MiSTer FPGA: Requesting 224p Vertical Crop Setting

Hey everyone!

I wanted to discuss a feature request that I think would be super beneficial for those of us who love playing arcade ports on the MiSTer FPGA. I've noticed an issue with some games where the active display area doesn't quite fill the standard 240p output, leaving us with those pesky black borders at the top and bottom of the screen. Let's dive into the details and see how we can potentially improve the experience.

The Issue: 224p Active Area in 240p Output

So, the core problem is that some arcade ports, like Kyuukyoku Tiger II Plus and Gradius Deluxe Pack, output a 240p image, but the actual active area – the portion of the screen where the game is displayed – is only 224p. This discrepancy results in those black borders, which can be a bit distracting and take away from the full-screen experience we all crave. You know, those annoying black bars that make the game feel a little less immersive. We're talking about squeezing every last bit of awesome out of these classic games, and those borders just don't fit the bill, if you know what I mean.

Examples in the Wild

To illustrate this, let's take a closer look at the examples provided:

• Kyuukyoku Tiger II Plus (Japan):

  

  In this screenshot, you can clearly see the black borders at the top and bottom of the screen. The game itself is perfectly centered, but it's surrounded by these unused areas, making the image feel a bit smaller and less impactful. It’s like watching a widescreen movie on an old 4:3 TV – you're just not getting the full picture! The vibrant action of Kyuukyoku Tiger II Plus deserves to fill the screen, and those borders are holding it back.

• Gradius Deluxe Pack (Japan):

  

  Similarly, Gradius Deluxe Pack exhibits the same issue. The gameplay is fantastic, but the black borders detract from the overall visual presentation. This classic deserves to be displayed in all its glory, without any distracting black bars. We want the full, unadulterated Gradius experience, and that means maximizing the screen real estate. Think of it as giving Gradius the VIP treatment it deserves!

These are just a couple of examples, and there are likely other games out there that suffer from the same problem. It's a common quirk of older arcade ports, where the original hardware might have had different display characteristics. But with the MiSTer FPGA, we have the power to fine-tune the output and get these games looking their absolute best.

The Current 216p Crop Setting: Almost There, But Not Quite

Currently, the MiSTer FPGA has a setting to crop the image to 216p. This is a step in the right direction, but unfortunately, it crops too much of the image, cutting off some of the active display area. It's like trying to fit a puzzle piece that's just a little too small – you can force it, but it's not a perfect fit and you might lose some important details in the process. While the 216p crop does eliminate the black borders, it does so at the cost of the game's intended presentation. We're trading one problem for another, and that's not exactly the ideal solution.

We need a setting that's just right – one that eliminates the black borders without sacrificing any of the precious gameplay area. It’s like Goldilocks and the Three Bears – we need the porridge that’s not too hot, not too cold, but just right! The 216p option is close, but it leaves us wanting more.

The Solution: A Dedicated 224p Vertical Crop Setting

This brings us to the core of the feature request: an additional 224p vertical crop setting. This setting would perfectly match the active display area of these games, eliminating the black borders without cropping any of the actual game content. It's a simple solution, but it would make a world of difference in the visual presentation of these games. Imagine the crisp, clean image filling your screen, with no distractions – just pure, unadulterated arcade goodness! We want the game to shine, and a 224p crop setting is the key to unlocking its full potential.

Why 224p is the Magic Number

The 224p resolution is a common standard in many classic arcade games. It represents the actual active display area that the game designers intended for players to see. By adding a 224p crop setting, we're essentially giving these games the screen real estate they were always meant to have. It's about preserving the original artistic vision and ensuring that we're experiencing the game as it was intended to be played. No more compromises, no more distractions – just the game, in all its pixelated glory!

This setting would provide the perfect balance, ensuring that the entire active display area is visible while eliminating those pesky black borders. It's like finding the missing piece of the puzzle – everything just clicks into place, and the picture is complete. With a 224p crop setting, we can finally enjoy these classic arcade ports the way they were meant to be enjoyed, with a full, immersive display that truly does justice to the original artwork and gameplay.

Benefits of a 224p Crop Setting

Adding a 224p vertical crop setting would bring a ton of benefits to the MiSTer FPGA experience, particularly for fans of classic arcade games. Let's break down some of the key advantages:

• Eliminates Black Borders: The most obvious benefit is the elimination of those distracting black borders, resulting in a cleaner, more immersive visual experience. It's like removing the frame from a painting – you're focusing on the artwork itself, without any distractions. The game fills the screen, drawing you in and maximizing your enjoyment. No more squinting to see the action – just pure, unadulterated gaming bliss!
• Preserves Original Aspect Ratio: A 224p crop setting ensures that the game's original aspect ratio is preserved, preventing any unwanted stretching or distortion. We're talking about maintaining the integrity of the game's visual design, ensuring that everything looks exactly as it was intended. No more squashed or stretched characters – just the perfect proportions, as the game developers envisioned. It's about respecting the original artwork and ensuring that we're experiencing the game in its purest form.
• Improved Visual Clarity: By matching the crop to the active display area, the image becomes sharper and more focused. It’s like cleaning a dirty window – suddenly, everything looks brighter and clearer. The pixels pop, the colors are more vibrant, and the overall visual impact is significantly enhanced. We're talking about making those classic games look their absolute best, showcasing the artistry and detail that went into their creation. It's a visual upgrade that will truly elevate your gaming experience.
• Enhanced Immersion: A full-screen display, without any distractions, significantly enhances the sense of immersion. You're drawn into the game world, forgetting about the outside world and losing yourself in the action. It's like stepping into the arcade, feeling the excitement and energy of the game surrounding you. The black borders fade away, and you're left with a pure, unadulterated gaming experience that will keep you coming back for more.
• Wider Compatibility: This setting would benefit a wide range of arcade ports that use the 224p active display area, ensuring consistent and optimal visual presentation across your game library. We're talking about a solution that addresses a common problem, making your entire collection look and play better. No more tweaking settings for individual games – just set it and forget it, knowing that you're getting the best possible visual experience. It's about streamlining your setup and maximizing your gaming time.

Conclusion: Let's Make It Happen!

In conclusion, adding a 224p vertical crop setting to the MiSTer FPGA would be a fantastic improvement, addressing a common issue with arcade ports and enhancing the overall visual experience. It's a simple solution with a significant impact, and I believe it would be greatly appreciated by the MiSTer community. We're talking about taking our retro gaming experience to the next level, and this is a crucial step in that direction. So, let's get the ball rolling and see if we can make this feature a reality!

Thanks for reading, and let me know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! What other games do you think would benefit from a 224p crop setting? Let's discuss!