[SINGE 2] New LD Engine + Games (3.32 update + DLIIe surprise)

[phasermaniac]

I know, but as I use a 15khz monitor my best progressive resolution is that. It displays a little better for that kind of games that a correct aspect ratio one, like 320x240.

[Karis]

  Le 02/11/2020 à 20:38, phasermaniac a dit :

I know, but as I use a 15khz monitor my best progressive resolution is that. It displays a little better for that kind of games that a correct aspect ratio one, like 320x240.

Développer  

Actually the philosophy of singe is rather to help those old laserdisc survive by "upgrading" them to current resolution (and of course new games.

That said i'm not against releasing other versions for CRT but i need more informations cause i'm not a 15hz expert. I know those "half-height" resolution does exist but i'm not sure what is the best way to encode them. Any idea ? 

[Whoremoan]

Apologies if this is a really dumb question, but how do you change the key mappings in Singe?
I don't have my buttons set to the standard MAME mappings, so the action buttons are not working.
I can see in the Singe folder there is a 'controls.cfg.example' file, which I have changed and renamed to controls.cfg, but still doesn't work

[Karis]

  Le 03/11/2020 à 00:23, Whoremoan a dit :

Apologies if this is a really dumb question, but how do you change the key mappings in Singe?
I don't have my buttons set to the standard MAME mappings, so the action buttons are not working.
I can see in the Singe folder there is a 'controls.cfg.example' file, which I have changed and renamed to controls.cfg, but still doesn't work

Développer  

In each game directory, you've got a control.cfg file. That's where you change the controls individually (all of my games share the same config, so you can copy/paste).

[phasermaniac]

  Le 02/11/2020 à 23:52, Karis a dit :

Actually the philosophy of singe is rather to help those old laserdisc survive by "upgrading" them to current resolution (and of course new games.

That said i'm not against releasing other versions for CRT but i need more informations cause i'm not a 15hz expert. I know those "half-height" resolution does exist but i'm not sure what is the best way to encode them. Any idea ? 

Développer  

No idea sorry. As I said, for me worked with the old -ignore_aspect_ratio option.

I thought the new -u option will make the trick. But instead it seems to block the video to its original resolution, instead of resize it to the window size.

Also the -a dont have any effect for me.( tested -a 4:3, -a 16:9, -a 21:9...) The aspect ratio seems always blocked to 4:3 or so.

Anyway not so important if I'm the only with these problems, as I have an unusual configuration. Thanks

 

 

[Rex2573]

  Le 25/10/2020 à 21:51, Karis a dit :

Hello everyone,

 

i'm proud to announce the launch of Singe 2.0 designed by Scott Duensing.

 

For history, Singe 2 is the successor of Singe, a dll for Daphne allowing to adapt/create laserdisc games.

Singe 2 is no longer dependant of Daphne. It is a standalone program (for Windows 32/64, Mac, Linux) and many games are already available.

 

In this thread i will mostly talk about my own releases for Singe, but you can find many more on the official website : https://kangaroopunch.com/?page=Software%2F3000-2006-singe.xjs&fbclid=IwAR2eZxtVnzNR7bZWKozmVLAb6NDcVN3bpKAIDicZbavUl72N35nGW9i_00I

 

Singe 2.0 Features:

 

- any resolution/format for games (Daphne/singe was limited to m2v and was experimental at 1080p)

- adaptable overlay (Daphne Singe was limited)

- No maximum lenght limitation (was 65536 frames)

- Better controls (all buttons of the pad usable)

- Many more...

 

GAMES:

 

You can find the links for the games on the Singe website. For my own games i provide you this link (i suggest you use it since it's updated as soon as i make modifications/corrections) : 

For easy maintenance (future updates) I separated the app from the games directory. So you have now to download each game separately. 

 

First here is the link to The app + Tutorial + bats: https://mega.nz/folder/lOQX3a4a#jRF-PZ2ZMScbtXZMvnkA0Q

 

For now here is the list (just put the downloaded directory in the singe directory):

 

 

- Cliffhanger : 1080p Adaptation of the Classic. Cliffhanger includes 2 "missing link" extra levels based on the Lupin/Cagliostro movie.

