Automatic Overlay from Screenshots for Password-Based Games

RetroArch Additions
#1

Many classic games use in-game password systems (e.g. Road Rash II on Mega Drive, Super Castlevania IV on SNES).

In RetroAchievements Hardcore mode savestates are disabled, so users must rely on these passwords.

I propose a feature to automatically create an overlay from the last screenshot (password screen) and toggle it via hotkey.

Example workflow: • Press F7: convert last screenshot into a temporary overlay • Press F8: toggle between bezel overlay and password overlay

This would not affect emulation or RA verification, as it only displays a visual overlay. It could reuse the existing overlay subsystem.

This would significantly improve usability for password-based games without breaking Hardcore rules.

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#2

I personally would like to see a Quick Menu submenu, to show screenshots for that game only. BTW You can set screenshots from the “Images” playlist (the last taken screenshots list) as favorites too, just like a game. Or add them to a new Playlist dedicated for passwords.

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#3

It’s a great idea. A per-game screenshots submenu in the Quick Menu would already solve a big part of the problem.

My overlay proposal is more for real-time reference while playing, whether for passwords or maps.

Combining both approaches could provide a complete solution: an organized password history plus an optional in-game overlay.

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