>2. Does each 4 or 8-way joystick require exactly 4 inputs?
Yes, however you could wire the 4-way and the P1 8-way to the same inputs to save encoder requirements.
>3. A link to the mod that removes typing "OK" when starting a game?
See reply above. If you want to remove the Bad Rom and Known Problems screens, search the software forum for BuddaMame (0.92) or use an old version of NoNameMame. If you want' to "roll your own" see
here but I don't know if this still works with the latest source code.
>4. List of some 4P games (console or MAME) that use more than 4 buttons
MAME - NONE!!
Consoles - Too many to list. The SNES was 6 buttons and a D-pad and 4 controllers. Newer consoles are worse. However, I don't really recommnend console games on a cabinet. If you want them you could use USB modified original console controllers and front panel USB jacks.
>5. Short list of some games that use analog stick(s)
Depends what you consider Analog sticks (BTW, I think Zaxxon was a variation of the TRON stick, so not analog) -
True analog sticks:
Afterburner, ummm
Used potentiometers so could be controlled by analog sticks:
Paperboy
Star Wars Series
270 Wheel drining games (OutRun, Hard Driving)
Paddle (but not spinner) games.
Could be controlled in MAME by analog sticks
Mouse or trackball games (I think?)
Used 49-way sticks but MAME uses Analog Sticks to control
Sinistar
Food Fight
Pigskin 621
Arch Rivals
I'm sure I left some out as well