I know this is probably a really silly question, but you have to start somewhere. 2D fighters were never really my thing (more of an RTS, FPS, RPG etc. etc.) until i downloaded HD remix and fell in love. With that i’ve become somewhat good with the d-pad on ps3 (horrible with xbox controller, i gave up) but I still miss inputs when i need them and it frustrates me (gotta love throwing fireballs when intending to throw a dp). So i’ve finally ordered the tournament edition SF4 arcade stick and realize that I have no idea if there is a proper technique to using the sucker… I searched the internet and came up with only one site for some reason: http://cemboards.18.forumer.com/index.php?showtopic=357 that gave a guide for using arcade sticks.
I’m wondering if that information is basically correct because I’m sure the way you hold a stick affects the friction and speed with which you can input maneuvers and such. The method above makes sense because there is basically no friction since you never really hold the stick… which makes me wonder if the control is there. Any tips for an arcade stick noob? I hear it’s like starting fighters for the first time when you start, but after you work at it you simply cannot go back to d-pads.
It’s a good guide for handling a balltop and/or Japanese-style stick. So yes, I think that’s a good beginning standard for learning how to use the SF4 stick.
But really, it all comes down to preference. If you get your stick and using the method in that link feels completely wrong, then chances are you won’t end up playing like that. If you’re tabula rasa and have absolutely no previous experience or preference with handling an arcade joystick, then you could totally adhere to this methodology.
However, say, in my case, I’m already very accustomed to American sticks so therein lies my preference. I’m currently trying to learn how to play on Japanese sticks and already starting to develop my own “style”.
Personally, I rest my ring and pinky finger on the platform and encircle the ball loosely with my index finger, middle finger, and thumb. Playing like this feels fine to me, though it’s somewhat different from the guide you linked.
So there you have it. Just try out a bunch of things and see what works for you. If you’re left-handed and you enjoy playing cross-handed, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Thanks for the input! I’m glad the site is a good explanation, now i’ll be all dorky and print out each motion and practice them over and over until i get it right haha.
orochizoolander, is the “birdclaw” the technique that Fudd is describing?
What’s different between a Japanese and American style stick that would make it easier to have one technique versus another? I have a Sanwa stick but I hold it basically the way Fudd holds his. I’m asking because I just got my first stick last week so I’m a noob.
“Ball” and “Bat” sticks have pretty different styles, and I don’t know of any naming conventions, but i’ve seen very good players use each of these:
masturbation style: four fingers cup clockwise around the stick, the thumb circles it in the other direction. I find it really good for 4, 6, and games with 44 66 dashing is easy, but I find 1 2 and 3 extremely unnatural.
japanese: put your hand underneath the ball, the shaft going between the middle and ring finger. Curl fingers in to grab the ball. I can’t play like this for crap.
Half jap: Same as above, except rotate your hand until it’s almost masturbation style with the first two fingers, but your thumb rests on top of the ball rather than around the other side. I use this style, I have no input issues with it.
Quarter jap: same as above, except with three fingers masturbation style and one on the other side of the stick.
Hat: Palm on the top of the stick. Ridiculous if you ask me, but some go for it.
Girly man: Ring + pinky finger on the surface to the left of the stick, the other three lightly grabbing almost hat style. Decent