8-way stick on 4-way game in MAME. Can I get some input?

[lardlad00]

I know this question has been asked but I haven't been able to find a consensus on the topic, especially since the accuracy of the information changes with the versions of MAME.

I'm in the process of deciding what joysticks to use on my build and wondering how important it is to have the ability to easily go from 8-way to 4-way if they're only being used for MAME games.

I understand the issue with using an 8-way stick on a game like Pacman or Donkey Kong, and I want to make sure my sticks can provide the proper gameplay. That said, I'm not too worried about the "feel" being authentic. I just don't want to have the user get stuck while trying to make a turn.

Is anyone here using 8-way only in their MAME builds? How necessary is it to be able to switch to 4-way? Can MAME handle this natively now?

When I try to replicate it with my keyboard it works fine when you go diagonal. Will an 8-way joystick be the same?

Thanks in advance!

[thorr]

See my post next to yours.  I added a second stick to my joystick for just this reason.  Since I am not happy with my 4-way, I have tried using my Dominux8 in 4-way games.  The feel is much better than the Pac-Pro, but I do run into different problems due to it being an 8-way.  I am using an older version of Mame because I am using a RetroPie.  You might want to look into a U360.  I didn't get one because it seemed like it would cause to much work on RetroPie to get it to behave differently on 4 and 8 way games.  Another option is a Servostick.  I didn't get one of those because I didn't want clicking noises.

[paigeoliver]

The software of 4-way games is generally not written to handle getting two directions at once time, they all react differently to such unexpected inputs, some switch direction early, some late, others stop moving entirely if you are in a diagonal. This isn't the sort of thing Mame can "fix". The game has to have some sort of 8-way handling programmed in or it is never really going to work right.

[big10p]

I only have 8-way sticks in my MAME cabs, and don't have any trouble playing games like Pac-Man. I have fitted round restrictor gates to my sticks, though, which I much prefer to the standard square ones. Square ones are heavily biased towards the diagonals, which is exactly what you don't want for 4-way games. Some 4-way games can be a bit more troublesome to play (for the reasons paigeoliver states), but I haven't come across anything yet that's unplayable.

[Mike A]

There's a ringing endorsement.

Some 4-way games can be a bit more troublesome to play (for the reasons paigeoliver states), but I haven't come across anything yet that's unplayable.

I know I prefer my games just barely playable.

[big10p]

You're welcome.

[leapinlew]

I would consider Ms. Pacman unplayable (Probably any pacman game). She'll stop moving all together and when the game picks up after a few levels, the timing becomes more important and it'll kill you. I would also consider Zookeeper unplayable as he changes directions when the diagonal is hit. There's a few other games, but I switch up to a dedicated 4 way after finding a couple games.

The good news is, Galaga is perfectly fine. So, you'll always have that. 

[leapinlew]

One other thing to consider....

For most folks here, they are building a huge box to fully house controls and a monitor. To some degree, authenticity matters. The controls seems like a terrible area to skimp. You might be able to "get by" with not perfect controls, but why would you do that to the end experience?

Everyone finds where they are willing to sacrifice some authenticity. Using a LCD instead of a CRT, monitor orientation, mame vs original hardware, etc. Controls is an area where many don't want to sacrifice too much. Try a balltop with a diamond shape restriction and if you're a product of the golden era of video games, I think you'll find it feels familiar.

[paigeoliver]

I would consider Ms. Pacman unplayable (Probably any pacman game). She'll stop moving all together and when the game picks up after a few levels, the timing becomes more important and it'll kill you. I would also consider Zookeeper unplayable as he changes directions when the diagonal is hit. There's a few other games, but I switch up to a dedicated 4 way after finding a couple games.

The good news is, Galaga is perfectly fine. So, you'll always have that. 

Zoo Keeper is an 8-way game, check the manual to it.

[leapinlew]

hmm... maybe it was Tapper? I guess I can't remember. I ran into enough issues, that I ended up building a dedicated cabinet for my 4 way games.

As far as Zookeeper though... I wonder what stage the diagonals would be used on? Or is it an 8 way because the diagonals don't impact game play?

[paigeoliver]

hmm... maybe it was Tapper? I guess I can't remember. I ran into enough issues, that I ended up building a dedicated cabinet for my 4 way games.

As far as Zookeeper though... I wonder what stage the diagonals would be used on? Or is it an 8 way because the diagonals don't impact game play?

A lot of people think Zoo Keeper is 4-way. I was one of them. I have the Jrok Zookeeper board, it is totally playable in 4-way, but it is easier to round those corners with the 8-way stick than it is with the 4-way.