Posted by Michael Bobroski on 10, 2000 at 8:03 AM:
Hi,
It's been awhile since I've posted here... I'll still read every once and a while, but being that I built my machine a while ago, my info is a bit 'dated', and advice is probably best given by those 'fresh in the build'. When I do find the opportunity to contribute, I definitely will.
Now, back to the original intention of the message. I've decided to do a bit of an update to by control panel. I have the typical 2 joys,6 buttons each/trackball/spinner setup. Ever since I built it, I've been a bit upset w/ playing pacman/amidar type games with a modern/bat-type joystick. Not to mention it is a bit awkward having to shift your body to either the left or right to use the joy when we were so used to playing pac on a nice, centered ball-top joystick.
Anyway, it seems that Wico sells quite a few different ball-tops, and I'm looking to gather info on them. I'll run through them:
One is a micro-switch ball-top: Out of the question. Don't mind the micros on bats, but would really like a leaf ball-top. I like how Wico advertises the clicking as an 'Audio-Feedback' feature. :)
Another has an extra long shaft: Also out. If anything, I believe Pacman would use a shorter than standard shaft.
This leaves us with two choices:
First we have an 8-Way 'Positive-Detent' model, for $19.95. This seems to be the one that Wico pushes the most. It's an 'exclusive', and has 'improved control'. Any experience, guys?
Second, we have one for about $9.95, which is comes in either 2, 4, or 8-Way, and seems to be the standard Wico. Any experience?
If I don't fare well collecting info here, I'll be glad to order both, and post up a thorough review.
As far as playing 4-Way games on 8-Way joys, it is of no concern to me. I've had no problems ever doing so (never had to change gameplay-style, etc), and personally believe that it is an issue with PC hardware (motherboard/and or kayboard controller), and not joysticks. Of course, I would love to hear if anyone using Happ Supers (with no 4way game on 8way joy problems) have encountered those problems with leaf-switch ball-tops.
It's great to be (actively) back,
-Mike