Zbattle = True Online OG SF?

[Vintage]

Well…last time I mentioned Zbattle, it was with reference to former players on Xband. This thread is solely for the purpose of informing all of you about a unique and effective way to play online OG SF games. Now, by that, I am referring to the SF games on SNES. In addition to playing SF games, you can play ANY SNES or Super Famicon game ever created against someone, or cooperatively (For example, playing Secret of Mana with a college buddy of yours out of state).

I admit, when I first heard of online play through a SNES emulator, I too was a bit skeptical. But…Zbattle is a nice & refreshing alternative to Xbox Live and Kalliera. Unlike both of those two, Zbattle is not region specific. If both parties have a decent broadband connection (or even ISDN…YES I SAID ISDN!) you will have a lag-free match, regardless of wherever you live. This means, you can reside in CA, USA and play someone from “merry” ol’ England without any lag. In addition to that, you can just about use ANY (and I do mean any) peripherial in conjunction with it. I am using a SNES pad for example.

How does it work?
-Zbattle is a server which allows individuals to create or join games or roms. Zbattle uses the emulator ZSNES (Super Nintendo Emulator) to actually play the game itself by synchronizing both parties connection.

So where do I start?
-Visit www.zsnes.com to download ZSNES. Be sure to download ZSNES 1.36, not 1.36 WIP (this beta version has desynching issues with netplay). From there, head over to www.zbattle.net and download the newest version of Zbattle (Beta 1.09). After downloading both of those, feel free to seek out the roms you desire. Key for Roms-> (J)=Japanese (U)=US (E)=European (formatted for Pal, which runs slower than both the U & J versions) Rule of thumb, download the (U) wherever possible.

So…how do I configure everything once I have downloaded both ZSNES and Zbattle?
-Upon installing Zbattle, it will ask where your ZSNES application is located within your directory. Place Zbattle within the correct location of your ZSNES application. It is a good idea to create a separate folder for ZSNES (ex: C:\ZSNES)
-All roms you download MUST be placed in your ZSNES folder. Unzip all roms you download, where applicable. ZSNES alone can run zipped roms, HOWEVER, Zbattle cannot…thus, it is a good idea to get in the practice of unzipping all of your roms)
-To properly set your rom directory…

*Originally posted by Dark Gaiden *
**

First disconnect from Zbattle (assuming that you already click connect), by that I mean actually click “disconnect”, don’t just close it. The next step is to make sure all of your roms are placed in your ZSNES folder. Then open up the Zsnes configuration file with Notepad-its the .cfg file. Scroll to the bottom of the document and make sure the “GameDirectory” is indeed your Zsnes directory-if not make the necessary changes. Once it has been changed, save the file and then make the .cfg file “read only.”

You’ll know if you set it properly, by opening Zsnes and attept to load a rom. If your roms are immediately listed, then you set it correctly. All this is also explained at www.zbattle.net **

-From there, you just simply connect to Zbattle, where you will see that you can either join or create your own game. Upon joining a game, if both parties do not have the same rom, the “joinee” will be given the option to download the rom from the host. Often, both parties will have the same rom, but the party that joins the game will not have his/her rom directory set properly. When this happens, if that individual chooses to download the rom from the host, the download will timeout before it finishes…all of which is WHY IT IS IMPERATIVE TO SET UP YOUR ROM DIRECTORY CORRECTLY->no sense in wasting your time or the other party’s…

What are some configurations I should know about?
-The first thing you want to configure after installing ZSNES is the screen size. To do this, simply open up ZSNES and click on “config” at the top, then click on “video.” Pending upon your default resolution, your selection may be different from mine. I selected 640 x 480 DS Full (default resolution on PC is 1024 x 768). With this setting, I get full screen without hardly any pixelation.

