In the words of Paul Daniels "Not A Lot" describes what's been happening with Amber lately. So I'll tell you the full plans instead.
However, the next few weeks look more promising regarding available time. MPU4 is working nicely, requiring only the finishing touches now.
Moving forwards plans are being made to start introducing some new techs along with the existing techs.
I've started looking at the 68k core and have a very very early framework in place for MPU4 Video, and a slightly more advanced framework for MPU4 Plasma.
Once the whole of MPU4 is complete including plasma and video, I will then release the next version which will be offline only.
After that, I will then release other techs as they are complete.
The eventual expected tech list should be...(* = Resources Still Required)
MPU3
MPU4
System 83
System 85
Scorpion 1
Scorpion 2
Scorpion 4
Castle 1
Castle 2
SPACE
System 5
System 6 (IMPACT)
System 6 Video
M1
M1 Video
Proconn
System1
MPS/MPS2
System 80
Unidesa
MMM*
Black Box*
You may notice the lack of Electrocoin techs, and for now there are no plans to emulate them.
And when that lot is complete don't be surprised if MPU5 makes an appearance.
I expect MPU4 to be completely ready by christmas at least.
Server functions will be added as time allows. The server will be getting a big rewrite to make it a much more slick affair, and to add a few more features. I haven't finished mulling over the best way to achieve certain goals yet.
The idea with the online functions is that each person can have their own arcade if they wish. But arcades will have to compete for players the same as real life. You'll be able to do offers (free spins, raffle etc). But there will be a maintainence requirement, so if your machines run without being looked after, bulbs will stop lighting, displays or decals may fall down, coins may not pay properly and other things too.
Basically roller coaster tycoon meets emulator. But if you just want to play the games, you don't have to manage an arcade if you don't want.
The other function being looked at is the ability to go halves on a machine with a friend. So one player will be the master playing the game, and the display info will be sent to the slave machine, so you can remotely see the machine running from a 2nd pc.
Remote display of machines will be utilized for 3 player fruits so if you are playing machine 1, and machine 2 is being played by someone, you will see the results and maybe have to wait for the top feature.
Admins will be able to log on to a machine in a similar way to fix a broken (out of coins probably) machine. So you will see the admin refilling tubes or opening doors etc.
Tube and Hopper levels are emulated realistically so emptying a machine of tokens will happen, so arcade owners will need to top up occasionally (I plan to semi automate this so it wont be a full time job).
The mini games will be back, with a few more games coming too. These will be entirely optional.
Automatic emulator updates will be available (not layouts / ROMs).
Plus anything else I can think of that's viable (suggestions welcome).
Overall it should be the most complete, most realistic, most fun emulator ever (apart from N64 with internet, did you know you can play Goldeneye64 over the internet thru an emulator, I only found out the other day, its awesome).
Guitar.
Edited by Guitar, 26 October 2014 - 01:07 AM.
