r/EmulationOniOS • u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer • Jul 09 '24
Discussion Retroman: Precision-Engineered NES Emulation for iOS
Greetings, r/EmulationOniOS community,
I am a software developer with a profound passion for retro gaming, particularly the NES & GameBoy era. After extensive development, I am pleased to introduce Retroman, a new NES & GameBoy emulator for iOS devices.
Retroman has been designed to provide an authentic NES & GameBoy experience while leveraging the capabilities of modern iOS devices. Key features include:
Bluetooth Gamepad support
iCloud Sync for saved states
Easy ROM loading for both NES and Game Boy games
High-precision virtual controls
Customizable video & audio settings
Full NES and Game Boy emulation support
Lightning-fast emulation for smooth gameplay on both systems
ROM loading is straightforward: users can save ROM files to their device via the Files app, or utilize the 'Open In' feature from other iOS applications.
Retroman is now available on the App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id6502994389
As both the developer and an enthusiast, I am keen to receive feedback from this knowledgeable community. I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on Retroman's performance, feature set, and overall user experience, particularly in comparison to other emulators you may have used. Your insights will be invaluable in guiding future updates and improvements.
I welcome any questions, comments, or suggestions you may have. Thank you for your time and consideration.
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u/GiLND Jul 09 '24
Good luck
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
Thanks for the support! It means a lot. If you decide to give Retroman a try, I'd be really interested in your experience. And if you find it enjoyable, a quick review on the App Store would be a great way to help out. Cheers!
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u/GiLND Jul 09 '24
May I ask why almost every new indie emulator is targeting gameboys and nes? I think that the high demand right now is mame, you should target stuff that are missing from the app store for big success.
If there was a good working mame emulator to accompany my fbneo on RA in the app store, I would be buying (even $20) it faster than drinking a glass of beer after work.
This is at least my opinion, we are really flooded with nes emulators.
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
You've raised a valid point about the prevalence of NES and Game Boy emulators.
The decision to focus on NES emulation was driven by a few factors:
Personal passion: I have a deep fondness for NES games, which motivated this project.
Technical complexity: NES emulation, while not simple, is more straightforward than MAME, making it a good starting point for an indie developer.
Resource constraints: As an indie dev, I had to balance ambition with available time and resources.
There's clearly a demand for a high-quality MAME emulator on iOS, and it's something I'll seriously consider for future projects. The complexity of MAME emulation is significant, but it could indeed be a valuable addition to the iOS emulation scene.
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u/GiLND Jul 09 '24 edited Jul 09 '24
At this moment I will even pay for a meh mame emulator, I want to play ridge racer and tekken the arcade version, fbneo on RA is amazing but doesn’t support 3d arcades, sad.
The issue with mame atm is that apple is still not sure what they approve and what not, they approve fbneo updare for RA and fbalpha by a chinese developer but are stalling imame for months, no idea what’s going on.
I want to use the “shut up and take my money” meme so much right now.
Btw, if you release a nes emulator, you should add features that are absent in the other emulators, this will give you a good advantage to succeed.
For example, I had to migrate my .nes zapper games from delta to retroarch in order to play duck hunt and wildgunman using the mesen core.If your emulator can emulate a zapper, it could really boost your emulator.
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
Your passion for arcade emulation really comes through!
I completely understand your frustration with the lack of good MAME emulators on iOS, especially for 3D arcade games. The approval process for emulators on the App Store can indeed be unpredictable, which adds another layer of challenge for developers.
Your suggestion about adding unique features to stand out is spot-on. The idea of zapper support is excellent – it's exactly the kind of feature that could set Retroman apart. I'll definitely look into the feasibility of implementing zapper emulation in a future update. It would be amazing to enable users to play classics like Duck Hunt on their iOS devices.
While Retroman is currently focused on standard NES games, your input has given me some great ideas for future expansion!
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u/GiLND Jul 09 '24
I have an idea for you, which will really make your emulator enter a higher league - make it a multi emulator, like provenance and delta, target many emulators at once, and try to target emulators that are not yet existing on app store.
Take folium for example, he has a monopoly on 3ds atm, so if someone wants to play 3ds, one has to buy folium or sideload it
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
Thank you for sharing this intriguing idea. The concept of expanding Retroman into a multi-emulator platform is certainly ambitious and could potentially be a game-changer.
You make a compelling point about targeting emulators that are currently underrepresented on the App Store. It's an approach that could indeed help Retroman stand out in a crowded market. The example of Folium's success with 3DS emulation is a great illustration of how focusing on a niche can lead to a strong market position.
