Skip to content

VGM issues and question

Technical discussion about the VGM format, and all the software you need to handle VGM files.

Moderator: Staff

  • Tafoid Offline
  • Posts: 3
  • Joined: 2020-10-14, 18:53:15

VGM issues and question

Post by Tafoid »

I work hard to add the newly produced packs to MAME's "vgmplay.xml" software list.
With some recent additions I wanted to bring up a query regarding additions for consideration.
The issue lies in game from a larger software package being added as separate packages for each game. I understand splitting games per title for proper representation, but when it comes to lining them up to existing entries in the MAME database, I can't use the same shortname for each title (as I normally can for virtually everything added so far) so I have to modify it (adding some additional characters), to better allow the shortname to identify.

The software in question is "Konami Game Collection Bangai-hen" for the MSX2 and VGM's made are in PSG and some using SSC and as near as I can tell, there are 5 packages (3 titles) produced from this title and there may be more I've missed:

- Ago Board (MSX2, PSG)
https://vgmrips.net/packs/pack/ago-board-msx2-psg

- Ago Board (MSX2, SCC)
https://vgmrips.net/packs/pack/ago-board-msx2-scc

- Hyper Somen (MSX2, PSG)
https://vgmrips.net/packs/pack/hyper-somen-msx2-psg

- Hyper Somen (MSX2, SCC)
https://vgmrips.net/packs/pack/hyper-somen-msx2-scc

- Title Memory (MSX2, SCC)
https://vgmrips.net/packs/pack/title-memory-msx-scc
The Title Memory (aka Title Awase) was added long ago and has some reference to the package it came from in the year field

Other examples I can think of that fall into this category are the Namco Classic Collections Vol 1+2 for the Arcade where there are multiple titles and variants of each title in each VGM package.
My question is, does it make sense to compile all the VGM packs into a larger package to represent the software the VGMs are being logged from? Do any of these exist in a produced (singular) form?
Last edited by Tafoid on 2020-10-23, 23:42:41, edited 1 time in total.
  • ctr Offline
  • Posts: 492
  • Joined: 2013-07-17, 23:32:39

Post by ctr »

We usually split into multiple packs for computer games that support different hardware configurations. For example, PC-88/PC-98 games may have multiple packs for OPN and OPNA sound cards respectively. IBM PC/Windows games may have multiple variants for AdLib (OPL2) and SoundBlaster 16 (OPL3), sometimes even differentiating between using the game's built in OPL3 and Windows MIDI to OPL3 drivers. This also follows what SMSPower does for the Mark III games that support FM.

For the Namco Classic Collection series, all games are in the same pack, so isn't that a bit of a counter-example to what you are thinking of?

Exactly how VGM packs should be split I think is a matter of individual preference. I usually prefer the packs to be split if there is differences in software and/or hardware. However if the software differences are small (from the VGM point of view, for example just added songs), then I may prefer to merge those variants in one pack. Examples of that being the extra music from R-360 G-Loc and the Sega 3D classic series (Out Run, After Burner, Fantasy Zone II, etc).
Post Reply