NVRAM Discussion Thread

[Vermillion]

This thread is now obselete with the release of patch #5, but it shall remain as a testament to everyone who helped. THANK YOU!

So with the help of Jason, I think we've managed to find a work around for games that need a NVRAM folder in order for them to be playable. This includes Defender, Joust and even Cruis'n USA of all things!

So first thing you're gonna need is a different MAME core. Jason and I found that the mame core inside this zipfile works: http://buildbot.libretro.com/stable/archive/stable/win-x86_64/

Grab the mame_libretro.dll core from the zip file and rename it to mame2015_libretro.dll. You'll want to run your games using this core in the Arcade Builder.

Now this process is how I got it working for me on my Windows 10 machine. Jason runs Windows 8.1 so if this doesn't work, you may want to follow his process below.

UPDATE: Some new information has been found regarding this. Turns out all you needed to do was give NRA:N writing permissions, at least on Windows 10. If this works on other Operating Systems, please leave a post. You'll still be using the new 2015 core. I tested it myself with the 2014 core and nothing seemed to change.

To do this on Windows 10, navigate to New Retro Arcade Neon\NewRetroArcade\Binaries\Win64 and right click on the exe file for NRA:N. Click on the security tab and click edit. Now check the box that saids write, click apply and you'll be go to go. To make sure it takes effect, move any existing "mame" folder from the root of your C: drive and run a game inside of NRA:N.

I'm not 100% sure, but it seems to save after loading a new arcade machine. I'm not sure if it saves upon exiting.

You'll still need a seperate MAME install in order to edit any Options. I recommend MAMEUIFX

By giving NRA:N write permissions you'll discover that NRA:N will create a directory called C:\MAME. Inside will be a NVRAM folder and a CFG folder. With this new development, high scores will now properly save. You could even sync NVRAM data among other players and compare high scores. This makes me wonder if it would be possible to create a cloud share of NVRAM data that everyone can access so people can share highscores.

Originally posted by Starkravingmad:

Note, if your Steam NRA installation is not on C: , the \mame folder needs to be on the root of whatever drive you have it installed

Also remember how I said I got Cruis'n USA working? Well provided you have a proper dump, you can calibrate the controls with an analog input outside of NRA:N and it will actually be playable!

So what does this all mean exactly? Well now you can adjust the difficulty of your games and set them to Free Play if you desire. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to work with every game well enough. Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 for instance. has some rendering issues with this core that aren't present on the 2014 core.

I understand that this guide is useless for a lot of people and that for some it may be far too complicated. However, I know people have been clamoring for this and at the moment, this is the only solution that is known at this time.

[Jason]

Rom Fixes (especially Williams)

In order to get some of the Williams games working (such as defender) you need the 2015 version of mame_libretro.dll made active for the Williams arcade rom you want to use it with, a proper mame folder structure with an nvrm folder EITHER in the steamapps>common folder OR on the root of your c: drive., and a save state nvram file in a folder with the rom name in the above nvram folder. I suggest after downloading the 2015 mame_libretro, that you rename it to mame2015_libretro.dll. Don't forget you must select this dll in the arcade builder or edit the xml file for a game like defender to use it. The mame_libretro.dll core that works can be found in the zip from file below. I still suggest you rename it to mame2015_libretro.dll so that you do not overwrite your latest core.
http://buildbot.libretro.com/stable/archive/stable/win-x86_64/Cores-v1.0.0.2-64-bit.zip

Another source of the Libretro 2015 mame emulator (a slightly newer version, but may not work for some or on all roms) is also available in a defender fix .rar file on the Internet here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4Xly3MOoa3qdkFXdHd1aHFSRGc/view?usp=sharing

New Retro Arcade: Neon, when using the mame_libretro 2015 emulator will read from a mame folder with subfolders that is located here: steamapps>common>mame OR c:mame (maybe this is needed for windows 10 users). You should be able to use any version of mame to create your own nvram files (and other files).

For example, the location for the defender nvrm file that works for me is steamapps>common>mame>nvram>defender>nvram. If that does not work you can try c:mame>nvram>defender>nvram.

