[fms]

Hello, All!

I have just updated MasterGear-Android, my Sega MasterSystem and GameGear emulator, to version 2.9.12:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

This update adds easy Wiimote support, makes gamepad BACK button fully usable, fixes a few bugs, and extends Cheatopedia with entries for 18 new games. See below for the full release notes.

ALL CHANGES:
* Painless Wiimote support with "Input | Wiimote Support" option.
* Gamepad BACK button fully usable and assignable.
* Tested MasterGear on real a x86-based Android device (Dell Venue 8).
* Fixed scanline effects on x86-based Android devices.
* Added 18 new games to the Cheatopedia.
* Moved "Keep Screen On" to the "Video" tab.
* Fixed crashes when downloading DropBox files.
* Fixed crash when setting backdrop location.
* Fixed some Russian translations.

Enjoy!

 

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have just released MasterGear-Android 2.9.13, a new version of my Sega MasterSystem, GameGear, and SG-1000 emulator:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

This version replaces the old Layout Editor with the new Virtual Joystick Editor, merging all joystick settings into single UI and letting users independently resize virtual buttons. The new UI finally shows button labels and gravity, i.e. which screen edges buttons "stick" to. The Assign Keys screen is now showing current key assignments. Finally, I have added cheats for another 17 games to the Cheatopedia. See the complete change list below.

ALL CHANGES:
* Now showing current key assignments in "Assign Keys".
* Replaced "Edit Layout" option with "Edit Virtual Joystick".
* Buttons can be individually resized in Joystick Editor.
* Added scale, shape, and transparency options to Joystick Editor.
* Added gravity indication with dotted lines to Joystick Editor.
* Added button labels to Joystick Editor.
* Added 17 new games to the Cheatopedia.
* Removed separate joystick size, shape, and opacity settings.
* Reordered items in the "Input" tab.

Enjoy!

 

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have released MasterGear 2.9.14 for Android today:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

This release makes emulated console screen movable and resizable, via "Input | Virtual Joystick Editor" setting. I have also included a quick hack option to make misbehaving hardware keyboards work and added cheats for 18 new games to the Cheatopedia.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added screen resizing/positioning to the Joystick Editor.
* Added "Input | Ignore Fake KeyUp Events" option to make misbehaving keyboards work.
* Added 18 new games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added backdrop image to the Joystick Editor.
* Fixed joystick resizing/positioning in the Joystick Editor.
* Fixed backdrop image shifting down after rotation.
* Fixed accidental crash when drawing overlay.
* Removed some outdated code that is no longer relevant.

 

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have published the new MasterGear-Android 3.0, adding full support for GameGenie codes in "DDA-AAA-RRR" and "DDA-AAA" formats:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

Also added Cheatopedia entries for 28 more games, including Kenseiden, Lemmings, King's Quest, and Indiana Jones. See full change list below:

ALL CHANGES:
* Added support for GameGenie cheat codes in "DDA-AAA-RRR" and "DDA-AAA" formats.
* Cheat Editor now accepts both GameGenie and Pro Action Replay cheats.
* Added cheats for another 28 games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added King's Quest: Quest for the Crown to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Heroes of the Lance to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park to the Cheatopedia.
* Added James Bond and James Pond 2 to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Kenseiden to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Lemmings to the Cheatopedia.
* Removed AdMob library, as the app is not running any ads.

Have fun!

 

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have released MasterGear-Android 3.0.1 today:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

The new release makes sure MasterGear does not leave defunct processes after it finishes. I have also reduced time needed to start a game and optimized switching between activities (Settings, Netplay, etc). The Cheatopedia got expanded with 25 more games, including Shinobi, Street Fighter 2, Smash TV, and Shadow Of The Beast.

ALL CHANGES:
* Now killing zombie processes left by some activities.
* Games start faster, after optimizng the utility library.
* Reduced switch times between Settings, Exchange, etc.
* Only starting Google Analytics tracker when needed.
* Keeping just one instance of Google Analytics tracker.
* Added cheats for 25 more games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Shinobi and Shadow Dancer to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Street Fighter 2 and Streets of Rage to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Sagaia and Scramble Spirits to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Shadow of the Beast to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Smash TV to the Cheatopedia.

Enjoy!

 

[fms]

Hello, All!