What do I do if the Zbattle server is down?
-Here is the nice thing about the ZSNES emulator. ZSNES comes with netplay inherently. If you were to go through the features of ZSNES, you would come across that option. To use it’s netplay…

*Originally posted by Dark Gaiden *
**Even though Zbattle.net is down at the moment, you still can play NetPlay via your Zsnes. All you need is your IP address. If one of your friends (who also has Zsnes) has AIM, YM or ICQ, just send them your current IP address. Then all your opponent has to do is open their Zsnes and click “Netplay” and enter the IP address you just gave them. Since you gave them your IP address, you will be the one hosting the game/server, so on your Zsnes, just click Netplay and select “Start as Server.” All your opponent has to do on their end is select “Connect to Server”-since in fact they are joining your game/server.

Once that is complete, both parties Zsnes will become synched. Then the opponent must select the rom/game in the Window Option screen. *On a side note, the rom name from both parties must both match in order for Zsnes to complete the netplay. In other words, don’t change the original name of the rom you download. **

You mentioned earlier that you were using a SNES pad on your ZSNES…How do you pull that off and what other peripherials can one use?
-Well…I personally had a good friend of mine wire up 2 SNES pads to my PC’s parallel port. For a more detailed explanation of how that is done, check out this link: http://www.dreamcliff.com/personal/...jump/index.html
The great thing about this site too is, the owner also builds and sells adapters that allow you to use a SNES pad on your PC.
-As for using a PSX pad, there are numerous PSX to PC adapters out there. Be careful that you get one that has proper drivers for your OS. More specifically, if you are using XP (Home) as opposed to XP (Pro), you better be sure that you can find drivers for that particular adapter before you purchase it. If not, you’ll get what happened to Jesse Ask Jesse any time for that story, I’m sure he’ll be glad to tell ya :lol:
-If you desire to use a Saturn pad, get a magicbox.
-If you desire to use a Mas Stick, make sure it is PSX modified, unless of course it is already modified for a PC.

I have the pad/stick I want to use, so how do I change the buttons to what I want?
-Just open up your ZSNES application once again. Click on “config” and then select Input #1. From there, click on device (keyboard/stick). Then click on “set keys.” It will then prompt you to go through all the different directions & diagonals, as well as the buttons (Remember, the button layout is that of an actual SNES pad, which is why you see letters such as “x,” “r,” and so forth). Once all of that is done, click off and then click on “misc” and click on “save cfg.” This wil save the configuration settings that you have just set.

Misc. things you should know…
-If both parties have broadband, you should play with the latency set at 1 or 2 (3 is default). Changing the latency makes it significantly easier to execute moves. Latency 3 is usually reserved to those with a dial-up connection. If you select the latency to 1 and the game appears to be skipping a little, try adjusting the latency to 2 (ocassionally, one party’s broadband will be better than anothers-usually occurs when playing someone overseas with a below average broadband connection). To change the latency, simply press “esc” once the game begins after both parties have been properly synched. You will be taken to a ZSNES screen that with a monitor display (where you can still type to communicate with one another). At the bottom, you will see “latency.” Press “+” to increae the latency and “-” to decrease it.
-When playing aganst or with someone, press the letter “T” to type.
-When hosting games on Zbattle, refrain from using profanity. You can be banned for doing so.
-When hosting games on Zbattle, refrain from posting any rom sites. This too can get you banned.
-If you have a router or firewall (firewall usually includes most anti-virus software) be sure to check out the faqs at www.zbattle.net They explain how to get around it.

Well, if there are any specific questions you have or any problems you encounter during this relatively “arduos-free” process, check out the forums on www.zsnes.com or read the faqs on www.zbattle.net I hope many of you will take the opportunity to check it out. There is only so much I can tell you, without you yourself personally experiencing it. I am not implying that Zbattle & ZSNES are perfect, BUT, as far as online play is cocerned, it is by far the best option currently out there. Right now, Zbattle is probably the best kept secret for online play, hopefully, with the aid of some curious SRK members, that will change. Oh yea, all of this is free and none of the sites you go to download either ZSNES or Zbattle requires you to register. I hope to see many of you on there and give Jesse, Nok (aka, the “UK Guy”) my bro (Dark Gaiden), and myself, some decent competition on SF

[m121akuma]

Interresting. Ok, I’ll bite. I got the software. Hit me up on some SF2 Turbo

[System_1]

Thats good your larging-up online play. The prospect of over-seas battles, with low lag is amazing (SF2 CE against Japanese players). There is only one major draw back compared to Kaillera, these are Snes versions of the games. The idea sounds good though.

