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[GAME] Trainz simulator for android! Working on adreno200!

n3wgames released a port for android which works very well!
This game is availaible on android market for a very fair price, though originally intended for tablets running honeycomb with tegra chip.
I have bought this game for my tablet and works wonderfully. I have thought of trying this on older hardware to see how this game demanding is.
AND IT WORKS!
I am successfully running this game on typhoon ROM HD2 with chainfire 3D(NVIDIA plugin) There are few problems, but it's nothing hard to fix. Current issue is with S3TC texture compression and rather slow emulation of NVIDIA Tegra part. Looking a way to overcome this.
I'm trying to fine tune graphic settings to:
-get most of detail on my tablet
-reduce quality on HD2 to improve gameplay experience
For example you can tweak some options under
/sdcard/android/data/com.n3vgames.android/trainz/files/userdata/settings
#globalmodule.txt
for example draw-distance can be set higher to increase viewing distance with cost of few FPS, also good/bad-weather-fog can have dramatic impact on game speed. In game options are quite lacking and doesn't have all tweaks needed.
I'm still looking for some settings to add in this file.

Thanks for adreno 200 support

Trainz is adreno200 compatible BUT you must use NVIDIA plugin or you'll get white textures. I'm looking atm for a way to disable S3TC texture compression, it's major performance hogger.

link
Link!!

So on a dhd it will work OK then if it works on a hd2
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA

[Q] Gameloft Games Not Compatible?

Don’t know much about how compatibility is determined on the play store weather it’s up to the developer to say a device isn’t compatible. But I noticed on launch day nothing was really blocked due to compatibility but yesterday most of Gameloft’s library disappeared for me was curious if anyone was able to try Dungeon Hunter 4 & Order and Chaos on the shield.
Anyone have insight on why certain apps are being blocked?

It's a new device and normally will have to wait for game updates before certain company's list the Shield as compatible (its the game developers that enable compatibility lists on their Google dev accounts).
I do know Modern Combat 4 will work with controls on Sheild as its recently been updated with HID support but whether it's available to download is another story.
For now your probably better off sideloading games from another droid you own (if you do).
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2

cloudsever said:
Don’t know much about how compatibility is determined on the play store weather it’s up to the developer to say a device isn’t compatible. But I noticed on launch day nothing was really blocked due to compatibility but yesterday most of Gameloft’s library disappeared for me was curious if anyone was able to try Dungeon Hunter 4 & Order and Chaos on the shield.
Anyone have insight on why certain apps are being blocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
App developers can change their games compatibility. Gameloft, in general, doesn't support controller on many games, so I wouldn't be surprised if they started marking them as incompatible.

Do you happen to have a rooted phone or tablet? If you do you can download the games to that device and back them up with titanium backup. Then you can export the backup and import it to your shield if you have rooted your shield. You might be able to just pull the apk out of the titanium backup and sideload it on the shield if you have not or don't want to root the shield.
I did this exact thing with the game Avadon to get it on my Kindle Fire when I had that. It isn't pirating since you own the game and a lot of the time games will work on unsupported devices this way. Once you have them installed they typically show up in the market but will still say unsupported and not allow you to update them.
I would imagine without controller support those games would need an app like Gamekeyboard and root to emulate touch controls with the physical buttons. I am currently using that app to play Final Fantasy Dimensions with the Shield. The only thing I cannot do with the physical controls is browse the inventory out of combat. In combat and walking around I can use the physical controls fully. It's pretty awesome.

Evo_shift, how did you root the Shield? Thanks!
Edit: nvm, saw the thread.

Yeah, I was wondering why I couldn't find Modern Combat 4!

Evo_Shift said:
Do you happen to have a rooted phone or tablet? If you do you can download the games to that device and back them up with titanium backup. Then you can export the backup and import it to your shield if you have rooted your shield. You might be able to just pull the apk out of the titanium backup and sideload it on the shield if you have not or don't want to root the shield.
I did this exact thing with the game Avadon to get it on my Kindle Fire when I had that. It isn't pirating since you own the game and a lot of the time games will work on unsupported devices this way. Once you have them installed they typically show up in the market but will still say unsupported and not allow you to update them.
I would imagine without controller support those games would need an app like Gamekeyboard and root to emulate touch controls with the physical buttons. I am currently using that app to play Final Fantasy Dimensions with the Shield. The only thing I cannot do with the physical controls is browse the inventory out of combat. In combat and walking around I can use the physical controls fully. It's pretty awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't need root to sideload from one phone to another (or tablet or shield).
ES File Explorer supports backing up apps to .apk without root permissions. From there you just copy the APK onto the shield, launch it in a file browser and android will install. No root required.
As for final fantasy. I guess no out of combat inventory is annoying, but at least you do have native touch.
My brother had a kindle fire, we used the ES file explorer method and since then have rooted the device, added the play store and a custom launcher. Shame that you have to do those mods but once you have its definitely a bargain. Missing bluetooth and camera etc, but its cheap and runs most things pretty well we've found.

