Looking for an alternative to 49 ways. Randy, when is the new joy coming out?

[mccoy178]

I have 49 ways on the VC, and it kills me not to be able to play ms. pacman properly.  I like Andy's new stick, but I want to see what Randy has to offer before dealing with a restrictor plate.  Do any of you have suggestions as to what you use to play the wide variety of games?

[RandyT]

I have 49 ways on the VC, and it kills me not to be able to play ms. pacman properly.  I like Andy's new stick, but I want to see what Randy has to offer before dealing with a restrictor plate.  Do any of you have suggestions as to what you use to play the wide variety of games?

The new sticks are still 49-ways.  There won't be any magic mechanical restriction or anything like that on the new stick.  Just much improved parts, a proper centering grommet, a couple of mods and a new interface that will do a lot of cool stuff.

The question is what is causing you the problems with Ms Pac?  Are your sticks the HAPP variety and you are dealing with the neoprene grommet issue, is the deadzone too small in 4-way DRS, or is it something else?

RandyT

[Timoe]

Yeah, Mccoy, be more descriptive than "My Videa-Game hurts!"   whaaaaaaaa---wah---whaaaaa!

[mccoy178]

I have 49 ways on the VC, and it kills me not to be able to play ms. pacman properly.  I like Andy's new stick, but I want to see what Randy has to offer before dealing with a restrictor plate.  Do any of you have suggestions as to what you use to play the wide variety of games?

The new sticks are still 49-ways.  There won't be any magic mechanical restriction or anything like that on the new stick.  Just much improved parts, a proper centering grommet, a couple of mods and a new interface that will do a lot of cool stuff.

The question is what is causing you the problems with Ms Pac?  Are your sticks the HAPP variety and you are dealing with the neoprene grommet issue, is the deadzone too small in 4-way DRS, or is it something else?

RandyT

Well, I spoiled myself with some wico's lately at a buddies and coming home and playing it on the VC just stinks.  She don't make the cuts like she should.  It kills me.  Even when I'm kind of used to it, if someone comes over and plays, they are frustrated right out of the gate by the lack of response.  When she zigs, she should zag, and vice versa.  I may entertain the idea of putting a dedicated four way on there, as I have purchased an original ms. pacman joystick for another project.  I'm torn Jerry, I'm torn!!!!!

[RandyT]

Still not coming though clearly....<bap,  bap,...is this thing on?>

No non-restricted stick is going to give you the same feel that a restricted one will.  If you've become accustomed to playing on a restricted stick and now need it in order to play well, then a restricted stick is your only choice.  But if you have the HAPP 49's with the original grommet, well, that's not going to help. 

FWIW, the old yellow girl shouldn't be going one way when you mean to go another.  Are you using the 4-way DRS mode?  If you've automated the switching task, are sure it's working?

I'm a very casual ms. pac player (usually only use it for testing), but I rarely finish at less than 50k and I never have a problem going where I don't intend.

So I have to ask again, what's broken, or where is the deficiency?  What's your idea of a good score in Ms.Pac?  (probably not relevant, but I want to see how I stack up  )

RandyT

[mccoy178]

Okay, I have midway 49 ways on my cabinet.  It is the lack of restriction that is the problem.  I do believe 49 ways are teh suck when it comes to true 49 way games.  I haven't had one guest play ms. pacman, puckman, or any other 4 way game and compliment the accuracy. <bap,  bap,...is this thing on?>  Thanks for the update on your joysticks.  I may need to invest in Andy's with the restrictor plate attachment.  Can any other members chime in on 4 way play with one of the ultimarc's?

[RandyT]

I do believe 49 ways are teh suck when it comes to true 49 way games?

[mccoy178]

Oops, let me rephrase:
I do believe 49 ways are teh suck when it comes to true 4 way games.

[RandyT]

Oops, let me rephrase:
I do believe 49 ways are teh suck when it comes to true 4 way games.

Heh, ok.  I don't see it, but I've been using the new sticks for the last 6 months, so....  Are your 49's original Midways withe the .25" shaft?  Sorry for all the questions, but when I hear complaints the details become important for future reference.

If you take the plunge, be sure to report back with your thoughts on the other sticks without restriction.  I've yet to see someone with both do a comparison.

On the other hand, if you just want a restricted stick, why spend the extra money? 

RandyT

[mccoy178]

I have originals out of a NFL Blitz.  Also, I never really noticed and never really mattered until I started playing Ms. Pacman a lot at my buddies.  Once I did, the contrast was amazing.  I just went and played a couple games just to verify the software was set to 4 way and to check my mental stability, and although I did find I am crazy, the play was bothersome due to the non restriction.  I think that I have crossed up motions when I go from playing an 8 way game then move onto ms pacman.  I had no problems just now, but I may have been concentrating more than usual.  I just know that it's been on my mind like crazy the past month or so and I've decided to look into it.  If I do pick up one of Andy's sticks, I will give a full comparison.

BTW, I do absolutely love the 49 ways for the auto switching feature with all the varied games.  I'm telling ya, I'm really upset about this.

[RandyT]

I just PM'd you this tidbit, but it might be something important to be considered by others looking at electronic restriction.  I think I know what's going on, after looking at your panel design.

In your particular instance, the two main sticks are lined up right at the edge of your large monitor.  A vertical game like Ms Pacman is centered on the screen, meaning that no matter which stick is used, the individual will be quite a ways off center, and even off beyond the side of the playfield.  This is going to make it difficult for someone to accurately correlate the direction of the stick with the direction on screen, and this could very well be the problem.  It won't be as bad as trying to use one of the angled P3 and P4 sticks, but it's not a great situation either. 

A restricted stick may be a much better option for 4-way games played on this setup.

RandyT

[mccoy178]

Thank for the PM.  I may reinvent the wheel with the 4 way.  I think it would be neat to have a 4 way with a removable stick from the top.  I'm a Golden Tee guy through and through and having a solution like that may be an answer to this delemna.