[System_1]

*Originally posted by Viet Cong *
**Thats good your larging-up online play. The prospect of over-seas battles, with low lag is amazing (SF2 CE against Japanese players). There is only one major draw back compared to Kaillera, these are Snes versions of the games. The idea sounds good though. **

he’s not kidding man. I have played against guys from UK and Spain in some heated Ken Vs Ryu matches and its as if the guy was playing in the same room!

I will emphasise that it is ESSENTIAL to get a good controller that you can play on. Get a good PC usb pad or get a modified controller of your liking.

If anyone needs help setting up, just holler at us either me or Gaiden

I sure wish Apoc or Seth would join up on this thing…even if its just to play for shits and giggles!

[System_1]

You know what, like what I wanted people to do for Kaillera, I will try this. Mainly because the emphasis on low lag across nations. The hardest part will be getting use to the SNES downgrade of the arcade hardware. I want SF2 CE.

I wonder if oone of the UK guys is CEM, cause he is one of the most dangerous SF2 players I seen on kaillera and he had a 120ms ping.

[System_1]

*Originally posted by Viet Cong *
**You know what, like what I wanted people to do for Kaillera, I will try this. Mainly because the emphasis on low lag across nations. The hardest part will be getting use to the SNES downgrade of the arcade hardware. I want SF2 CE.

I wonder if oone of the UK guys is CEM, cause he is one of the most dangerous SF2 players I seen on kaillera and he had a 120ms ping. **

I played those guys from the uk and i had a 69 ms ping. and if you wanna play sf2 ce, you can play the SNES SF2 Turbo version. It has it in there. Sure, its not as sharp as the arcade, but it sure does play damn close to it.

Its also great if you like to play MK or KI!

If Kailera had THIS kind of interface, and lag free play I would be glad to play it. But til then, this will do just fine.

[System_1]

What advantages does playing a zsnes emulator compared to mame since in mame you can play the actual arcade version online?

[System_1]

*Originally posted by DVS1 *
**What advantages does playing a zsnes emulator compared to mame since in mame you can play the actual arcade version online? **

Advantages?? Well for one, if you have a broadband connection you can play virtually lag free for the most part provided that both players have a decent connection.

Zsnes coupled with Zbattle actually give players a place to meet, and post up games that they like to play. Not just Street Fighter, but any SNES multiplayer game. Better at MK, or Ki?? Host a game, and see who comes out to play you.

You can set the damage levels, and turn off time limits.

You can type trash talk between rounds with ease.

Mame is an ARCADE emu…and Zsnes is a SNES emu…so its not really that fair to compare the two. But comparing Zbattle to Kailera…well, lets just say I am hooked on what I considered to be too good to be true.

[System_1]

Do you get to see your pings like Kaillera, I don’t see them.

[System_1]

just ping your opponents Ip. If you cant find it, just ask them for it. I think Gaiden knows how to get it without askin.

[System_1]

I just played VIET CONG…and all I have to say is…

“Look Mikey! I think he likes it!”

[System_1]

Matched up with JumpsuitJesse in SF2 Hyper. I heard about Zbattle long ago when people wanted to play mario kart and ting. I heard about its low latency and never paid mind. The match up I Just had was amazing.

Me in peel region, Onatrio, Canada and JumpsuitJesse in Houston, Texas, USA. I say, realistically, I didn’t notice any lag. You be doing the moves like your playing off line. That client is some hyped-up coding.

