MAMEWorld Forums - MAME Artwork: Official - Re: Pirate Ship Higemaru

> I noticed that the method used was entirely different from my own, using a Mask. This
> required use of some tags: Alphafile among them. Seeing that work (I'm new to all
> this, and have only just figured out the LAY files - thanks Mr. Do for your site).
> The mask allows you to put a full image on the screen, and to lay the game over top.
> It looks great.
>
> My method has been different. I've been using a transparent region, essentially
> creating the custom bezel like a real one - in other words, there's a big empty hole
> where the "screen" goes.
>
> I'm not sure which is "right", or ultimately "better", or what people prefer. I did
> try a version of the Pirate Ship bezel using a Mask, and I tied myself in knots, so
> abandoned it.
>
> So, what's the downside to my method, as opposed to using a mask?

There's no "right" way to do it. The beauty of the LAY file system is that it allows a lot of flexibility and multiple ways of doing the same thing. I think you'll find about 99% of bezels use transparent sections rather than the alphafile. I suppose the advantage of the alphafile is that you don't have to put a permanent "hole" in the bezel artwork so you can change things more easily latter.

Thanks for your contributions.