Arcade Sticks : Why and When

Arcade sticks have always been popular for playing fighting games because these were first released on arcade before their respective console counterparts and players would get accustomed to using them in arcade centers. Recently, they have been much more affordable and available for Xbox 360 and PS3, so it comes to no surprise to see many fighting games fans owning one. I am no exception but I bought mine more out of curiosity and because there was a good deal than out of actual need. In this article, I explain why I think it is sometimes advantageous to use an arcade stick. Obviously, reasons vary a lot among individuals, therefore some may agree or even recognize themselves in my descriptions while others may very well think the opposite.

Why ?

Personal Habits

If you are one of those who spent hours in arcade centers, you probably got used to manipulating a stick. Therefore, MadCatz, Hori, Razer (just to name these) have made toys for you. You will feel like you are right in front of the arcade machine. I am, however, not one of these.

Speed and Accuracy

It is rather difficult to talk about speed and accuracy as these depends on player. From personal experience, it depends on games and on the command inputs. Usually, inputs requiring multiple buttons to be pressed simultaneously are much easier on arcade sticks. Also, when I use a gamepad, I am more comfortable when my character is facing right (or left, depending on the command) while I personally feel indifferent facing left or right using a stick. Ultra Combos in Street Fighter IV for example are a long way easier with arcade sticks and this makes a huge difference when playing online.

When ?

This section will reflect my personal experience, therefore is very subjective.

Street Fighter IV - Super Street Fighter 4

This move is easier with an arcade stick.

Ultra combos alone are worth the purchase of a stick. Pressing 3 buttons on a gamepad is difficult unless you remap the buttons to a more suitable configuration. But even so, can it be easier and more logical than having LP, MP, HP right on top of LK, MK, HK (Low, Medium, High - Punch/Kick) ? I doubt that. Except for moves like the Shoryuken (F D DF + P) which I find easier and quicker to the pull off on a gamepad particularly when facing right, sticks are considerably better for most other moves.

Marvel VS Capcom 3

Arcade sticks are made for Capcom games, or vice-versa. Marvel VS Capcom 3 is one of those games I cannot imagine playing with a pad as most interesting moves require simultaneous button press. Remapping the button layout on a gamepad did not help me. The speed of the game is such that I find it impossible to do aerial combos without the arcade stick. A must-have, simply !

BlazBlue Calamity Trigger

While BlazBlue is a 2D fighting game, for some reasons, I feel indifferent whether I play with the arcade stick or with the pad. One of the factors is that the right stick of the gamepad can be used to pull out certain special moves. Also, many of the moves (except the Shoryuken-like) were equally doable whichever side I was facing. Maybe a false impression because I did not play BlazBlue Calamity Trigger enough (see review) ?

Soul Calibur, Virtua Fighter, Dead or Alive

In these games, you need to hold a dedicated button in order to guard. I feel better using a gamepad on these. Also, I have played Soul Blade and Soul Calibur so much and for so long using a gamepad that I cannot even picture myself using an arcade stick for them. The same statement goes for Virtua Fighter and Dead or Alive as far as I am concerned. However, in Virtua Fighter 5's training mode, when looking at the demo for a move/combo, the game shows you how it should be performed on an arcade stick (see picture below) :

Tekken ?

I have not tried Tekken 6 because I left the disc at my parents' place in Paris before I bought my arcade stick and never bother to bring it back since then given how much I love (sic!) the game (see review).
However, give the nature of most moves and the fact that there is no dedicated button for guarding, I can see Tekken 6 being easier to play with a stick than with a gamepad. Anyone confirm ?

Warning for your right wrist

If you are playing in an uncomfortable position of if you are not used to it, arcade sticks may wear down the wrist that presses on the buttons. I do not use my arcade stick very often, but every time I use it, my wrist really feels tired (if not painful) after approximately 25-30 minutes of gaming. Then, I need to pause or switch to a game using a controller. That might just be me, but this could be something to keep in mind for those who are still considering a purchase.

Is it worth it ?

If you are not a fighting games fan (thanks for reading up until here, you didn't have to), answer is no. Only fighting games really benefit from an arcade stick and make the investment worthwhile. If you like fighting games, it really depends on your personal preference. My opinion is :

I would really recommend one if you are a die-hard Street Fighter IV (and other Capcom titles) player, no matter what. Generally, 2D fighting games are better with arcade sticks.
For 3D fighting games, it is down to your taste, habits and how serious gamer you are. Most professional players (if not all) use arcade sticks.
Be mindful about potential wrist pains that may occur.