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MAME

Emulation software that specializes in classic arcade games

6.7

257 Votes

  • Category Emulators
  • Program license Free
  • Version 0.249
  • Size 21.70 MB
  • Works under: Windows Vista
  • Program available in English
  • Program by MAME team

The Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator for retro games

When the emulator is used in conjunction with the game’s data file (ROMs), MAME will reproduce old games on your PC. It does it in a more-or-less fashion, as you have to understand that there are some files the emulator simply cannot read, for numerous reasons. The MAME will emulate games from the 1970s onwards, and it can currently play over 3000 unique games, and it can play over 5400 separate games in total.

Historically Rescuing Technology and Software

Play games from the '70s, '80s and '90s, as well as a few younger games too. MAME works in a fairly unique way by acting in the way that the hardware did on arcade games. It creates an environment where the ROM images are loaded onto the CPUs of old arcade machines, except that the emulator is acting as the hardware. The emulator software takes the place of the old arcade hardware to play the game.

The Games Are Not Simulations

When you load the game’s data files onto the MAME emulator and run them, you are not seeing a simulation of the game. You are actually seeing the game, and it is mostly the same as if you were playing it as an arcade game. The only real differences occur when the emulator cannot read or handle certain files.

MAME Helps To Stop Vintage Games From Being Forgotten

Technology is racing forwards, and there is a good chance that the technology to play vintage games will be lost. Thanks to MAME, those games will be remembered long after the actual arcade games have rotted away in the dumpsites. The emulator works for Windows, the iOS and the Android.

Documenting History Before It Is Forgotten

The creators of MAME have documented the hardware and how it functions, so that even if the MAME emulator is lost, corrupt, or bought out, then the documents still exist so that people can play the games in the future if they want to. The MAME team have done all they can to save the technology and the data, and have created an emulator so that people can still enjoy them without rebuilding the machines. They are also committed to emulating the games as honestly and purely as possible.

Pros

  • Play old games if you have the ROM files
  • Genuine recreations
  • The hyper speed function allows you to speed through text
  • Historically significant work

Cons

  • Only 5400+ games are playable
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