Saturn Virtua Arcade Fighting Stick any good?

[jdh]

What are your guys' thoughts? To be honest I never used a stick in my life (besides the handful of visits to an actual arcade) Do you guys find it worth it? I'm looking at the official Saturn model BTW.

[The Elite MYT]

I got one for Xmas from Santa so ill let you know in a couple of days when I get back home

[sych]

They're okay, the Hori stick is better though. But in all honesty I find all Saturn sticks kinda pointless. The model 2 pad works better for all fighters & shumps in my opinion. I spent hours trying to re-learn many games with the sticks but then realised I was perfectly happy with a control pad so What's the point? If it ain't broke don't fix it. Stick with the pads. If you've only been to the arcades a handful of times you're probably more accustomed to pads anyway. You'd be better off spending that money on a new Saturn game instead. Maybe you'll have a different experience with them but for me they made all gaming experiences average if not worse.

However if you are adamant about getting one, I'd put these two above your desired one.

[Syntesis]

Jan 4, 2017 20:54:52 GMT jdh said:

What are your guys' thoughts? To be honest I never used a stick in my life (besides the handful of visits to an actual arcade) Do you guys find it worth it? I'm looking at the official Saturn model BTW.

It's terrible. Probably one of the worst sticks ever made.

[jdh]

Thanks for the responses guys! I think I will pass then LOL

Okay bit of a change of topic, Why the model 2 over the model 1 pads? I've read that a few times here.

I just bought a console with the model 1 pad, and that's the one I grew up on. I never actually tried the model 2 pads ever. Just wondering if I should order one or two but need to have a good reason!

[sych]

Jan 5, 2017 0:05:50 GMT jdh said:

Thanks for the responses guys! I think I will pass then LOL

Okay bit of a change of topic, Why the model 2 over the model 1 pads? I've read that a few times here.

I just bought a console with the model 1 pad, and that's the one I grew up on. I never actually tried the model 2 pads ever. Just wondering if I should order one or two but need to have a good reason!

There are many reasons but mainly because it's smaller and sleeker, the dpad is better and the shoulder buttons are better positioned, more responsive and not overly intrusive, ensuring you don't click them accidentally. It fits better in the hands and I also prefer the layout of the six front buttons as well. Pretty much every Saturn game is better with a model 2 pad. For Fighters and Shumps I'd say they were a neccessity. Many better features but the D-pad really is the USP for me.

One thing people forget is that the Model 2 Pads were actually the FIRST model of pads to come out with the Saturn in Japan 94' Only in Europe and the US did we get those horrible big clunky Model 1 pads in 1995. Still to this day, I don't know why Sega Europe & US changed the design but they obviously realised the error of their ways and started packaging the Saturn with the original Model 2 pads. Many consider the Saturn model 2 one of the greatest pads ever made which is why they're still being made for PC'S and newer consoles today. Forget the Virtua stick and buy yourself a model 2 Saturn pad.

[davyk]

The Virtua stick isn't the greatest unfortunately. I have one and it's.....OK-ish. The stick itself doesn't feel precise - you don't get a clicking noise so there aren't switches used to detect the 8 positions which can lead to fluffy control. I suspect it wouldn't last too long if it was getting a lot of use.

The Japanese version is preferred. I have the 2nd one pictured in sych's post and it's a very nice stick. The stick is switched and you can hear the switches clicking as you move it. Obviously not as good as a high end stick but very nice and I hear it isn't too difficult to upgrade if you want to get hardcore. 

However as said above, the 2nd version of the standard controller is the best 2D control pad ever and it really kind of makes sticks redundant. However I really do enjoy using sticks - especially for 2D shooters - so it comes down to personal preference. Also take note that a stick will take some getting used to if moving from a pad no matter how good it is and you will more than likely experience a temporary drop in performance while adjusting.

[dantemdie]

Regarding Arcade Sticks in general: some people argue that it is important and helps increase your "skill level" and some people don't. Regardless, the experience is definetely different.

As Sych posted, those two arcade sticks do seem a better option. Hori has been an arcade stick brand for a looong time (they still make arcade sticks nowadays) and the Virtua Stick has a seimitsu joystick, which is also a quality brand.

I'm only familiar with arcade sticks when it comes to fighting games (virtua fighter, tekken, street fighter) so i really don't know how they would boost a regular game's experience. Although know this, if you have played in a Pad for your entire life be ready to find some difficulties in the transition to arcade stick. Sure it's fun, but then you'll feel "ok, this combo is so basic and i can't do it in the arcade stick".

The transition process takes time and patience. I tried several times moving over to arcade stick as i used to participate in fighting games tournaments (still do, but to a lesser extent) but the frustration of having to re-learn how to play a game always threw me back.

Still, if you want to mess around here and there, sure, buy an arcade stick.

[lanhilb89]

I did this get a Hori arcade stick pictured above. Then get a bat top to replace the ball joystick and you will have virtually an almost exact replica of a real arcade experience. I prefer this over the ball for fighters you need it you can use either or but it makes the difference unless you don't play fighters hell rapid fire on shooters is another reason you would want it.

[linkt101]

I will admit, I had more fun playing Cotton 2 with the Virtua Stick as opposed to the Model 2 Pad. For fighting games it's not that great. Especially 3D fighters as most of the movements involve tapping directions. The only reason to buy a Virtua Stick back in the day was so you could practice playing games like VF2 at home. Before playing them competitively in the arcades.

[sych]

Jan 5, 2017 15:44:34 GMT lanhilb89 said:

rapid fire on shooters is another reason you would want it.

But you can also get good quality rapid fire control pads for the Saturn as well.

[lanhilb89]

Jan 5, 2017 16:39:52 GMT sych said:

Jan 5, 2017 15:44:34 GMT lanhilb89 said:

rapid fire on shooters is another reason you would want it.

But you can also get good quality rapid fire control pads for the Saturn as well.

Yes that's true but it's like super rapid fire for some games.

[The Elite MYT]

After trying it out.... it´s ok. Stick feels really weird though since it barely feels like it moves. It seems alright though using with fighting games, and I can imagine getting used to playing Die Hard Arcade with it, but probably not the best thing around.

I hope the flight stick is better. I want to use it for PDZ and Sky Target

[lanhilb89]

You know what since I have my Hori already would there or is there any advantages to having the Japanese Virtua stick? Is it a better stick? Another thing why is the American Virtua stick so different?