REAL TALK: You Have To Use A Stick?!

[@Lythero]

"You should know that a weapon doesn't make the man." - Trunks

[@captainpancake8177]

Hi lythero :)

[@The-Punforgiven]

Alright, but how about a Guitar Hero controller? Would it make playing I-no from Guilty Gear easier?

[@gabrielramonbecerragonzale1762]

Yes

[@themilkman5004]

There’s a guy that uses a steering wheel for Gulity Gear

[@XaidynPinckney]

Using your hands as an controller

[@alejandrogomez1698]

Yes, you will become invincible. No matter the outcome of the match your opponent will never be able to be happy about the win Cause the whole time you were using a guitar hero controller.

[@JVLY]

I think my main problem with a controller is how I can't guess where the directions are exactly. I press down, no, I'm pressing Diagonal Forward. I try to do a swipe from Down to the Right but no, what I did was Diagonal Back to Diagonal Forward Up. One thing I liked about the GameCube control was how the joystick housing had grooves in an octagon which would guide it in perfect direction. The Xbox One control gives me that problem a lot so the fight stick may be a decent alternative.

[@DCFHazardRebornChannel]

+Jaziel Rivera Yeah I used to do that. Now I have problems the likes of my fucking movement isn't right for some dipshit reason and (SF mostly fighter here) no DP and no fireball when you want it, shit even a hurricane kick, is like saying "here, you play SF without any specials". Don't get me started on the parry on a controller. I still pull it off, but its abysmal. No matter how much you limit these problems (like the one you are saying) I find in the end that your really fall into new problems. PS controller was a little better for fighting games. But Xbox... Fuck! I am stuck with an Xbox 360 controller atm. Man, is that thing abysmal! (Whatever is left of it, my rage has both thumbsticks broken and a piece missing from behind... can you blame me? lol) Used to kick ass on my PSone controls once I was used to them. It was perfect. Then I simply wanted to play SF3 which was only arcade at the time. Took a little learning. But once it was done, man did I realise how much better fighting sticks are. So imagine now. I am an arcade stick lover, and I am stuck not only with a controller, but the worst one around, and not only the worst one around, but also a busted version of it >.< The amount of control it takes that I don't break it to pieces completely comes from thinking I won't have anything to play with till I get my hands on a fightstick.

[@mumble97]

+Jaziel Rivera PS4 controllers are better. 360 and Xbox one Pads give me that problem a lot.

[@JVLY]

Mumble Beats Not gonna lie, I do prefer the placement of the left joystick on PS consoles.

[@chameleonedm]

+DCF - HazardReborn &quot;here, you play SF without any specials&quot; - This. I have no problem admitting that I am new to SF and that fighting games are not my strongest genre. But holy fucking balls, that quarter quarter kick for Cammy pisses me off to no end =.=

[@DCFHazardRebornChannel]

Chameleon EDM Cassie Cage? Yeah MK timings never did it for me period in all their moves, except for MKX. I found that to be the best MK I played in a while. MK9 was also good. All that other garbage betwwen MKTrilogy and MK9 was completely over my head, lol. SF5 atm at least finally has made moves more accessible. Wrote my initial comment before I got my hands on it. Would you believe it? I execute moves at a better percentage now even with my busted controller! LOL.

[@TrueUnderDawgGaming]

True. After all, the winner at EVO 2012 in SSFIV AE used a controller. Which is especially impressive seeing as how it's a 6 button fighter. Most fighting games nowadays use 4 buttons. SCV, TTT2, MK9, KOF13, etc. So, it's completely fine to use a controller if it's what you're used to. I personally use a controller for every fighting game I play. Plus you can play wherever on a moments notice without having to carry around a stick. The only downside is that the D-pad can wear down after a while.

[@streetsatire3450]

holy.... hi there 7 years later humble beginnings ig

[@MonkeySharkPro]

When I play with a controller. For some reason, I find quarter circles easier to do to the right than to the left.

[@MetalSonicodraco7342]

Me too bro, dont know why but it happen a lot.

[@s0m3_dud3]

+MetalSonicodraco7342 Because you guys are used to playing as Player 1. Start playing as Player 2 and it should clear up.

[@MetalSonicodraco7342]

+S0m3 DUd3 666 Well after training a little bit its not that hard anymore, on a gamepad still is dificult for me but on Arcade Stick is not really that much now

[@s0m3_dud3]

Well, think about it this way. How many 2D platformers have you played where you have to run right? It's muscle memory.

[@JaXonSlade]

Exactly the same here

[@KriticullCTRL]

Ordered a stick because I spent so much time on arcades. I don't mind using the controllers directional pad, but nothin beats the arcade stick.

[@DCFHazardRebornChannel]

+DiRT_SHARK hells yeah.

[@varmintb4by188]

+DiRT_SHARK Make sure to get a battop for it if you're used to American arcade cabinets. The little ball can be kinda crappy, especially if you have bigger hands.

[@claudeprince6724]

The thing with a balltop is that you don't hold on to it. You float your hand around it. Then all you do is tap.by moving the wrist in the direction you want to go. You got to flow and not grip.

[@omarelsayed1993]

So people are debating whether they prefer playing with a stick or a controller I USE A FUCKING KEYBOARD!!!

[@grimr3aper11]

Your comment, coupled with that display picture made me burst out laughing hahahah. You sir, deserve more likes!!

[@dariusphilly]

are you serious how are your fingers not broken lol

[@OmegaVega]

Ikr,i play USFIV with keyboard xD and well i tried arcade stick and i had that muscular memory,and i did the same i did in the keyboard and it was better(especially for guys like zangief)

[@MultiFPSFan]

darius ambrose aye, i play on a keyboard too :3

[@AdachiCabbage]

MultiFPSFan How the fuck are your hands not hurting? How the fuck can you do that at tournys?!

