The W
May 17, 2011 - save.jpg
Views: 178581271
Main | FAQ | Search: Y! / G | Calendar | Color chart | Log in for more!
18.3.24 2333
The W - Video Games - D-Pad vs Analog.
This thread has 60 referrals leading to it
Register and log in to post!
Thread rated: 5.59
Pages: 1 2 Next
(2736 newer) Next thread | Previous thread
User
Post (21 total)
Twist of Fate
Bauerwurst








Since: 2.5.03
From: Adelaide, South Aus.

Since last post: 7232 days
Last activity: 6514 days
ICQ:  
#1 Posted on | Instant Rating: 1.16
it seems that today, every game released is user-friendly to all the new generation gamers, and is all based on the anaolg control sticks. this pisses me off, i'm old school, and pretty much need the D-Pad to live.
for example, the Ace Combat games.
i could anhilate all in the first 3 games, where the directional pad was the only available steering option. then they changed it in Distant Thunder, and made it so you had to use the Sticks, and i fly into things, and over shoot all the time. i hate it.

so many games just assume that if you own a playstation that you MUST be good with the analog sticks, and don't even give you the option to use the D-Pad.

so, i wanna know.

who out there is a D-Pad dependant person, like myself, and who can use the Analog system like they were born to do it?



Promote this thread!
InVerse
Boudin blanc








Since: 26.8.02

Since last post: 2037 days
Last activity: 2000 days
#2 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.88
I've been a hardcore gamer since I got an NES nearly 15 years ago, yet I prefer the analog stick over the d-pad. That's one of the reasons (aside from the larger screen) that I play GBA games on an emulator rather than a real GBA (and yes, I do still buy GBA games, I just don't play them.) I find the analog stick far easier to use than the d-pad for most games.

(Incidentally, I've never owned a PS1/PS2 and I absolutely abhor the Playstation controller. Dreamcast, N64 and X-Box, on the other hand, I'm quite fond of.)
Jaguar
Knackwurst








Since: 23.1.02
From: In a Blue State finally

Since last post: 1894 days
Last activity: 1894 days
#3 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.30
The Dual Shock controller's analog sticks are just horrendous. The Dual Shock is designed so that you grip the D-Pad the easiest, and you have to work to use the analog. I'm fine with a stick on any other controller, but when playing a PS2 game, their controller design always brings my abilities down a few levels.

-Jag



"I'm going to go now and demand beer money from my representative. We simply must deal with the problem of my sobriety." - PalpatineW
Smackfiend
Mettwurst








Since: 11.11.02

Since last post: 7097 days
Last activity: 6899 days
#4 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.11
It depends on the game. If I have a choice, I usually prefer to use the d-pad, since it's what I'm used to. I got the GTA Double pack for Xbox about a month ago, and it's one of those that forces you to use the analog stick. It took me about a day to get used to it, but now I'm doing just as well (or better) then I did on the Playstation version.
Nate The Snake
Liverwurst








Since: 9.1.02
From: Wichita, Ks

Since last post: 7183 days
Last activity: 6652 days
#5 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.67
Generally, I have no trouble with the Dual Shock, strangely enough. I dunno, maybe I've just adjusted to it better since I've been primarily playing PS1/2. I do find myself missing the N64 controller for some games... anything that only requires 1 analog stick, really. It was perfectly set up for that.

I still wind up using the d-pad for a lot of things (most RPGs, fighting games, the like) but I don't have much trouble switching back and forth.




Kansas-born and deeply ashamed
The last living La Parka Marka

"They that can give up essential liberty to gain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin
jerm
Cotto








Since: 12.12.03
From: wangopolis

Since last post: 5584 days
Last activity: 4532 days
#6 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.67
I went back and played the original Crash Bandicoot the other day and found that I was awful at using the d-pad for fine movements. I've become unaccustomed to the tapping needed to use the d-pad, as opposed to learning to carefully tilt analog sticks. I especially appreciate analog control when playing simulation racing style games that require delicate movements to control.

I still do fine using the d-pad with 2d games, IE. a PC gamepad for snes roms, the pad on the DC controller, or the GBA, but I just got a GBA player and I find Metroid Fusion a lot easier to play with an analog stick.

I'm an analog boy.

(edited by jerm on 4.1.04 1618)
The Sham
Kolbasz








Since: 20.1.02
From: Hamden, CT

Since last post: 5159 days
Last activity: 4512 days
#7 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.83
I cannot get used to the analogs on the Dualshock. I've played SSX3 for both the 'Cube and the PS2, and I just can't get used to steering while crouching on the PS2. In the 'Cube it's no problem, but my friends laugh at me because I use my chin to steer with the Dualshock.

