Do I Need An 8-way Joystick? Analog a suitable stand in for P360?

[andrewonawall]

I am designing my first MAME machine and need to decide what joysticks to purchase. I already know that I want Perfect 360s because I am REALLY into fighter games, but I am also into classics too. This is why I am considering the T-Stick Plus, because I save space with the switching 4 to 8-way feature. Elsewhere, someone mentioned that you don't really need 8-way if you are using a P360, but wouldn't the game play be different because the P360 has the more circular motion that the other doesn't? If so, then I think I would go with the T-Stick+. But if not, then I would get only a four way (and a SS stainless steel ball top too ).

Also on the consolidation note, I have two Happ analog trigger fire joysticks: http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/95006500.htm
Do you think that these would work well as substitutes for Perfect 360s? It would be a bit strange holding them, so they wouldn't be for players 1 & 2. They would occupy the player 3 & 4 positions that are relocated to the center of the console. They would also only be in use during four player games, or in use in those that were meant for these joysticks.

[Tiger-Heli]

Interesting questions -

I already know that I want Perfect 360s because I am REALLY into fighter games, but I am also into classics too. This is why I am considering the T-Stick Plus, because I save space with the switching 4 to 8-way feature. Elsewhere, someone mentioned that you don't really need 8-way if you are using a P360, but wouldn't the game play be different because the P360 has the more circular motion that the other doesn't? If so, then I think I would go with the T-Stick+. But if not, then I would get only a four way (and a SS stainless steel ball top too ).

Since you say you definitely want P360's, and the other sticks probably won't be from Happs, and the P360's are a pain to switch from 8 to 4-way . . . i.e. you will probably want at least one dedicated (or switchable) 4-way, biggest question is do you need two -

I would get the P360's, wire them up, play classic 8-way games with them, and see how you like them.  My gut feeling is they will be fine, and you'll just want a dedicated 4-way.

Also on the consolidation note, I have two Happ analog trigger fire joysticks: http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/95006500.htm
Do you think that these would work well as substitutes for Perfect 360s? It would be a bit strange holding them, so they wouldn't be for players 1 & 2. They would occupy the player 3 & 4 positions that are relocated to the center of the console. They would also only be in use during four player games, or in use in those that were meant for these joysticks.

Again, I would get them wired up and test them out.  (Even if you have to wire them to a test panel first.)  Again my initial feeling is they might be okay for use by themselves, but probably not great for 4-player games where P1 and P2 have P360's.

[Minwah]

I think those analog sticks would work, but not be too great for 8-way games.  They would feel to sloppy/innacurate IMO.  For non-fighters (Gauntlet?) they may turn out OK, give them a try before you commit yourself...