Over the years, the prestige surrounding "arcade stick" controllers has ballooned into something epic. Back in the days of the NES Advantage, stick controllers were made to help ease old-school gaming fans, who weren't as comfortable with the NES "joypad," into the new world of gaming. Like the Wii's Classic Controller, these sticks were relatively cheap and easy to come by, and were made specifically for people who weren't too keen on Nintendo's latest innovation in game control.
It was only after Street Fighter II transformed the fighting game genre into a multi-million-dollar business that "fightsticks" came into being. Unlike the NES Advantage and its brethren, "fightsticks" are extremely expensive, highly scrutinized, frequently home-modified, and supremely cherished by those who value their power. Fightsticks, and the cult-ish devotion they garner, stand as a testament to the dedication a fighting game fan has developed to their chosen sport.
The latest stick to hit the market is from Mad Catz, and was made specifically for the Wii exclusive Tatusnoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars, though it works with a lot of other non-motion-controlled retail games, as well as many Virtual Console titles.
Hit the jump and I'll tell you what kind of fun I've had with this thing.
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom FightStick Company: Mad Catz MSRP: $79.99
Have you played Tatsunoko vs. Capcom yet? If so, you'll know that unlike the Street Fighter series, you really only need four buttons (light, medium, heavy, and assist) to play the game on expert levels. The Classic Controller is pretty much all you need for that. Having attacks mapped to shoulder buttons makes pulling off master combos in Street Fighter IV with the standard PS3/360 controllers feel unwieldy to many. That's not a problem for Tatsunoko vs. Capcom. It also puts into question the need for a stick that gives equal access to all buttons. I didn't find most button-only combos any easier to pull off with the FightStick.
That brings us to the "stick" part of the Tatsunoko vs. Capcom FightStick. It's really nice, much easier to manage than the pads on the Classic Controller or the GameCube controller. "Shoryuken" motions are particularly more likely to come out. I've been playing Street Fighter games for almost 20 years, and I still have trouble pulling off a "Z-motion" move every once in a while. Not with the FightStick. I've been tossing out zombies in shopping carts with the greatest of ease, something necessary for anyone who wants to play competitively with Frank West.
I tried the stick out with a few more games, including Super Smash Bros. (the original), Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Samurai Shodown Collection, and Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. I wasn't surprised by how much easier Samurai Shodown and Guilty Gear were to play, but I didn't expect Smash Bros. to be this much easier. Taking the analog control out of the equation made double tapping much easier. I also had an easier time throwing and blocking, with those buttons now having equal access.
The stick is also surprisingly effective in making non-fighting games easier to play. The Wii-only sequel to NiGHTS was fun, but a little bit irritating to play with the notch-y analog sticks on the classic controller and the nunchuck. The game is a lot smoother with the FightStick, though you do lose the ability to do more subtle movements. It feels more like an arcade game, which may not mean much for people born after 1990, but it definitely works for me.
Aesthetically, the stick itself looks nice, if not a tad overgrown. This thing is huge, much larger than most of the old-school sticks I have in my possession. The art on the stick's face is sharp, and doesn't look like it will fade or smudge from excessive use and or sweat damage. The rest of the stick stays true to the Wii's "blue and white" color theme. Everything here is blue or white. The stick even has glowing blue lights that signify which buttons are "Turbo" activated. It's purely a looks-only thing, but it's still pretty cool.
Speaking of "Turbo," that's the main thing about this stick that gives me a distinctive NES Advantage vibe. In addition to being able to switch the stick's functionality to left analog stick, right analog stick, or control pad at any time, you can also power-up any of the game's buttons to "turbo mode" at any time. This works great for games like Super Punch-Out!!, where high-speed button mashing can be the difference between success and failure.
The Wii Virtual Console is definitely where I'll be using the Tatsunoko vs. Capcom FightStick the most, both for the turbo buttons, and the stick itself. Final Fight 3, the deepest (and most underrated) game in the series, makes good use of both Street Fighter-style controller moves and rapid-fire attacks. I had a hell of a time pulling off Guy's super (which calls for a reverse hadouken motion after a grab) with the Classic Controller, but I can throw it out no problem with the Fightstick.