SixSixSevenSeven said:
Don't need root to sideload from one phone to another (or tablet or shield).
ES File Explorer supports backing up apps to .apk without root permissions. From there you just copy the APK onto the shield, launch it in a file browser and android will install. No root required.
As for final fantasy. I guess no out of combat inventory is annoying, but at least you do have native touch.
My brother had a kindle fire, we used the ES file explorer method and since then have rooted the device, added the play store and a custom launcher. Shame that you have to do those mods but once you have its definitely a bargain. Missing bluetooth and camera etc, but its cheap and runs most things pretty well we've found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, cool. I had no idea something like that wouldn't require root.
The lack of bluetooth is why I ended up selling the Fire when the Nexus 7 was released. It did everything I wanted it to do just fine and I got it during one of Amazon's big refurbished sales and was my first tablet so I didn't want to spend a lot because I wasn't sure I would use it. Finding out I wasn't able to use a bluetooth gamepad was a real bummer to me. Now, my kids have basically taken over the Nexus (and they are only 4 and 2 years old but there are nice educational apps). The shield is my new toy that they will not have access to and basically replaces my Nexus 7 since I only used it for gaming

I contacted Gameloft and all they said there's nothing in the works, but when there is they will announce it. Lame
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

Not all games allow apk back up without root. There will be a little lock icon for the ones that are protected. I think all Gameloft games allow sideload, since the game checks your Google account during the first time opened to validate. Most games released in the past year (at least) still check the device if compatible, so even sideloading does not mean the game will actually work when you open it.

For modern combat, turn off mouse control via quick settings and the game works great.

im still waiting for my shield, does wild blood or nfs most wanted work?
I can map the keys through game keyboard if they can run on the shield

nielo360 said:
im still waiting for my shield, does wild blood or nfs most wanted work?
I can map the keys through game keyboard if they can run on the shield
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NFS Most Wanted works (touch only).
Throwing this out there. If you like racing games, be sure to check out Asphalt 8. It works and is compatible with the Shield controller.

I install the dungeon hunter 4 and use the tincore keymapper to map the screen button and work like champ.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

Are you able to set the graphics on very high on DH4?
Asphalt 8 is the first one im going to play when my shield gets here tomorrow.
i heard tegra 3 games should work/ these work on htc one x
so if anyone has:
Dungeon Hunter 2
9mm HD
would like to know the results.

Gangstar vegas works with touchscreen + high graphics mod from xda plays awsome
Im going to try mapping keys to it.

Emulators: no-fuss options for Nexus Player

I'll maintain this thread so long as there's interest. In order for an emulator to be listed here, it needs to meet the following criteria
-must be able to open the app with the OFFICIAL Nexus Player gamepad (NPGP)
-must be able to exit the app with the official NPGP
-Must be able to configure all in-app options, to include gamepad button assignments, with the NPGP.
-Must be installable from the Nexus Player (waivable if installable from Play Store on PC)
-Must have a leanback launcher shortcut
Basically, if the emulator requires root, ADB, third party peripherals (for use or configuration), sideloading, etc., it won't be on this list.
NES:
NES.emu ($3.99)
Open the Play Store on your Nexus Player, and scroll up to search. Type or speak "Nintendo" or "emulator" and this will be one of the options that comes up. Alternatively, you can purchased and push install from the web-based Play Store. Open installation and first run, you should go to the settings and configure the gamepad for in-game actions (specifically, to exit the app).
SNES:
Snes9x EX+ (FREE)
Same as above (same developer and menu system).
I'd advise using the SNES emu first (as it's free) to learn how his menu/control setup works, then move on to his other paid emulators. You can see his other emulators at this page here - https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=Robert Broglia&hl=en
Alternatively, you can open the Play Store on the Nexus Player, scroll up to search, and type/speak "emulator." Pretty much all of those are his. As I purchase his other emulators I'll add them to the above list when confirmed. If others wants to try them and report back, I'll also update the list based on that. If you find other emulators that meet the above criteria, please share.

Won't they get removed from the store soon? Emulators are banned quickly on Google Play, aren't they?

