What’s new in the MAME update: better graphics, controls and Windows support

MAME 0.289 has arrived, and it’s a busy update. There isn’t one huge feature dominating the release. Instead, this version improves a wide mix of arcade games, classic computers, processors, sound systems and Windows tools. Some changes are easy to spot. Others work quietly in the background, fixing timing, graphics or hardware behaviour that previously caused games to run badly. For regular MAME users, that means fewer glitches, better controls and more machines that now work as intended.

Windows users get more control

The Windows version now includes SDL sound and joystick modules in the official download packages. That gives users another way to configure audio devices and controllers without installing a separate build.

The SDL joystick module supports controllers with up to 128 buttons. Most people won’t need anything close to that number, but it’s useful for custom arcade panels, specialist controllers and large simulator setups. MAME’s Windows debugger also handles display scaling changes more reliably. That’s handy when moving the programme between monitors with different resolutions or scaling settings.

The output system has received a larger rewrite. It should run faster and solve several old problems, but there’s a catch. Users who connect MAME to external lighting, display or control software may need to adjust their settings. Some artwork packages could also need small changes.

Sega Model 1 games take a clear step forward

Sega Model 1 emulation gets some of the most noticeable arcade improvements in MAME. The update fixes several polygon and line-rendering problems, reducing visual errors across the platform. These changes affect games differently, but some titles now look and behave much closer to the original hardware.

Virtua Fighter gets better collision detection after a fix to the geometry processor’s memory handling. That might sound like a small technical change, but it directly affects how characters interact during fights.

Wing War receives an even more important correction. A problem in the original DSP programme data had stopped bullet collisions from working correctly. MAME now patches the damaged data, restoring combat behaviour that previously felt broken. NetMerc is also more stable, with improved graphics and fewer crashes. Flash Beats has now moved into working status too, adding another playable title to the Model 1 line-up.

Cruis’n Exotica finally draws the road properly

Midway’s Zeus 2 hardware also benefits from a targeted graphics fix. Cruis’n Exotica had a major problem with polygon culling. Large sections of the road could disappear, making the game extremely difficult to follow. The car still moved, but players couldn’t always see where they were going.

That issue has now been corrected. The game still isn’t perfect, but it’s far more practical to play. It’s the kind of fix that shows why small changes in emulation code can have a huge effect on the final experience.

Crisis Zone gets better aiming and speed

Namco System 23 receives attention as well, particularly Crisis Zone. The game now has improved aiming and better performance after changes to the emulated communications hardware. That hardware might not sound closely related to the frame rate, but arcade systems often rely on connected components in ways that aren’t obvious until they’re accurately reproduced.

Crisis Zone still needs a reasonably powerful PC. MAME’s goal is to copy the original hardware closely, not to take shortcuts simply to make a game run faster. Still, the difference is useful. The game responds better, runs more smoothly and feels much closer to a playable state on suitable hardware.

Classic computers get plenty of work

This release isn’t just for arcade fans. MAME also adds and improves several systems based on National Semiconductor’s NS32000 processor family. Some of these machines can run 32-bit System V UNIX, giving users access to a side of computer history that doesn’t usually get much attention in mainstream emulators.

The Xerox 820 and Digital Research Big Board families now have better keyboard, floppy-drive and hard-drive support. Toshiba CP/M computers have also been added, while the Kaypro 10 gains hard-disk controller emulation. Apple systems benefit too.

Fixes to PowerPC and Motorola 68k emulation allow Power Macintosh machines to run more versions of classic Mac OS reliably. Apple’s A/UX operating system can also boot and run in MAME, expanding the programme’s support for early UNIX-based desktop systems.

A wide update that earns its download

Other improvements cover NEC PC-6001 computers, NES-based multi-game systems, electronic musical instruments, processors and sound chips. There are also new software entries and several machines that have moved into working status. MAME 0.289 won’t transform every game overnight.

Some systems still need a lot of work, and demanding 3D arcade hardware can require a fast processor. Even so, this is a worthwhile update. Arcade games look better. Controls respond more accurately. Windows users get more configuration options, and classic computer support continues to expand. That’s a solid result for one release.

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