The proof that this stick is the real deal is the way it makes Fighting Street(the TurboGrafx-CD port of the original Street Fighter) actually playable. Out of all the Street Fighter games, Fighting Street is undeniably the most unforgiving when it comes to special move inputs. If you don't do your hadouken or shoryuken motion at the exact right speed while pressing the button at the exact right time, you're screwed. It's nearly impossible to pull this off with a control pad, but with a stick, it can happen with enough practice. There is no way you're getting to Sagat without a hadouken, and there's no way you're getting a hadouken out without a stick.
I haven't tried to mod the stick yet, but I did open it up to take a look. It's definitely harder to access the buttons from the inside than it is with Hori's Wii-compatible fight stick. Hopefully I won't need to replace any of the buttons anytime soon. They definitely feel better than the buttons on the Hori stick, though they are a bit noisy. If you play your fighters in a common area of your home, you may get some complaints from those you share a space with. Hit these buttons hard, and you're going to get some pretty loud clicking.
As a fan of older games and fighting games, the Tatsunoko vs. Capcom FightStick is a perfect fit. Like I said, I'll be utilizing it with Virtual Console games more than with fighters, but that's only if the Wii's selection of 2D fighting games remains as limited as it is now. At $80, you better be sure that you're going to get a lot of use out of this thing. It obviously wouldn't be worth the money for someone who doesn't play stick-friendly games more than a few hours a week. Still, it's worth mentioning that this stick isn't just for fighting game fans. Anyone with an appreciation for that old arcade feel, something that's all but dead in modern gaming, will get some fun out of this controller.
Jonathan Holmes is the most lovable Associate Editor on Destructoid. Catch him on videos, original editorials, and on back episodes of the Destructoid Show and MTV's Road Rules. Jonathan is a retro gamer's gamer.
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This stick is much easier to mod than the Hori. The buttons on the Hori are soldered whereas those on the TvC stick are quick disconnect. I like the stock Mad Catz stick which uses Omron switches just like Sanwa sticks but the MC stick is a bit stiffer. It's a good stick as is and a wonderful stick when the buttons are modded.
I only play with my York fight stick. However it seems it was the only one for miles because I can't find another fightstick. So if I find one of these I am definstely picking this up. The Hori fightstick doesn't work with Smash bros also since it works as a d pad.
@ The Average Guy- Yeah, set the stick to left analog ("LS" on the stick near the turbo lights) and it should work with Brawl.
I actually got it to work with No More Heroes 2 as well. I just had to switch the stick functionality between left stick, d-pad, and right stick on the fly for dodging and switching weapons. I wouldn't recommend seriously playing that game like that, but it technically worked.
@ Nilcam- Good to hear about the easy modding. I wonder if I'll ever have the guts (that you clearly posses) and go for some custom buttons one of these days...
Great review! Unfortunately being a poor college student has delayed my purchase of both this and TVC, but I intend to remedy this soon. Then I'm coming for you, Holmes. :)
@ The Average Guy- Prepare to kick my ass, because I loce in TvC constantly. I'm too stubborn to main anyone else but Frank West, and I'm not skilled enough to use him (he's very technical).
It's still a really fun game though, even when you lose. That's the true hallmark of an awesome game.
@ The Average Guy- Whew! For a second I was worried that I lied.
@ Kabuto Dew- I don't have the SF4 stick. What's a "square gate"?
@ Reien- Thanks! I used to love all those sticks, but now that I play most of my SNES and TG-16 games on the Wii, I could use them. In that way, it really felt like they were "passing the torch" to the TvC stick.
There's a gate(restrictor plate) under the stick it's either round,octagonal,or square. The square one that was on the sf4 stick made my inputs feel really choppy and was my main complaint with it so I was wondering if they changed that
@Superdance14-I don't thing thats even possible. I mean you MIGHT get it to connect (a wiimote uses Bluetooth) but I don't think it will work since the controllers send diffrent signals (or something along those lines).
