To start off, I am a pad player. I don't use a stick and never really practiced using mine seriously.
Back in 2002 I used to play Tekken Tag Tournament with several friends on PS2. We all used pads, but one day I decided to build an arcade stick to try out. I've always loved MK games, which were hard not to love since I grew up in the Midway homeland, arcade-ridden, 90s Chicago. The purpose of the stick was for Tekken Tag, yet I've incorporated a semi-MK layout. In the end, I toyed around with my first creation for several hours and since then it has collected dust for years.
Browsing Shoryuken recently, I came across an interesting joystick-less arcade stick designed by Hitbox. Intrigued by the idea and the potential I wanted to try it out. Basically you use push buttons for directionals instead of the joystick. It's a hybrid, a balance between a stick and a pad. Instead of paying $160 for a custom build I've decided to resurrect my old stick, gut it, and try out a quick and dirty build with MK in mind.
Using my fiancee's recently discarded shoe box, I whipped this beasty up in about half and hour. I've reinforced the insides with more cardboard, and it's actually quite study. I can push down on it with quite a bit pressure and not have it cave in at all. Feels quite nice for $0 budget job, haha. I'm thinking about a real Hitbox build in the future.
I haven't played much with it yet, but it has a lot of potential once your brain and fingers get used to the design. Shoryuken motions like Kung Lao's spin and Ermac's slam are a breeze to perform. Kabal's spin from crouch is insanely easy to do. After reading more about the Hitbox design on Shoryuken and watching vids I am liking the idea more and more. However, I am a pad player, my transition might be hard.
Good thing is that I can recycle my pcb (hacked ps1 pad) and it is multi-platform compatible: PS1, PS2, PS3, PC, XB360 with my USB adapter.
Anyone have experience using the Hitbox design?
http://shoryuken.com/forum/index.php?threads/hit-box-take-control-updated-july-6th.122799/
Here's a good video outlining its use:
Here is a little excerpt from a FAQ on Shoryuken:
"2. Why buttons?
By replacing the joystick with 4 directional buttons controlled by 4 fingers, you gain:
- Increased input speed (fastest dragon punch).
- Consistent inputs yield fewer mistakes.
- Exclusive control over your movement
- Sanwa buttons have little to no travel time.
- Instant high/low blocking.
- Button techniques apply to movement and special inputs (p-linking, piano roll,
double tap).
- Game-specific features, such as SSFIV input shortcuts (323 DPM).
- Fewer match-pressure mistakes, such as lost horizon and accidental jumps from
hard joystick motions.
- No arm/wrist motion.
- Downward pressure keeps box steady in your lap."
) was great. Lol, "look what I can still do, with perfect execution"
Would you guys be interested in a written review?
. How do I do this? Do I just click the PS3HB and ask to Dual Mod it or something, because there's only one option available.