Topic: My flight stick restrictor plate for tron pt 2- IT WAS HELL!!!!!!

[genesim]

Ok I got it.   Cool.  But look at the journey.   Recap-This is for the Heavy Duty 8 way Happs Flight stick.   Got the bottom one no problem.



After being told that there was a top restrictor...I thought hey no problem.   I WAS WRONG!!



Hey look kids...piece of cake!!  Just replace the grommet and all is good...except the fact that the 43-670-00 and 42-0093-00 are welded which makes it impossible to exchange it without heavy duty screwing up of the top plate.   So called Happs and asked if there was a way I could get it not assembled or just replace the parts and how much.

First of all...no on the assembling without a full order and secondly each part was like 10 bucks a piece!!   So needless to say I hat to go onto plan B.   

So I got the top restrictor part reasonably made except for the fact that it was hard to get the holes drilled right because of not being able to measure close to the holes...and I am an idiot(see below).



Next I cut a bunch of pieces of plastic to build it up off of the bottom of the welded grommet apparatus.



Superglued each part.



Put restrictor plate on.  But then I had to cut the corners for the screws. Hey looks good exept....


 
DOH!  Except for the fact that it has to be a 3 by 3 for my panel!!!!!!!   I never even thought of this problem!!  So guess what I had to cut.   Then I had to cut again to make room for the screws....UGLY UGLY UGLY.  I got so frustrated I even cut into my panel more to avoid cutting more plastic.   I also put 4 plastic loops on as double protection from the plastic falling..though the superglue is solid as a rock




From the top.

img.photobucket.com/albums/v27/genesim/DSC00810.jpg[/IMG]

I wish I could say the story ended there..but I hat to get over several more hurdles.   The cord going through the apparatus would fit with the spring that put as protection, so I cut that loose, which was unnecessary anyway.   Then when I got it through and had to wrap a tie around it to keep it from interfering.   But then the restrictor was too tight anway, so I had to route it out some more.    Then when I got the bottom restrictor on one microswitch wasn't hitting so I had to do it route out even more.

The end result...it works great!   Though a lot of trial an error, I actually made the restrictor better and all that sloppy cutting was on the bottom where no one could see anyway.

I think Tron plays fine 4 way restricted and computer games as well.   Great stuff.    Final picture.   Yes it is old, but trust me, it looks the same.

[genesim]

Since I can't edit, here is the top view that didn't come through on my original post.  Though it was before I rounded out things better as final adjustments.



Trust me, it looks better then that now.

[Xiaou2]

A nice mod... but... now you cant go diagonal at all now..  where as tron allows diagonal movement.

 If I were you, Id pry back the 4 metal tabs that hold the restrictor in place,
then replace it with the one that is being sold here by  Encryptor.   

 Encryptor's restrictor uses the same material and shape as the original.   It makes it hard to hit diagonals
for the Light Cycle stage... yet if you push hard on the stick, you can hit diagonals for
the other parts of the game,  because the restrictor is made of flexible material.

 Once the new restrictor is in place, you could easily pound the tabs back into place with a
hammer.

 Also, if the material is flexible enough, you might be able to pry it out without bending the any
(or only a few)  tabs.

[genesim]

I already tried all that, but it don't matter anyway, because the bottom restrictor isn't flexible either.   The metal was so damn strong it almost broke two pliers!!

Anyway, where do the diagonals matter in Tron?   I get to multiple levels after clearing all of them, and I see no difference in gameplay.    Though it allowed diagonals, I don't see alot of evidence that the games were programmed with 8 way in mind.    As I understand it there were all 8 way, and hitting the diagonals can actually wig it out. 

Still in the end, I took the sacrfice, and there is no way I am going back after all that trouble!  It works for me, and it benifts not having diagonals in computer games,  which is a plus IMHO.    Diagonals can be done with the roller ball which is how it is intended anyway.

Just thought I would share, and I appreciate your advice.   

[leapinlew]

I already tried all that, but it don't matter anyway, because the bottom restrictor isn't flexible either.   The metal was so damn strong it almost broke two pliers!!

Anyway, where do the diagonals matter in Tron?   I get to multiple levels after clearing all of them, and I see no difference in gameplay.    Though it allowed diagonals, I don't see alot of evidence that the games were programmed with 8 way in mind.    As I understand it there were all 8 way, and hitting the diagonals can actually wig it out. 

