VERTICAL ARCADE
These overlays (sometimes known as bezels) display art on top of the game you're playing. To use them, you need a PC or Raspberry Pi (or other compatible system) running some version of MAME and the associated game software, as well as a widescreen (16x9) monitor mounted vertically. To display the overlay while playing a game, download the artwork file for that game overlay (it must have the same filename as the game), place it in the Artwork folder within your MAME directory and launch the game. (For instance, the software for the game Magic Sword is called msword.zip, so it requires a file in the Artwork directory also called msword.zip.)
All overlays are 4K resolution (2160 x 3840), and listed dimensions are for the game screen, relative to a 4K vertical monitor. The actual game screen size will depend on the resolution of your monitor.
Most of the overlays include multiple presets that let you choose the size of the game screen, access a "dark" version designed to look more like a dark arcade, and sometimes other options. To choose a preset, press Tab while running the game to bring up the MAME menu, select Video Options, and select a preset from the list.
Some overlays include Curved presets designed with a curved screen port, to better simulate the look of a CRT monitor. These presets work best if you are using a geometry shader that adds a curved look to the game screen. For an optimal experience, you may need to adjust your shaders to match the curvature of the screen shape in the overlay. If you are not using a geometry shader, you are using a shader that adds a curved bezel, or if you prefer a rectangular screen port, choose a Straight preset where applicable.
Inspired by games such as Sega's Puyo Puyo series, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo merges falling block puzzle gameplay with superdeformed versions of characters from Street Fighter II, resulting in an odd mashup that probably wouldn't have gotten nearly as much attention if not for its Street Fighter connection. As in numerous Japanese head-to-head puzzle games, players must maneuver falling blocks in a narrow playfield to match colors, clearing blocks as quickly as possible while sending "garbage blocks" to your opponents side to slow them down. The twist here is that only sparkling Crash Gems will actually clear the blocks, making it possible to set up huge chain reactions but also requiring more careful planning to avoid overflowing your playfield. The game's charming presentation and music, including battles in the center of the screen that mirror whether you're winning or losing, make it worth a try even if puzzle games aren't necessarily your thing.