[@Electr0Jesus]

I've played on controllers my entire life, and switched to stick a year or two ago. For me, the difference is unbelievable. As a KoF player, I had a crazy hard time learning how to HD activate and charge (ie. Rising Tackle). That said, there are some motions that were hard to relearn for me, namely double quarter circles.

[@captainpancake8177]

Nice

[@yacoobjoestar3121]

No joke today my friend sold me his official street fighter 4 20th anniversary fightstick for 20 bucks almost brand new

[@SkepticGamer]

That's a real friend

[@CDC1357]

***** street fighter is the shit, Im assuming you play tekken. Please go away.

[@CDC1357]

***** street fighter 3 tho

[@CDC1357]

***** better than 4

[@CDC1357]

***** tru

[@Bretana]

I was given a arcade stick as a gift 2 months ago and I've been getting my butt kicked ever since. Been plenty of times I've wanted to throw the stick up against the wall and go back to controller but I've stuck with it (mostly due to the fact that it was a gift lol). I'm now beginning to get a bit used to it. Still trying to work on that muscle memory.

[@metalngames509]

I highly recommend the MayFlash sticks. They're never more than 60 bucks and use real arcade buttons like Hori or MadCatz. The reason they're so cheap is because you're not paying extra for the plexiglass or wood furniture. Besides I can go to my buddy's wood shop in his house and make a wood case and just take the guts and the buttons out and place them in the new case. Or you can buy a board and some buttons and wood and make your own sticks if you have the tools to do so. The MAME community is really big on custom sticks.

[@amdcolon1]

Skankerman Studios I was thinking of getting the mayflash 300 with a octagonal gate which one do you have?

[@metalngames509]

Same one but I just kept the square gate. I just got used to it.

[@amdcolon1]

Skankerman Studios Ok thanks for the info definitely getting one now since you have nothing negative to say about it plus for sixty bucks it wont hurt me if i don't like it.

[@miragegaocariomon9342]

I find the arcade stick is much easier, at least for me. Not because of the button layout, but because of the large stick itself. It makes inputting the stick movement motions for some moves much easier. With a regular controller, I was finding it very difficult to get the more complex movement commands because there isn't as much control with a d pad or thumb stick as there is with an arcade stick. I was throwing hadokens when I was trying to pull off shoyrukens, fur example, with a regular controller. But with an Arcade stick, the inputs just feel a lot easier to pull off.

[@Kat-Kobold]

It's often to do with the gate on the stick. Xbox d-pads are goddamn awful, so you're better with the thumb stick, but even then it's a bit shit. Thumb sticks have a circular gate, making it too easy to accidentally input a quarter circle when trying to do a DP, but a stick with a square gate makes it physically impossible to do that. The stick's gate is important

[@shadowjagossj8476]

I'm definitely switching too arcade stick using a controller very long time.

[@sonictom95]

Good luck man keep at it I did a few months ago trying to getting used to the arcade stick but it's so enjoyable to relearning everything. But I still feel a bit off with stick but I'm sure it will go away

[@nostos_]

One reason to switch to stick is because you can customize it. You can change the way your joystick works. For example, you can change the spring to affect how fast the joystick goes back to a neutral position when you move it. There's also actuators, which affect how much you have to move the stick before the direction input is inputted. Then there's also microswitches which affect how much force it takes to actuate the things that make the directional inputs. And lastly, there's the ball top or bat top that you can put on top of your joystick. And there's also some button customization as well, but I won't get into that unless someone asks. Anyways, fightsticks are awesome. I think that anyone can play better on a fightstick than a regular controller because you can customize your fightstick to be whatever fits you best. If you have the money and like fighting games, get a fightstick.

[@minusfortypercent]

arcade sticks just seem much more fun lol

[@maccyknife1]

They are! But much better if you swap out the joystick for a moded micro dildo!

[@استغفراللهواتوباليهالعذروالسمو]

maccyknife1 stfu weirdo

[@Turlast]

Completely agree, Max. Playing on my Arcade Stick just makes the fighting game experience much more fun. When I first started, I was really awful...but rather than switching back, I kept at it, and now it feels as natural as it did back in the Arcade days. It makes me feel like I'm playing in the Arcade again! Since newer fighting games like Marvel Vs Capcom 3 and Street Fighter X Tekken never saw an Arcade release, this is pretty much the closest to an Arcade experience we'll have with them.

[@Nick4359]

I like a stick with some gurth to it, that feels really heavy in your lap... -Maximilian, 2013

[@slx]

The standard is Sanwa/Hori, both are japanese style, ball top in a square gate. There is no american stick, since Happ hasn done anything in awhile. The most memorable American stick was a perfect 360. The stick had a lot of resistance and allowed you to rotate 360s without any edges (+ no clicking!). I really wish they would make an updated version that would fit into a madcatz case.

[@JamminDjango]

I use a keyboard for USF4 (PC) ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) It works pretty damn well EXCEPT for 360 and 720 inputs. 360 inputs are still very well possible, but there's a lot of room for error. 720 inputs on the other hand are a bitch and a half.

[@Dragvon]

+J Mann Oh GOD don't even tell me about it! I love using 789/456 as punch/kicks but movement get's a bit tricky XD

[@cruelcumber5317]

+J Mann Yeah, keyboards are just as accurate as a fight stick and more comfortable to use than trying to do quarter circles on a d-pad.

[@MetalSonicodraco7342]

+NuclearUnicorn7 Keyboard? You have to be kidding lol

[@cruelcumber5317]

MetalSonicodraco7342 You've clearly never spent more than 5 minutes trying to use a keyboard with a fighting game.

