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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: xmrkite on January 17, 2011, 05:52:40 pm

Title: Cocktail Cabinet - Should I use 4 or 8 way Joystick?
Post by: xmrkite on January 17, 2011, 05:52:40 pm
Hello, I am building a cocktail cabinet and am going to put 2 players and 2 buttons each. I am wondering if I should get an 8 way or a 4 way joystick.

What are the pros and cons. I'm leaning towards the 4 way stick as the old classics are all 4 way, but if I go with a 4 way stick, what big games would i not be able to play?

-Thanks
Title: Re: Cocktail Cabinet - Should I use 4 or 8 way Joystick?
Post by: Osirus23 on January 17, 2011, 06:22:38 pm
I've never had a problem playing 4-way games with an 8-way stick, but YMMV. With an 8-way you can use it for later classics like Gaplus (Galaga 3).
Title: Re: Cocktail Cabinet - Should I use 4 or 8 way Joystick?
Post by: opt2not on January 17, 2011, 06:57:29 pm
...and if you like SHMUPS, an 8-way is better. My suggestion would be to see if a switchable joystick would fit your needs - for example the Mag Stik (http://www.ultimarc.com/controls.html), or Omni Stik (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=195).
Title: Re: Cocktail Cabinet - Should I use 4 or 8 way Joystick?
Post by: leapinlew on January 17, 2011, 10:12:50 pm
I've never had a problem playing 4-way games with an 8-way stick

This sounds impossible to me that you haven't noticed. Have you played Ms Pacman? All those 4 way games handle diagonal inputs differently. Ms. Pacman freezes until you recenter the joystick and push in one of the cardinal directions. Mr. Do freezes too.

Assuming the orientation of the monitor is vertical, I'd go with a 4 way restricted joystick to give an authentic feel.
Title: Re: Cocktail Cabinet - Should I use 4 or 8 way Joystick?
Post by: 8lords on January 19, 2011, 09:08:43 am
I've never had a problem playing 4-way games with an 8-way stick

This sounds impossible to me that you haven't noticed. Have you played Ms Pacman? All those 4 way games handle diagonal inputs differently. Ms. Pacman freezes until you recenter the joystick and push in one of the cardinal directions. Mr. Do freezes too.

Assuming the orientation of the monitor is vertical, I'd go with a 4 way restricted joystick to give an authentic feel.

Thanks for the info.