In this week's MasterGear-Android 3.0.2 release, I have started adding cheats for GameGear games:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

A total of 50 GameGear games have been added to a separate Cheatopedia section, including five Sonic The Hedgehog games, Shinobi, Lemmings, Desert Strike, Alien Syndrome, Megaman, and Ninja Gaiden. I have also fixed a bug with default settings initialization and removed large chunks of unused code and resources.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added cheats for 50 GameGear games.
* Fixed default settings initialization.
* Removed unused and outdated code, resources and bitmaps.
* Added Dragon Crystal and two Phatntasy Star games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Ninja Gaiden and two Shinobi games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Megaman and two Wonder Boy games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Alien Syndrome and Chakan to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Desert Strike and Lemmings to the Cheatopedia.
* Added five Sonic The Hedgehog games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Ecco The Dolphin to the Cheatopedia.

Enjoy!

 

[fms]

Hello, All!

You can pick up the latest MasterGear-Android 3.1 from the Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

This release adds the Cheat Hunter tool, letting you find your very own cheats (such as infinite lives, time, or credits) in any game, almost automatically. While adding this feature, I have also found and fixed a few cheat-related bugs.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added Cheat Hunter tool for searching Action Replay cheats.
* Added cheats for 13 more GameGear games.
* Fixed cheats parsing, adding wrong cheats no longer possible.
* Fixed saving .CHT files from the emulator (was saving them GZIPped).
* Added three Bart Simpson games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Battleship and Buster Fight to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Baseball'91 and Batter Up to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Beavis And Butthead and Berlin Wall to the Cheatopedia.

Enjoy!

 

[fms]

Hello, All!

MasterGear-Android 3.1.1 is now ready for download:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

The new release makes the Hardware Model setting persistent, so that you do not need to set it every time. If you mess it up, simply set it back to "Automatic". I have also satisfied several requests about backdrop images: you can now have a different backdrop for each game, and if you have got a narrow screen, the backdrop will be aligned to the bottom screen border. Finally, added cheats for 24 more GameGear games, including Double Dragon and Defenders Of Oasis. Enjoy!

ALL CHANGES:
* Now saving Hardware Model, no need to set it every time.
* Each game can have own backdrop. For Game.sms, place it into Game.sms.back.png.
* Now aligning backdrop to the screen bottom, if it is too small.
* Added cheats for 24 more GameGear games.
* Added two Chuck Rock games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Cool Spot and Cutthroat Island to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Double Dragon and Eternal Legend to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Defenders of Oasis game to the Cheatopedia.
* Added explanation messages to the Cheat Hunter.
* Added missing string translations.

 

[fms]

Hello, All!

The next MasterGear 3.1.3 for Android is now available from Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

The new release comes with the accurate PSG noise channel emulation, with the random noise generator implemented exactly the way documentation describes it. Android KitKat+ users will also find they can use the "immersive mode" to reveal/hide the user interface. I have also added cheats for 12 more GameGear games.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added accurate SN76489 noise channel emulation.
* Added configurable noise generator API to EMULib.
* Added Android immersive mode support.
* You must start or finish your fling at the top to toggle title bar.
* Added 12 new GameGear games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Faceball 2000 and Frogger to the Cheatopedia.
* Added F15 Strike Eagle and Formula 1 to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Fatal Fury and Fantasy Zone to the Cheatopedia.

Have fun!

 

[fms]

Hello, All!

The next MasterGear-Android 3.1.5 is now online:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

It emulates the 8bit Sega MasterSystem, Sega GameGear, and SG-1000 gaming consoles from Sega. MasterGear will also emulate SC-3000 home computer. This week's changes include translucent immersive UI on Kitkat+ Androids and separate settings for the media buttons, found on many Bluetooth devices. See below for the complete list.

ALL CHANGES:
* Made system UI translucent when immersive mode is on.
* Fixed the File Selector Search to properly find storage.
* Added "Use PLAY/RECORD Media Keys" option.
* When enabled, RECORD saves, PLAY restores gameplay.
* Added "Use FFWD/REWIND Media Keys" option.
* When enabled, FFWD fast-forwards, REWIND replays.
* Built package with the latest Android SDK.

Enjoy!

 

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have released MasterGear-Android 3.1.6 this morning, a new version of my Sega MasterSystem and GameGear emulator:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

This is the last MasterGear release this year. It fixes a bunch of OpenGLES-related bugs, adds scaling for bigger screens, support for split windows and popups on Samsung Galaxy devices. You can now search for a game by its name from the File Selector. Finally, in response to many requests, I removed unused virtual buttons from the top of the screen.