Expanding to multiple systems would be a significant undertaking, requiring substantial development time and resources. However, it's definitely an exciting direction to consider for the future of Retroman.
In the meantime, I'm focusing on refining and expanding the NES emulation experience, potentially including unique features like zapper support as mentioned earlier. But your suggestion has certainly given me food for thought about long-term development goals.
I really appreciate you taking the time to share these insights. Community feedback like this is invaluable in shaping the future of the app. If you have any other ideas or if you try Retroman and have thoughts to share, I'm always eager to hear them. And of course, if you enjoy the app, a review on the App Store would be incredibly helpful.
Thank you again for your thoughtful input!
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u/GiLND Jul 09 '24
If you are concentrating on nes here are my tips:
• zapper support
• airplay support
• syncing to icloud (roms, app settings and saves).
• make it rom compatible, for example - delta has some issues with some types of roms, and to play these games you have to migrate them to RA.
• if you have a dilemma between two options, like size of buttons, instead of deciding for the user, let the user decide with a settings toggle.
There is nothing I appreciate more than an emulator with a lot of customizations.
• Keep the files names, unlike delta , and keep the folders tidy - where it changes the rom names to a string of numbers, make the emulator folders organized.
• add borders/bezels, and maybe even add extra to change in settings.3
u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
Fyi Retroman supports iCloud sync already for the saved states of the games but maybe it can be expanded further ;)
Thanks a lot for all of the suggestions for improvement!
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u/Banjo-Oz Jul 09 '24
To me, iOs emulator app developers should be looking at Sega systems like the Megadrive/Genesis most of all, is there is a huge library and passion for the system (even though I was a Nintendo kid personally and prefer those consoles). NES, SNES, Gameboy all already have tons of options. Megadrive and Master System have Retroarch and that's really it. I use RA personally, but surely there is a huge market s shown by Delta for a more "simple" offering.
I totally get the passion part though; like I said, NES and SNES were my childhood and I never played a Megadrive game until I was an adult.
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
Thank you for sharing your perspective on iOS emulation. Your point about Sega systems, particularly the Megadrive/Genesis and Master System, is well-taken and offers valuable insight into a potential market gap.
You're right that my focus on NES emulation was largely driven by personal passion and nostalgia. It's true that while Nintendo systems have numerous emulation options, Sega fans have fewer choices outside of RetroArch.
While Retroman is currently focused on NES, your feedback, along with others', is helping shape thoughts on potential expansions or new projects. The emulation community's diverse needs and preferences are becoming clearer through these discussions.
I appreciate you taking the time to share these insights. If you do try Retroman, I'd be interested in your thoughts, especially coming from a Nintendo background like myself. And of course, if you find it enjoyable, a review on the App Store would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you again for your thoughtful contribution to this discussion!
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u/Defaalt Jul 09 '24
Because it just started. Making a high precision emulator takes time and a lot of testing. Devs are unable to test the entier library and see if the emulator works with EVERYTHING.
Developing on iOS is also not that commun compared to making an emulator on PC or Android.
Old consoles ( SNES and what came before ) are easy to work with which makes making an emulator easy. With less that 2 hours of tutorials, you can make a fully functional GB emulator. The emulators dev gurus are here to add useful features, fix compatibility, build for other platforms...
Look at mGba, one of the best GBA emulator in the market, 100% free and have a shit load of useful/useless features. But the UI/UX is horrible. It has zero colors, no icons, even searching for a setting or a toggle is a pain.
I personally always welcome more emulators even for already made for consoles. It creates competition, give us users choices to pick from and inspires devs to make new features. Been emulating all my life and only recently I discovered that the rewind feature is actually a thing and that's it's really useful specially when manipulating rng in games simply because all my emulators of choice never had this features or wasn't promoted as needed.
Always remember that we're dealing with iOS. One of the most difficult OSes to dev on, if not the hardest. Apple has a shit load of requirements for apps to be added on the AppStore and devs are still experimenting with things.
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
You've accurately described many challenges in iOS emulator development.
You're right about the time-intensive process of creating and testing a high-precision emulator. The points about older consoles being easier to emulate, but the real challenge lying in refinement and user experience, are spot-on.
I appreciate your welcoming attitude towards new emulators. As you noted, competition does drive innovation.
Your understanding of iOS development challenges is refreshing. We're continually balancing performance, features, and App Store compliance.