Magnesus said:
Won't they get removed from the store soon? Emulators are banned quickly on Google Play, aren't they?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most emulators on Google Play have been there for years. Nesoid and the other emulators made by that developer were removed for a specific violation. Here's a good article on the subject.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/0...nded-are-emulators-soon-to-be-banned-content/
Also, I'm going to go out on limb here. It's normally bad form to distribute links of ROM distribution website (and I won't post it here unless a moderator explicitly tells me that it's ok). However, there's one website that is actually legal (and as such, don't expect to find the best games here). Basically, the ESA has set up a way of protecting the rights of gaming companies and their work, while also offering some ROMs to gamers. Read more on the ESA here:
http://www.theesa.com/ (NOTE: Not a ROM distribution site)
Due to this, one website is completely ESA compliant and has, at the request of Nintendo (and other parties) intentionally set up dead links that will usually be at or near the top of Google results. If you search for a specific ROM on a Nintendo platform, and you click on the link for this specific website, all you get is a link that says "This page has been removed due to copyrights." What few ROMs are available on this website are legally freely distributed. Have at it.

The only problem I have with console emulators has always been the controller lag. This has been true even on my gaming PCs. Playing Super Mario 3 for example, on my SNES (bought one just for this game - lol) it's smooth and does what I expect it to. On my PCs, ADT-1, etc., there's always a minor lag that's just enough to throw timing off.
Mame for the most part on the PC has worked very well for fighting games. Chankast with MvsC2 was damn smooth for me. I'd love to see Android get to this level of emulation.

Mi|enko said:
The only problem I have with console emulators has always been the controller lag. This has been true even on my gaming PCs. Playing Super Mario 3 for example, on my SNES (bought one just for this game - lol) it's smooth and does what I expect it to. On my PCs, ADT-1, etc., there's always a minor lag that's just enough to throw timing off.
Mame for the most part on the PC has worked very well for fighting games. Chankast with MvsC2 was damn smooth for me. I'd love to see Android get to this level of emulation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are two types of lag that you'll have to deal with here: system timing and input lag.
System timing - Each emulator developer takes their own approach to this. For the SNES, for example, SNES9X and ZSNES took two different approaches. ZSNES made the system timing more consistent, while SNES9X attempts to emulate the system timing of the SNES to a fault. As a result, playing a game on SNES9X will more closely mirror the actual SNES than ZSNES will. Basically, if you're playing a game that requires timing, you'll have to completely relearn your timing on ZSNES, whereas SNES9X will require less (if any) adjustment.
As for Sega 8/16-bit systems and the 32X, you should ONLY be using Kega Fusion on the desktop. This emulator is made by the same guy who has been hired by Sega numerous times to help them port their "Ages" collections to various platforms. He has inside knowledge of the hardware which is why his emulation is so spot on. There should be no noticeable difference in timing between an actual SMS/Genesis/SegaCD/32X and Kega Fusion. Unfortunately, the emulators available for Android aren't based on Fusion.
Input lag - All monitors/HDTVs have a degree of input lag. If you're gaming at 60fps, you want input lag to be <16.67ms, or 1 frame. This ensure that your button response is never more than 1 frame off. NOTE: This has NOTHING to do with pixel response time advertised by LCD manufacturers. Do NOT confuse these two specs. Here's a database of PC monitors and their associated input lag - http://www.displaylag.com/display-database/
HDTVs have an inherently high input lag due to all of the processing that they attempt to do. If you're going to game on these HDTVs, you want to disable as much as possible by using any built-in game mode that the HDTV has. For example, I use a Samsung L46A650. I bought this HDTV in 2008 because, at the time, it had the best input lag control. To date, no HDTV has bested it, so I'm keeping it until it dies. If I use HDMI input 2, set the source to 1080p (possible with Xbox 360, not with PS3), and set it at PC mode, it acts as a PC monitor. Input lag is <16.67 ms in this mode. For other inputs, enabling game mode has an input lag of 16.67ms to 33.33ms (1-2 frames). VGA (Dreamcast) is <16.67ms. If you dare use standard or movie mode, input lag is 3-4 frames. And if you have component hookups (like my PS2) and forget to enable game mode, it's a horrid 4-6 frames worth of delay. Here's an AVS thread on it - http://www.avsforum.com/forum/166-l...-results-your-lcd-display-here-reference.html
Bottom line is that you can greatly reduce the timing issues that you're having by ensuring that you're using the optimal emulator, and properly configuring your display.

^Thanks for all the detail man! I'm using a Samsung TV as well and had been using game mode for my ADT-1 input. Switching it from Game to PC, I saw a significant improvement in the input lag; however, I do see occasional screen hiccups (just a quick flash while navigating). The SNES games (Mario 3 in this case, for comparative purposes) plays almost flawless and as smooth as my SNES. Not perfect, but a helluva lot better than in game mode. It's comparable to my PC at this point, from the quick 10 minutes of testing I did.