Good luck, patience should pay off, just keep in mind you need to change the core the rom is using in the arcade builder or xml file AND you must always try to get it working with a fresh copy of your rom's nvram file. I have succesfully used MAME 0.158 to generate nvram files that work and have tested combinations of 0.157-0.159 that seem to work (by using F2 to get past the stall screen and then saving nvram with shift-f7).

[Vermillion]

May I ask where you obtained the original core from? I'd feel much better about this if I knew the source.

I ask this because the file on Libretro's Build Bot that shares the name of mame_libretro.dll is different in size and the CRCs don't match.

[Jason]

The link was in my post. I believe it is from March 14, 2015 with a file date of March 15, 2015. I believe it is MAME version 0.159.
It would probably be preferable if we had a link to the most recent version from Libretro's Build Bot that still works. If you post some links appropriate files I would be happy to check on my system and confirm a more appropriate link.

[Vermillion]

After some further testing, this doesn't fix the nvram issue entirely. I tried my copy of Cruisn' USA and get an error stating that it can't load the files, thus preventing me from progressing past the calibration screen. At the very least this does seem to make Defender playable at least and I know people have been wanting that.

[Vermillion]

After some further testing, I couldn't get Defender working either. Jason told me he has Windows 8.1 while I have Windows 10. It may be an OS issue for all I know. Joust also didn't work.

[Vermillion]

EVERYTHING ABOVE THIS POST IS FROM THE OLD THREAD

[Vermillion]

And incase anyone wants my pre-calibrated Cruis'n USA file, here it is: https://1drv.ms/u/s!Au7-vYuNICPHnSaMwwm9Mz7A_K36

[Vermillion]

Something recent I discovered is that I can now properly set Virtua Racing to display in 4:3 instead of the default 16:9.

[AllDarnDavey]

Nice, I was able to get Defender, Joust, and Sinistar all working. Time to swap out some games.

[Miss Hatsune]

Originally posted by Vermillion:

Something recent I discovered is that I can now properly set Virtua Racing to display in 4:3 instead of the default 16:9.

How was you able to do that in NRAN outside using mame its easy but inside there doesnt seem to be any key mapped to enter the test mode to change the ratio

[KnightMD]

Thanks guys:

If I use this core for all my roms, will I be able to save progress? Will I be able to use config files obtained from standalone MAME (e.g. increased volume for the Mortal Kombat games)?

[Vermillion]

Originally posted by deivuyurei28:

Originally posted by Vermillion:

Something recent I discovered is that I can now properly set Virtua Racing to display in 4:3 instead of the default 16:9.

How was you able to do that in NRAN outside using mame its easy but inside there doesnt seem to be any key mapped to enter the test mode to change the ratio

Like you said, I did it in my Standalone MAME install and used the NVRAM data from Virtua Racing inside of NRA:N.

Originally posted by TareXmd:

Thanks guys:

If I use this core for all my roms, will I be able to save progress? Will I be able to use config files obtained from standalone MAME (e.g. increased volume for the Mortal Kombat games)?

The NVRAM data acts as a config file. Its the settings you would adjust in the TEST menu of the arcade machine itself. You will be able to save your progress in games that support it (NBA JAM for instance) and change any of the games parameters such as difficulty and yes, volume.

However when using this core I didn't have much luck in getting Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 running correctly. The changes I applied took effect, but for some strange reason, the picture is skewed HEAVILY. The 2014 core doesn't exhibit this oddity. I haven't tried Mortal Kombat 2.

[Miss Hatsune]

Ahhh thank you Vermillion i did not think or know of this i will be having a playaraound with this .. Thank you :)

[Vermillion]

Guess you solved it then Tveith :P

[tveith]

Oops sorry Vermillion, deleted my post but did not see your reply -- wow you are fast. Rebooted computer, F2 / F3 worked and I loaded game. Following your other steps now to see if it works in NRA:N. Ps. Don't see any cabinet art for Defender in Artist Alley, will need to make a cabinet if it's not available somewhere.