MAME Tekken Tag Tournament Netplay Guide
This document serves to get everyone on the same page about which files and what programs to use to play classic Tekken, avoiding things that can introduce desyncs or crashes wherever possible. Find matches on the Classic Tekken Netplay Discord Server.
Arcade vs. Console considerations
Tekken Tag Tournament on MAME is the Arcade version. As the game was reworked significantly for the PS2 release, you'll notice the following changes:
- The arcade version has graphics based on Tekken 3.
- The soundtrack is different.
- Unknown cannot be selected in Arcade.
- Balance differences. Unfortunately there is no reliable source on how much changed in the conversion to console.
The above may sway you towards trying out the PS2 version, but MAME netplay is considered much more stable, leading to less desyncs and being far less demanding to play on PC hardware. Since MAME netplay also allows for spectators to join and observe, this will most likely be the most common way to play Tag 1 until PS2 emulation netplay improves.
- If you'd like to netplay on PS2 read our guide for that console. Read on for MAME setup.
- If you'd like to netplay Tekken 1-3, read our PSX guide for rollback netcode + more reliable alternatives.
Setup
Networking Programs
- Radmin VPN - Easy way to avoid port forwarding for any programs. Everyone should join the same network for the IPs provided to work.
- Classic Tekken groups (some may be full):
- Server 1: Name: Classic Tekken, Password: goodmorning
- Server 2: Name: Classic Tekken 2, Password: tekken
- Server 3: Name: Classic Tekken 3, Password: tekken
- Classic Tekken groups (some may be full):
MAME Setup
- Download the MAME netplay pack and extract it to a folder you choose.
- Run mameppkui.exe. You should only need to configure your pad offline before playing online.
- To bind your controls, start the game offline by double clicking "Tekken Tag Tournament" in the center list. A warning will appear, dismiss it by either typing "OK" or hitting Left then Right on your keyboard. GOOD MORNING!
- Hit TAB after the game starts and use arrow keys or your mouse to navigate to "Input (This Game)" and bind your controls for P1.
- Button 1: LP, Button 2: RP, Button 3: TAG, Button 4: LK, Button 5: RK. Also bind Coin and Start.
- TAB to close the menu when you're finished.
You're now ready to play. If you want to play 1v1 with no spectators keep reading. If you want to invite spectators into your session read the Kaillera Server setup section.
P2P Netplay
- From the main MAME window, right click Tekken Tag Tournament and click "Kaillera NetPlay..."
- In the pop-up window that appears, find the "Change Mode" drop-down on the right and change it to "1. P2P".
- If you are HOSTING, click on the "Host" tab just below and make sure "Tekken Tag Tournament" is highlighted, then click "Host" at the bottom. Once you're hosting, give your opponent your IP from Radmin.
- If you are CONNECTING, click on the "Connect" tab just below and type in the IP provided to you by the host.
- Once you've both joined the lobby you will BOTH check the "Click here when ready" box to start the session.
- The Host can skip the boot sequence once started by loading a preconfigured save state using RIGHT SHIFT + F7.
- Play!
Kaillera Server
For this to work with spectators, Player 1 should HOST, Player 2 should connect to the room FIRST, then any spectators should connect.
Player 1 sets up a server:
- From the main MAME window toolbar click File > Start Kaillera Server.
- Right click "Tekken Tag Tournament" in the main window list and select "Kaillera NetPlay..."
- In the pop-up window that appears, find the "Change Mode" drop-down on the right and change it to "2. Client".
- Add your running server to the list by clicking "Add" on the left > Type any name, and enter your own IP from Radmin. Click OK.
- Find your new server in the list and highlight it then click "Connect" on the left. A new window with the server room will appear.
- Click the "Create" button near the center of the window & select Tekken Tag Tournament.
- Wait until everyone else has connected to you as seen in the user list just below where you clicked. When you're ready, press Start to begin.
- The Host can skip the boot sequence once started by loading a preconfigured save state using RIGHT SHIFT + F7.
- The Host can skip the boot sequence once started by loading a preconfigured save state using RIGHT SHIFT + F7.
- When you are finished with netplay, shut down your server: Go back to the main MAME window and click File > "Stop Kaillera Server".
Player 2 & any spectators will connect to the server:
- Right click "Tekken Tag Tournament" in the main window list and select "Kaillera NetPlay..."
- In the pop-up window that appears, find the "Change Mode" drop-down on the right and change it to "2. Client".
- Add the host's server to the list by clicking "Add" on the left > Type any name, and enter the IP given to you. Click OK.
- Find the server in the list and highlight it then click "Connect" on the left. A new window with the server room will appear.
- At the bottom of the window a list of games will appear and there should be only 1 entry with your host. Double click it to join and wait for the host to start! If you are spectating, wait until the "Users" column at the end of the list says "2/2" to join as a spectator.