Link: https://mega.nz/folder/ECZHAAoZ#eWAQwnQ9WNW8_vNz8YHBRA

 

 

- Dragon's Lair II enhanced : No need to explain. Dl2 includes the new enhanced rom allowing a better gameplay with the special objects. This is the native 4/3 version.

Link: https://mega.nz/folder/ALJDFCSS#iebl4-P_vt0V4jjuqJJAZg

 

 

- Fire & Ice : fan game based on the Ralph Bashki movie

Link: https://mega.nz/folder/MHBRlQwA#R7FN0TvZhhrRA3jCS3SW0w

 

 

- Timegal HD : HD (upscaled) version of the Taito classic. This is the native 4/3 version.

Link: https://mega.nz/folder/leJhDQpI#gqktOw9InN6ZwKfdho2kQA

 

 

- Titan A.E : fan game based on the Don Bluth movie.

Link: https://mega.nz/folder/haRzlQjS#dcfe71pxXZXuNGYhUk5jHg

 

a few notes :

 

- In Cliffhanger if you choose the level Easy you will have a regular set of arrows (Up/Down/Left/Right/Hand/Feet) and instructions instead of Stick/Move.

- In Timegal you can add some scanlines from the option menu.

 

For all those games, you will find an Assets directory, including pictures (logo, cover,...) for you favorite launcher 

 

Also, two new games will be released before december. Those are challenging games with new kind of moves. More about this later...

 

In order to launch the games, you just need to click the corresponding bat file.

 

CONTROLS:

 

1 or Start : Start the game

9 or Right Thumb : Options menu

Left Control or Button A : Action

Left Alt or Button B : Action 2 (used as feet in Cliffhanger)

Arrows or pad : Move

Esc or Start+Select  : Exit 

 

When you're in the attract mode you can push the action button for more detailed controls.

 

In the Options Menu, you can define many things like Starting Level (and Scene) - So yes you can finally play the unreachable levels of DL2 - Number of lives and Death Rewind (read the tutorial for more details).

Death rewind efines where the game resets when you die:

 

- Level (most boring option - not recommended)

- Scene

- Last move (note that this option can be tricky in some games where moves are close to each other)

- Next move (like Space Ace, note that this option can be tricky in some games where moves are closeto each other)

 

4/3 VERSIONS:

 

For Cliffhanger, Fire and Ice & Titan A.E i also made 4/3 versions (if your screen is not 16/9). 

Here is the link : https://mega.nz/folder/MeQmCBRK#FXggSXJUaW3ho60PzaQ7DA

You just need to put the file in the Movie directory (replacing the 16/9 movie).

If you need a specific resolution for your system (lower resolution for example), just ask and i'll consider it.

 

TUTORIAL:

 

With Singe 2.0 you can create your own FMV game. It's not difficult and does not require any programming skills.

For this you will find a complete tutorial pdf in the link, along with a "Blank" directory wich contains all you need.

 

So, i hope you enjoy all of this and don't hesitate to ask questions. I will do my best to answer quickly. 

 

UPDATES:

 

I will note updates here, so you can just download the files you need to stay up to date

- 03/11/20: improved movie for Timegal (in Timegal\Movie)

 

 

 

 

Développer  

excuse me this new update includes also 16/9 format my friend?

[Karis]

  Le 03/11/2020 à 13:10, Rex2573 a dit :

excuse me this new update includes also 16/9 format my friend?

Développer  

Not yet

[cnterr]

Hi! Is there a way to directly start a title without going through the menu? I tried pointing to the singe files inside the related game folders but it doesn't seem to work. I would like to put them in my HyperSpin with a direct launch.

[cnterr]

  Le 03/11/2020 à 19:41, cnterr a dit :

Hi! Is there a way to directly start a title without going through the menu? I tried pointing to the singe files inside the related game folders but it doesn't seem to work. I would like to put them in my HyperSpin with a direct launch.

