7 replies to this topic

[fruitman69]

Hi All,

 

Just thought with all the new layouts being released and some negative comments being made that I would post some pointers that hopefully will help layout designers avoid getting these minor negative comments and improve overall layout standards.

 

While I appreciate that a designer can make a layout anyway they wish it is my opinion that there should be some basic layout standards that I and others would expect to be done.

 

While the following list isn't exhaustive if you can answer "yes" to the following I feel you wont go far wrong, after all people are expecting to run your layout out the box etc.

 

So the layout basics I consider should be met on every layout are:-

 

1. If you use a non standard font please include a copy of it or people wont be able to see it as you do and people may moan about having to get it.

 

2. Is the % of the game also set in the configuration panel? And does it match what your displaying?

 

3. Have you added note buttons 5,10,20 ? (if applicable)

 

4. Have you topped up the hoppers so that they will work?

 

5. Are all buttons clickable?

 

6. Have you entered all switch numbers correctly in config? (or left blank for techs that have defaults)

 

7. Do the meters work correctly (ideally 10p units is the standard) eg  £10  would show as 100 (excluding 2p machines etc)

 

8. Is the alpha the new type, set to 16 seg and adjusted to be as readable as possible?

 

9. Are the seven segs readable? remember real ones slant to the right and are not on a diet!

 

10. Is the volume set?

 

11. Are tube level sensors checkboxed? (IMO nothing worse than having a game payout 20p's because someone couldn't be bothered to find the £1 level switches)

 

12. Have you entered the shortcuts?

 

And finally have you tested it or had it tested to check that lamps/ buttons / features are correct etc?

 

 

I hope you find this useful and accept it in the spirit that it is given.

 

 

If your struggling to answer any of the above with a yes but would like to then just ask, many people can help you if you ask!

 

 

Thanks to all the layout designers! and long live MFME!

 

 

Steve P

[DAD]

Good idea to have a check list and extremely useful, but you should also be mindful that most of the designers are on a steep learning curve here so some allowances should be made, especially as we've only recently been introduced to some new techs.

[Magz]

This list acts as a reminder to me how much work goes into these layouts - thanks to all designers!!

[vectra666]

Very good list and no matter how experienced a creator you are there's still some parts theyve missed, I miss loads lol, my bug bearer is the seven segs they in my eyes should be dark red background with a slightly lighter red for off and red to reddy pink for on but we all have our own choices on that.
Meters if possible should be all working and the note acceptor as said before for realism the lamps above the notey shouldn't be click able but the note slot which is lit when working so it would need a triple lamp/shortcuts for it.
Again we're all learning the new emulator and will take a while to get to grips with all the correct settings required.

[aaamusements]

Also for those who don't already do it, and for anyone new to creating layouts, please remember to use the upload manager:

http://www.fruit-emu...ction=submit&c=

It's not a good idea to have a load of release threads with attached layouts because it makes them more difficult to search for, and the integrated thread creation system does the work for you anyway.

I've got to find some time to go through the ones that don't have a proper upload and sort them out, then merge the duplicate release threads etc.

[Chopaholic]

Great list there Steve, covers most of the stuff that doesn't stop a layout from actually working or being playable, but can have a negative impact on the overall emulation experience.

Definitely worth a layout creator running down that list prior to making a release IMO. (Although I would state again that I massively appreciate all the effort that everyone who makes layouts goes to, there's no harm in have a list of 'gotchas' to watch out for.)

[£6 In Tokens]

Good list Steve, that covers all the basics but as DAD said got to give a bit of leeway cause these are new techs. Best thing to always do is send it for testing to at least 3 people, if possible at least 1 x experienced classic designer & 1 x experienced DX'er. It's easy to miss something on a layout, lots of Layouts I've tested and done, little things can be missed, hence why it should be tested before release. 

[fruitman69]

Good idea to have a check list and extremely useful, but you should also be mindful that most of the designers are on a steep learning curve here so some allowances should be made, especially as we've only recently been introduced to some new techs.

 

 

TBH most of that list hasn't changed from what the old standards were the first time round in the days of DIF.  LOL   but its not compulsory just advisory and  which was why i added this bit

 

"If your struggling to answer any of the above with a yes but would like to then just ask, many people can help you if you ask!"  for the newer bits  eg note handling