Bencrest

I see that side-art has been mentioned recently on a couple of threads. It's something that I'm actually a bit anal on, and while I totally appreciate people can do whatever they like with their layouts, it might be worth getting some discussion going for the few people left who are still creating layouts.

Someone mentioned that they couldn't find the author for a certain DX layout, I forget which one.

Back 'in the day' it was quite common for a layout designer (or design team) to include either their forum nickname / username, and often the domain name of the forum they were 'affiliated' with.

For example, a layout from DAD would probably say 'DADsFME' prominently on the side-art. One from Pook would say 'DX'CELLENT'. Mine would probably have said whatever my name was at the time, and probably a link to Fruit-Emu (although admittedly I've released a few under different names).

Why include these details? Well, firstly, if someone wants to contact me about a layout, they know I made it and which site I'm on (admittedly this can change, but it can provide clues if nothing else).

Secondly, it's a pride thing. If I've put loads of work into a layout, I want people to know I made it. 

Thirdly, including a link to a forum in the sideart means that if someone (god forbid) pays silly money for an emulation disc from eBay or similar, they may get directed here. 

People sometimes ask about keyboard shortcuts for layouts.

I know some authors do this and some don't. I always - on my later releases - used to include keyboard shortcuts in my side-art, mainly so that if someone downloads a new machine, the information they need to play is in front of them. While a lot of keyboard shortcuts are obvious, some might not be and sometimes you can't use the mouse easily as you might need to press keys simultaneously (skill-stops and the like).

That's about it for the moment but I'd be interested if we could get some debate and things going. 

Bought the Monty Python B3 that JNC had in stock - now I'm just hoping it's the Holy Grail one! (if it's not, it doesn't really matter!) 

Always wanted one. Up until now I've had an assortment of machines - ones I've thought I'd have a punt on because they were cheap or local, but this is a machine I've wanted for years. Now I've finally ordered one

Not cheap, but not a bad price inc VAT and delivery from a proper supplier. 

It'll be the usual MPU5 Rio Enchanced cab I assume. No idea when it'll be here but I'll keep you lot informed. Going to get 24 hours notice, but only work a 5 minute drive from work so in theory I can work it around my lunch breaks

I'm not even bothered about installing other games. The only one I really wanted was Monty Python. If I'd bought another one, I'd still have to hunt out a Monty Python program card to be able to play it in real mode anyway

Pretty gutted to hear this on the radio on the way back from lunch - was a huge fan of Bottom, The Young Ones, and other roles of his. Not sure if there is any information on his death at the moment, but complete shock for me, so unexpected.

RIP Rik.

http://www.bbc.co.uk...t-arts-27770266

Hey all,

Got a new machine yesterday, a Bell Fruit Deal Or No Deal - The Big Deal - which is a 2008 machine on Scorpion 4 (thank god, as I have Scorpion 4 spares!).

Anyway, it's generally OK, but there's some odd behaviour.

Firstly, the 7 segment box values are wrong - at least on the right hand side (the red values, the left hand blue values seem fine). £70 boxes are showing as £30, and when the boxes increase (much like they do on Crazy Chair, Perfect Game, e.t.c.) they start at say £20, go to £30, back to £0, then up to £30 again (when the displayed value should be £70!).

Secondly - it has reset on me twice now. It's not what I'd consider a 'random' reset though - it seems to be repeatable. The two times it has done it have been after pressing 'deal' at during the DOND game, when I've had an odd offer. For example, when I've had £2 and £8 left, and it's offered £1.20 (which is clearly wrong as the offer is below the minimum box value).

The 'offer' 7 segs, which show the bankers offer, are normally OK, but again they show £30.00 during attract, when they should show £70.00 as that is the jackpot the machine is set to.

Other than these two things, it's fine and I'm happy with it, plays a pretty nice game and has the box matrix (inc. red lamps) which is good as I quite enjoy that type of feature entry.

I also uploaded a video I took earlier to see the wonky boxes in action, and in case anyone wants to hear me waffle on for 10 minutes