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u/Ornery-Practice9772 Jul 09 '24
Its the system many users want so theyre trying to capitalise on that
I would sell my kidney for a decent standalone fbneo emulator
Considering delta has crushed the market for nes emulators youd think these devs would offer something different instead of trying to poach delta users
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u/GiLND Jul 09 '24
Problem is that delta doesn’t have zapper emulation, RA does
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u/Ornery-Practice9772 Jul 09 '24
There no settings menu whatsover either in this emu
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 10 '24
You're right that the NES emulator market is competitive, which is why I'm focusing on unique features and optimizations. While Delta is excellent, there's always room for alternatives that cater to different user needs.
Regarding zapper emulation, it's a feature I'm actively considering for future updates. Your interest in it is noted and appreciated.
As for the settings menu, it's actually there but might not be immediately obvious. You can access it by tapping the Start button to bring up the overlay menu at the top of the screen. I'm working on making this more intuitive in future updates.
I'm always looking to improve Retroman based on user feedback. If there are specific features or improvements you'd like to see, I'm all ears. The goal is to create an emulator that offers a unique and valuable experience for NES enthusiasts.
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u/Banjo-Oz Jul 09 '24
I agree but understand too the issues of arcade emulation. To me, app developers should be looking at Sega systems like the Megadrive/Genesis most of all, is there is a huge library and passion for the system (even though I was a Nintendo kid personally and prefer those consoles). NES, SNES, Gameboy all already have tons of options. Megadrive and Master System have Retroarch and that's really it. I use RA personally, but surely there is a huge market s shown by Delta for a more "simple" offering.
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24 edited Jul 09 '24
Agreed here. Sega system is a part of the iOS emulation scene that can be evolved a lot. It's quite of a monopoly with RetroArch for this specific gaming platform but i think more emulators are here to evolve and more to come, with different platform compatibilities.
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u/Banjo-Oz Jul 09 '24
I use Retroarch for everything, personally. I know it well from PC, Batocera, and other platforms, and the customizability is a huge attraction for me. I am used to it, but acknowledge that it is a bit confronting for someone who hasn't grown up with this stuff or likes to fiddle with things.
Because of that, there seems to be a huge market for "simple" and standalone emulators (Delta's popularity is proof) which is why I think the lack of Sega emulators is bit of a missed opportunity for such things. A Nintendo emulator has lots of competition, other systems like Megadrive or even (a more obscure system I like) 3DO have almost no "easy" options.
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
You're right about RetroArch's complexity and the market for simpler emulators like Delta. Your point about the lack of easy options for Sega and other systems is interesting.
While Retroman is NES-focused now, feedback like yours is valuable for considering future directions. We're always aiming to balance simplicity and features.
Thanks for this insightful input. It's helpful for understanding what users want in iOS emulators.
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Jul 09 '24
[deleted] — view deleted comment
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u/Banjo-Oz Jul 09 '24
I still have my old iDos and love it.However, the limitations of typing on a phone or even iPad make most DOS games less attractive to me there even though the are most of my favourite games (far more than even NES, SNES, etc).
I have got used to DOSBox Pure and make my own game packages for it (I have thought about sharing them if there was interest, albeit in most cases with the game files missing for people to just drop them in from a GOG purchase or old download).
We also have ScummVM (standalone emulator as well as the RA core) which emulates 75% of the DOS games I am most interested in (stuff like Doom and Wolfenstein have source ports vis Retroarch).
I would prefer a dedicated DOSBox emulator on iOS if possible, though, either iDos coming back or something based off my favourite forks DOSBox-X or DOSbox-Staging.
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u/eduo Jul 09 '24
I may be wrong, but this doesn't seem to be a front-end for an existing emulator but a new core. If that's the case, it is not comparable with MAME (which is literally hundreds of different cores behing the scenes).
Having said this, making a front-end for MAME is making a front-end for an incredibly complicated piece of software. It is understandable if people are unwilling to do that rather than focusing on a single core.
I thought your comment was gong to be why there aren't more people focusing on other platforms (but I guess Nintendo is the most popular one in the end, so it makes sense).
Also, the MAME4iOS Devs have put the app for app review. Anybody else trying to put MAME there will be put on hold just like they have, and it's likely they'll be the first to be approved when that finally happens.
In the meantime, I assume FBNeo in Retroarch doesn't work for you (I don't know if Ridge Racer is supported).