I do like the option of having both, though. The D-Pad is more exact when you want to make deliberate moves. I also have the GBA player, and I love having the option to use either. I've been playing Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga, and I almost alwasys use the Analog stick. However, when I have to slect an enemy to attack in battle, using the analog stick never gets me to the right target. I use the D-Pad for selection there and in some of the mini games (like Barrellingm which is addictive).

Basically, if the game wants me to use deliberate directional control, I want the D-Pad. However, when you're working flowing combos together in a fighting game, you need an analog stick or else you're going to blister (I couldn't use Sub-Zero in the original Mortal Kombat without injuring my thumb).

I do prefer the texture of the Dualshock analog, but the placement on the controller seems all wrong to me. If only the 'Cube controller had that texture for the stick and a better Z-button, it would be perfect.

(edited by The Sham on 4.1.04 1643)


"Cram it with walnuts, ugly!"- Mr. Homer Simpson

"Nothing says 'bad ass' like beating up Randy Orton."- Matt Hocking, RAW SATIRE- January 21, 2003
Guru Zim
SQL Dejection
Administrator








Since: 9.12.01
From: Bay City, OR

Since last post: 4 days
Last activity: 3 days
ICQ:  
#8 Posted on | Instant Rating: 8.83
I switch back and forth.

I'm awful at Tony Hawk with an analog stick - I just can't hit the moves. D-Pad, though, no problem.

When I have a choice, it depends on the controller. PS2 I am more likely to use the D, GC and Xbox I think I prefer the analog.





Willful ignorance of science is not commendable. Refusing to learn the difference between a credible source and a shill is criminally stupid.
Aldo D 2112
Goetta








Since: 21.4.02
From: West Palm Beach, FL

Since last post: 6001 days
Last activity: 5830 days
#9 Posted on | Instant Rating: 7.88
I don't mind the analog(ue) sticks on the X-Box or PSX2 - in fact I find them better for driving games because in most games I can use the right stick to modulate the gas pedal instead of using a button for an "on/off" feature. However the Gamecube setup irritates the hell out of me. Both analog(ue) sticks are different in shape and even worse, the d-pad is about 33% smaller than the d-pads on the other consoles' controllers, making games like the Tony Hawk series and any fighting game that require complex control movements damned difficult to play.
Simba
Frankfurter








Since: 7.8.02
From: Boston, MA

Since last post: 5939 days
Last activity: 5547 days
#10 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.20
    Originally posted by Guru Zim
    I switch back and forth.

    I'm awful at Tony Hawk with an analog stick - I just can't hit the moves. D-Pad, though, no problem.

    When I have a choice, it depends on the controller. PS2 I am more likely to use the D, GC and Xbox I think I prefer the analog.




See, I'm completely opposite on that. I guess I'm more geared towards analog for any sports-related titles.



Reserved for future use.
Pool-Boy
Lap cheong








Since: 1.8.02
From: Huntington Beach, CA

Since last post: 197 days
Last activity: 154 days
#11 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.25
It totally depends on the type of game for me. If the game is something like Ace Combat, where the stick is used for little more than pointing you in a direction to move, I prefer that.

However, for games like Tony Hawk and fighting games, the D-Pad is a must. If I have to point a specific direction to execute a move, I can do so much more accurately with the D-Pad than I ever could with the stick.

Personally, it does piss me off when games don't allow you to use both... why bother having both available on the control pad?

And the Dualshock controller is HORRIBLE! The majority of the PS games I have played require the stick nowadays, yet the pad is positioned for easiest use. And that bizzare angle the stick is at hurts my thumbs. No one, in my eyes, has ever topped the N64 controller- that thing has to be the easiest controller to use ever.



Still on the Shelf- Every Monday

"I will do whatever the Americans want. I saw what they did in Iraq, and I was afraid," -Moamer Kadhafi
Whitebacon
Banger








Since: 12.1.02
From: Fresno, CA

Since last post: 110 days
Last activity: 10 days
ICQ:  
#12 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.69
All the talk about the position of the analog stick is moot to me, I can't use it unless I'm forced. D-pad all the way.



Scar
Goetta








Since: 2.1.02
From: Dartmouth

Since last post: 4927 days
Last activity: 1367 days
#13 Posted on
I also am totally dependent on the D-pad. So of course I get NHL 2004 for Xmas and it only works with the analog. I wouldn't mind so much if this was the default and there was some option to switch it, but there isn't. Now I can't even play for long periods of time like I did with 2003. It just causes my hand to be sore.



X-ring.
dMp
Knackwurst








Since: 4.1.02
From: The Hague, Netherlands (Europe)

Since last post: 256 days
Last activity: 3 days
#14 Posted on | Instant Rating: 7.46
    Originally posted by Scar
    I also am totally dependent on the D-pad. So of course I get NHL 2004 for Xmas and it only works with the analog. I wouldn't mind so much if this was the default and there was some option to switch it, but there isn't. Now I can't even play for long periods of time like I did with 2003. It just causes my hand to be sore.


