Hey PapaShine,
I’m using an older version of mame: mame0181b_64bit
Food Fight overlay doesn’t want to show, despite everything being “enabled” in mame video options. Upon unzippng, I did notice the mame overlay file is named “defender.” Is this correct? I’ve tried renaming everything to match, but had no luck. I can always try the retroarch version, but I’ve been enjoying the convenience of mame!
I’ll keep experimenting on my end. Maybe I’m missing something obvious…
Hi Ben, I just checked for you and the file had a naming issue as well. It should be foodf.zip.
Here’s a working zip for MAME that I just tested and is working for me:
Fixed RetroArch too:
Hey @benlogan, thanks for flagging! In my version of mame it’s called Foodf2.zip so that’s why it’s different - hope it’s working for you now 
thanks for sorting @ArsInvictus, I’ll swap out the .zip files I’m hosting too.
Thanks, guys! I’m having a similar problem loading up Dragon Breed for mame. There’s a config file, but no .lay file when I unzip and check (?)
I’m new to this stuff, so it’s quite possible the problem is on my end.
Nope, that was strange! The file on my own setup was correct but it was wrong on the share. Here’s the corrected file:
The Simpsons (Konami, 1991)
This Simpsons stands as one of the most popular and iconic arcade games of the 90’s and still has legions of fans to this day. One of the defining arcade brawlers of Konami’s hot run of massive 4 player multiplayer cabs (TNMT, X-Men, Sunset Riders), it obviously played on the success of the TV show and opened the flood gates to bring more entertainment franchise’s into the arcades (for good or bad!).
Presented here with a cab accurate layout and the 4 player CPO rendered as close to the original stick and button colors and layout as I could get it. The CPO is scaled down for this to show more of the controls, but we felt it still kept the original look intact and worth it for the extra detail.
So, grab your skateboard and help Homer and the family rescue Maggie from the dastardly Mr. Smithers before she chokes on that Diamond!! Eat my shorts.
Millipede (Atari – 1982)
Millipede added lots of new legs (and bugs) to the Centipede formula, which significantly alter the gameplay while making it overall feel a bit more sophisticated (and amping up the difficulty). Similarly to the original, you try to stop the progress of a constantly advancing millipede through a field of mushrooms, while contending with a variety of other bugs getting in your business. For my (fake) quarters, there’s really no reason to go back to Centipede, as every aspect of the experience is improved.
This overlay reproduces the cabinet pretty faithfully, including the black void that the screen floats in – the MAME version includes a preset with scratches to give it a bit more definition. The MAME version also includes interactive buttons (the famous Atari volcano buttons blink when inserting coins), using lay file mechanics directly adapted from Mr. Do’s lay file (thanks, Mr. Do!). The MAME version also includes two screen sizes if you want to get really up close and personal with the bugs.
Beautiful overlay. Brings back memories of Friday nights at Chuck E Cheese as a teen. The flashing volcano lights are a really nice touch! Super cool. Thanks, Thoggo!
Mars Matrix 4K Vertical Overlay
Updated format and packaging:
R-Type 2 4K Vertical Overlay
This is a new one, there isn’t much art available for this title and it was only available as a conversion. I was able to find a photograph of the instruction strip included with the original PCB kit and I manually traced it in vector format.
Incredible tracing, Ars. You are remarkably patient, sir! Super result.
R-Type Leo 4K Vertical Overlay
This is the third and last R-Type to be released to arcades (though the legend lives on, with a new game being developed now via kickstarter). This game never received a release outside of Japan so there was no western style marquee and artwork. So, I put together a custom marquee and instruction strip set based off the Japanese flyers. I hope there are some R-Type Leo fans out there somewhere who will appreciate the effort on this one!
Here are the instruction strips at printable resolution if someone wants to use them for a cab or something:
Bagman (Stern - 1982)
Another early 80s classic, Bagman combines Donkey Kong-like platform levels that span multiple screens with maze chase gameplay that requires more strategy than reflexes. It takes a bit of practice to find the optimal routes to avoid the guards, grab all the gold and run out before the timer does. Known for its comic strip-inspired art that explains the entire game’s plot and gameplay mechanics all in the marquee.
Super Bagman (Stern – 1984)
Two years later, the Bagman is at it again, having escaped from Alcatraz (could Bagman actually be Clint Eastwood?!), and he’s after his stashed gold once again. This time he can grab a gun and grenade in addition to the standard pickaxe, but the guards are also armed. Another twist is the ability to release a captured comrade from the clink by finding a special bag of gold to receive the key. Not a radical change from the original, but more spelunking fun with hardened criminals.
Shadow Force: Transformation Ninja
Updates to look and packaging:
Gunbird
Updates to look and packaging. The marquee and bezel here are old custom designs.
Aliens
I created a custom bezel on the prior version of this overlay but there was an actual bezel distributed with the kit for this game which I recreated (very simple design) and used for this update.
Inferno (Williams – 1984)
Known for 80s arcade hits like Defender and Robotron: 2084, Williams also released a few odd titles that didn’t generate quite so much buzz, and Inferno definitely falls into the latter category. Sort of a mashup of Crystal Castles and Robotron but with dual joysticks that only move diagonally, and a strangely creepy vibe, the game sends one or two heroes into a series of maze-like caverns to battle cyclopes, tanks, nymphs and “boom boom birds” sent by the Grand Lizard. The mazes have multiple height levels and their narrow corridors can be a challenge to navigate without properly configured controls (ideally you need a flight stick and another joystick, but you can make it work with two normal sticks and a nearby button). If you’re looking for a weird 80s game you may not have played that’s unmistakably Williams, delve into the depths of Inferno.
APB (Atari – 1987)
Take the wheel as Officer Bob and apprehend speeders and scofflaws in this somewhat humorous top-down driving game from Atari. APB is more complex than it looks at first glance, requiring you to not only navigate city streets at high speeds but aim a reticle and hit your Siren button to issue tickets and pull over more dangerous suspects. Get too many demerits and you’ll be the one getting arrested.
This cabinet is known for some… eclectic artwork, as well as its flashing marquee lights when you hit your siren, which we recreated in the MAME version of this overlay (adapted from Mr. Do’s original lay file, thanks to him for the functionality as well as explaining how it works!) along with two screen sizes. Now hit the streets, rookie, and let’s be careful out there.
Dogyuun (Toaplan - 1992)
This is another one that required a lot of custom design work as there was no original marquee or bezel that I was able to find. There were western releases but I believe they must have been very limited in quantity considering the difficulty in finding the kit materials. I was able to use an english language instruction card and the marquee was a recomp of the arcade flyer.
Toaplan made absolutely amazing shooters and all of them come highly recommended to any shmup fan.
