Hi All,
Just thought with all the new layouts being released and some negative comments being made that I would post some pointers that hopefully will help layout designers avoid getting these minor negative comments and improve overall layout standards.
While I appreciate that a designer can make a layout anyway they wish it is my opinion that there should be some basic layout standards that I and others would expect to be done.
While the following list isn't exhaustive if you can answer "yes" to the following I feel you wont go far wrong, after all people are expecting to run your layout out the box etc.
So the layout basics I consider should be met on every layout are:-
1. If you use a non standard font please include a copy of it or people wont be able to see it as you do and people may moan about having to get it.
2. Is the % of the game also set in the configuration panel? And does it match what your displaying?
3. Have you added note buttons 5,10,20 ? (if applicable)
4. Have you topped up the hoppers so that they will work?
5. Are all buttons clickable?
6. Have you entered all switch numbers correctly in config? (or left blank for techs that have defaults)
7. Do the meters work correctly (ideally 10p units is the standard) eg £10 would show as 100 (excluding 2p machines etc)
8. Is the alpha the new type, set to 16 seg and adjusted to be as readable as possible?
9. Are the seven segs readable? remember real ones slant to the right and are not on a diet!
10. Is the volume set?
11. Are tube level sensors checkboxed? (IMO nothing worse than having a game payout 20p's because someone couldn't be bothered to find the £1 level switches)
12. Have you entered the shortcuts?
And finally have you tested it or had it tested to check that lamps/ buttons / features are correct etc?
I hope you find this useful and accept it in the spirit that it is given.
If your struggling to answer any of the above with a yes but would like to then just ask, many people can help you if you ask!
Thanks to all the layout designers! and long live MFME!
Steve P