Implementing cheat support like in mame2003

[jebediah2]

Since there is a whole generation of newer cheats using XML format as opposed to the older cheat.dat files, it would be worth allowing them into libretro like it was made with mame2003. I have no code knowledge so basically giving a heads up on implementing that functionality into mame2010. @dankcushions did the job for mame2003 which one can see on the relevant commit pages:

libretro/mame2003-libretro@2ce1798

libretro/mame2003-libretro@72d985e

I'm happy to help if I can though chances are I can't code much, even when based on that earlier work.

[tecnocat]

There is no need to implement this, already works:

1. Download cheats from http://cheat.retrogames.com/mame_downloads.htm
2. Install the cheat file (cheat.zip) in /opt/retropie/libretrocores/lr-mame2010/cheat folder
3. Copy (or link) /opt/retropie/libretrocores/lr-mame2010/mame.ini to your home forlder ~/mame.ini
4. Update cheatpath to /opt/retropie/libretrocores/lr-mame2010/cheat in ~/mame.ini
5. Enable cheats (set to 1) in ~/mame.ini (under CORE MISC OPTIONS)
6. Cheat!

[tecnocat]

The problem that cheats never load is related to this other issue:

#14

[markwkidd]

Edit: I don't know if cheats have ever worked correctly in mame2010. For now it seems safe to say that they either need to be enabled somewhere in the code, or there is a regression bug that needs to be fixed.

Nonetheless at least it is clearer which folder the cheats.zip should be stored in. 🤷‍♂️

[Virus-Hunter]

I hate to necro an old issue, but after trying a variety of different methods I'm coming to the same conclusion as markwkidd. I really want cheats in mame2010! If anyone wants to start a bounty or point me towards where to open one, I'll gladly pitch in $100 towards gettin it done!

[tecnocat]

Did you try #38 (comment)???

[Virus-Hunter]

Yes, I have.

[markwkidd]

One thing that has shifted in my perspective over the years is that I think the MAME 2010 core has less relevance. Have you tried running the games you want with MAME 2016?

Many games have been added to MAME 2003+, and MAME 2016 is more and more viable for more devices. I have heard rumors that there is a developer working to further improve the performance of MAME 2016 as well, if that works out, I think MAME 2003+ & MAME 2016 will together cover most use cases.

For my own projects, I'm still working on the 2003+ core, but based on other developer and user interest in MAME 2016, that's probably the next core I will invest my development time into.