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.
Gunbird's primary claim to fame amid the increasingly crowded shoot-em-up category was its cast of quirky characters, whose diverse attack styles and storylines give the game most of its charm. The characters include a pre-teen witch with a pet bunny (which she frequently mistreats), a jetpack-wearing adventurer (with an unhealthy interest in the aforementioned witch), a Russian robot, a monkey warrior girl and more, and their humorous (if sometimes questionable) cutscenes add some levity to the otherwise combat-driven gameplay. The characters are all battling a pirate gang known as The Trump for control of a magic mirror that is said to grant one wish, across randomly-chosen levels that provide a decent challenge, though with somewhat less polish than shmups to come. This game features an original overlay based on artwork from the game's promotional materials.