Mi|enko said:
^Thanks for all the detail man! I'm using a Samsung TV as well and had been using game mode for my ADT-1 input. Switching it from Game to PC, I saw a significant improvement in the input lag; however, I do see occasional screen hiccups (just a quick flash while navigating). The SNES games (Mario 3 in this case, for comparative purposes) plays almost flawless and as smooth as my SNES. Not perfect, but a helluva lot better than in game mode. It's comparable to my PC at this point, from the quick 10 minutes of testing I did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad that you found it useful. I want to clarify something from my prior post that I was misleading on.
There are essentially 3 classes of "modern" emulators for the SNES, and there are many that fall in around or between these classes. For this example, I'm going to refer to Higan (formerly BSNES), SNES9X, and ZSNES.
Emulation is tricky. The more accurate you attempt to be, the higher the system specs that you need. Due to this, Higan stands alone as the most accurate emulator. It won't do any graphics filters. It won't speed up games. If a game had a scene with horrendous slowdown on a physical SNES, it will have the same horrendous slowdown on this emulator in the same spot. If you want to perfectly emulate an SNES, don't care about modernizing the graphics, and have the specs to run it (quad-core 3ghz+ Intel Core series CPU), then go for Higan. Note: There's no equivalent for Android, nor could there be at this point.
At the opposite end of the spectrum is ZNES (and there are far worse emulators, but I'm picking on them). Like all emulators not named Higan, this program takes shortcuts to mimic functionality. More shortcuts means better speed and lower system requirements, but also more compatibility issues. Try playing Earthworm Jim 2 and you won't hear most of the sound effects.
SNES9X is a compromise. It is far more accurate than ZSNES and therefore has higher system requirements. It takes more of a 95/5 approach. It won't have the accuracy as Higan, but it also won't have the slowdown found in Starefox to the degree that a real SNES or Higan would. It also allows you to enhance the graphics with filters and such. It's also ported to damn near every platform (including the Android TV app mentioned in the OP). It won't be exactly like playing on an actual SNES, but it will be closer than most emulators while offering enhancements, and consistency across multiple platforms.

I have installed these emulators and these are superb.

Distorted Graphics in Android Emulators

In every android emulator I use, for some reason when I use Direct X, I always have distorted graphics. My opengl is only 2.0 so I 'm usually forced to use Direct X mode. Here is an album of some examples: imgur(dot)com/a/bX1c2
Here's my dxdiag: goo(dot)gl/Y1phQY
Yes, I know that I use custom graphics drivers, but the graphic distortions still happen whether I use the original one or not.

gbeggo said:
In every android emulator I use, for some reason when I use Direct X, I always have distorted graphics. My opengl is only 2.0 so I 'm usually forced to use Direct X mode. Here is an album of some examples: imgur(dot)com/a/bX1c2
Here's my dxdiag: goo(dot)gl/Y1phQY
Yes, I know that I use custom graphics drivers, but the graphic distortions still happen whether I use the original one or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't explain you the exact technical reason but your graphic processor (released 2008) simply doesn't meet the requirements of actual emulators. I use Genymotion myself and the undemandig requirements are:
Intel HD Graphics 4000 (2012), Nvidia GeForce 500 Series (2011), ATI Radeon HD 6000 Series (2011);
I know that other emulators even need a more powerfull gpu to work correctly.
Emulators generally have a a poor performance comapred to native operating systems.
You could try using Androidx86 as native installation instead of emulator.

Running Doom BFG, Borderlands 2, on Portable

Hey Guys -
Does anyone know of a way to mod the OS, installer APK, or whatever else so that games like Doom BFG or Borderlands 2 may be played on the Shield Portable? I've searched for about 30 minutes now but it's difficult as all references I've found have been people playing one of the games via GRID / Nvidia's online streaming and a couple of non-proven claims.
I read one post my Nvidia's staff where BFG wasn't released supposedly because it only got 30fps and understand that the hardware isn't what the tablet has, but would think it would still be possible. I've read many posts before for how to install other apps on devices that don't officially support them so would think it would be possible.
My portable is on the latest image, is rooted, and I own many games as I have a Shield Tablet too, but would love to be able to play them on my portable.
Thanks!

As far as I know, the portable has no OpenGL 3.x - it's only 2.x.
BFG Edition and other games need OpenGL 3.
That's the same reason, most current games published in the PlayStore won't work/install on the Portable anymore.