How Important is a Stick?

Okay, I tried using the search function but it turned up so many discussions on the Japanese VF4 stick etc. that my attention span wore out. /versus/images/graemlins/smile.gif To elaborate on the topic, let me explain. I don't go to the arcade much, and none of them near me have VF4 or had VF3. I never played PS2 VF4 Vanilla, and while I have 3tb it doesn't get a lot of use because it has no single-player replay value (IMHO, feel free to call me a scrub who didn't take the time to learn the game; I really didn't). Because I'm mostly used to gamepads, that's what I do better at; my Soul Calibur and 2d fighter performance is quantifiably worse in arcades than home versions. So, for a fairly hardcore gamer but very casual arcade gamer, how bad is Dual Shock control for VF4E? I was gonna pick it up Wed., but the discussion here makes it sound like I've got no chance of getting very far in Quest mode using a d-pad and I can't afford a fancy import (or even domestic) fighting stick. So should I save my $20, or is the lack of The Stick a matter of what you're used to, like it is with 2d games? Any help would be appreciated...Evo sounds totally swank and I'm more than willing to invest the time it takes to learn the game, but not if I'm going to be stuck at 5th dan no matter how much I learn.

Peace,
Zach

 

Evo rocks. Buy the game...it works fine with a pad & you'll have a blast ranking up on the A.I. and playing with buddies. Enjoy!

 

The stock Dual Shock is awesome for fighters or any game. Out of all controllers I would choose that over any- I haven't used the Jap Saturn pad though. Heard it was awesome, still like the ps2's button layout better though. Anyways, I can do everyone's moves all the time, except Akira's. Which I can't do on a stick consistantly either. It kind of pisses me off, that controller is so easy to use, it keeps me from using my sticks. Buy Evo without a concern

 

There's nothing wrong with playing VF4 with a pad.... I'm sure you can do whatever you want in Single Player Mode, you could probably beat the whole game with a pad if you're good enough.

But IMHO, if you're planning on playing this game on any sort of competitive level with other people, it's recommended that you get a stick. It's just a good investment for your VF future...

My advice is this. Buy Evo and play for a while. If you find yourself getting more and more addicted to the game, and you REALLY get into it, then go out and buy a stick too. Find people in TX that play, and then have a good time. That's my advice.

 

Thanks for all the advice, guys. I figured that it probably wouldn't affect the single-player experience that much, but wanted to be sure. Now if only I didn't have to wait til tomorrow. /versus/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Peace,
Zach

 

A little tip that I found useful was to set another kick to the O button on the Dual Shock. Eliminates the need for clumsy cross button pressing for K+G moves. /versus/images/graemlins/smile.gif I found a stick to be much better after some getting used to but a pad should serve you fairly well unless you plan on using Akira. /versus/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

I think im going to buy an arcade stick, its just that im afraid to start learning again, its almost like learning the home row on the keyboard, you know youll be faster if you do it the right way! I just made it to 8th Dan and the 5th arcade, it's suddenly become a learning experience. They throw me around like a limp baby doll! Everytime I throw a guaranteed throw move they capitalize on it...im trying to remember to do a throw escape but they seem like the hardest thing in the game to learn...

Now I know why you guys hated when crap combos got posted, they dont even work!!! (because of lazy recoveries in VF4:c) I had to redefine my repertoire....This is off this topic's subject, but I was curious guys, did you have some serious competition with the A.I or what? I think I was just clueless from playing the VF4 A.I. Compare to EVO.. the main thing I noticed is the AI doing OTG (off the ground)? combos 10x more, almost like the characters came alive, not to mention never seeing half of the move lists because the AI had little variety...and CARRYING meee....especially PAI.....GRRRRRRR.

Pai must not have very many moves besides that blasted jump pedal kick, anyway let me know your thoughts on the new AI, and if anyone has a link to the homepage/website for the best ps2 arcade stick I'd
truly appreciate it, or at least the name of it so I can search, thx u

 

Yes, definitely buy Evo...don't worry about stick vs pad, I don't know how much harder/easier it is play w/a stick, but can do pretty much everything on the pad. I even occasionally land ,,+,, and I'm still practicing.

Bottom line is you can't go wrong w/Evo....even if you use a steering wheel to play.