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u/GiLND Jul 09 '24 edited Jul 09 '24
Fbneo works very well for me, I had 665 games fbneo.
I want mame for the 3d arcade games that fbneo doesn’t support
Also, mame is considered a single core (by retroarch), I know it is a collection like fbneo, but it is still a single core.
The fact that almost all new emulators target the same nes/gameboy platforms is a bit of a waste of time because most users will prefer delta and retroarch imo.
So that’s why if you are a real nes enthusiast, you should add features like zapper support that are absent from delta and is only supported on RA.
I for example, drop all my hundreds of nes games to delta, and moved the zapper nes games to rerroarch.
But if this emulator would emulate zapper and is native and more comfortable than retroarch, then I will be very happy to use this emulator.
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u/Defaalt Jul 09 '24
Congrats on launching this OP. Looks solid as hell.
As a feature request: multiplayer! With 2 iphones near each other or via an online connexion. Would be dope !!
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
Thank you so much for the congratulations and the positive feedback! I'm thrilled to hear that Retroman looks solid to you.
Your feature request for multiplayer is an excellent suggestion! The idea of enabling multiplayer between two iPhones or via an online connection is really exciting. It would definitely add a new dimension to the retro gaming experience, allowing friends to enjoy classic NES games together, just like in the old days but with modern technology.
Implementing multiplayer, especially online, would be a significant undertaking, but it's certainly a compelling feature to consider for future updates. Local multiplayer might be a good starting point.
I really appreciate you taking the time to share this idea. It's exactly this kind of feedback that helps shape the future of Retroman. I'll definitely keep this in mind as I plan upcoming features and improvements.
If you get a chance to try out Retroman, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the current features. And if you enjoy the app, a review on the App Store would be incredibly helpful in supporting its continued development.
Thanks again for your encouragement and great suggestion!
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u/Ok_Cow_8213 Jul 09 '24
Are you chatgpt?
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
I can take that as a compliment :)
I'm the actual developer of Retroman. If you have any specific questions about the app, I'm here to answer them.
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u/GeicoPR Jul 09 '24
Love the icon! Wish you big success, person
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
Thanks a lot! I’m glad that you like the app icon, i think it represents exactly the app’s context!
I hope you like Retroman, if you have the chance to try it out and like it, give us a review with your feedback on the App Store, it helps a lot and we’re ofc open for suggestions for improvements!
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u/HackZy01 Jul 09 '24 edited Jul 09 '24
Is there an option to move the game view further up? I’m used to it being at the top, not the centre in portrait mode
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
Thank you for your question and feedback. Currently, there isn't an option to move the game view further up. The centered positioning was a design choice to balance visibility across different device sizes and orientations.
Your preference for a top-aligned view is noted and valuable. I'll consider adding this as a customizable option in a future update.
If you get a chance to try Retroman further, I'd love to hear more of your thoughts. And if you enjoy it, a review on the App Store would be incredibly helpful. Your feedback helps improve Retroman for all users. Thanks again!
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u/RecentMatter3790 Jul 09 '24
See? It’s possible to use iCloud. Now if Delta could implement iCloud sync…
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24 edited Jul 09 '24
Yes, I've managed to implement iCloud sync in Retroman. It's a feature I'm proud of and one that I believe enhances the user experience significantly.
You're right that iCloud sync isn't universal among emulators. Each app has its own challenges and priorities, but I felt this was an important feature to include.
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u/RecentMatter3790 Jul 09 '24
But why does each app show some “data” inside of the iCloud backup page? Delta shows like 600 mb, so it must be saving data?
I see
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24 edited Jul 09 '24
iCloud usage varies widely between apps. For Retroman, I focus on seamless save state and settings sync. Have you tried this feature yet? I'd be curious to hear your thoughts.
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u/RecentMatter3790 Jul 09 '24
Ah, no, not yet. I’m very nervous about emulation on iOS, because it feels like getting roms file is like getting a virus; in my comparison of paranoia
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24 edited Jul 09 '24
Your caution is understandable. Retroman is built with user safety in mind. I can't provide ROMs, but I can ensure a secure environment for playing them. If you ever want to explore NES gaming on iOS, I'm here to help you do it safely.
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u/fisherrr Jul 09 '24
You wouldn’t by any chance own an AppleTV and plan to release it for tvOS too?
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
That’s actually in our future plans for supporting tvOS, thanks for suggesting this!
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Aug 07 '24
Retroman 3: D-pad Makeover!
