controls help for 8 way games

[IreM72]

 Two questions:

1.
What is the best joystick and button placement/layout for all the 8-way 1, 2 and 3 button games?

I know there are so many games and I'm a little confused on one layout which which will be suitable for all 8 way games up to and including 3 buttons, but I will accept a fourth button if it makes it easier to play certain games or for those games which have controls in awkward placements.

I'm interested in all games:
side scrollers(Double Dragon, metal slug etc.) shoot-em-ups(horizontal and vertical),ikari warriors style, maze etc.

basically all the genres except Streetfighter/MK style fighters

2.
The 7 button Streetfighter 2/neogeo layout is very popular for fighters
but what is it like for all the other 8 way game types which I've mentioned in the first question? Is that acceptable? or is it only good for SF2,MK, KOF etc.

Is it not easy to accidentally hit other buttons (which are not used) and to ruin/affect the gameplay?

Thanks for any help

[pointdablame]

This is all personal preference really.  There is no "best" joystick/button placement, nor is there a "best" joystick to buy, etc.

Your best bet is to make up a mock control panel out of cardboard or scrap wood and see wht feels best to you.  The 7 button layout works pretty well and never caused me any problems with hitting extra buttons.  It's pretty popular, and I think for good reason.

My best advice to you is to search the forum and read what others have said to get an idea.  There's been a million layout threads on here, and they are very helpful for people in your position.

[IreM72]

 Thank You for your reply and help,

[Shape D.]

What 2, 3 and 4 button and  joy layouts were used in the 8-way arcade games?

and the same for  4-way 2 button games?

2 buttons              O O         or            O            <- normally not as
                                                      O            <- severe of an angle

3 buttons          O O O


4 Buttons           O O
                        O O


Sorry dont line up as well after theyre posted

[NoOne=NBA=]

I prefer a nice 4-button for a catch-all panel.

I set mine up like this:

   0 0 0
0

With the lower button set exactly where my thumb falls naturally.
That lets you play 1/2/3 button games with the buttons straight, and gives you the fourth button when necessary.

The diamond shaped, and square shaped 4-button setups don't work well for 3-button games, IMO.

[IreM72]

I prefer a nice 4-button for a catch-all panel.

I set mine up like this:

 0 0 0
0

With the lower button set exactly where my thumb falls naturally.
That lets you play 1/2/3 button games with the buttons straight, and gives you the fourth button when necessary.

The diamond shaped, and square shaped 4-button setups don't work well for 3-button games, IMO.

I've found from a thread that Double Dragon used this layout:

[Thenasty]

other games use this

         o
      o   o
         o

diamond shape.