About This File
A computer from 1948! This is quite possibly the oldest system in MAME Software List but, does it have games?
I found this system during a deep dive into MAME SL, with titles like Nightmare and Virtual Pet, I assumed I found games. What I found was an ancestor to videogames, a prototype or idea of what games would become. There isn't much to “control”, the programs are either used for basic math calculations or graphical demos. The first computer graphics to exist.
My mind kept returning to this system during other projects. How would it work? Is it even justified?
Ultimately, I decided it was an important footnote in the origin of videogames and I would give it my best attempt.
The Main Theme is taken from a documentary. I cut together thirteen three second clips and fixed the audio with music. I think it's the best way to show a computer that is the size of a small room.
I didn't map any controls so it's strictly keyboard only. I'm not sure if Nightmare can be controlled but Virtual Pet seems like you can do something with proper instruction.
I had to use a combination of Bezel.ini, MAME slider configuration, and Retroarch (Content Directory) Custom Windows Scaling to shrink the games down to fit the bezel.
Yes, the screen is very small using the bezel, but so was the real life SSEM monitor. I wanted the bezel to display the monitor and button panel. It was the best decision I could make to represent a computer the size of a room.
RetroArch/MAME setup instructions and other related Uploads:
