some games do not load on Gamebase Vic20 V0.2

[repetto74]

Hi Guys,

I have an issue with many games which do not load. They are available in the Gamebase gamelist but will not start.

I am using Gamebase Vic20 V0.2 and Winvice 2.3.
For example I cannot load the game Q-Bert. Is there a particular setting to be done?

Thanks
Rick

[Hidron]

Is that Q-Bert or Q*Bert?

I have no idea why this is, but some of the games are only launchable as an Extra. Check the Extras list for CART or TAP, and start that.

Also, in the newer version (v0.3) there was a note. Not sure if it affected this older version:

Help! When I try to launch a game, it complains about not finding the file when booting!

In versions of Vice 2.2 and later, you need to click Gemus -> <name of emulator> and deselect "use short filenames".

If you want v0.3 check this thread http://www.gb64.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5166

[repetto74]

Hi Hidron

Yes sorry it's Q*Bert. I confirm some cart and tap images are stores in the extra folder of gamebase. How do i need to set up? Shall I keep those games in the extra folder and point the path in gamebase or shall I copy those games in the game folder ?

[Hidron]

I have just left them in the Extras. They will still start from there as long as you have a compatible emulator configured.

[Mayhem]

Yes, you should leave them where they are. And I do thoroughly recommend updating to v0.3 of the database, a lot of updates and new games present.

I'm currently, slowly, making my way through producing the next version (tentatively called v1.0) and reorganising/renaming files, redoing/resizing all the screenshots, and hopefully going through TOSEC for anything I don't have listed. Just takes time...

[repetto74]

Hi Mayhem

Yes I am running the v 0.3 of the database but I am not using the last version on Winvice as it will not handle video resolution properly to display a low resolution image on an arcade CRT monitor.
For info I am running gamebase into a Mamecab Machine.

So I am sticking to Winvice 2.3 + Vic20 Gamebase V 0.3

[Mayhem]

Ah okay... there are a couple of issues with WinVice 2.3 (as detailed in the README) but you should be fine in general.

[repetto74]

Yes I am absolutely five with this configuration except the fact that I cannot run some games. I am wondering if this is related to the emu script for winvice 2.4 which is not adapted to the version 2.3?

[.mad.]

I cannot run some games. I am wondering if this is related to the emu script for winvice 2.4 which is not adapted to the version 2.3?

If you are using my edited script, that could be your problem.

some CRT files had a PRG extension.
i corrected (renamed) them, and changed the script to check for CRT or ROM instead of PRG.

If GameType CONTAINS(crt||rom)

If Key_cart CONTAINS(*20*)
Add_CLP( -cart2 %gamepath%\*%cart_value%*.*)
ElseIf Key_cart CONTAINS(*40*)
Add_CLP( -cart4 %gamepath%\*%cart_value%*.*)
ElseIf Key_cart CONTAINS(*60*)
Add_CLP( -cart6 %gamepath%\*%cart_value%*.*)
ElseIf Key_cart CONTAINS(*a0*)
Add_CLP( -cartA %gamepath%\*%cart_value%*.*)
ElseIf Key_cart CONTAINS(*b0*)
Add_CLP( -cartB %gamepath%\*%cart_value%*.*)
End If

If Key_cart2 CONTAINS(*20*)
Add_CLP( -cart2 %gamepath%\*%cart2_value%*.*)
ElseIf Key_cart2 CONTAINS(*40*)
Add_CLP( -cart4 %gamepath%\*%cart2_value%*.*)
ElseIf Key_cart2 CONTAINS(*60*)
Add_CLP( -cart6 %gamepath%\*%cart2_value%*.*)
ElseIf Key_cart2 CONTAINS(*a0*)
Add_CLP( -cartA %gamepath%\*%cart2_value%*.*)
ElseIf Key_cart2 CONTAINS(*b0*)
Add_CLP( -cartB %gamepath%\*%cart2_value%*.*)
End If


When you run a zipped game file, it should get unzipped and stored here...
C:\GBGame\0

to run Q*Bert click CART (joystick icon) in the left window.
The "Play Game" button will be greyed out, as the file is only stored in the Extras.
Now check the file name and extension.
C:\GBGame\0\Q-Bert (1983)(Parker)-a0.crt

press F2 in GameBase when on Q*Bert, and you should also see this command...

cart=a0


Hope this helps.

[repetto74]

Hi .mad

Thanks for your troubleshooting suggestion. I will check this today and revert.

[repetto74]

Hi Mad,

I am now running both gamebase Vic20 V0.3 and V0.2 for testing purposes. First of all sorry for my mistake but I am running Winvice 2.1 and not the 2.3 as previuosly stated.
I noticed that when I try to launch an "extra folder" game (Q*bert here) from the Gamebase GUI it will load on both Winvice 2.1 and 2.4.
I am using a frontend called Gameex in the mamecab machine and those games will not start (black screen then I am kicked back to the Gameex menu). Any game in the "games" folder is properly loaded.

[.mad.]

i am not familiar with GameEX.

Just as a test...

Copy Q-Bert.zip from the Extras\Cart folder into the main Games folder.
Now link it as the main Game File (CTRL+G). And try to run it via GameEX.

If that works, then you will have to re-link all 180 CARTS, so it will work with your particular setup.

If GameEX uses Auto Hot Key scripting, it could be just a case of giving admin rights in OS and allowing registry changes in firewall/AV.

These type of scripts are sometimes flagged as key loggers or trojan (false positive).

[repetto74]

Hi mad

Noted I will do that and let you know.
Thanks again for your kind help on this.

[.mad.]

The problem is with GBLauncher.EXE.

This is the program GameEX uses to run the games from GameBase.

At the moment it does not load Games which are stored in Extras.


There is a patched version by Mattia from 2013.
which i am hoping to get hold of.

[repetto74]

Hi Mad,

Thanks a lot for your research on this issue. Yes I suppose Gamex will look at GBLauncher.exe to launch a Gamebase pack when required to do so.
If you get this patched version I am really interested in it!

Cannot anyway test anything on my mamecab machine before the incoming WE.
Thanks again