This is officially something people should try out. If my first trial was me and someone from New York state, that wouldn’t surprise me, its close. But that test proves the power of this client. Can never replace my gaming on actual arcade roms, but the consistant future for online SF’ing, seems to be with Zbattle.net.

If Kaillera client updated wiith this technology that would be wicked.

[FatalFuryD]

I’m assuming you’d be using broadband connection… but do you know if this thing works with 56k?

[System_1]

Remember, broadband just means more information faster. All net apps will work with 56K, but it will not work at optimum performance.

56K = 1985 pink Dodge Omni
Broadband = black Camero Z28 SS package, with 2 Vivid production girls in the back seat.

Whats a link- Rogers Cable -whats a link

[Supernaut]

I’m assuming you’d be using broadband connection… but do you know if this thing works with 56k?

Well, I’m the proud owner of a pink Omni and I can honestly say it really depends on who you’re playing against. For instance, when I play against others in the contiguous-50 the games are pretty smooth for the most part . Obviously the quality of play goes down when I go toe-to-toe with players in Europe or other non-BB havin’ fools, but for the most part it runs like a champ (relatively).

If Kaillera client updated wiith this technology that would be wicked.

The main difference between Kaillera and ZSNES netplay is the fact that ZSNES establishes a direct UDP connection between the players instead of relying on a server as a middle-man like Kaillera does. Zbattle really doesn’t play any part in sending data from player to player. It’s basically just a suped up chat room that performs a checksum to make sure that players have matching roms, and then facilitates the connection between the two parties.

I should also mention that it’s possible to set up ZSNES to use a TCP/IP connec tion in case UDP doesn’t work with your LAN.

[System_1]

Oh, I wondered what the main server everyone was connecting to, that would allow people from other countries to still have low latency. So it’s basically peer-to-peer. Wicked explaination, It sounds like a relatively simple enough plan, for the author of Kaillera to implement.

It might have to do with M.A.M.E. not actually having default peer-to-peer net capabilities.

[brian]

I just tried this too. And I have to say, I’m shocked at how much better it is than kaillera. I thought the lag was unavoidable because of distance, but apparently that’s not the case! Kaillera just inherently sucks :P.
Of course the fact that its snes doesnt help, but its still great fun. And more importantly, it proves that online street fighter is a possibilty! So in the future who knows what we’ll get :).

[System_1]

*Originally posted by brian *
**I just tried this too. And I have to say, I’m shocked at how much better it is than kaillera. I thought the lag was unavoidable because of distance, but apparently that’s not the case! Kaillera just inherently sucks :P.
Of course the fact that its snes doesnt help, but its still great fun. And more importantly, it proves that online street fighter is a possibilty! So in the future who knows what we’ll get :). **

Great games, Brian! Your Guile is crazy! But my Ken is crazier! Meaty low fwd, link into low short, dragon punch!! TOO GOOD!

If anyone knows any of the programers over at mame, tell them to get with this method of online peer to peer play!

Now hopefully more players will come out and join up.

Apoc, I’d really like to play your HF Rog…just to see what its like. I never played him, and I prolly wont get that chance later…so the least we can try to do is duke it out over the net

[System_1]

But you guys don’t realize what this really means!!

SNES ALPHA 2 ONLINE!

ALPHA 2!!!

-df

[Apoc]

*Originally posted by JumpsuitJesse *
**

Great games, Brian! Your Guile is crazy! But my Ken is crazier! Meaty low fwd, link into low short, dragon punch!! TOO GOOD!

If anyone knows any of the programers over at mame, tell them to get with this method of online peer to peer play!

Now hopefully more players will come out and join up.

Apoc, I’d really like to play your HF Rog…just to see what its like. I never played him, and I prolly wont get that chance later…so the least we can try to do is duke it out over the net **

Aww man. We will:) A lot of us played at Evo this year on great controls! There were even some ol skool world’s finest players like Vahe and Norm Ho! It looks like we may get to try some HF Rog vs. Fei action on HSF2TAE! Whoa. I wonder what HF Fei is gonna be like?

Apoc.