Best Shmupping PSX/PS2 Joystick?

[bargora]

Which one is the best? I've got a Pelican joystick that I'm fairly lukewarm on.

Also, it seems like most of them are set up where you work the stick with the left hand and buttons with the right. Are there any with the reverse set up?

[bargora]

OK--I'm now talking to myself. :silly:

Got a Shadowblade Arcade Stick (for PS2) at the local Software, etc. for $20. Seems like a pretty good deal, even if I won't ever program a 12-move Tekken combo into it (and BTW, isn't that one of the baser forms of cheating?). The clerk said he liked the feel of the original Shadowblade's buttons better, but (having never used the original Shadowblade) I didn't see any problem with it. While you can push the button down all the way until you click a switch, it will register a shot long before you hit that point. The heavy metal base curves around your torso if you hold it in your lap. The only thing I might prefer is a ball and shaft style stick rather than the baseball bat style stick it has. I quickly posted new high scores in Xevious.

By comparison, the Pelican stick is garbage.

[Captain Wrong]

I won't ever program a 12-move Tekken combo into it (and BTW, isn't that one of the baser forms of cheating?).

I kinda think so.

I'm holding out for a true arcade quality stick myself. X-Arcade, or something like that.

I just don't think the sticks you can find in EB and the like are any good.

[bargora]

I'm holding out for a true arcade quality stick myself. X-Arcade, or something like that.

I just don't think the sticks you can find in EB and the like are any good.

Well, yeah, sure, none of the mass-produced sticks are even near arcade quality. But then, for a small fraction of the cost, whaddyaexpect? And I gotta have something to hold me over until I gat an X-Arcade. Yeah, I want an X-Arcade too, but I probably won't get one before I get Ikaruga, Battle Garegga, Batsugun, a Gamecube, Rogue Leader, an Xbox, Halo (by Bungie) and Steel Battalion in a pear tree.

I think it's gonna be a while.

[packman75]

I'd recommend a Hori Stick. They are usually designed for fighting games, but should be perfect for shooters. I got one about 6 years ago for the PSX, and it still works as well as when it was new.

Here's a picture of the one I have:
http://www.vidgames.com/ps/hardware/horips.jpg

I think this is the current model:
http://www.ncsx.com/ncs081699/hori_fighting_stick.htm

[Captain Wrong]

I can second that Hori stick. I own one of those for Saturn (got it new @ EB for $5, haha!) and it's th best mass marketed stick I can find. So I guess I'm contradicting myself a bit, but I don't think your average EB carries that stick and current prices (that I've seen anyway) are a little pricey.