Pac-man and the Balltop T-Stik Plus

[javeryh]

Does anyone here use the 4/8 T-Stik Plus with Balltop to play Pac-man (and other 4-way games)?  I'm wondering how it controls using it in 4-way mode.  I think I'm going to order two of them for my cocktail cab but I'd like to hear opinions first...

[GGKoul]

Plays fine... But plays better with a Ms Pacman/Galaga 4 way.

http://www.retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/ultimarc_tstik.html

[javeryh]

OK, thanks.  That was a great review.  I don't have room on my CP for 2 sticks and I want to have 8-way and 4-way playability so this is probably my only option...

[cholin]

Its your best bet, but theres some 4/8 ways that you can change under the panel.  Theres also the omnistick prodigy I think it's called.  Its a GGG product that has a little stub that you switch...check them out if you want.

[1UP]

I'm going to sound like a broken record, but the T-Stick's short throw can make those fast paced maze games a pain.  Many people complain of going in the wrong direction at critical times, due to very little separation between the corners.  Also, the stiff spring tension can get tiring.

I highly recommend the J-stick balltop for 4-way games.  It has an average throw distance, and a light spring tension for fast action.  It is 4-8 way switchable by turning the restrictor on the bottom.  I can't recommend this stick enough! 

[PaulG]

A lot of my favorite games are the old 4-ways and I use the T-Stik Plus with bat handle.  I know there's been some criticism by people who I respect, but I've never once moved in the wrong direction in any of the maze games (Pac-Man, etc).  And it's not like I'm not picky.  The whole reason I discovered this site was because I was sick of dying in the Pac-Man/Donkey Kongs of the world because of moving in the wrong direction at the worst time.  So I started looking at some of the commercial arcade sticks... and eventually my looking led me to BYOA where I couldn't believe what I'd seen.

I've also never had any personal problems with the spring tension.  I know it's a common complaint, but I think this is one that definetly varies with the individual.   I've never had my hands get fatigued from them (But I'm sure miles may vary with each individual).  Also never play fighters, so that's not an issue.

That said, If I can ever get my hands on some nice Wico 8-ways, I'm gonna replace my T-Sticks with them.  Space is an issue, however, so I'm still keeping 1 T-Stick for use as my 4-way (And 8-Way microswitch for games I don't wanna use the Wicos).

Edit:  I respect what 1UP says about the J-Stick and it may be the better solution for you (Assuming you have easy access to switch them.)  But personally, there is something to be said for short throws in shooters.  I love the fact I can quickly change directions in some games.