[@MetalSonicodraco7342]

+NuclearUnicorn7 Man it was a pain. Like 1 year...1 Freaking year was suffering trying to play Garou, Mortal Kombat and among other like Street Fighter EX2 Plus on my emulator when some problems occurred in my family, I say goodbye to all my consoles and stick with Emulators in my PC, which is not a bad thing but emulation is not for me the major part of time. I really downgraded playing with Shadow Geist (My Main in SF EX) and MK was aceptable but bad as well. Keyboard is horrible for Fighting games, but other of my favorite like Gradius, Darius or many other Shoot Em ups and Arcade games like "Aliens (Konami)" are pretty well played on a Keyboard. I prefer Arcade Sticks and some times, GamePads for those class of games because a Ball-Top arcade stick help me, a Keyboard...not really.

[@JustinStoutArt]

It's like a Sword; A Sword is nothing without the Warrior who wields it.

[@MrGamer1014]

im glad someone has been straight forward like you because there seems to be a lot of hype behind joysticks these days, and they are really not as cool as people think, don't get me wrong , I prefer joysticks over pad for fighting games but a joystick doesn't make you better ultimately what makes you better is your will power and willingness to learn and be patient, so yeah that's what I think.

[@werdman24]

I use a SFIV SE Stick that I've replaced the buttons and joystick with Sanwa parts and the spring in the joystick with a Semitsu spring. I also got a restrictor plate for the joystick that has a replaceable insert, and replaced the square insert with an octagonal one. To give the stick more weight, I rubber banded it to my DJ Hero Renegade Edition case; however I prefer to seek an easier way to mod the weight on it. Ever since learning how to use a stick, my game has gotten better.

[@Llnstead]

I dont even see how people like UMvC3 its pretty much "whoever gets hit first loses because the other guy will get you in an endless looping combo chain. GGWP"

[@azozbhr]

Its fun to play for new people thats why.

[@insanepoptart77]

Lol it's ok, you just need to get good to understand why it's fun.

[@insanepoptart77]

***** im not dissing umvc 3 i love it. im insulting dark blurr

[@nopal87]

thats why MvsC2 is way better than umvsc3

[@gameguru42392]

Why'd you get hit scrub?

[@AlfaChaos]

Personally, for my first stick, I got a Qanba QRAF4. It's tri-modded so you can play on PS3, 360, and PC with the flick of a switch. There's a felt material on the bottom that keeps it from moving in your lap. The stick itself clicks to let you know which of the 8 directions you're pressing towards (that helped me learn better). There's a compartment to store your cable and the cable itself is decently long. I play on PS3 and my friends have 360 so I keep skill no matter what console I play on

[@EraticNomad]

Picked up a fight stick after seeing this because I really wanna get better at fighting games (and I would say I am pretty good at them to begin with) And I got the Tekken 6 horiFight Stick for 360 at GameStop for 6 bucks! works like a charm!

[@slx]

If you are looking to test out sticks and u don't want to dump the 150, or wait 2-3 months for it to drop to 100 on a holiday. You can buy a $50 stick, just make sure it is a hori or madcatz brand. Essentially you can upgrade parts in there to the same quality as $150 stick. The sanwa stick is $35-50 and buttons are $3-5 per. The case will be smaller than the $150 one.

[@PrinsaVossum]

One problem I have is that I use a regular controller (PS3) and the analog stick goes in every direction while a stick only goes in the necessary 8 directions. That's not the only reason I suck at fighting games though.

[@LeafStorm14]

I hope you realize that sticks come in all ranges and sizes. You can always open up a fight stick and replace things as you please.

[@metalngames509]

There's always different restrictor gates you can buy as well for your sticks. Some are round like traditional American "bat" sticks and some are octagonal. The ones found in must sticks including the MadCatz ones are usually square like the old Japanese style ones.

[@fishywtf]

no, in fighting game they will restrict the motion to 8 directions in controllers. enable on screen key display and you'll see 8 directions.

[@SageYT7709]

Kubo Edgeworth use the dpad if your using a controller

[@garythreat5]

Max you're the man. This has been on my heart for years. Thanks for the real talk.

[@duckabugfuzzio]

I've always fought with d-pad never analog/arcade stick I've felt I have more control.

[@jasoncopprue6872]

Inputs feel much more precise on a dpad, that's why I can't see myself using a stick.

[@Angelus2172]

Same here. I tried an arcade stick, and I can’t get an accurate input on the joystick

[@doesntno]

I've played fighting games on the pad my whole life and just last week switched to stick. Let me tell you, I'm never looking back. I'm mashing less and doing moves and combos more consistently. The sensitivity of the stick and buttons gives me more confidence I'm doing it right. Amazon can sometimes be a good place to find a stick. They'll have a Madcatz or a Hori stick on sale for $100-130. I got my Madcatz SCV soul edition stick for $80 from Amazon.

[@SoulFistGaming]

I too grew up with arcades... But I'm cheap lol. I WAS going to get the collectors addition of injustice so i could get the fight stick... but once again, I was too cheap lol

[@subwayeatpoop]

I was going to do that too, personally, I just wanted the fight stick but I didn't have enough money to get it. So i'm still stuck with a xbox box controller which is relatively hard to use at fighting games.

[@RogueAizenYubel]

I was cheap too, then I said scew it. The cheapest, but highly effective is the Madcatz TEs (tournament edition). They the standard several pros won touraments with them and force HORI to step thier game up. Ya should on ebay and get one. moding them and fixing are cheap too. TEs are the standards anything less equal defeat. Lol also use KZbin to research at a Starbucks and relax (thier prices just went up so McDonald's coffee is too both has free wifi). lol

[@SoulFistGaming]

i actually ended up buying the Injustice Battle Edition Arcade Stick($40), its a pretty good beginner stick but its not for high level play. since then i bought the Madcatz Street Fighter x Tekken Tournament Edition PRO - Line($150) and the Madcatz Marvel vs Capcom 3 Tournament Edition Stick($120) both are AMAZING. i stll prefer the controller for majority of fighting games but whenever i pop in usf4 or skullgirls i love these sticks. Now I'm looking to buy the Madcatz Street Fighter 4 Tournament Stick

[@ReqularGre]

A good stick that I own is the HORI UMvC3 edition stick I got it for like 140 or 150 on amazon. The problem is that you can't change the artstyle and instead is a sticker you peal out and if your careful enough it won't get get air bubbles or peel off. Everything is fine though top notch quality very strong and light with the best parts. But start button is placed right next to the other buttons but over time you get use to it

[@djhero0071]

I think the only games I'd ever use a fight stick for are Capcom's versus series,tekken 3,and king of fighters. Why? Because these games I specifically remember and have physically played in an arcade. I loved every second of it and because arcades are pretty much the textbook definition of a sad,rotting corpse,I can forever relive the memories of playing those games in an arcade although still knowing I'll never be able to relive that social aspect of playing a random stranger.

[@WarioLand3]

Damn man, you brought me back right there.

[@davidburke4101]

djhero0071 I don't know what you mean about not being able to play a random stranger, but they sure as hell arent next to you.

[@7ten]

Hey dude, the US has Round1 and Europe have a few import arcades with fighters.

[@muddyboy999]

I used CEX in the UK and picked up the Soul Edition stick for £60 it was a great deal, only problem I've found is the button layout isn't the same as the sfxt stick. But you can set buttons anyway.

[@ShenSage]

Please tell me I'm not the only that prefers a controller over a fight stick? DPs and Fireballs are to weird for me to remember correctly. A controller I can pull off large combos no problem but with a fight stick? Nah.

[@the_yung_clump3933]

Your not the only one but I do use analog sticks over the d-pad.

[@Darkstalker212]

I prefer controllers too...:3

[@HiddelMOB]

The Ps4 contoller (and the Ps Vita) work surprisingly well. I almost exclusively use the D-Pads, and mainly play 4-button fighters, like BlazBlue, Tekken, or Injustice. Street Fighter's 6 Buttons will probably confuse my brain until the end of time though.

[@denskosnorebandit]

I recommend the Hori VX SA because its about $130 and it uses the same parts as a Mad Catz stick (Sanwa) and its lighter, which I prefer. It also has 2 handles on the sides so you can pick it up easily.

[@TheRealDustinNunn]

I'm horrible with arcade sticks. I play my fighting games with controllers.

[@ironwolf113]

My advice for pad to stick players. One, think about what moves/movements you have trouble executing. If you absolutely cannot do QCF to DP no matter how much you practice or something like that, then a stick would probably allow for better execution. DP was the reason i picked up a stick as was the tiger knee motion. Next, would be to pick up a beginner stick to try it out. It is a lot of money so a inexpensive one or trying one out at a arcade, or a arcade machine is the best way to test it.

[@lablunt6190]

Thing that sucks with the pad is the dashing is hard.

[@ScientologyHunter2]

true...I noticed it the first time back then with T6 online, when I fought people who dashed and sidestepped a lot faster and more frequently, I was like "how dafuq do they do that?"

[@watsupboi5732]

Louis Brooks pads have the upper hand in mobility imo because of the short range of motion ur thumb needs to travel I can wave dash perfectly its just a matter of practice

[@Knucklebreaking]

Louis Brooks on analog it's annoying but the d pad it feels easier

[@jaysonbossuet211]

What? It's way easier to use the dpad

[@trza49er]

I feel the opposite. It's super easy for me to dash with the pad and I struggle to do it consistently with a stick. I just find the quarter circle type motions to be easier with a stick.

[@SovietSnorlax]

I got a Hori Fighting Stick Mini 3 for $40 a few months back after reading that their build quality is great across the board and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who's unsure of making the switch because of the chance of wasting so much money if you don't end up liking it. No real issues with it besides that it moves around on your lap a bit while playing because it's small and light (I hold it with my left pinky when this happens. Can get a little sore after a while)

[@benshaul6976]

Well I use a GameCube remote. Why cause it's amazing and perfect

[@Nanobug42]

hell yea

[@ItsTheRedKirby]

To a point? My weakness? Square gates. I use/like/prefer circle gates so I can't really just use any old sticks. I also prefer battops to balltops. So preferences and customizations can be the issue.

[@81Darksider]

The best MKX player in the world uses a standard game pad. SonicFox

[@81Darksider]

+Big_Mike81 But I do prefer arcade sticks

[@Eebers]

+Big_Mike81 from what i've heard MK is arguably better on a controller. wouldn't know myself though

[@Eclipse3948]

+Big_Mike81 Mortal Kombat has easy execution like back-forward, down-back, down-forward etc. Theres no circular motions and Z motions which is why a lot of players use the console's controller rather than spending like $100-200 on an arcade stick for just one game. However there's one character with tight execution and thats Liu Kang(Dragon's Fire). Hes on like another level.

[@Blacksmith__]

+Big_Mike81 MKX is different. Quarter-circles for street fighter are nigh-on possible with a D-pad. Trust me, I have _tried_.

[@ribaluigi]

+Bennett Harnisch Actually they seems to be doable. In fact, one of the best Zangief player: SnakeEyes uses a gamepad.

[@cutcc]

This is very true. Arcade sticks feel so good for your fingers and feel so nolstalgic as well. Even though I grew up with an SNES controller it always hurts after an hour of playing because all you are using is your thumb and index finger. Kudos to those who can excel on a pad ^_^.