ALL CHANGES:
* Removed FIREL/FIRER buttons off the screen.
* Added split-screen and popup window modes on Samsung devices.
* Added searching by name to the File Selector Search.
* Added assembler scaling routines for 1280x1120+ screens.
* Fixed auto frame skip when OpenGLES video enabled.
* Fixed reenabling UI with a fling on Kitkat+ phones.
* Reenabled automatic frame skip by default.
* Reenabled accelerated video and audio by default.
* You can now fling from the top or the bottom to toggle UI.
* Removed deprecated code, settings, and resources.

Have fun!

 

[fms]

Hello, All!

A new MasterGear release is out:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

MasterGear 3.1.7 will run in split-screen and pop-up window modes on Samsung devices, adds an option to always show box art rather than screenshots, makes File Selector images bigger, and fixes a bunch of bugs. See below for the complete change list.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added "Show Box Art First" option to the File Selector.
* Fixed OpenGLES lockups on Mali GPUs (Samsung, RK, etc).
* Fixed running MasterGear in the lower half of split-screen.
* Fixed flickering border when simulating scanlines on x86 devices.
* Made screenshots and box art display bigger on large screens.
* Hiding the title bar is now the default behavior.
* Fixed premature hiding of the title bar.

Enjoy!

 

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have updated my Sega MasterSystem and GameGear emulator, MasterGear-Android, to version 3.1.8:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

This update introduces Material theme on Lollipop+ devices, replaces all UI icons with newer versions, and makes a few more preparations for switching to a new UI paradigm.

ALL CHANGES:
* Now targeting Lollipop, Froyo+ still works though.
* Now using Material theme on Lollipop.
* Updated all icons to the newest Lollipop versions.
* Retired some icons, replacing them with better fitting ones.
* Removed app name from all title bars, to save space.
* GBA link now redirects to VGBAnext.

Have fun!

 

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have published MasterGear-Android 3.2 tonight:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

In this version, I have added initial AndroidTV support, fixed a bunch of UI bugs, and patched Moga and License Verification libraries to work on Android Lollipop. As result, the new MasterGear now uses android-21 APIs (i.e. Lollipop). If you have a real AndroidTV device, please, test the app and let me know how well it works. I do not have an AndroidTV to fully test it myself.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added experimental AndroidTV support. Please, test!
* Added tiles to the File Selector grid view.
* Fixed screenshots and highlight in the State Selector.
* Fixed Moga library to work on Android Lollipop.
* Fixed LVL library to work on Android Lollipop.
* Fixed screenshot sizes int the State Exchange.
* Fixed black banding in the Palette Editor.
* Fixed text color in the Gallery.
* Switched to android-21 API, as required by AndroidTV.

Enjoy!

 

[fms]

I have published MasterGear-Android 3.2.1, as well as free MasterGear 3.2 for Windows and Linux:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg (Android)
http://fms.komkon.org/MG/ (Windows and Linux)

Starting with this release, MasterGear should show up in the Google Play Store for AndroidTV. I have also enabled the button assignment dialog on devices without touch screens (e.g. AndroidTV), fixed the emulation settings and further improved the user interface. People, who asked if they can supply their own ROM database, will find their wish granted in this release.

Since this is the first Windows and Linux release since MasterGear 2.6, there is quite a lot of changes in the desktop version. Just like its Android sibling, the desktop version now supports ActionReplay cheat codes (press [F5]), translation patches, instant replay (press [F8]), and the semi-automated cheat search (press [F5]). There are also major updates to Z80 CPU and SN76489 PSG emulation. See below for the complete list of changes.

ANDROID CHANGES:
* Released free MasterGear 3.2 for Windows and Linux.
* When assigning keys, DPAD_CENTER button confirms assignments.
* You can add your own game names database in "/sdcard/MasterGear/names.dat".
* Fixed Emulation Settings not showing up from File Selector.
* Removed unnecessary group inside Emulation Settings.
* Added the "up" button to the main emulator title bar.
* Cleaned up and beautified the File Selector grid view.
* MasterGear now shows up in the Google Play for AndroidTV.
* Fixed multiple build warnings.

WINDOWS/LINUX CHANGES:
* MG-Windows is now free for everyone to use and share.
* Added .IPS patch support. For "mygame.sms", name your patch file "mygame.ips".
* Added support for ActionReplay cheats.
* Added automatic gameplay recording (press [F8] to replay).
* Added cheat hunter tool for finding new cheats.
* Added accurate Z80 R register emulation.
* Added accurate Z80 LDIR/LDDR opcode emulation.
* Fixed a bug in the Z80 CPDR opcode.
* Added undocumented opcode 71h to the Z80 emulation.
* Added accurate SN76489 noise channel emulation.
* Switched SN76489 PSG to logarithmic volumes.
* Corrected SN76489 PSG base frequency.
* Improved audio quality, removing harmonics.
* Made sure audio updates after restoring state.
* Added configurable noise generator API to EMULib.
* Added automatic hardware selection for some games.
* Micro Machines works out of the box now.
* MLB Majors Pro Baseball works out of the box now.
* Added "vertical scanlines" and "raster" visual effects.