Développer  

 

OK, I was pointing to the wrong video... 

[Karis]

  Le 04/11/2020 à 01:59, maabus a dit :

@Karis

 

Would you be able to convert Ninja Hayate over to singe 2? 

Développer  

I think Poiu is working on it, the problem is the crappy source. Very difficult to find a good one.  

[Karis]

  Le 03/11/2020 à 19:41, cnterr a dit :

Hi! Is there a way to directly start a title without going through the menu? I tried pointing to the singe files inside the related game folders but it doesn't seem to work. I would like to put them in my HyperSpin with a direct launch.

Développer  

Yeah. You need to point the game bat (at least that's what i do in Launchbox).

[phasermaniac]

Hi! I have been testing to redraw the overlays to be pixel perfect.

The problem, as said Poiu, is the singe2 overlay image sizes are not proportional to the originals, so if I set numbers and badge in tis original size they get cut or have too much margins, and I got to redraw to adapt them.

This can be done, but I think it would be better to keep them exactly like the originals (less graphic work and better).

So, the question is: Where are the overlay images size and position defined? I have seen the overlays in arrays in globals.singe, but I can't find size and position. (Suspected it was not easy else it would be already done)

Maybe I can do a workaround with this, and if you like, I'll share.

On the other hand, I noticed that being the overlays pixel perfect, ingame they only shows sharp at 360x240. While the proportional resolutions 720x480 and 1440x960 won't. Not a problem to me, but something to bear in mind.

I also noticed that black color in the png is shown as transparent ingame, but I'm using RGB(1,1,1) that seems like black and shows ingame.

Thanks

 

Modifié le 4 novembre 2020 par phasermaniac

[poiu]

  Le 04/11/2020 à 12:47, phasermaniac a dit :

Hi! I have been testing to redraw the overlays to be pixel perfect.

The problem, as said Poiu, is the singe2 overlay image sizes are not proportional to the originals, so if I set numbers and badge in tis original size they get cut or have too much margins, and I got to redraw to adapt them.

This can be done, but I think it would be better to keep them exactly like the originals (less graphic work and better).

So, the question is: Where are the overlay images size and position defined? I have seen the overlays in arrays in globals.singe, but I can't find size and position. (Suspected it was not easy else it would be already done)

Maybe I can do a workaround with this, and if you like, I'll share.

On the other hand, I noticed that being the overlays pixel perfect, ingame they only shows sharp at 360x240. While the proportional resolutions 720x480 and 1440x960 won't. Not a problem to me, but something to bear in mind.

I also noticed that black color in the png is shown as transparent ingame, but I'm using RGB(1,1,1) that seems like black and shows ingame.

Thanks

 

Développer  

you can make all the changes you want

[phasermaniac]

Yes, I know. But where are the overlay images size and position defined? I have seen the overlays in arrays in globals.singe, but I can't find size and position.

Thanks

[danilocaprioli]

ragazzi quando lancio sia time gal che dragons lair mi va a scatti , se lancio solo il file video mp4 va perfetto , come mai?? ho windows 10

 

[poiu]

  Le 04/11/2020 à 15:49, phasermaniac a dit :

Yes, I know. But where are the overlay images size and position defined? I have seen the overlays in arrays in globals.singe, but I can't find size and position.

Thanks

Développer  

welcome to the maze

[phasermaniac]

I got it! so easy!

Thanks!

[cnterr]

There's a new final release on official site:

 

https://kangaroopunch.com/?page=Software%2F3000-2006-singe.xjs&fbclid=IwAR2eZxtVnzNR7bZWKozmVLAb6NDcVN3bpKAIDicZbavUl72N35nGW9i_00I

[cnterr]

Hi guys, the correct command line launch isn't:

 

singe.exe [OPTION] -v laserdisc.mkv laserdisc.singe

 

...but...

 

singe.exe [OPTION] -v laserdisc.txt laserdisc.singe

 

...like for the older Daphne Singe.