[@abelespindola777]

Staying with D-PAd You dont need a $200 stick.

[@settingittowumbo1953]

I'm getting mine for $150. It's an investment man, you gotta want it, you know? EDIT: It was $130 on Amazon. Woo!

[@jevilleyoutube]

I've only ever used an Xbox analog stick for fighting games. I've never had a good enough d-pad

[@abelespindola777]

I can't play a game for 3 hours straight. I'm excited for SF5 and the PS4 controller has a really good D-Pad.

[@jevilleyoutube]

I got a Qanba q1 and modded it with Sanwa parts, it definitely works better for me. overall costs about $120 Great for a first stick.

[@settingittowumbo1953]

Jake Neville I'm using a stick right now and it feels a thousand times better than playing with a pad. That's of course how I feel though because I know a very good pad warrior.

[@Tigerhawk01]

Max hit it spot on. Bought my Madcatz stick a few years back and being a gamepad user my entire life it was tough adjusting. However once I got used to it tons of combos and moves became more fluid. Even if your a casual fighting fan like myself its a fun investment and worth it once you get the hang of it.

[@Juan_rivera]

I've actually gotten better using a freaking 360 controller. imagine what would happen if i used a real controller lol

[@Akhos]

That makes sense. I use the analog stick though when I play, not the D-pad, so the crappy D-pad on the 360 controller isn't really an issue for me. Unless I'm playing Tekken, where I prefer D-pad, in which case I'll use a PS controller (or Wii Classic controller on Wii/ Wii U, those d-pads are pretty good too) instead of my 360 controller.

[@hirotrum6810]

If you wanna get good with a stick, you still have to *stick* with it

[@lilliemacaroni8591]

booo

[@MizukiTHPS]

By on the front I mean the top with the other 8 buttons, it is off to the side a few inches so unless you use the last two buttons, you probably will never hit it, but it is something to keep in mind.

[@coryandrews9235]

Everybody says the xbox controller is garbage for fighting games, but i don't get it. I play with a Rock Candy, and yeah, the D-pad sucks, but if you just use the analog stick it's perfectly serviceable.

[@guesswho180]

Yay. We analog stick members need to stay together,

[@thejokergotham384]

Cory Andrews but the Analog stick is THE WORST way to get Precise Directionals too much room for error as oopposed to the buttons which are very on point

[@coryandrews9235]

I understand the technical side of it, but I've never had any trouble with the analog stick. Despite the facts, the only time I ever have trouble is with "double input" supers, like in Street Fighter, because it's easy to accidentally input an EX DP. And that's the same whether my control scheme is digital or analog. I can't explain it, all I know is that (if only for me and a few others) analog works well enough.

[@guesswho180]

The only trouble I have are charge characters. Circles/half circles/quarter circles are easy on analog stick.

[@thejokergotham384]

Some things are just easier with the buttons instead of motions for some

[@WW3DraftDodger]

I totally agree. the only things I can't do on a controller are certain option selects/zangief maneuvers. I must say though... with certain characters those option selects are a MUST - if you want to play at the highest level.

[@supersonicstep]

keyboard tho?

[@ianclaudio]

supersonicstep worse but quickier them all excepto for the facf that u might "Ghost"

[@supersonicstep]

depends on your keyboards and Bindings the most successful binding is actually wasd 890 uio even on old hid keyboards the ghosting was at a minimum

[@12370david]

I use keyboard for PC fighting games and I love it. I use a G.SKILL KM780 with Cherry MX Brown switches and I my layout for Street Fighter V on is WASD for movement and on the numpad 4,5,6 for punches and 1,2,3 for kicks. The only thing that sucks is that 360 motions are literally impossible to do unless you change jump to the space bar. Other than that though quarter circles, half circles, and DP motions can be done effortlessly. People mainly hate on keyboard because they've either never used it or they used the shitty $15 membrane keyboard that came with their computers or they even used their even shittier laptop keyboard. You get what you pay for with fight sticks and controller, and the same goes for keyboards. Keyboard would actually be better for PC fighting game players as well since you can get a high quality Cherry MX mechanical keyboard for $70 that will last you years, while the cheaper decent fightsticks go for $90 starting with the Qanba Q1

[@InspectorChairLeg]

supersonicstep Thats actually the key bindings but i sort of do it reversed.

[@fishywtf]

supersonicstep if u can play on keyboard, it'll be far more superior. everything is a tap, not a circle motion. there was this one guy in sf4 who played with keyboard and made it far in evo

[@anim8tdfan]

I completely agree with you Max. Its all about comfort. Some fighting games like Guilty Gear and Blazblue I prefer to play on a pad. SF and the VS games, I prefer to play on a stick. I used to play MvC2 on Dreamcast with the controller but I didn't feel comfortable using it then one of my friends gave me the same Dreamcast stick you mentioned and I was a lot more comfortable playing the game.

[@mavsowned]

SonicFox using a controller

[@NigeltheLucky]

MAVSOWN yep this is an old video and all those old fashioned fighting game myths no longer apply

[@AresGod0fWar]

Steve Fox lol is that an Aris quote?

[@MrGamer1014]

this guy gets into some good points , for all you people who are new to games like these or want to start using a joystick more or are just starting to use one , please listen to this vid it really does hit some really great points listen and it can only help.

[@ScottyPlaysYeh]

HORI Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai would this be a good stick for a beginner?

[@jamescornwell1935]

JSCOTT033 those are good sticks the hori rap series, my brother has one in Japan he uses when we play fighting games on PS3, here in Canada I have a madcatz te, if you're a beginner there is a hori smaller stick for $40-50 the buttons and jfl are not the higher grade but it is low risk and decent stick usually recommended for new stick players or for those that want a small stick. Don't buy the small madcatz alpha or the street fighter 5 pads from madcatz, those are junk, only the te line from madcatz are worth investing in but they are steep. $240-$330 in Canada, my PS3 te stick is supported in sfv otherwise I'd get a hori rap 4, they even have a version with like 30% silenced buttons. Depends on you maybe play with a friends stick a bit (hardeeharharhar) to see if you like the feel versus pad, it takes a while to get good with one. It's not an instant advantage like max says, street fighter games I want a stick but most others I like using pad fine. Easier to dash etc in pad lower range of motion, on stick more reliable buttons /combos with practice. Good luck but hori is a safe bet, my brother likes his and there are some nice stuff from razer and others, but budget wise hori seems to be the only decent option. One advantage of going with a rap or te is they can be resold easily because of the quality and reputation, if you're not interested in modding you can save some money with the non mod focused versions. Good luck.

[@ScottyPlaysYeh]

thanks for the input bro i will take your advice.

[@jamescornwell1935]

If you play on ps4/ps3 add me if you like happy to play friendly games. "Skeetlejuice" is my psn, just waiting for tekken 7 next. Cheers :)

[@jamescornwell1935]

Not sure about that. In canada i have less options for controllers etc without importing. Id try and find some forum posts for that stick being used for games you will play. The hori mini for $35-50 is likely the lowest risk though but its not as good buttons /jfl as rap etc. But my advise is to spend $50 or less or get a solid stick maybe some place near you sells them or you can go to a fightinh game event and ask people about theirs. I spent $100 cad on the old street fighter 4 madcatz stick it was trash and gamespot had no return bought a te off Amazon a few months later. Hori seems to be the value brand. If you can return the stick mentioned then maybe try it, but sticks and headphones are coupled with buyers remorse these days. Merry Christmas / happy holidays.

[@jamescornwell1935]

I just looked it up and found some redit comments on it. I think it's a wash versus a sale on a rap to be honest. This requires a ds4 which puts me off, and the explicitly say sanwa button size. Maybe at $50-60usd but no more and id be worried about native ps4 support or not like my ps3 te working with sf5 via ds4 and legacy support. Now any other fighting game i can expect zero support like mkx etc. Tekken i will play pad but that might get legacy. Seems a modable stick the mayfair again I'd see how your hands feel on it if you can. If you are talking no native ps4 support have to mod right away and $100+ its a bad deal. These things are relative. The madcatz stick i first bought i could have put sanwa stuff in and many did. The reason i didn't was the feel of the case and size. I'd buy used maybe as well Kijiji etc might offer an option. Anyways hopefully things to help decide. See what $50-60 will get thats a ds4 price or just wishlist a few and wait for a deal on a sure thing.

[@mintmag8748]

People tend to think that an arcade stick is to fighter what a mouse is to shooters.

[@8Pabs8]

Aw, it's a pitty that you didn't include the comparison with people that play with keyboard (like me, but we must be like 3 or 4 lol) but what you shared was still useful. Thanks and good job ;)

[@OmegaCoolsterDX]

***** keyboard only sucks (to me at least) when it comes to 360 motions, other than that yeah, waaaay more responsive than x360 garbage d-pad

[@8Pabs8]

***** That's pretty much what I think. Using Zangi or Seth with keyboard is so complicated, but for charge characters it's extra comfortable.

[@MizukiTHPS]

They are very nice sticks, same quality as the TEs, although I don't like the start button on the front of the stick. Honestly that is my only gripe, I love the felt bottom (moves less) and the convenient carrying handle. (Qanba Q4)

[@DarkKirbyBlade]

As long as fighting games are continually designed around percentage circles and specific, timed, rapid button presses in succession, a stick will always be superior because it's easier for you hands input those commands, quickly and accurately, on a stick as opposed to a controller. If you should switch depends on how serious you are at being competitive.

[@andrewnelson7033]

I'm glad I listened to this. Playing USF4 on the xbox 360, there are times I wondered if a arcade stick would help increase my skill. But realizing that it's just another option to playing a fighting game rather than a requirement to get better is a relief.

[@Viviantoga]

FWIW When I started last year, I had trouble using controller due to twisted ULDR habits (small hands don't help, making detailed movement on an analogue stick difficult). I bided my time until I found a Madcatz WWE All-Stars Brawlstick for $15 clearance. It's not that great (a beginner's stick, if anything), but I still noticed much better movement/special accuracy after a week. Compared to how much I struggled with X360 controller for a few months, the $15 price tag was damn worth it for me.

[@TheAnimesongster3]

If you want a good stick, I would suggest Qanba/Eightarc sticks. For the price of around 150 USD you get a stick that can work on the Ps3, Xbox 360 and the PC and they have sanwa buttons and joystick. Only difference between the two of them is actually that Eightarc is essentially Qanba-licensed stick with some cosmetic sticks. Very worthwhile and it has the weight that I like as well. Some of the more famous FGC gamers also use these stick such as Gootecks, Mike Ross, and Mago.

[@Camus1025]

What convinced me to switch away from standard controllers was playing games like MvC3 and Tekken and having inputs which required me to hit 2 opposing buttons like Square and Circle simultaneously. With a normal control, I almost always botched it and wound up hitting an extra button. I moved over to a Fight Pad (a good Hori one) and found that having the changed layout improved my inputs a LOT, at least once I transitioned. Wore that out after a year, so now I'm working on moving to stick.

[@urza857]

Ergonomically a stick will take you further. Mad Cat and Hori are great, but I picked up a Qanba Q4 and an EightArc Fusion which are essentially TE sticks that are already dual modded for the same price.

[@bornwisedistruction]

I have felt the power of the stick just got mine today and just after a few hours of getting used to the layout i'm improving rapidly. And now I frown at the thought of ever going back to controller where you can mash out combos on the control pad the stick forces you to be correct in your motions and button inputs which while it wont eliminate errors it greatly reduces them because you actually have to think analytically vs mushing the dpad in hopes to get a move out i am forever changed praises be unto Max!

[@Steambull1]

I totally agree about the shoulder buttons on the left... I'm currently using a ps1 pad for everything (except MK1&2, I learned those with keyboard, and I couldn't play for shit with a pad). I got into SF4 this year, and while the ps1 pad is good as far as pads go, I still have the 3xP and 3xK buttons on the left, and I get severe pain in my left thumb from playing (I play mostly charge characters). Sometimes I have HUGE problems executing even the simplest of combos, especially if I have to keep charges and use the shoulder buttons on the left, and the trouble is multiplied whenever I have played a few games in a row and my thumb is in pain. Sometimes I get surprised when the combo that I'm trying actually comes out. My friend is about to get an arcade stick (possibly a Razer), and I'm going to try to learn it just for the sake of fighting games.

[@longsama]

I switched to the arcade stick about 5 months ago. The reason is I used to have very dificulty in doing the shoryu motion on the Dualshock3, and besides the learning curve I have a better executions today that I ever had with a pad. But I'm not as nearly as good I can be, I'm still adapting and thats the most important thing when deciding which controller to use because every person adapts at his own pace. My tip is try out a friend's arcadestick before you get one fou yourself.

[@Donsanity]

Been playing at arcade for as long as I can remember, especially when they used to be everywhere. I used to play at places like Pier 39 when I used to live up in NorCal and even at 7-11 over there and in here in SoCal. Heck when I lived in the IE I go to a Tilt and even Wal-Mart used to have SFII there. So playing on sticks is must for people whoever played at arcades back in the day.

[@unstoppableExodia]

cool video Dood. I can't believe I haven't watched it until now. Like Max I learnt arcade controls out of necessity. I played a bit of SF II as a kid on arcade and got the general idea but it wasn't until I got heavily into A3 on arcade that it really clicked. It's worth noting that I didn't have the home version of SF II as a kid. It wasn't until the early 2000s that I had any form of SF that I could play at home and practice on. And that is where it became clear to me how awkward and weird playing on pad was. The thing people tend to forget about console controllers is they aren't primarily designed for fighting games. The NES and SNES controllers are primarily designed for platformers and other games where you hold down either left or right to move your character and one of the face buttons to jump. The SNES could support fighting games due to it's graphical capabilities and the number of buttons on the controller but the button layout wasn't well suited to this type of game and because the playstation copied a lot from the SNES the playstation controller had many of the same problems except that the additional shoulder buttons made it possible to have both heavy attacks on the right side of the controller. As for controllers with an analogue thumbstick they're designed primarily for 3D motion. Those analogue thumsticks are ok for moving a character on a 2D plane but it's hard to be precise with directional control.

[@ManiCD7]

I started using a fighting stick a year ago playing UMvC3, and the first 2 months were so frustrating trying to get used to it. But playing non-online does help a lot, just gather some friends or family and play casually, pick characters that are easy to use or you know how to play with, and after some matches you start getting the hang of it, but it needs practice like everything. I play on XBox360 and used Pad before, games like Soul Calibur are still easier on Pad.

[@ChocolatMudBaby]

Pads are a perfectly valid option however there is a plateau you reach where you can't progress any further unless ur seriously dedicated. Fight sticks are the way 2 go.

[@GilbertCO6]

I thought that I was mistiming complex movements. It was just that the D-pad wasn't that accurate and would degrade over time. So I was able to pull off a ton of things in SSIV that I was NEVER pulling off with the D-pad. So I went and ordered a Hori Mini fight stick.

[@azvata]

Unless you're a person who frequently goes to tournaments or local casuals there's no reason to get one. The biggest benefit to having an arcade stick is that you don't have to worry what system (ps3 or 360) a tournament is being run on because you can use your own stick or borrow someone's stick and you'll be good to go. Versus if you play on 360 and are accustomed to the 360 controller and a tournament is run on ps3 and you don't feel comfortable on a ps3 pad. A stick does not make you good

[@aehains]

I've always used a controller because it's what I'm used to. Unfortunately I wasn't around back when arcades were still abundant + there weren't any here anyways lol. I feel that I can still do relatively well without a stick. As it was said it's a matter of preference. I've thought about buying one but the time investment has kinda kept me away.

[@GygerXz]

Been using my Datel Arcade stick for over a year now, was only £40 as well. I've had a few friends using TE sticks that prefer to use my one now too. The only downside? It is pretty noisy compared to the more expensive ones.

[@MrSagejonathan]

Stick in my opinion can make you a little better. I never consistently got DPs on controller but did on stick. Everything FEELS better. However, that does not mean you will be better. I think playing on stick is 5x more fun and it's just cool to have and show off. I think if you can get a Madcatz, quanba, hori, or eightarc stick in your budget, it's worth it.

[@Donsanity]

My preference is a TE, but I used to have an EightArc Qanba before it got stolen from my car. Good thing I had my TE dual modded at SoCal Regionals, plus picked up a Hori Diamond VLX just for home.

[@MadMojo]

I think this would also very with what you grew up with. Like for instance, if you grew up playing fighting games in the arcade and liked playing them that way and you find yourself not good with a controller or at least feel like "you aren't getting any better" you could potentially do better with a fight stick. I guess it is more of a preference type thing like Maxamillion said.

[@D3STRUCT0L0LZ]

For anyone broke and looking for a decent stick with not half bad stock parts, and is easy to mod. Check out the Qanba Q1. It's a little small but it's really easy to put sanwa/seimitsu buttons/stick in there. Also comes with all three gate styles.

