Pad vs Stick

[Pheesh]

So ever since I got Tekken 6 I've been pretty much learning how to play fighting games again (I bought SFIV out of pure boredom when it came out, but the series has never been my cup of tea, and I didn't get into it too much) and it's fun and all, but the difference is that I'm getting into the intricacies of it more than I used to. I was pretty young when I last owned a Tekken game, and I never paid attention to frames, or learning anything more than basic moves and what not.

Anyway, the problem is this. I've started trying to learn how to move faster using sidesteps, backdash cancels etc. (I'm not sure if there's equivalents to the Tekken movement system in other fighting games, I never really played Soul Caliber or anything) and I find that I can't really do it no matter how hard I try. I've looked up a few tutorials and what not and it seems like the fact that I use the pad on the controller could be a hindrance.

Where I am there aren't really arcades, so I grew up playing all my fighting games on controllers, which is pretty much why I avoided getting the special edition Tekken pack (which came with a joystick). But now I'm thinking maybe I should invest, although I do know that there are people who use the pads effectively, but I'm not sure if I'll ever be that good, and maybe it's just better to learn how to use a joystick effectively.

So the topic is basically as the title says. Do you use a pad or a joystick when you play fighting games? Did you learn on arcades? Does it really matter?

[Slothy]

Do you use a pad or a joystick when you play fighting games?

I use the SFIV Tournament Edition stick now. Easily the best home stick I've ever seen and worth every penny if you ask me.

Did you learn on arcades?

I didn't grow up near any arcades so I learned to play fighting games on consoles with controllers. I won't go back to a pad now though unless I have no choice.

Does it really matter?

I think it matters whether you use a pad or an arcade stick. Arcade sticks are just faster and easier to be more accurate with once you get used to them in my experience. Pads aren't necessarily all bad though. The SFIV pad put out by Madcatz was actually pretty awesome. I do hate almost any current gen controller for fighting games though, especially for 2D games because the PS3 is the only one with a decent D-Pd and even that's pretty meh compared to a decent fight pad.

[Depression Moon]

I use only controllers too. I have no problem executing moves in Tekken except those moves that have a star in them, because I have no idea what the star means. I recently got a TE Stick, but I sort of regret buying it. If you or anyone else is interested, send me a PM. It's for the PS3.

[Drift]

i've started using the stick for Street Fighter, tried using the stick for Tekken and I'm getting used to it but in general I need a lot of practise on both games using a stick. No arcades near me where I grew up either

[Pheesh]

I use only controllers too. I have no problem executing moves in Tekken except those moves that have a star in them, because I have no idea what the star means. I recently got a TE Stick, but I sort of regret buying it. If you or anyone else is interested, send me a PM. It's for the PS3.

The star means let the controller go back to a neutral position, which ironically enough is more of an issue with a joystick.

The main problem I have is with backdash cancels, hitting a consistant b~db, is just near impossible for me, but I have managed to get fairly decent at E-Stepping. Does anyone know what a good stick would be? I've heard there's different kinds (square retainer and circle retainer?), does anyone know the difference, and which would be better?

[Momiji]

It depends on the game. Most of the fighting games I play are on my computer, so I really prefer the keyboard for them since I find button combinations to be a piece of cake.

I recently got my hands on an HRAP EX-SE, though, and I'm learning how to use that. I love using it for shmups, though!

[Drift]

if i remember correctly square retainers are better for holding characters (eg guile in SF for sonic boom) and circle retainers for quarter-circle characters but after learning your character and practising with either retainer it just comes down to preference. i think? i'm probably wrong

[Rase]

I use the analog stick for the few fighting games I play. I wish I have an arcade stick, but I can not justify spending that much on a controller for what basically would be two games I don't care enough to get good t to begin with. I've never liked using d-pad's in fighting games though. I learned how to play in arcades, so that's what's most comfortable for me. Wish there were still some solid ones around.

[NorthernChaosGod]

I'm not very big on fighters anymore, the only ones I play with any semblance of consistency are Smash Bros. and Soul Caliber; I play them with just a regular controller.

[Mo-Nercy]

As an avid arcade player, I feel I must vouche for the ol' sticky, but these days, due to budget constraints, I'm playing less out in the arcades and more often at home. I can use both just fine.

But I can't use the analog stick on controllers for fighting games. It feels really slow for me to be doing backdashes and quarter circles/half circles. I always use the directional pad when I have a controller. I don't know if I'm unique in that respect, but I also avoid the analog stick for racing games.

I've always had a poor time with qcf/hcf from 2P position in the arcades (and therefore, also qcb/hcb on 1P). It's not that I can't do it, but the movement just comes out a bit clunky.. and how should I say.. deliberate. e.g. Lee's/Law's Dragon Slide. I try to avoid it when I'm facing left. There's about a 10% chance he'll just shudder and do a piddly low kick.)

btw ee: Soul Calibur's movement system is a little different. It's called 8 Way Run and any directional input sends you in the direction. No need to double tap to move back or sidestep like in Tekken. I find that I like it a lot more.

[Pheesh]

I've always had a poor time with qcf/hcf from 2P position in the arcades (and therefore, also qcb/hcb on 1P). It's not that I can't do it, but the movement just comes out a bit clunky..

Exact same thing happens to me. Hence, my backdash cancelling from the 1P side is really hard for me to do. I also have to use the ssl~qcu motion when E-stepping, starting my qc from the forward button.

I also can't use an analog stick when playing fighting games, I'm just not quick or precise enough with it.

Is there a particular model of joystick to look out for? Or will I be fine to just buy a whatever model?

[Wolf Kanno]

I will also vouch for the stick cause I grew up as an arcade brat. Even though I mostly play with console controllers nowadays I do miss the stick cause it is way more fluid imo. It doesn't help that I'm like No Mercy and feel that the analog sticks on controllers are terrible inefficient for fighting games. I usually stick to D-pads and that is really hard on you and the controller when you are playing stuff like GG:ACP and SFA3.

I really need to invest in an arcade stick but its part of a long list of things I need lately.

[Meat Puppet]

Pad, because I’m still uncomfortable sticking things up my vagina.

[Shiny]

Do you use a pad or a joystick when you play fighting games?
I usually use pad for fighting games.

Did you learn on arcades?
No, but I've played arcade fighting games before. I prefer to be in the comfort of my own home and not an arcade.

Does it really matter?

It might. There's less carpal tunnel involved when you're using a joy stick as opposed to using the pad.

[Jessweeee♪]

[strike]It depends on how heavy my flow is.[/strike]

Meat Puppet


Anyway, it really depends on the game. 90% of the time for fighting games it's pad, though.