Still in the end, I took the sacrfice, and there is no way I am going back after all that trouble!  It works for me, and it benifts not having diagonals in computer games,  which is a plus IMHO.    Diagonals can be done with the roller ball which is how it is intended anyway.

Just thought I would share, and I appreciate your advice.   

Diagonals matter on the latter spider stages for sure, but they are nice to have on the cone stage. What programming evidence do you want to see? If you went through all the trouble of a flight stick, seems your concerned with authenticity, but to each his own.

Diagonals can be done with a roller ball which is how it is intended? What do you mean?

[CheffoJeffo]

Though it allowed diagonals, I don't see alot of evidence that the games were programmed with 8 way in mind.    As I understand it there were all 8 way, and hitting the diagonals can actually wig it out. 

Uh oh, time to look at the code again (or we can not look at the code/design docs and intuit the programmer's intentions).

FWIW, the original design thoughts were for a four-way stick plus spinner, but were subsequently changed to an 8-way Gorf stick without a spinner, and we ended up with the lovely almost-4-way with spinner.

I agree about the 8-way being important on the spider stages, although I always prefer the light cycle stage and the 4-way is critical there, so I would say that ... it's too damned bad that the upper restrictor on the Happ HD stick doesn't come out nicely.

[genesim]

Why are you guys being censored by saint?   I didn't call anyone a liar, and I was actually asking a simple question of which I couldn't find on Tron.

I put alot of hard work into this, and despite the fact that it looks ugly as hell it works for me.   

Geez, you idiots(Jeffo and Leapinlew) are lurking at my every turn.   I regret even posting.    I wasn't going for "authenticity".  I needed a good top fire, and I like Flight sticks.     Restricting the game for Tron was a plus, and it works fine....even on the Cone and Spider level....not rocket science.   I even admit in my first post that it appears to be 8 way, but I just wanted to know why it couldn't be played 4-way...I certaintly haven't seen a problem so far...but I do see a problem with the light cycle and even the tank level on any kind of 8 way.   I know the history, but I don't care, I just wanted it to work reasonably well, of which it does now.

As for the Roller ball leapinlew I was referring to Computer games that need a mouse and directional pad(DOH idiot)...of course one could easily read and get this fact, but that is not exactly your forte.

I hate to say it, but yes it does miff me, because I put alot of work into it and I just wanted to share an idea.   Its not like it is written in stone and one could easily switch out rubber parts(oooohhh isn't that just INCREDIBLE!!(tard).   That said, I got better things to do...like watch paint dry.   Sorry I posted and consider any picture deleted.  I am sick of this crap of everytime I got a simple question, or actually challenge an answer I get this.

Incidently, stalker boys, if you message me, I will either be banned or I won't answer anyway, so don't bother.    To others that I have communicated in private with, I hate this is the only way that I can cross paths, because it is unfortunate that frick and frack have to constantly hijack with their idiotic know how.    Couldn't find their couch in their own living room.    Keep writing idiotic things like....OOOOH I didn't think of that!   

So post back cowards, that is all you are good for.  Over and out I have had it with this crap.

[CheffoJeffo]

Actually, I didn't think that my post was that bad ... there was that little joke about the way you like to talk about the programmer's intentions (as opposed to simply saying that you like the way it plays), but it wasn't a big deal.

As for the rest, the part about the design of Tron was factual (and some might find interesting) and the last part is something that I didn't think was objectionable (since, after all, YOU lamented how they didn't come apart and I was saying that I think the 4-way is the most important part because I like light cycles).

Did it really warrant the "dick", "idiot" and "coward" labels (see Rule 1) and trying to defeat the autocensor (see Rule 2) ?

[leapinlew]

Why are you guys being censored by saint?   I didn't call anyone a liar, and I was actually asking a simple question of which I couldn't find on Tron.

I put alot of hard work into this, and despite the fact that it looks ugly as hell it works for me.   

Geez, you idiots(Jeffo and Leapinlew) are lurking at my every turn.   I regret even posting.    I wasn't going for "authenticity".  I needed a good top fire, and I like Flight sticks.     Restricting the game for Tron was a plus, and it works fine....even on the Cone and Spider level....not rocket science.   I even admit in my first post that it appears to be 8 way, but I just wanted to know why it couldn't be played 4-way...I certaintly haven't seen a problem so far...but I do see a problem with the light cycle and even the tank level on any kind of 8 way.   I know the history, but I don't care, I just wanted it to work reasonably well, of which it does now.

As for the Roller ball leapinlew I was referring to Computer games that need a mouse and directional pad(DOH idiot)...of course one could easily read and get this fact, but that is not exactly your forte.

I hate to say it, but yes it does miff me, because I put alot of work into it and I just wanted to share an idea.   Its not like it is written in stone and one could easily switch out rubber parts(oooohhh isn't that just INCREDIBLE!!(tard).   That said, I got better things to do...like watch paint dry.   Sorry I posted and consider any picture deleted.  I am sick of this crap of everytime I got a simple question, or actually challenge an answer I get this.

Incidently, stalker boys, if you message me, I will either be banned or I won't answer anyway, so don't bother.    To others that I have communicated in private with, I hate this is the only way that I can cross paths, because it is unfortunate that frick and frack have to constantly hijack with their idiotic know how.    Couldn't find their couch in their own living room.    Keep writing idiotic things like....OOOOH I didn't think of that!   

So post back cowards, that is all you are good for.  Over and out I have had it with this crap.

What the hell?

Someone want to explain what I did to be considered either a stalker, idiot, or tard? The guy makes a 4 way restrictor plate for an 8 way game and said he didn't understand why it needed to be 8 way. I share my Tron gaming experience and he blows up. Find any proof that I'm following you around. You can be a real jerk sometimes Genesim.

Make a 2 way restrictor for Pacman and I'll ask you the same "dumb" questions.

[Xiaou2]

genesim,

 People put out their opinions, just as you put out yours.

 However, you took things way too far here.   Nobody said anything
really insulting or worthy of your retorts.   

[genesim]

Xiaou2,

First of all let me adress the obvious problem.   Yes indeed the answers were rude.   Especially when I know both posters from other debates to attack all the time.   They attacked me on a Mortal Kombat 4 question to another poster, and they attacked me on the Ultimarc VGA card thread....etc. etc.    I would rather they never post to me at all, but of course they are stalkers in private and in public...and watch they will continue to do so as they have in the past.

But lets get back to it.

I just want hardcore evidence that the design has to have 8 way movement.    Just because one is able to hit the 8 way, doesn't make it absolutely necessary.

So in response, I get this Einstein (leavinlew) saying that what I did is the equivalent to making Pacman 2 way??!!   Even if it has a forgiving restrictor, the original Tron is still indeed 4 way restricted.   My choice is my choice and I was only making the point that I did it, and it is working for me.

These comments are totally unnecessary:

If you went through all the trouble of a flight stick, seems your concerned with authenticity, but to each his own.

Maybe I tried for more..maybe I tried very hard.    Gee that isn't insulting.   

Uh oh, time to look at the code again (or we can not look at the code/design docs and intuit the programmer's intentions).

I don't take this as a joke from you.   I take everything from you as an insult, and to never see your post on a thread of mine would suit me fine.   But boy genius, looking at the original code wouldn't tell us jack would it...oh wait, maybe it would because the light cycle level actually wigs out when you try a diagonal, but of course joe public should know when to push diagonal and when not to?   The facts are that judgeing from  the past yes, this too was an insult.   It was an inference from a past arguement.

Still I am sorry that some people's skill levels are not up to snuff and would rather have 8 way to get passed a level, doesn't mean that everyone has to play that way.   

Either way, again it was only a design(and I admit that it wasn't pretty) that works ok for Tron and makes the Light cycle level play perfectly.   The other levels...good enough, for people that have skill( and I am not convinced that they have to be played 8 way, nor were they absolutely programmed that way).  Even on the MAWS page they only mention left right up and down.   Yes I am aware that Tron was equipped with a limited 8 way, but yet I see no evidence that the diagonal is even used to a great extent. 

Discs of Tron, yes, Tron...no.

That said, my number one choice was to restrict computer games to 4 way anyway...namely newer 4 way games that use a mouse...or in my case a trackball.   

Still rude people like the ones posted wouldn't get this fact because all they have to do is come on with their redundent comments even though I pointed it out earlier and their sad yap has to come on and point it out yet again....

You know what really peeves me though.   I WAS JUST TRYING TO SHARE THE FRICKIN' EXPERIENCE AND YET AGAIN IT TURNS INTO A THREAD TO ATTACK MY CHOICE!!!

Everything I did could be replaced with something more bendable.    BIG FRICKIN' DEAL!!