[@MattCDHutchings]

The biggest thing for me is the accuracy an arcade stick gives versus a gamepad thumbstick. Having QCF motions come out as accidental DPs was a lot more common for me on a gamepad. Charge characters have such a higher learning curve with a gamepad. The button layout on the right is nice, but it's not at all the driving force behind my switch to the stick. When I was able to go from using literally my thumb to my whole arm (and some practice time), my execution got so much better and consistent.

[@mudachaproductions]

Also, another thing I feel I should mention, I've been to a weekly tournament in London a couple of times, and I think the ratio of pad/stick players there is about 60/40. I don't think there was ever a major arcade scene in the UK back when SFII and such were big, so that might be a reason why.

[@BRayBillyRay]

I do have the Mortal Kombat one, I don't use it anymore, not because they're bad, they feel nice and heavy to me. But because I'm just a pad player, not a stick player. The button layout isn't the same as other sticks but it was supposed to imitate the original arcade sticks from old Mortal Kombat games. The buttons are formed in a sort of X formation, but other than that, the stick seems really nice.

[@khaoz77]

I recently bought an Eightarc Fusion stick and it is fantastic. I am still struggling a bit with execution compared to the Dualshock as a Tekken player, but as a whole, it is starting to feel more natural to me and some games I will use stick exclusively for, like BlazBlue, Street Fighter and KOF, but for Tekken, I will use a pad.

[@Zoinkah]

I think the most advantageous thing about fightsticks is that they stay the same. I got used to the basic 360 controller when I started playing fighting games and I have finished all the trials in SFIV and I can play Blazblue without any problem. But then when you go to play in tournaments or at your friend's house and they only have the game on the PS3, you can't play the game effectively. And ofc there are lots of techniques that are a lot easier with sticks.

[@multidinero]

I own both an Eightarc Ebony and a Mad Catz Ultimate MvC3 Ps3 Tournament Edition stick. I grew up in arcades. I prefer stick, but can use either. It's really preference.

[@Gonbebe]

If you are into Tekken, it definitely takes a long time to get better at movement on an arcade stick. I feel that it is worth learning on a Sanwa or Fanta stick though because it trains you to have cleaner/more efficient inputs.

[@PugilistPenguin]

I literally CANNOT play any game on a pad anymore unless I have to. Platformers, fighters, and beat'em ups are all played on my HRAP or TE-S. I converted to stick about two years ago and it wasn't pretty. My skill level at that point was super low and a majority of my problems were more with my poor execution and low understanding of the games themselves. As I continued to practice my execution got tighter and tighter until I was consistently doing things like hypergrav and lightning loops.

[@AmyLionheartArtistry]

"because you have to learn more muscle memory, but if you "stick" with it..." ;D I've switched from Pad to Stick about a month ago, and I must say it really shows a difference. To me, I didn't get one just to "get better" but to have a new experience with fighting games. Pad has some advantages over stick when it comes to executing certain moves, but I feel like a stick forces you to be precise. It's way more sensitive than my controller, which I had the sensitivity set on high, the stick cannot compare to pad in precision and sensitivity. But in the end it's all about preference, besides you can't master using a stick overnight.

[@ProctorTheKrow]

Great discussion Max!!! I really hate when people say that Arcade Sticks automatically enhance the experience and that people hold themselves back by using controllers for fighters. Me, I'm really accustomed to the Sony Dualshock controller. Always have. I suck ass with arcade sticks. I just really feel that the controller suits me the best.

[@renegadezero0]

The big problem with the xbox controller is how the d-pad is made and placed. the d-pad is more analog like since it tilts and the placement more difficult to hit your L buttons and is bulkier. compare that to the PS the d-pad presses down, the placement is more comfortable to most and easier to hit the L buttons. it's smaller and feels more "right" in the hands of most people

[@Tekknight007]

I get ya. At first I thought you didn't know what you were talking about. Then I remembered that theory, and figured out you were talking about something most people don't know about. You were just on another level lol. As for the term, I guess "muscle memory" rolls off the tongue better than "reflexive memory".

[@ItsTheRedKirby]

Also Max you might want to mention there's like ALWAYS a promotion of some sort for sticks during majors. So those looking for sticks should really check out a stream and look out for those promos and offers.

[@SamOnMaui]

Watching this nearly a year later, and its a great video. I personally miss SNK's sticks (former AES owner), but that's definitely nostalgia talking!

[@AlfaChaos]

Just like Max said, it's about $150 but well worth it. Some of the fancier colors go up to $175 but after shipping, honestly you're spending about $200. Takes awhile to get used to but I love using it now. It's like I can't play without it really lol

[@5bStix]

This was so helpful thank you. I purchased a Hori V3 and it was absolutely terrible, only cost $60. Broke 2 buttons within months and it's not mod friendly either.

[@Shabazz1251]

I personally use hori. U don't have to be expensive just know where to shop, and above all else take good care of your equipment.

[@TyrantSw]

As a Person who played mained a controller in sf4( which I was pretty good with). Met a couple of dudes at work who also played, but with Arcade sticks. Needless to say I was taken by these beautiful pieces of hardware so I bought one. Played with it for awhile and it Completly changed the way I played my character. I learned techniques that I had failed to do on the controller. I actually was still way better with the controller and ended up going back to it. BUT From my time on the stick I learned On a deeper level the technical aspect of the game and it translated to my controller instantly. Sometimes a different approach will make you better :)

[@FallenWhiteSaber]

Personally, I am a major fan of the HORI Fighting Edge, the sharp airy motion from the buttons and stick, and the weight behind it, it feels more like a sword battle than an actual video game...great for getting that fighting spirit going!