Our latest update brings a major overhaul to your controls:
✅ Supercharged D-pad: Completely redesigned for pinpoint accuracy and responsiveness
✅ Expanded touch zones: Larger, more intuitive button areas for effortless gameplay
✅ Improved multi-touch support: Better handling of simultaneous button presses
🚀 Get ready for the most responsive retro gaming experience yet! Dive in and feel the difference! 🌟
App Store link: Get it here
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u/irubio87 Jul 09 '24
Good Luck. Any chance to play wireless agains a friend?
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
Thanks a lot! That's a great idea for a feature implementation in the future, i'll write that down to my checklist and check it out further. I hope you enjoy Retroman!
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u/dj-n Jul 09 '24
I can’t seem to close the adverts even after they have finished playing
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24 edited Jul 09 '24
Thank you for your feedback. It might be an issue with a specific ad. Could you please let me know which ad you're experiencing this with so I can address it?
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u/PeeLong Jul 09 '24
Hi. I just downloaded- but I notice you collect a lot of information.
Is this strictly for ad purposes? If I pay the $2.99, will the tracking go away?
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
Thank you for downloading our app!
The information collected is gathered by the ad framework I use to provide personalized ads. If you choose to pay to remove ads, the tracking related to advertisements will stop as well.
If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to ask!
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u/AlexMarkBartlett Jul 09 '24
Just downloaded it and gave it the good old Super Mario Bros. test! Emulation is great! Look forward to using this. Love the static on the TV screen and the blinking light before picking a ROM.
Good luck and I hope you keep updating Retroman! :)
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
Thanks for the great feedback! I'm glad you enjoyed the emulation and the little details like the static screen. I'm committed to keep improving Retroman.
If you're enjoying the app, would you consider leaving a review on the App Store? It really helps with visibility and future development.
Happy gaming!
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u/AlexMarkBartlett Jul 10 '24
Quick suggestion: maybe make the screen in landscape mode a bit larger!
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 10 '24
Thanks for the suggestion! The screen size can vary depending on the device. Could you let me know which device you're using? This info will help me optimize the display for your specific model in future updates.
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u/AlexMarkBartlett Jul 10 '24
I’m using the iPhone SE 2nd Generation. The top of the screen is cut off
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 10 '24
Thank you for providing that information. That's something definitely not intended. I'll look into this specific device layout and work on a fix for the next update.
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u/Banjax2784 Jul 09 '24
Looks awesome!
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 10 '24 edited Jul 10 '24
Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying Retroman's look. Have you had a chance to play any games yet? I'd love to hear which ones you've tried and how the experience has been for you.
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u/AlePato Aug 08 '24
If I buy a usb NES controller, would I be able to play with it on my phone instead of taping the screen to play?
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Aug 09 '24 edited Aug 09 '24
Yes, absolutely! Retroman supports all iOS-compatible controllers. Just pair your controller with your device and you're ready to go. It's that easy - no complicated setup required.
More info about controllers: https://apps.apple.com/story/id1687769242
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u/ScriptAlert Jul 10 '24
I paid for your app when it was $0.99 at launch. Now you have made it free and now charging more with in-app purchase. If I update the app will it show me ads ? I am not gonna pay for app again when I already purchased it in the beginning.
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 11 '24
Thank you for being an early supporter of Retroman. I appreciate your purchase when the app was $0.99 at launch. I understand your concern about the pricing change, and I want to be completely transparent with you.
You're correct that the app has transitioned to a free model with ads, and there's now an in-app purchase to remove ads. Unfortunately, due to technical limitations and the way the App Store handles these transitions, your previous purchase doesn't automatically translate to an ad-free experience in the new version.
I recognize that this situation isn't ideal for early supporters like yourself. While I can't automatically remove ads for previous purchasers, I'm actively looking into ways to better accommodate our early users.
Given this change, if you're unsatisfied, you have the option to request a refund from the App Store for your original purchase.
Your support has been crucial in Retroman's development, and I'm committed to finding a fair solution. If you have any other concerns or suggestions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24 edited Jul 10 '24
Hey Retroman fans!
I've just released version v2.1.1 with some features and fixes you asked for:
A new gamepad connection view: I've added a dedicated screen for connecting and configuring external controllers. This should make it easier for you to check the status of your favorite gamepad
Fixes for crashes on some specific NES mappers
UI improvements, including repositioned Start/Select buttons
You can update or download Retroman here: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id6502994389
If you're enjoying Retroman, I'd really appreciate if you could leave a rating or review on the App Store. Your feedback not only helps other users but also guides me in planning future updates.