[CheffoJeffo]

genesim -- this is not your own private little forum, so you don't get to decide who posts where.

There are rules to be followed and, by my count, you are the one breaking them. If you have a problem with one of my posts, then report it and let the people who run the place make the judgement.

Pretty much everyone who has posted in disagreement with you in one of "your" threads has had to endure your ridiculous claims of personal attack and the ensuing venemous barrage of nonsense that spews forth from your keyboard. Since Lew and I are far from alone in having had to endure your tantrums, it is safe to say that we are not the only "stalkers" around.

Bottom Line: People have posted in this thread and indicated that they think 8-way is important for Tron gameplay (I've played it on a 4-way and on original equipement ... IMPO it makes a difference). You suggest that the 8-way isn't used to any extent and people disagree with you. That's going to happen, so you had best  get over it now before you blow a blood vessel.

 

[leapinlew]

geez dude, chill out and STFU. You're giving yourself too much credit if you think I have nothing better to do but follow you around. How about you find me some hardcore evidence of me stalking you. Go grow some thicker skin.

I think you are missing the point of restrictors. They aren't to restrict gameplay. Why don't you quit being a doofus and go make some 4 way restrictors for Robotron. Good job being a totally flipping goober.

If you look at your post history - it would seem you just like to argue with everyone.

That said, my number one choice was to restrict computer games to 4 way anyway...namely newer 4 way games that use a mouse...or in my case a trackball.

Yet the title says FOR TRON. 

[shardian]

Discs of Tron, yes, Tron...no.

I seem to recall that the discs level was originally planned to be part of the first Tron game.

[genesim]

People aside who want to keep stalking....and trust me they will....

shardian,

I understand that Discs of Tron was originally part of the original, but I am not clear if the current version of Tron HAS TO BE played in 8 way.

I have no trouble clearing several boards in 4 way, and I see no discernable difference.    The game is indeed restricted, so I don't see the point.    Furthermore pictures that I have seen for the modification posted by others actually show what seems to be a hard plastic...so they aren't forgiving either.

[CheffoJeffo]

The game is indeed restricted, so I don't see the point.    Furthermore pictures that I have seen for the modification posted by others actually show what seems to be a hard plastic...so they aren't forgiving either.

You are basing your entire tirade about Tron stick restriction on what you think LOOKS like hard plastic in a picture ? Unbelievable. And you follow that up with the inescapable conclusion that "they aren't forgiving either" ? All from what you think you saw in a PICTURE ?

And you have a problem with people like Lew and me posting from actual experience with the actual equipment (e.g. not pictures) ?

I was basing the importance of the 8-way aspect on the fact that Bally Midway actually engineered the stick to behave the way it did (otherwise they would have just used a 4-way) and the fact that I own two of these sticks and you can hit the diagonals with deliberate attempts, but won't in a casual movement between the cardinal directions.

If I had to choose between a 4-way stick and an 8-way stick to play Tron, I would pick a 4-way every time. There are, however, options that work more to my liking.

I know that this post will undoubtedly qualify in your mind as further stalking and a personal attack, but I'll chance it ...

[genesim]

THAT IS WHY I ASKED!   I understand the mechanics, and I don't have to play it, have it...look at it in person to comprehend.

My point, as you seem to agree with, is that is it completely necessary, especially in lew of the fact that I don't have the facility at this point to duplicate exactly how the original restrictor was.  But what you miss in my quote is that it SEEMS to be a harder plastic(the modification, not the original hardware...another point you missed).

That said, it comes down to preference, and like you I will take the compromise...until a better option comes along.   Of which case, I can easily replace it.

Still, duplicating the bottom part is equally as challenging if one is going to use the Happs 3 button Flight stick.  That is the kicker...3 buttons, not just one like the original Tron stick has.

It is an on going effort though, and in time I might go that way.   Though I am not in a big hurry because for now it works.    And not just a little bit.   

As for your rediculous arguement that Midway would have just used a 4 way...uh please point out a 4 way with microswitches that doesn't use a restrictor to achieve this??

We are splitting hairs anyway.   The code shows problems when the diagonals are hit as in the light cycle level, and I haven't done alot with the spider level, but me guesses that yes  some of the same problems can exist, the only difference is that the guy walking isn't as fast as the high speed of the light cycle.    No different then donkey kong.   Hitting diagonals on 4 way games can produce problems like getting stuck for that split second.    Perhaps it doesn't in this game.   And that was why I was ASKING, and not demanding.   I want proof, not just preference.

