MAME/Front Ends
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There are a variety of programs which can serve as front-ends to just about any version of MAME available. Front-ends generally provide point-and-click service to programs that are typically command-line run only. If you are not using MAME32, or a MAME32 derivative, and you are not familiar with, or do not like using, command lines, a front-end is for you. Different front-ends emphasize different priorities; from ease of use to immensely detailed configuration, from an intuitive game selection process to the dynamic recreation of a fully rendered arcade environment. Choosing the front-end right for you is a matter of experimentation. Be prepared for a considerable amount of one time, up front set up work to help the front-end find MAME and all of the resources that it needs to work properly. Some front-ends require more set up than others.
Note: by no means is the contents of this page an exhaustive list, and you are encouraged to add a description of your favorite front-end if you do not see it listed on this page.
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[edit] EmuLoader
EmuLoader is a frontend that at first glance, looks amazingly similar to MAME32 (and for all intent purposes, could easily mimmick the appearance of it if desired), but provides a richer level of customizability, both on the game playing level, and on the GUI configuration level. EmuLoader supports just about every available dat and ini file as well as every form of artwork, and can be displayed in multiple languages. To download EmuLoader, head to the EmuLoader site.
[edit] MAMEFE
MAMEFE is a front-end similar in design to EmuLoader, where the emphasis is on the ability to display the selection of games in any manner that you prefer, be it a collection of flyers, or screen shots, or icons, or some combination of everything. MAMEFE also seeks to reduce the difficulty of locating a particular game out of the list of thousands by providing extra navigation tools. To download MAMEFE, head to the MAMEFE site.
[edit] EasyMame
EasyMame seeks to be the easiest MAME front-end to install, set up, and use. It provides a simple, unencumbered interface, while providing a handy search feature. It supports a majority of the dat and ini files to help aid your gaming selection. If you're looking for a simple alternative front-end to the standard MAME32 fare, head to the EasyMame site.
[edit] GameEx
GameEx is a graphical DirectX based front-end for MAME, Zinc, Daphne, PC Games, and all command line based emulators, along with being a complete Home Theatre PC solution, especially when gaming is a priority or important. The original goal was for it to be used on Windows XP Media Center and also Arcade Cabinets . It will run on any version of Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, and XP. You don't need Windows Media Center to run GameEx. GameEx's presentation is crisp and clear, and can easily be seen on low resolution displays such as regular definition TVs. To download GameEx, head to the GameEx site.
[edit] 3D Arcade
This front end is an extraordinary piece of work that seeks to recreate an entire arcade environment on your screen in 3D. A good 3D graphics accelerator is required to appreciate the full effect of this front-end. It literally allows you to "walk around" an arcade, and "walk up to" a cabinet to preview a game before you select it and start playing. It has limitless customizability as you can place arcade cabinets anywhere you like in any of the premade arcade geometries, or if you are a skilled 3D artist, you can design and implement your own arcade. Many such artists have contributed their work and made them available for download. The 3D Arcade front-end was based on another excellent front-end known as Emulaxian. Head over to 3D-Arcade to learn more about this front-end, and download the program as well as several arcade cabinet models and arcade environments to play in. It even supports animated agents that wander about the arcade, and ambient arcade "noise" or jukebox MP3 selections.