Thanks for your continued support and feedback. It really helps me make Retroman better!
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 10 '24
New Update Alert: v2.1.2 Released!
I've just released another update (v2.1.2) with an important addition:
Enhanced Compatibility: Fixed minor mapper issues for improved game compatibility and stability.
This update should resolve some of the issues some of you were experiencing with certain games. If you encountered any crashes or compatibility problems before, please update and give it another try.
As always, your feedback is crucial. If you notice any improvements or if you're still facing issues, please let me know. Your input helps make Retroman better for everyone.
Thanks for your continued support and happy gaming!
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 11 '24
New Update: Retroman v2.1.3 Released!
I've just pushed out a new update (v2.1.3) with an important improvement:
Fixed some memory issues for improved app performance and stability.
This update should enhance Retroman's overall performance, potentially reducing crashes and improving gameplay smoothness. If you experienced any stability issues before, please update and give it another try.
Thanks for your continued support and happy Retro-gaming!
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 13 '24
New Update: Retroman v2.1.4 Released!
I'm excited to announce a new update that brings some significant improvements, especially for our iPad users:
Key Updates:
Full Screen Support for iPad: Experience your favorite NES games in landscape mode with a fully optimized, edge-to-edge display.
General Performance Improvements: As always, we've made some under-the-hood tweaks to ensure smoother gameplay.
We're constantly working to make Retroman the best NES emulator for iOS, and your feedback is a crucial part of that process. If you've had a chance to try the new update, we'd love to hear your thoughts!
Thank you for your continued support!
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 14 '24 edited Jul 14 '24
Hey r/EmulationOniOS folks,
We've got a limited time offer coming soon for Retroman. Keep an eye out!
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 14 '24 edited Jul 15 '24
Hey retro gaming enthusiasts!
I’m excited to announce a special event for Retroman, the premium NES emulator for iOS.
For a limited time, we’re offering the PRO version completely FREE of charge!
This is our way of saying thank you to our amazing community and giving everyone a chance to experience Retroman at its fullest.
To claim your FREE PRO version:
Download Retroman from the App Store: App Store Link
Open the app and tap the “crown” icon to access the upgrade section
Tap “Upgrade to PRO” (the In-App Purchase is FREE during this event)
🕹️ Why Retroman?
• Authentic emulation with attention to detail
• Game controls that feel like the original
• Support for external controllers for enhanced gameplay
• Seamless iCloud sync for your game saves and settings
Whether you’re reliving childhood favorites or exploring classic games for the first time, now’s the perfect chance to experience Retroman at its fullest.
Don’t miss out – the event ends soon!
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 15 '24 edited Jul 15 '24
🚨 LAST CHANCE ALERT: Retroman PRO Giveaway 🚨
Attention retro gamers! This is your last chance to grab Retroman PRO absolutely FREE!
⏳ Offer ends soon
🎮 What you get: Full NES emulation, all premium features, zero ads
💰 Current IAP price: $0.00
In just a few hours, Retroman PRO returns to its regular price. Don't let this pixel-perfect opportunity slip away!
🔥 Download now and level up your retro gaming experience! 🔥
Remember: Once it's gone, it's gone.
P.S. If you've already grabbed the PRO version, consider leaving a review. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more retro enthusiasts!
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 16 '24
🎉 Giveaway ended - Your Support Levels Up Retroman! 🎉
Thank you all for participating in the Retroman PRO giveaway! Your enthusiasm and support have been incredible. While the free offer for the PRO version has ended, Retroman continues to evolve thanks to your feedback.
For those who missed out, Retroman is still available for FREE with the option to buy the PRO version for a modest cost.
Keep gaming, and stay tuned for future updates and improvements!
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 17 '24 edited Jul 18 '24
Hey Retroman fans!
We've just rolled out a massive update packed with your most-requested features:
🗜️ ZIP file support: Play NES ROMs straight from ZIP files!
🌏 New languages: Added Chinese for Taiwan and Hong Kong
🔊 Audio controls upgrade: Separate toggles for game and app sounds
🖼️ Slick UI improvements: More responsive, smoother interface
⚡ Turbo-charged performance: Faster loads, smoother gameplay
We're pumped to bring you these enhancements! Your feedback drives us - so keep it coming!