I suppose that the new release automatically recognize the framefile.txt with the same name of the file video, but for ActionMax games or any other title with multiple video specified on the frame file you can't point to a single video.mkv.

Modifié le 4 novembre 2020 par cnterr

[Karis]

  Le 04/11/2020 à 15:49, phasermaniac a dit :

Yes, I know. But where are the overlay images size and position defined? I have seen the overlays in arrays in globals.singe, but I can't find size and position.

Thanks

Développer  

With this command in the script the size of the overlay will match the size of the video:

 

overlaySetResolution(vldpGetWidth(), vldpGetHeight())

[danilocaprioli]

  Le 04/11/2020 à 16:52, maabus a dit :

Is your sound card a realtek? if it is you need to change the drivers of your sound card. I used generic windows hd sound drivers. 

 

la tua scheda audio è un realtek? se è necessario modificare i driver della scheda audio. Ho usato driver audio generici per Windows HD.

Développer  

il problema me lo da pure il video se gioco, ma se vedo il file mp4 non scatta nulla anche il sonoro va bene vedendolo , il problema solo sul gioco

 

Modifié le 4 novembre 2020 par danilocaprioli

[Karis]

  Le 04/11/2020 à 19:29, cnterr a dit :

Hi guys, the correct command line launch isn't:

 

singe.exe [OPTION] -v laserdisc.mkv laserdisc.singe

 

...but...

 

singe.exe [OPTION] -v laserdisc.txt laserdisc.singe

 

...like for the older Daphne Singe.

I suppose that the new release automatically recognize the framefile.txt with the same name of the file video name but for ActionMax games or any other title with multiple video specified on the frame file, you can't point to a single video.mkv.

Développer  

Actually it depends. If you have a structure based on multiple video files then you need a txt file to group them and call that txt after -v.

I you've got a single video file (like my games) with sound you call it directly after the -v

[phasermaniac]

  Le 04/11/2020 à 19:31, Karis a dit :

With this command in the script the size of the overlay will match the size of the video:

 

overlaySetResolution(vldpGetWidth(), vldpGetHeight())

Développer  

I don't understand what you say, but can test, in which script should I add this?

For me overlay resizes fine, the problem was the size of the images themselves.

The other problem I commented before:

  Cita

On the other hand, I noticed that being the overlays pixel perfect, ingame they only shows sharp at 360x240. While the proportional resolutions 720x480 and 1440x960 won't. Not a problem to me, but something to bear in mind.

Développer  

Maybe is because of some type of dither you add when resizing?

[cnterr]

  Le 04/11/2020 à 19:37, Karis a dit :

Actually it depends. If you have a structure based on multiple video files then you need a txt file to group them and call that txt after -v.

I you've got a single video file (like my games) with sound you call it directly after the -v

Développer  

In fact after writing it I realized that among the new emulated titles ones only ActionMax games have two videos in the framefile

[Karis]

  Le 04/11/2020 à 19:40, phasermaniac a dit :

I don't understand what you say, but can test, in which script should I add this?

For me overlay resizes fine, the problem was the size of the images themselves.

The other problem I commented before:

Maybe is because of some type of dither you add when resizing?

Développer  

By default the overlay uses half of the video size. So a video of 720*480 will have a 360*240 overlay (it's for consistency with the old singe).

BUT with the line overlaySetResolution(vldpGetWidth(), vldpGetHeight()) you force the overlay to match the video size. So 720*480 too...

It needs to be inserted in the script. Maddog is not based on my scrcipt so i don't know it so well, but it should work if you insert it at the very beginning of maddog.singe (in the script directory).

Theorically you'll notice the result directly : all the images of the overlay sould appear tiny.

 

[Karis]

  Le 04/11/2020 à 19:40, cnterr a dit :

In fact after writing it I realized that among the new emulated titles ones only ActionMax games have two videos in the framefile

Développer  

Yeah. For Maddog for example, the txt is not needed. You could call the maddog.mp4 directly (it won't change anything anyway).

[phasermaniac]

Ok thanks Karis I see what you say. Good to know!

