4-way Joystick ... Must have?

[Sshado]

I was just curious if 4-way joysticks are a must have?

What happens if you use an 8-way joystick with Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Frogger, Galaga, etc..?

Just want to know before I finish my layout for my Control Panel.

Thanks,

Sshado

[pocketz]

i think a 4 way is a must have. if u try using an 8way with pacman and such you will get frustrated by your pacman going in the wrong direction. there are hundreds of early games that use a 4 way joystick.

you could also set up a beta control panel and test out an 8way or 4way with these games.

-paul

[Sshado]

heh, cool that you replied, your machine happens to be the one I kind of modeled mine after.  Well, I am using yoru Oak idea and kind of mixed your design with 1ups.

Thanks for your response.

Sshado

[Mike]

Yeah, I didn't think a 4-way was that important until I tried to play like donkey kong and frogger with out it. They were pretty much impossible to play. I didn't have any problem with pacman or ms pacman. I opted for the oscar restrictor though because i didn't have room on my control panel for a 4-way.

[Malachai]

I agree with pocketz.  You should test it out.  I don't have any problem playing pac-man or donkey kong with an 8-way, but that's just me.  Try them and see what works for you.

[drunktek]

For me I got the ms pac/galaga anniversary 4 way joy and believe me it works like a champ. I couldnt bear to play dk or pacman with an 8 way. Plus there only like $18

[Amra]

If you dont want to 'dirty' up your design by adding controls you dont want or need, you might op for the oscar restrictors, then you can have your 4 way and your 8 way.

[pragma]

drunktek - can you provide a link for this stick?

tx
Paul

[Brax]

For me I got the ms pac/galaga anniversary 4 way joy and believe me it works like a champ. I couldnt bear to play dk or pacman with an 8 way. Plus there only like $18

I use it as well, it's perfect. I thought I could get away with supers only but it's frustrating.

http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/5060841125r.htm

[2slk]

I think a 4-way is necessary but it is possible to do it without adding an extra stick to your panel. I am using the ultimarc j-stick. They easily switch between 4/8 way. In 4-way mode, the actuator physically restricts the stick's movement so they feel much like a true 4-way, with no 'dead zones'. They feel and work great and no extra clutter on the control panel.