Screenshot Archive

In 2003 Screenshot Archive offered zip files that contained a background image and .lay file for the specific skin. It offered many skins for MAMEWAH, a customizable multiple emulator frontend that is capable of running countless emulators, including everyone's favorite arcade emulator, M.A.M.E. MAMEWAH is primarily intended for use with real arcade controls, including joysticks (digital or analog), trackballs and spinners. MAMEWAH hides the Windows environment which makes it ideal for use in a home arcade cabinet. The site also offered various tutorials such as the one below. All content is from the site's archived 2003 pages.

Obviously this website was dedicated to MAMEWAH skins, but there are lots of other sites that offer loads of other skins. Recently, I came across a site while searching for Batman t-shirts and, to my delight, they had an impressive range of Batman hoodies as well. Their collection didn't stop there; they offered a vast selection of Batman-themed items including sweatshirts and work shirts. The Dark Knight, being a popular figure, was prominently featured, and even his adversaries like the Penguin and the Joker had their share of representation. Robin, his loyal sidekick, wasn't left out either. While the site's graphics caught my eye, I couldn't help but think how a Batman-themed skin would be a perfect addition. The Batman t-shirt I'm currently wearing, which showcases the iconic logo, gives me an idea. Imagine a skin patterned with this logo. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's circle back to the topic of Mamewah skins and their setup, even if the instructions are a throwback to the early 2000's.

WinUAE Guide Set Up

Below is a Tutorial written by Myriel showing how to use his modified version of WinUAE (an Amiga Emulator) and how to set it up in Mamewah.

Download the modified version of WinUAE on the Downloadspage.

WinUAE 0.8.23 Frontend-Version

This is an edited version of WinUAE 0.8.23 which can be used in a frontend.

The main changes to the original version are :

• use "P" to pause emulation

• use "ESC" to quit emulation immediately

• enabled direct start of games via commandline

How to use it:

I assume that you already used WinUAE so I don't explain how to configure it. I will just explain the needed steps for the Frontend-Mode.

First of all we should start WinUAE :-).Go to "Misc" and check the box "Frontend-Mode" to activate "P" and "ESC".

Set your favourite settings for a game like screenresolution, filters, sound etc.

Deactivate under "Misc" the setting "Show gui on startup".

Don't forget to insert a valid kickrom-file and use fullscreen.

Insert the game in df0. Save the configuration under the same name of the game, e.g. if you want to play "pang" insert "pang.zip" in df0 and save a configuration-file named "pang.uae".

Copy the configfiles from "./Configurations" into your WinUAE-directory !!!!

Now you are able to start the game from the commandline by starting "WinUAE configfile.uae",

e.g. "WinUAE pang.uae".

WinUAE in Mamewah

To use WinUAE in Mamewah you have to save a configfile for every game you want to play. That seems like a lot of work but you have to do it anyway if you want to play it in the normal, non-frontend version. I suggest that you should make a standard configfile which works for most games. Then you could just load it, change the disk in df0 and save a new configfile with the name of the game.

The biggest thing you have to do ( normally just once ) is to change the keyboard-layout of WinUAE. That can be done under "Input". Choose "Configuration #1" and "Keyboard" and manually change the keys to the mamekeys. Remember that most amigagames only need 1 fire-button. Therefore you can assign the remaining keys to special keys like "F1","F2" etc.

Note that some games use the "F1-F10" keys so that you have to do this individually. For your convenience I already included a mame keyset in the file "mamewah.uae".

You can use this file as your standard-configfile and change it to your needs ( like change disks in df0 ). This config works with about 90 % of my tested A500 games.

The keys in the "mamewah.uae" are :

• Player 1 & 2 movement controls like Mame

• Fire 1 & 2 for Player 1 & 2 like Mame

• Player 1 Fire 3 = F1, Fire 4 = F2, Fire 5 = F3, Fire 6 = F4

• Player 2 Fire 3 = F5, Fire 5 = RETURN

• Player 1 Start ("1" on keyboard) = SPACE

• Coin Player 1 ("5" on keyboard) = MOUSE 1 UP

• Coin Player 2 ("6" on keyboard) = MOUSE 1 DOWN

Hint : Change the keyboardlayout once and save it in your standard configfile. Use

"Configuration #1" - "Configuration #4" and adjust them to your needs, like

"Configuration #1" doesn't use any "F"-keys, "Configuration #2" uses "F1" - "F5" etc.