[Karis]

  Le 04/11/2020 à 20:04, phasermaniac a dit :

Ok thanks Karis I see what you say. Good to know!

Développer  

Actually i use this option for all my games because it gives a better resolution to the overlay and also it helps a lot to place things exactly where you want.

[phasermaniac]

Yes, I think it's usefull.

 

I think I found a bug, at least in Crime Patrol:

When you spend all continues in a gameplay, and you let the records screen pass without adding a name, the crosshair of this screen stays and you can't insert coin or shoot.

[danilocaprioli]

  Le 04/11/2020 à 20:39, maabus a dit :

Sì, controlla i tuoi driver audio. Se è Realtek, questo è il tuo problema. Avevo i driver audio realtek e quando correvo singe balbettava e il video veniva riprodotto troppo velocemente. Se guardassi il file .mp4 al di fuori di Singe, funzionerebbe bene. Dopo aver cambiato i miei driver audio in un suono generico di Windows HD, i problemi di balbuzie e video sono scomparsi. I driver audio Realtek causano problemi anche in altri programmi.

Non puoi fare clic su nulla guardando il file .mp4. Singe deve essere in esecuzione affinché tu possa fare clic su qualsiasi cosa.

 

Yes, check your sound drivers. If it is Realtek, this is your problem. I had realtek sound drivers, and when i ran singe it would stutter, and the video played too fast. If i watched the .mp4 file outside of singe it would play fine. Once i changed my sound drivers to generic windows hd sound the stutter and video issues went away. Realtek sound drivers cause issues in other programs as well. 

You can't click anything watching the .mp4 file. Singe has to be running for you to be able to click anyting. 

Développer  

grazie ho risolto , il mio problema era klite codec pack , disistallato funziona tutto

[danilocaprioli]

faranno una versione hd di Chantze's Stone

 

Modifié le 4 novembre 2020 par danilocaprioli

[phasermaniac]

I have just read somebody asked Demulshooter's author for adding 2 lightgun support in singe2, maybe you can talk with him to do it.

I can help with the overlays and graphics works if you need.

Tomorrow I can share you Crime patrol overlays exactly like the originals, with p2s included, if you want to try.

[Karis]

  Le 04/11/2020 à 23:57, phasermaniac a dit :

I have just read somebody asked Demulshooter's author for adding 2 lightgun support in singe2, maybe you can talk with him to do it.

I can help with the overlays and graphics works if you need.

Tomorrow I can share you Crime patrol overlays exactly like the originals, with p2s included, if you want to try.

Développer  

Apparently Argon needs games with two players to do it. I mean games where you can actually launch the second player. And i think it's not done yet.

[phasermaniac]

I just made a test, and asked Argon what would he need to add Rawinput. 

I added functions and graphics for p2, not finished, but maybe he can this way say what he need.

If you want to take a look, I have been testing with Crime Patrol 1, just overwrite:

Crime_Patrol_Singe_2_2p.zip

[RandomByte]

Thanks a lot Karis, new Singe looks and operates much better then previous versions. What is the function of "Blank" folder in the singe 2.0 shared by you? Is it a template or something else?

[Karis]

  Le 05/11/2020 à 15:15, RandomByte a dit :

Thanks a lot Karis, new Singe looks and operates much better then previous versions. What is the function of "Blank" folder in the singe 2.0 shared by you? Is it a template or something else?

Développer  

Thank you !

 

Yeah, it is a template to create games with the tutorial.

Modifié le 5 novembre 2020 par Karis

[phasermaniac]

Hi Karis! 

I asked Argon and he say this:

So to make it quick, the minimum feature I'd need is a game handling separate coordinates for players.
Even if they are mapped to the same device by default (like Demul is doing with the mouse), they have to be 2 different things in the code/engine/game/program

I'll look myself, but do you think singe2 have any limitation with this?

In some file I have seens references to Mouse 1, mouse2, mouse3... 

Because singe2 engine works with dinput, or I'm wrong? Do you know?

Thanks!

Modifié le 5 novembre 2020 par phasermaniac