Main > Main Forum

Best joysticks for Robotron style games?

Pages: << < (5/15) > >>

Doc-:


--- Quote from: Vanthaelen on February 01, 2005, 06:33:34 pm ---my questions:
Did most of the 4 way and 8 way arcade machines of the 80s and 90s have these Wico leaf and microswitch joysticks?

Were they used for all game types? (apart from the robotron and smash TV)

Would these wico (4 way and 8 way) sticks be good for all type of 4 way and 8 way games with no need for any other stick like T-stick, J-stick, super, competition etc?

--- End quote ---
I have a lot of joysticks on my modular system, so it is fun to do side-by-side comparisons:

1. Yes, most of the old games used leaf joysticks.  In fact most buttons also used leaf switches.  The old wico's are great - I have a 4 way that is my favorite 4-way joystick - even over the pac man galaga reunion (which is very good too).

2. Yes, they were used for most game types - especially the early 80's.

3. It is a matter of preference - for example the ball top joysticks are not ideal for every game.  What feel's "right" for Robotron (which requires a short throw, smooth diagonals and quick switch time) might not be perfect for many more modern games.

The leaf joysticks went out of fashion largely because they periodically needed adjustment (the leaf would bend).  Not a big deal for your home system as you can easily make these adjustments, but certainly a factor in a high abuse arcade environment where a lot of machines are involved.

However, I see no reason why a few Wico's would not work well in your home system - especially if you like the feel of them.  Try to get the "old" wicos and not the new imitations from Asia.

Cheers!
Doc-

southpaw13:

I got you all beat!  How about a pair of original Wico leaf 8-ways with a new set of Specialty Plastics translucent ball top joysticks?

Kremmit:

Damn, those look good.  I didn't know he was making 'em again. 

Suddnly there's all these choices..  SlikStik or GroovyGameGear's Stainless or Anodized, and now Tom's transulcents are back.  Too cool!  If only I could decide...

brandon:

ooh ooh.. those look sweet.. how about custom shafts with a holes through the middle to allow lighting with LEDs or fiber optics.... oooh.. that would be sweeeet!!! or combination top fire and leds.. with matching lighted buttons.. Mmm.. that would look so awesome.

thrash242:

OK, it seems that Wico are the most original and best for Robotron style games. :)  I'll be looking for four matching ones.

Just out of curiosity, what would the best currently made joystick be?  P360?  Keep in mind that I never actually played Robotron in arcades (though I love it on my cabinet), but I did play the *hell* out of Smash TV and Total Carnage.  Did they use Wicos too?

I'm probably going with the Wicos, since they're a lot cheaper (especially since I need four) anyway, I'm just wondering.

Pages: << < (5/15) > >>

Go to full version