simple cp layout. 4 and 8 way games

[jordanshadow]

So I am planning a second cabinet build and the ultimate goal is to create one that is very simplistic with a games list of about 100 or so. Full sized standup with 2 players 4 buttons each (neo-geo arrangement) and player 1, player 2, exit. I would hate to cut out some of the 4 way games from my list but do not want to have to add a 3rd joystick and I do not want to have to switch 4/8 way operation. It should be pickup and go. Are there any good joysticks out there that are 8 way that can give me like 90% for 4 way games? U360s seem to come up occasionally. any suggestions?

[DaveMMR]

Is the ServoStick an option?  Complicates things a bit but you don't have to switch it manually.

Other than that, the U360s have done well by me. Decent (not perfect) performance in 4-way games.

[BadMouth]

IMO, a 4-way stick isn't as necessary as it's made out to be where MAME is concerned.  Especially for the casual gamer who doesn't take their game too seriously.  The games can be played just fine with an 8-way stick as long as you don't linger in the corners.  Pacman/Ms Pacman is very forgiving, at least in recent MAME versions.  Donkey Kong and Burgertime probably benefit the most from a 4-way, but are still playable without one.
I've found that an octagon restrictor helps a bit as it guides the stick to the primary directions when you slam them in the general direction.

If you want it to be the "best it can be", yeah you'll need one that switches automatically.
For some people, it's more about the joystick being physically restricted than about it not tripping the diagonals.
I get that a square restrictor with deep corners and no defined primaries just feels wrong, hence my comments about the octagon restrictor.

While the octagon restrictor worked well (even for diagonally mounted games like Qbert & Congo Bongo), I grew to dislike the bumpy movement when doing circular motions in fighting games.

I'm currently using round restrictors and have an odd homemade setup that decreases the sensitivity of my optical switches when a 4-way game is launched so the diagonals don't register.  In the end, it's probably equivalent to the U360 for 4-way games and I don't feel that it's inferior to other solutions.  With any auto-switching system, you'll have the hassle of more setup on the software side.

[EMDB]

I'm quite happy with my U360s with automatic switching when selecting a specific game. I started with UltraStiks which are switchable from 4/8 from the top but I did not always knew when to switch and I couldn't even explain to my guests. Now all is well for 4-8 and even diagonal (Qbert/Congo). I programmed the sticks to 4 way when in HyperSpin. This even gave better control (not hitting the per-letter-mode accidentally).

[mgb]

Like Badmouth said, octagon restrictors may be a good route.
It's a simple and cost effective solution.
There was recently a post about this very same thing

You don't have to do both sticks. You can maybe do a round gate on the left stick while having the octogan restrictor on the right stick and your 4-ways would be configured to use the right stick.

[fleskebacon]

Yep. After much back and forth I also ended up with octagonal gates. It's going to be a compromise anyway, and if you're not going to be changing the gates for each game, the octagonal gate is probably your best shot. I prefer them for 8-way in any case.

[jordanshadow]

Thanks for the info. I actually prefer the octagon plates in 8 way anyway. That makes it pretty easy. Thanks everyone. And if i understand it correctly the 360 joystick can via a program change its sensors as to not hit diagonals?

[mgb]

The u360 will still physically go into the diaganol zone but through mapping, you can configure it
to ignore the diagonals and map to the cardinal directions.

[EMDB]

The u360 will still physically go into the diaganol zone but through mapping, you can configure it
to ignore the diagonals and map to the cardinal directions.

Or even simulate a 45 degrees rotated stick like QBert and Congo bongo have:



This way only the diagonals trigger a "microswitch" but also send UP when top/right is hit instead of UP+RIGHT etc...

[severdhed]

I have a set of u360s in my two player cabinet, they are great overall sticks.  the throw is long, but they are very functional for every game i have thrown at them.  i decided to go with JLWs in my 4 player cabinet...right now i just rotate the restrictor when i want to play a 4 way game, but i eventually plan on getting the servo stick upgrade.