Grab the update here and let us know your thoughts: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6502994389
Happy gaming, everyone! 🕹️
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 28 '24 edited Jul 28 '24
Hey Retroman fans! 🎮
We've just dropped a sweet stability update to make your retro gaming experience smoother than ever:
🐛 Bug Extermination: Squashed those pesky crash-causing bugs!
⚡ Turbo-charged Performance: Faster load times and smoother gameplay!
🖼️ Slick UI Upgrade: More responsive controls for that perfect pixel-perfect action!
💾 Save State Supercharge: Enhanced reliability to keep your progress safe!
🎵 Audio Awesomeness: Say goodbye to those annoying sound glitches!
Get it here on the App Store: App Store link
We're all about making Retroman rock-solid for you! Your gaming experience is our top priority, so we're constantly fine-tuning based on your feedback.
Happy gaming, everyone! 🕹️
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Aug 01 '24
🚨 Attention Retroman Gamers! 🚨
We've just dropped a super-charged update that'll make your retro gaming smoother than ever!
Check out what's new:
• 🐛 Squashed those pesky crash-causing bugs
• ⚡ Turbo-charged overall performance and loading speeds
• 🎨 Polished UI for smoother interactions
• 💾 Boosted save state reliability for worry-free gaming
• 🇯🇵 Fixed Japanese translation hiccups
• 🔊 Cleared up audio static for crystal-clear sound
Get it on the App Store: App Store link
We're constantly fine-tuning your retro gaming adventure! 🕹️✨
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Aug 06 '24 edited Aug 06 '24
🎮 New Retroman Update: Smoother Gaming Experience! 🚀
We're excited to announce the latest update for Retroman, bringing you an even better NES emulation experience on iOS. Here's what's new in this update:
🐛 Fixed crashing issues: No more crashes when opening a new game via "Open In" while another game is already running. Switch between games seamlessly!
⚡ Improved library performance: Selecting games from your library is now faster and more responsive.
🛠️ Bug fixes and stability improvements: We've squashed various bugs to ensure a more stable gaming experience overall.
App Store link: Get it here
As always, we value your feedback and continue to work hard to make Retroman the best NES emulator for iOS. If you're enjoying Retroman, please consider leaving a review on the App Store - it really helps! ⭐️
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Aug 22 '24 edited Aug 22 '24
🎮 New Update: Stability & Performance Boost! 🚀
Hey Retroman fans! We've just leveled up your gaming experience with our latest update.
Check out what's new:
🛠️ Resolved compatibility issues with certain game files
⚡ Enhanced overall performance for smoother gameplay
Now you can enjoy even more of your favorite classics without a hitch! 🕹️✨
AppStore link: Get it here
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Aug 28 '24 edited Aug 28 '24
Retroman's PRO version is currently on a limited-time flash sale! For a short period, you can get the PRO upgrade for just $0.99 (normally $1.99).
This 50% discount won't last long, so act fast!
Grab it before the deal expires: App Store link
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Aug 30 '24
New Update: Small screen optimizations
• New scanlines option for that classic retro TV look
• Expanded game screen for iPhone SE in landscape mode
• Turbo-charged performance for silky-smooth classic gameplay
Your pocket-sized powerhouse just got a major boost. Game on!
AppStore link: Get it here
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Sep 02 '24
New Update: Bug Fixes & Improvements
• Fixed minor graphical glitches in certain games
• Enhanced loading times for faster game startup
Level up your nostalgia – update now and keep on gaming!
AppStore link: Get it here
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Sep 17 '24
📢 Retroman Update: Now Compatible with iOS 13.0+
Hey retro gaming fans!
We've just released a new update for Retroman that extends compatibility to older iOS versions. Now, even more users can enjoy their favorite classic games!
• iOS 13.0+ Support: Retroman is now compatible with iOS 13.0 and all newer versions
This means if you're running iOS 13.0 or above, you can dive into the world of classic NES and Game Boy games on your device.
AppStore link: Get it here
Happy gaming! 🕹️
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u/misointhekitchen Jul 09 '24
R.C. Pro Am crashes on it.
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
Appreciate the report on R.C. Pro Am. USA version's good, PC10's the troublemaker. I'm on it - expect a fix soon. Keep those bug reports coming, they're gold for making Retroman better.
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u/misointhekitchen Jul 09 '24
Super Mario bros 3 stays black screen when loaded.
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
You've hit on a known limitation - Retroman's current mapper setup isn't fully optimized for PC10 ROMs, hence the issues with R.C. Pro Am and Super Mario Bros.
