thanks for not taking my comments negatively, thanks
system backgrounds - system image float (great)
game backgrounds - box art backgrounds zoomed in (personal favorite) may look best with logo style
selection wheel - make it a perfect oval with the selected game below the video
firstletter - make horizontal on top of screen (finishing touches)
reflection - less (too many is kinda distracting)
video bezel - not a fan of per game bezels BUT a standard simple per system one might be cool
selected system console logo - on the bezel or video (maybe)
pointer - really helps people know where they are giving them the focus on the video (good idea)
on screen controls - 100% helps, the question "So how do I go back" infuriates me BUT really needs to be basic with so many control schemes ppl choose
*also, one only truly needs SELECT and BACK. "X" button for categories and letterscroll etc...don't really need representation imo
Guess what i'm saying is that basic appears better. The best insight comes from children. If a kid can use it without instructions then you know it's perfect.
My theme on my Arcade1up only has "PRESS START" flashing on the bottom center. Off to the side I have "O" "BACK". That's it. Plain old stupid simple. Haven't made a theme since.
Count me in on your project if you want a hand. I've worked with RetroFE for years and I do have Photoshop.
Best advice I could ever ever give is "Make it for you, not the community. A visual masterpiece is great and all BUT....does it get played?"