Now let's look at Mamewah. Edit your emulator-configfile ( like "emu1.cfg" ) and use the following settings :

Run Mamewah, refresh your gamelist and have fun :-)

Last words

I hope this tutorial helped you. Note that if you want to change disks during the emulation you still need a keyboard and a mouse. I may fix this and add a key for "autochange disk" later.

If you have any comments or questions write an email to : Myriel2004@yahoo.de

Have fun

Myriel 

 

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More Background on ScreenshotArchive.com

ScreenshotArchive.com was a prominent online repository in the early 2000s, dedicated to providing a vast collection of screenshots, skins, and resources for various emulators, with a particular emphasis on MAMEWAH—a customizable multiple emulator frontend. This article delves into the history, offerings, community impact, and eventual decline of ScreenshotArchive.com, highlighting its significance in the emulation and retro gaming communities.

History and Evolution

Launched in the early 2000s, ScreenshotArchive.com quickly became a go-to source for gamers and enthusiasts seeking visual assets for emulators. The website specialized in offering zip files containing background images and layout (.lay) files tailored for specific skins, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and user experience of emulator frontends like MAMEWAH.

MAMEWAH and Its Significance

MAMEWAH is a customizable frontend designed to manage and launch multiple emulators, including the popular arcade emulator MAME. It allows users to create a seamless gaming experience by hiding the underlying operating system and providing an arcade-like interface. This feature is particularly beneficial for home arcade setups, where authenticity and ease of use are paramount.

Offerings of ScreenshotArchive.com

The primary allure of ScreenshotArchive.com was its extensive library of skins for MAMEWAH. These skins enabled users to personalize their emulator interfaces, aligning them with specific gaming consoles, themes, or personal preferences. The site categorized skins by emulator type, making it straightforward for users to find and download the desired layouts.

In addition to skins, ScreenshotArchive.com provided various tutorials and guides to assist users in configuring emulators and frontends. One notable tutorial detailed the setup of WinUAE, an Amiga emulator, within MAMEWAH, offering step-by-step instructions to streamline the process for users.

Community Engagement and Contributions

The website fostered a vibrant community of retro gaming enthusiasts and developers. Forums and discussion boards associated with ScreenshotArchive.com served as platforms for users to share custom skins, troubleshoot issues, and exchange ideas. This collaborative environment contributed significantly to the site's growth and the diversification of its content.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite its popularity, ScreenshotArchive.com faced challenges, particularly concerning the sourcing of its content. Discussions on various platforms highlighted concerns about the site allegedly lifting screenshots from other websites without permission. Some community members noted that screenshots they had personally taken were used on ScreenshotArchive.com without consent.

Decline and Legacy

By the mid-2000s, ScreenshotArchive.com began to experience a decline. Users reported that the domain was no longer registered and was up for grabs. This sudden disappearance left a void in the emulation community, as many had relied on the site's resources for their emulator setups.

However, the community's resilience ensured that the legacy of ScreenshotArchive.com endured. Enthusiasts and developers took it upon themselves to preserve and share the content that had once been hosted on the site. Discussions on various forums indicate that users sought alternative sources for the screenshots and skins previously available on ScreenshotArchive.com, emphasizing the site's lasting impact on the emulation community.

Cultural and Social Significance

ScreenshotArchive.com played a pivotal role in the early 2000s emulation scene. By providing a centralized repository of visual assets and tutorials, it empowered users to create personalized and authentic retro gaming experiences. The site's emphasis on community engagement and user contributions fostered a collaborative spirit that resonated throughout the emulation community.

 

While ScreenshotArchive.com is no longer active, its influence persists in the emulation and retro gaming communities. The resources it provided and the community it nurtured have left an indelible mark, inspiring subsequent platforms and enthusiasts to continue the preservation and celebration of classic gaming aesthetics.