Diagonal 4-way for Q-Bert

[shmokes]

I know that there are various options for playing diagonal 4-way games (Q-Bert, Congo Bongo) but what is the BEST way?  I'm going to have a dedicated diagonal stick.  Should I buy a Happ 4-way and mount it on a 45 degree angle?  Should I buy an Ultimarc E-Stik and just leave it permanently set to diagonal?  Should I buy a Happ 8-way stick and an Oscar restrictor plate?  I'm looking for autheticity and playability.  I've searched the forums and found many options, but no comparisons.
Can anyone help here?

[eightbit]

If you have room for a dedicated diagonal 4 way the best would probably be a pacman replacement joystick or similar. If you don't have room for a dedicated than Oscar's restrictor plates would probably be the secound best choice. Some might even argue Oscars plates as a first choice since you could go with almost any stick. I know I seen some where a joystick that could convert from 4 way to 8 way to 4 way diagonal to 2 way right/left to 2 way up/down. I don't remember where I seen that stick but it had a unique restrictor mechanism on the bottom.

[shmokes]

Well, the Ultimarc E-stik can do most of what you're talking about at the end of your response.  I appreciate the info.  I think that I am leaning toward the Pac-Man replacement stick and mounting it at a 45 degree angle.  My control Panel will be 3/4", though.  Isn't that stick meant to mount on sheet metal?

[eightbit]

Well, the Ultimarc E-stik can do most of what you're talking about at the end of your response.  I appreciate the info.  I think that I am leaning toward the Pac-Man replacement stick and mounting it at a 45 degree angle.  My control Panel will be 3/4", though.  Isn't that stick meant to mount on sheet metal?

Depends on which stick your talking about. I thought the new pacman/galaga replacement stick was adjustable like the Happs ultimate. I could be wrong so don't take my word for it.  If its not adjustable you could mount it to a metal plate and route that into the top of your control panel. How are you planning to cover your control panel? That would influence how you could mount this.

[JustMichael]

I personally prefer just using an 8-way joystick and setting Mame to only accept the diagonals. Works as good as the original if you ask me. If you did a search of the boards then you should have turned up this thread which explains how to set Mame to only accept the diagonals. Try this before you go out and buy a 4-way joystick and mount it.

[eightbit]

I personally prefer just using an 8-way joystick and setting Mame to only accept the diagonals. Works as good as the original if you ask me. If you did a search of the boards then you should have turned up this thread which explains how to set Mame to only accept the diagonals. Try this before you go out and buy a 4-way joystick and mount it.

It works well but it won't feel like the origanel. Kind of like switching a super or ultimate to 4 way mode for pacman, the diagonals are blocked but it doesn't feel right. Its a matter of personal preference, how much real estate you have, what your prioritys are, and how much money you have to spend.

[u_rebelscum]

I personally prefer just using an 8-way joystick and setting Mame to only accept the diagonals. Works as good as the original if you ask me. If you did a search of the boards then you should have turned up this thread which explains how to set Mame to only accept the diagonals. Try this before you go out and buy a 4-way joystick and mount it.

It works well but it won't feel like the origanel. Kind of like switching a super or ultimate to 4 way mode for pacman, the diagonals are blocked but it doesn't feel right.

The feel really depends on the stick you use.  
The supers just plain suck, feel wise, since you can't feel the corners.
Competitions are much better for this.
But a restricted joystick feels the best.

Its a matter of personal preference, how much real estate you have, what your prioritys are, and how much money you have to spend.

Couldn't say it any better.