Disadvantages of using an Arcade Stick:
-Takes research and homework to figure out what you want
Is this really a disadvantage? Some people don’t combine enjoyment and learning… you really shouldn’t be in this scene if this is too much for you.
-Cost is greater than a controller
It does cost more, and as poor college students I definitely understand there is a time and a place to shell out 150 some bucks on an arcade stick.
-Some will have to re-learn their game/character
This is the biggest hurdle for most players. The question is: Did you REALLY KNOW your character to the fullest extent if you couldn’t do the Advanced Techniques listed below? I can only picture a small handful of Pad players which can say yes to the above statement. Doren , Latiff, Kenji, Clayton, …
Advantages of using an Arcade Stick:
-You get to choose your Pieces and parts
This may seem intimidating, but the choices are endless for the consumer. What color buttons, what size buttons, what size case, what type of material for the case, a manufactured or custom arcade stick? Do your homework and choose what’s appealing and functional to your needs.
-You get to put Artwork on it.
This is too fun, choose pictures which represent who you are or who you are aspiring to become. Showcase your other talents/hobbies or pay homage to the game/character which got you involved in the scene. Do support your local Artist.
-You get to choose how you want to carry it.
Do you want a Gym bag , Fag-bag or a Go-Go-Gadget bag? Once again, size, color, fit: it’s all customizable for your needs.
-Lifespan is much greater than Pads.
Sticks needs minimal repair and upkeep, while pads die in about 2 year and can’t really be modified or revived: They wear in specifically to the player and alleviate some kind of universal standard which help everyone. I remember playing pad, I remember playing ONLY MY pad because everyone elsess felt funny. =/
-Staying competitive at the Arcades.
I've seen too many GREAT pad players avoid competitions and arcades because they are stuck using an XBOX pad. Time to step up and support your local arcade!
-Advanced Techniques which using an arcade stick amplifies
1: “Kara cancels”- (SFIII & BB) This trick cancels start-up of a move and goes straight into another move. The result requires the inputs to be FAST & PRECISE (Literally 3-4 frames). Has anyone else tried Makoto’s (Cr. HK) Kara~ Fukaige on pad compared to stick? What about Chun-li’s S. MK into throw or Carl’s 6B~B+C, Carls J.66~3C~BB. Take my word, It’s MUCH easier on an arcade stick.
2: “P-Linking”- (SFIV & SSFIV) This trick uses input priority and multiple inputs to increase the windows of links. Button priority states that when multiple buttons and press at the same time, the highest priority move comes out. For instance: Pressing all three of Ryu’s kicks button makes a roundhouse kick come out. To consistently combo Ryu’s Cr. LP into Cr. RH (a 1-frame link) the “P-link” input makes it a 3-frame link. : Cr.LP, [C.HK]~[Cr.MK]~[Cr.LK] : You have successfully input Cr.HK (3) times.
3: “Multiple Inputs”- (GG & SFIII) This trick is for special moves which can be input by different buttons. Sol w/GG can do VulcanicViper with (4) different input. 623S, 623HS, 623]S[, 623]HS[. You can use this to aid in your reversal windows. On wake-up input: 623[HS]~~]HS[~]S[ and notice you’ve turned a 1-frame reversal into a 4-frame reversal: Same example with Ryu = 623 [HP]~[MP]~[LP]~]HP[~]MP[~]LP[, Ryu has created a 6-frame reversal window. You see my point here? Also think about Darkstalkers and “tech hits” you barely have access to (6) buttons to effectively do this on a pad.
4: “Unique Button Buffers” – (SF:A, GG, BB, Battle Fantasia) Birdie, Boxer, Eddie, May, Bridget, Carl, Arakune, Cedrix… The idea is holding buttons in while allowing access to the rest of your characters arsenal. It’s 1000x easier on the player to use a stick for these types of inputs.
5: “Advanced Inputs” (GG…) Bridget’s Yo-Yo glitch & Dash splitting combos. This is just (2) examples, I’m sure there’s more elsewhere. Bridget’s yo-yo glitch is a (2) frame re-buffer, the best way to utilize this is off of close slash, so the repetitions are fast and numerous. 66, S~]HS[~[HS], on frames 2-3 of the yo-yo return. Dash split combo is EXACTLY 2146[K]~4~]K[]S[6P, I dare anyone to do these on a pad. Other examples include “I-no’s” TigerKnee’d Chemical love BnB’s, Charge partitioning with Urien/Remy…
6: “First Frame FRC’S” (GG) Ky’s stun edge, FRC, 6HS. Slayer’s DeadOnTime, FRC, J.HS… exact inputs are Ky: 236S~P+K+S~6HS: Slayer: 63246S~P+K+S~HS.= By inputting the FRC with different button combinations, the ability to follow up with the fourth button on the first frame afterward is available.
7:”FRC Buffer Tricks” (GG) inputting another move prior to the FRC/RC can cause instant specials/supers to appear: The trick is to input with other combination besides KS&HS. This is exceedingly difficult with a pad. With “May” we can input 66, K, 63214P, 41236PKS, [P]. This will buffer an OHK out of the FRC than re-buffer the punch button on her hoop set. If the FRC was with KS&HS & “May” has 50% tension a super will buffer out of this set-up. Explore your characters and see what’s available.
Supports.