For some reason, they're automatically set to "max", which makes several animations in KQ5 and 6 run too fast (ruins enjoyment) and causes audio issues and the firecracker timer bug (annoying more than anything) in 7.

However, I'm not sure what the ideal cycles *would* be. Might I get some assistance in this regard?

I'll definitely give that amount a try! Thanks a bunch!

I finally had time to confirm, and well, turns out my cycles are actually set to 'auto' as well.

core=auto
cputype=auto
cycles=auto
cycleup=10
cycledown=20

I do distinctly recall using a fixed 4000 cycles setting in a previous setup though, and I recall that it was the sweet spot for many DOS games.