I got NHL2004 on the pc and used an usb-adaptor to plug my PS2 controllers to it. It took a time to get used to, but the skating is smoother with the analog sticks.

For most other games I prefer the D-pad though. I was born and raised with it.



*sigh* Why bother?
BigDaddyLoco
Scrapple








Since: 2.1.02

Since last post: 318 days
Last activity: 318 days
#15 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.71
I don't mind using the analog stick for trivial things during a game, but it is a serious pain in my ass to have to use it as the main controller. Here's a vote for the DPad.
J. Kyle
Banger








Since: 21.2.02
From: The Land of Aloha

Since last post: 1551 days
Last activity: 1331 days
#16 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.56
X-E's co-Worst Poster of all time! JKyle.com says:

I remember trying to play THPS for Cube. And while I seemed to be the only one who could grasp the GC controls, I seemed so dependent on the D Pad.

I'm so ealry 90s in the way I control games, I bought a Hori controller from Lik-sang.

BEST VIDEO GAME INVESTMENT EVER.



Cast in the Name of God
Ye Not Guilty

(I SWEAR THAT FLCL PICTURE'S LINK WORKS NOW!)
This link works now
Oliver
Scrapple








Since: 20.6.02

Since last post: 3305 days
Last activity: 3299 days
#17 Posted on | Instant Rating: 3.36
I'm working through Final Fantasy VIII right now, and I'm actually using the Analog pad for moving in confined spaces, like the Gardens areas. Can't use them for sports games, either. However, I love them for shooting games.



Lordy lordy...what have I done? Engagement? The horror!
dMp
Knackwurst








Since: 4.1.02
From: The Hague, Netherlands (Europe)

Since last post: 256 days
Last activity: 3 days
#18 Posted on | Instant Rating: 7.33
On a someone related note, they aired a piece on CNN-International where they said that the current generation (and the future ones) are developing stronger and maybe even bigger thumbs because of using them on gamepads and cell phones.
In Japan they are already dubbing the current youth Generation Thumb.
They showed some "professional gamer" (wtf??) who swore his right thumb was bigger and stronger.

Interesting in a way. Evolution thanks to games!



*sigh* Why bother?
JayJayDean
Scrapple








Since: 2.1.02
From: Seattle, WA

Since last post: 2975 days
Last activity: 2553 days
#19 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.28
    Originally posted by Whitebacon
    All the talk about the position of the analog stick is moot to me, I can't use it unless I'm forced. D-pad all the way.


That about sums it up for me as well. I play 90% sports games (including racing) and I just couldn't get out of the D-pad history (Nintendo, Genesis) and embrace the analog stick. As has been noted, a lot of the 2004 games use the analog stick only, but I am unable to use both the left and right sticks at the same time (except in NBA Live where they are easy move controls like steal or crossover). Heck, I barely have the ability to use the L and R buttons at the top of the controller.

I CANNOT use the sticks for driving games, to the detriment of my performance on said games. Hopefully I won't have to go analog for GT4.



“To get ass, you’ve got to bring ass." -- Roy Jones Jr.

"Your input has been noted.
I hope you don't take it personally if I disregard it." -- Guru Zim
HairRaiser
Kishke








Since: 13.1.03
From: S. Attleboro, MA

Since last post: 6045 days
Last activity: 5380 days
#20 Posted on | Instant Rating: 3.63
Depends on the game for me. Wrestling titles almost always are D-pad, since If I'm trying to hop out of the ring to catch a breather I tend to move at an angle on the stick and can't do it immediately. Capcom fighters are the same way, because without a full-sized stick, I can't throw a F,D,DF to save my life. For everything else, it's pretty much analog.

My wife refused to use the stick up until Prince of Persia came out when she *had* to learn it. After that and Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy, she's wanting to go bak to Castlevania: LoI since she's more comfortable with it.
Pages: 1 2 Next
Thread rated: 5.59
Pages: 1 2 Next
Thread ahead: King of Fighters/Fatal Fury?
Next thread: Online gamer tags
Previous thread: I Quit
(2736 newer) Next thread | Previous thread
Wii U eShop (Thursday; $7.99 each or buy two, get one free) • Kirby's Dream Course • Kirby's Super Star • Kirby's Dream Land 3 Wii Virtual Console/WiiWare (Thursday) • nothing
The W - Video Games - D-Pad vs Analog.Register and log in to post!

The W™ message board

ZimBoard
©2001-2024 Brothers Zim

This old hunk of junk rendered your page in 0.195 seconds.