it easier to see long names.
  • Changed order of some of the entries in the "Music Control Menu".
  • Playlist repeat mode, and View Name setting is saved in INI file. Although song name only shows in the music control menu.
  • (cheat codes) When "adding a code" from the "edit code" screen the current code is copied as a template.
  • You can activate/deactivate a code from the "cheat code list" menu by pressing start.
  • Deleting a cheat code now asks you if you are sure (I got tired of accidently deleting my codes).
  • Fixed up the problem created from using multiple files in a Zip file.
  • Fixed problem when a filename inside a zip contains too many characters. While I was at it I fixed the space as the last character when trimming to 42 characters behavior. Zip files where the path was saved now unzip correctly.
  • Rewind and Fastforward are de-activated during record/playback and netplay mode. It even tells you so when you try..
  • (Internal) Modified YesNoMenu so it doesn't clear m_menuText.
  • Added ability to add in cheat codes from a Gameshark compatible database (see description below). This includes the ability to export the cheat codes in a game to "share" with your friends. Cheat/rumble codes are included for most games. When "adding" codes from the gameshark DB it will move you to the entries with a matching CRC. If not you'll have to manually find the game.

Credits

Special thanks:

  • X-port for porting a great collection of emu's over to the xbox, releasing the source code, and answering my questions.
  • Atariage (Albert in particular) - For providing a place for me to ramble on. For encouragement in general.
  • Gilou9999 for a new PM3 skin, synopsis, suggestions, rumble codes, etc.
  • Megaman for doing the cheat codes. Bomb Bloke for creating useful scripts.
  • Bigby, Du0ph0ne, TheMaster3, Nytmar3 for some beta testing.
  • Comments of support from various interested parties.

External links

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