Function key weirdness when emulating an old Mac
February 7, 2021 2:02 PM Subscribe
I'm trying to run Might & Magic: World of Xeen in a classic Mac environment, but no matter my configuration, the function keys—which are required in order to play the game—don't work properly. Details within.
To access each character profile in M&M, you must press F1, F2, etc. through F6. Pressing F5 and F6 work without a problem. However, F1 through F4 all require me to hold each key for a long period of time before bringing up the proper character page. This issue also interferes with things like trading items between characters and, despite its seemingly small-bore nature, makes the game more or less unplayable.
I've tried emulating both System 7 and Mac OS 8, and have used both Basilisk II and SheepShaver. The problem crops up in every case. Increasing key repeat speed and reducing key repeat delay don't resolve the problem. Any ideas as to what might be at issue? It's quite vexing!
I know that I can play this game using DOSBox, but the Mac graphics are better, which is why I'm trying this route. Thank you so much!
To access each character profile in M&M, you must press F1, F2, etc. through F6. Pressing F5 and F6 work without a problem. However, F1 through F4 all require me to hold each key for a long period of time before bringing up the proper character page. This issue also interferes with things like trading items between characters and, despite its seemingly small-bore nature, makes the game more or less unplayable.
I've tried emulating both System 7 and Mac OS 8, and have used both Basilisk II and SheepShaver. The problem crops up in every case. Increasing key repeat speed and reducing key repeat delay don't resolve the problem. Any ideas as to what might be at issue? It's quite vexing!
I know that I can play this game using DOSBox, but the Mac graphics are better, which is why I'm trying this route. Thank you so much!
Response by poster: F1-F4 have alternate functions like brightness, a goofy window thingy, and a launcher, while F5 and F6 do not. Are you using an external keyboard? In system prefs/keyboard do you have "Use F1, F2, etc as standard function keys...." set to on?
Good point. I do have them set to standard function keys, but I bet somehow your observation is no coincidence—something is interfering. Unfortunately, there's no way to remap keys that I can tell.
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 3:44 PM on February 8, 2021
Good point. I do have them set to standard function keys, but I bet somehow your observation is no coincidence—something is interfering. Unfortunately, there's no way to remap keys that I can tell.
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 3:44 PM on February 8, 2021
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I haven't used a emulator in a few years, but I wonder if you can remap keys in there to some unused keys in your game.
posted by advicepig at 6:42 AM on February 8, 2021