[genesim]

From the pictures, especially his duplication, both seem to be restricted entirely.   No 8 way action at all.

Is it a jelly like restrictor?   I have heard it said, but just doesn't seem like it would work all that well.   That said, after looking at the pics, I am still happy with how close I duplicated it.   It really does play very well.   Now DOT, that is another story, and if I ever got a hold of the exact restrictor from the old Tron, I would be most anxious to report what I find.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=71229.0

[Xiaou2]

Is it a jelly like restrictor?

 A little harder than Jelly.. but yes.  Its a mild rubber like material that
flexes with medium pressure (not light pressure) so that you can hit diagonals if you want.

 Weather you wish to admit it or not, the game shipped with the 8 way control,
and allows 8 way movement.   On early levels, it may not matter much.  However,
on later levels, every bit of an advantage will be needed.

 Also, many PC games that use the Arrow keys can in fact go diagonal by pressing
2 buttons at once.  If you play games where its not important to go daig,  then
that is your choice.

 Again, its your Opinion that both these play fine without Diag's.   Its not Fact, nor was it intended (else they would have shipped with 4way and not the special restrictor & why the game actually moves the character in Diagonal directions when pressing Diagonally)...  which is why I believe so many people reacted to your
post information.

 People dont have a problem with your hack.  Its nice for a 4way.  People dont have
a problem with your Opinion on how you like to play.  People do have problems
when false and or unverifiable claims are posted as Truths.

[CheffoJeffo]

As for your rediculous arguement that Midway would have just used a 4 way...uh please point out a 4 way with microswitches that doesn't use a restrictor to achieve this??

Um, genesim, the point is that, if Bally Midway had wanted it to be 4-way, they would have used a normal 4-way stick -- that is to say, a normal, rigid, 4-way restrictor.

They didn't ... they used a special restrictor. That cost extra money and time.

I presume, therefore, that there was a good reason for them to engineer this one-of-a-kind, not to be used again, restrictor to allow people to intentionally hit the diagonals without unintentionally hitting the diagonals.

And the original Tron stick didn't have microswitches, but you knew that ....

[genesim]

I never posted anything as FACT.   I asked and was burned for it. 

I only posted on what I thought was true, and even that I had doubts on, or I wouldn't have asked.   Where you got that I only posted it as FACT is something I will never know.  I even verified this several times.   So please show me where I said it was FACT, and I will happily concede.

Now as for shipping with an 8 way controller.   What exactly is a 8 way controller?   Please explain this to me, because I really really don't know what you are talking about.

Most "8 way" controllers are from my experience, controllers that allow the 8 way movement.   The only thing that discerns a 4-way is a restrictor right?   I am not spouting this as FACT, but I am wondering how Tron or any other game "shipped 8 way"??

As for the actual validity of the Tron restrictor being forgiving, if you don't mind I am going to ask, have you actually held this restrictor and know this for a fact?   Even a picture showing it bending with your fingers would be a good clue.

[genesim]

By the way, I am also well aware of pushing two buttons at once being a diagonal movement on computer games, and I alluded to this.   But I also know that the roller ball can achieve this as well with the newer games.    For my purposes I get better gameplay without the diagonals.

Finally I am aware that leaf switches were used, because it is apparent from my link.   

[CheffoJeffo]

As for the actual validity of the Tron restrictor being forgiving, if you don't mind I am going to ask, have you actually held this restrictor and know this for a fact? 

I have two of these sticks (and a dedicated Tron cab) and I have already posted pictures of the restrictors here.

End of line.

[genesim]

WHERE WHERE?   Do you show how it is flexible??

[polaris]

genie , heres a little discussion about it
tron thread

[CheffoJeffo]

I really would be a tard and an idiot if I spent the time to either find those pics (or disassemble a stick to take new pics) for someone who runs around calling me a tard, idiot stalker ...

[genesim]

Thanks for the link polaris.  Thats all I needed to know instead of the "I know because I said so" routine.

Looks like I might be able to cast my own.  I will report back if I ever get it right.   The worst part is probably getting the welded part pushed back.   

Still wonder if it is really worth it though.   It is what it is.

[leapinlew]

I really would be a tard and an idiot if I spent the time to either find those pics (or disassemble a stick to take new pics) for someone who runs around calling me a tard, idiot stalker ...