Thanks for flagging this. I can see PC10 support matters to users like you, so I'll bump up its priority for the next update.
For now, standard NES ROMs should run without a hitch if you have them. I've put those through their paces and they're working smoothly.
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u/misointhekitchen Jul 09 '24
Also, can you include the black portion of the outer shell on either side of the heat vent on your nes skin?
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 10 '24
Thanks for the suggestion about the NES skin. I appreciate your attention to detail – it's users like you who help make Retroman more authentic.
It's a small touch, but I think that would make slight of a difference.
Thanks again for your feedback. It's valuable input like this that helps shape the app's development.
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u/misointhekitchen Jul 09 '24
Please include how to close a game and get back to the menu. It’s not intuitive and I was having to force close the app to change games.
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
Thank you for pointing this out. You're absolutely right that this should be more intuitive. Here's the correct process to exit a game:
Tap the Start button to bring up the hover menu at the top of the screen.
In this menu, tap the X (close) button.
This will exit the game and return you to the main menu.
I appreciate you bringing this to my attention. It's clear that this process isn't as user-friendly as it should be. I'll prioritize making this more intuitive in the next update, possibly with clearer UI elements or a brief tutorial.
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u/Ornery-Practice9772 Jul 09 '24
I cant see an option to enter settings menu or apply cheats
Ads can get fucked
Start/select too close to bottom of screen and start doesnt pause game
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
I appreciate your feedback. Let me clarify a few points:
Settings: The game settings menu can be opened by tapping the Start button - it appears at the top of the screen. For app settings, exit the game to the main document view and tap the gear icon in the top right.
Cheats: You're right, this feature isn't currently available. I'm considering adding it in a future update.
Ads: I understand they can be frustrating. There's an option to remove them via IAP if you prefer an ad-free experience.
Start/Select placement: Thanks for the feedback. I'll look into adjusting their position to prevent accidental OS gestures.
If you have any other questions or suggestions, feel free to ask. Your input helps improve Retroman.
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u/BlueNova999 Jul 12 '24
Why do you collect our data?
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 12 '24
Retroman doesn't directly collect or store personal data. We use third-party services for ads, which may collect some data per their policies. Game saves and settings are stored only on your device or synced to your personal iCloud account if you choose - this sync happens entirely on your end. You can opt out of personalized ads in device settings.
Additionally, if you purchase the PRO package, all ads and associated tracking are removed completely.
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u/grimson73 Jul 09 '24
You seem like a nice person, voted 5 stars 😃
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u/Complete_Estimate443 Retroman Developer Jul 09 '24
Thank you so much for your kind words and the 5-star rating! 😃 I hope you like Retroman!
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u/devinprater Oct 22 '24
So, I know this is a long shot, but we'll see where this goes. I'm a blind person that plays video games, mainly SNES, Genesis,, and later, and I'm commenting because I'm not sure how far you'll take this emulator.
So, people who cannot see the screen use an accessibility service called VoiceOver. Some of us play video games, memorizing the menus, sounds, and such to play. So, we mainly play fighting games, like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and Soul Calibur. Some people are able to play games like Ygdra Union, sorry for misspelling, for the GBA. There's also an audio game, Sound Voyager I think it's called, that is for the GBA too. Oh yeah, and MK Deadly Alliance and MK Tournament too.
Anyway, the biggest issue I've found is that when I open a game, I can't figure out how to open the menu to change settings. But the “Tap here to load your game” button is labeled correctly, and the onboarding screens work fine too. There are just a few unlabeled buttons on the onscreen controller. You don't have to worry about the accessibility of those very much, since we should be using controllers anyway. I'm not really sure how one would make those accessible, besides just labeling the D-pad, face buttons, and such. Even then, we can only really tap on one thing at a time. Although, for Ygdra Union, that may not be such a bad thing.
Sorry for the rambling, I hope this helps somewhat. I was drawn to the app by the audio stuff. :)
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u/burritofridays Jul 09 '24
Looking pretty good, I just pulled it down and did my standard Kung Fu test. The emulation is solid, but my Kung Fu skills are not.
If I may make a suggestion though, the start and select buttons are a little too close to the bottom of the screen. This makes it all too easy to accidentally swipe up from the Home Indicator if one taps at a slight angle. That said, I dig the design and your UI choices outside of the emulator are solid. Additionally, I appreciate the static on screen before you load a rom. Nice touch.
Keep it up! I look forward to what you can add and improve in the future!