Have fun!

 

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have just updated MasterGear for Android to version 3.2.4:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

In this release, I have slightly changed the way VDP behaves when someone tries writing into VRAM while in read mode. While it is generally a bug, but some programmers still did it for unknown reasons. This VDP change fixed graphical glitches in Klax (both MasterSystem and GameGear versions), Astrowarrior, and Wolf Child.

I have also improved the user interface, adding the navigation menu and a separate "tile view" option to the File Selector. Please note that all File Selector view toggles have moved to the top-left corner navigation menu.

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed VRAM writes when VDP is in read mode.
* Fixed graphical glitches in Klax (both SMS and GG).
* Fixed title screen garbage in Wolf Child.
* Fixed corrupted explosion craters in AstroWarrior.
* Added 15 new GameGear games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added navigation menu to the File Selector.
* Added tile view to the File Selector.
* Added "up" button to the main emulator title bar.
* Made "grid view" and "tile view" options separate.
* Moved File Selector view toggles to the navigation menu.
* Enabled application-wide hardware acceleration.
* Improved "What's New" page formatting.

Have fun!

 

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have just uploaded MasterGear 3.2.5 for Android devices to Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

The latest version adds the floating action button to run the last played game and optimizes controls for gamepad-based Android devices, such as Nvidia Shield Portable.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added floating action button that starts the last played game.
* Added "Show Action Button" option to the Settings.
* Optimized controls for Nvidia SHIELD Portable and similar devices.
* FIRE-R, FIRE-Y, and SELECT buttons open File Selector main menu.
* FIRE-X button opens File Selector navigation menu.
* FIRE-L button opens Gallery from the File Selector.
* FIRE-B button now exits File Selector.
* Fixed crash when detecting an outdated version.

Have fun!

 

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have updated MasterGear-Android to version 3.3 today:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

Since I have got an ADT-1 AndroidTV box to test on, this version contains many optimizations for AndroidTV and other devices without touchscreens. The gamepad BACK key now exits the emulator, while pressing A+BACK will open the menu. The "Assign Keys" dialog has been redesigned to completely avoid the touchscreen use. I have also updated the banner image and added overscan border on AndroidTV devices

ALL CHANGES:
* Removed waveform interpolation for more realistic sound.
* Optimized app for AndroidTV, tested on the ADT-1 box.
* Added overscan border on AndroidTV devices.
* Added hints to the emulator and key mapping dialog.
* Fixed crashes on devices with no web browser (e.g. ADT-1).
* Replaced AndroidTV banner image.
* Enabled gamepad-only emulation interface.
* Press BACK on gamepad to exit emulation.
* Press MODE or BUTTON_A+BACK to open menu.
* Press BUTTON_X if you have no SELECT button.
* Press BUTTON_Y if you have no START button.
* Xperia CIRCLE button now acts as BUTTON_B.
* Redesigned key mapping dialog.
* Press same key twice to remove it from assignments.
* Press same key three times to confirm key mappings.
* DPAD_CENTER key no longer confirms key mappings.

Enjoy!

 

[fms]

Hello, All!

A minor MasterGear-Android 3.3.1 update today:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

The new version fixes SRAM clearing on reset, so Lunar Legend and other games will no longer lose saved games when you reset them. I have also added an option to reset all settings to defaults and made the right shoulder button open the context menu in the File Selector.

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed clearing SRAM on reset (Lunar Legend, etc).
* Added "General | Reset All Settings" option.
* Pressing BUTTON_R1 now invokes File Selector context menu.

Have fun!

 

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have published MasterGear-Android 3.3.2 this morning:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.mg

Starting with this version, you can play MasterSystem games together, using two gamepads (wired or wireless). Please, make sure you connect both gamepads to your Android device before starting MasterGear. I have also replaced all icons throughout the app with Material Design icons and cleaned some virtual joystick skins.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added second player, if you have two gamepads connected.
* To play together, connect both gamepads before starting MasterGear.
* Added Material Design icons everywhere.
* Retouched virtual gamepad images.

Have fun!