 

Genesim - why did you take your pictures down? You act like what we say doesn't mean anything, but yet you threw a temper tantrum and took down all your hard work. If your #1 priority was for 4 way computer games that need a mouse (I'm still curious what games those would be), then the restrictor is still valid.

If your happy with a 4 way restricted Tron - good for you. Most of us are into authenticity and proper gameplay is crucial for authenticity. I assume you are somewhat interested in proper gameplay since you went through all the hassle of using a trigger stick. I can only surmise that you didn't know Tron had an 8 way stick that was restricted to be a difficult 4 way. Maybe you noticed the lack of throngs of people coming into your thread and congratulating you on a job well done. That's because Tron didn't have a 4 way stick.

So... good job making a restrictor. I think it would be more useful to people with WICO 8 ways who want them to be 4 ways, but cannot find a 4 way WICO base.

[polaris]

no worries, but i will chastise you not for looking yourself, didnt take me long to find it. and for your sake , be aware that people who enjoy taking the piss on these boards, also give good advice and leave arguments in the thread they belong in.

just for your information these boys arent stalking you, i'm stalking cheffo, cheffo's stalking lew and lew's got a massive stalker. thats very funny in the uk but im aware it may not translate.

[genesim]

But the problem is their behavior isn't exactly clever.

For instance.  I call leap an idiot because he states that I didn't know Tron was restricted in a forgiving way, when I alluded to this fact in the very first post.

Then he goes on to say that I was referring to the rollerball in reference to TRON??

Then he keeps implying stupid crap like "what games need a mouse and 4 way" without even following my logic from point a to b.   As in, the rollerball can make the character go diaganol like in Call Of Duty 4, Doom 3, F.E.A.R...etc. etc. etc.

This isn't taking the piss out of me, this is acting like a tool.   

But yeah, I do get insulted when someone accuses me of not wanting authentic gameplay when I am actually asking about it and trying to verify facts and am simply curious etc.    Also the very fact that for now, I tried to see if it would work and slop or not, I did get it restricted, even if it was semi permanent.

I get lambasted for trying to make the Heavy Duty work and even implying that what I did has absolutely no merit..like bypassing the welding.   

A tool is someone who would say that my work has no merit because I used the different material.

I wasn't looking for congrats.   I didn't mind feedback though, and for the people that gave me constructive criticism that is cool.    That is how I can get better.    For the people that come on just to bash and pick apart something I spent alot of time on, that is insulting.     

That said, with the post you pointed out, I don't have to be done.   It is not like anything I did was irreversable and it at the least it gave me good molds to work off of!!

I did look myself, but as you see alot of the information you wrote was on page five.  I got a wife and kids, and time is always a restriction, so sorry if I didn't look hard enough.   

[genesim]

I guess in retrospect I wasn't trying to recreate the wheel, I was simply posting my project...   Even if it wasn't the super duper awesome thing that many on here are soooooo much better with.

I was just happy for the time being to play the light cycle level without turning into a stair case, and at the same time have a 3 buttons at my disposal for computer games to use whenever I want as opposed to reaching down to the board.

Not to mention having strict up down motion for Battlezone while being able to fire at will.

Yeah, it could be improved.   Sure alot of things can be and perhaps it wll be.   But sorry I am not worthy.  I guess there are certain people that have to have validation from a bunch of twits before they can go on living as was alluded to in Leaps response. 

[leapinlew]

Your legs must get tired from jumping to all these conclusions. You are jumpman.

[CheffoJeffo]

* CheffoJeffo grabs his marguerita from the SlikStik thread, brings it over here and ponders the same thoughts

[genesim]

Keep stalking. 

[Malenko]

http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?game_id=10204

"Conversion Class: Midway MCR II
Number of Simultaneous Players: 1
Maximum number of Players: 2
Gameplay: Alternating
Control Panel Layout: Single Player
Controls:

    * Rotary: Optical
    * Joystick: 8-way stick with trigger"

 

[RandyT]

genesim,

if you have any doubt about whether TRON was intended to be used with a stick that allowed for diagonal movement, you need only look at how the game behaves in response to the controls.  Diagonal movement on screen isn't something that "just happens", it has to be implemented by the programmers.  They would not have added extra code to react to diagonal movement if the controls used were not capable of sending that input signal.

You might argue that you don't need the 8-way capabilities, but as others have stated here, those spiders get really nasty in later levels and without it, you would soon be toast.

RandyT