If I have a standard fighting controller (Joystick on one side and 6 buttons on the other with 2 rows of 3 buttons) what would be the best controller setup for Defender.
Welcome to the forum. Unfortunately a standard fighting controller is not the most comfortable to play Defender on due to the amount of buttons you need, and the closeness of their positions to one another.
But if you have no choice, you should try to keep your fingers in the same position you’d play on a real CP. but the problem is the Hyperspace button, there is no great assignment with that layout. Here is what I’d do:
1K - reverse
1P - smart bomb
2P - thrust
3P - Shoot
2K - hyperspace
3K - unassigned
This will be cramped, but at least the buttons will be in somewhat the same order. You’d still be able to hit reverse with your left thumb, right index on smart, right middle on thrust, and right ring on shoot. You’d have to curl your right thumb under your fingers to hit hyper, unfortunately.
Another question on top of that is there way to restrict my joystick so it only moves up and down without needing to purchase something else? I was thinking if there was a way to restrict it with any home items. The original defender only had a 2 way joystick so playing with a 4 way or 8 way makes it difficult to play how it was mean't to be played. Thank you in advanced!
I don’t know why you’d want to rig up some diy solution just to save a few bucks, when restriction gates are available. If you have a standard quality fight stick, you’d most likely have a Sanwa JLF joystick in there. There are 2-way restrictors available at various part suppliers for under $5.
https://www.focusattack.com/sanwa-gt-2f-2-way-restrictor-plate/Lastly, from the look of your written descriptions it sounds like you might be a bit inexperienced with arcade controls, specifically Fight sticks. I would recommend you take some time to read through the extensive information on slagcoin:
https://www.slagcoin.com/joystick.htmlThere’s a LOT of information there on types of controls, layouts, accessories, diy...and more! It’s a great resource, and might have more information you’re looking for.
It might also show you how easy you can make your own arcade stick, but perhaps with a proper Defender layout.
Hope this info helps.