It's a shame they don't have a TE version of this stick (with Sanwa parts) like they do for 360 and PS3, or else I'd be all over it. Then again, I suppose it would be a niche product for an already niche market (Wii fighting game fans).
I've already got a fight stick for the Gamecube, but SNK very stupidly decided not to have Samurai Shodown Anthology work with Gamecube controllers. Seriously - what a freaking blunder.
@Superdance14: Buy a PS2 stick and then a PS2>Wii or PS2>Gamecube adapter and an Inpin PS2>PS3 adapter or build or mod your own stick with an MC Cthulhu PCB. I'm working on one that I'm detailing in my Cblog.
Not as good as my PS3 Tourney Edition stick (and frankly I don't believe that the Wii needs a Tourney Edition stick) but this is a great peripheral regardless. Just wish I had more time between school to use it... Currently only use it with TvC but do plan on getting Metal Slug, Samurai Shodown, and GGXX: Accent Core Plus in the future.
The Gate is basically the hole the joystick resides in. Most of the fight sticks made by Mad Catz use square gates, best for blocking low and up-right/up-left moves. tsk tsk, and i thought you knew! :P
I haven't picked up this stick (or the game for that matter) yet, since I'm not in a good financial situation to run around buying game stuff at the moment. I've got the 360 Fightstick, and I wanted to get this one, but... Money.
I can already see one big problem with using the stick for VC titles, though, and that's the button layout. Since VC games don't let you reassign buttons, you're basically stuck with the layout on the stick. It's fine for the two-button systems, but it looks like it'll be awkward for most SNES, Genesis, and NeoGeo games.
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Contest:
6:00 PM on 02.16.2010 | 
Anyways, this game makes TvC that much better. It feel so natural, even though I almost never play at an actual arcade.
I actually got it to work with No More Heroes 2 as well. I just had to switch the stick functionality between left stick, d-pad, and right stick on the fly for dodging and switching weapons. I wouldn't recommend seriously playing that game like that, but it technically worked.
@ Nilcam- Good to hear about the easy modding. I wonder if I'll ever have the guts (that you clearly posses) and go for some custom buttons one of these days...
It's still a really fun game though, even when you lose. That's the true hallmark of an awesome game.
@ The Average Guy- Whew! For a second I was worried that I lied.
@ Kabuto Dew- I don't have the SF4 stick. What's a "square gate"?
@ Reien- Thanks! I used to love all those sticks, but now that I play most of my SNES and TG-16 games on the Wii, I could use them. In that way, it really felt like they were "passing the torch" to the TvC stick.
I've already got a fight stick for the Gamecube, but SNK very stupidly decided not to have Samurai Shodown Anthology work with Gamecube controllers. Seriously - what a freaking blunder.
It basically works with any classic controller compatible Wii games that doesn't require simultaneous use of both analog sticks.
Alright, thanks for clearing that up.
I can already see one big problem with using the stick for VC titles, though, and that's the button layout. Since VC games don't let you reassign buttons, you're basically stuck with the layout on the stick. It's fine for the two-button systems, but it looks like it'll be awkward for most SNES, Genesis, and NeoGeo games.
Kim Kardashian, one of the world¡¯s most popular actresses and models, wore a platinum cuff with engagement rings . These diamonds weighed around 80 carats. She posed with matching diamond earrings (15 carats) and there was also a platinum and diamond pinky ring which weighed 8 carats. Platinum and diamond hair pins made her look even more gorgeous.
Emily Blunt was spotted with a silver jewellery , bangle, flower hair pin and diamond studded earrings. All the jewellery had platinum and diamond in it. She also showed off her diamond engagement ring and wedding band.
Lea Michele was looking outstanding with a multi-coloured mesh diamond necklace. She also wore two champagne and platinum fashion jewellery . Her diamond earrings weighed about 10 carats.
Apart from these celebrities, Kelly Osbourne was also present at the Los Angeles event. She wore a pair of earrings which had [url=http://www.besttiffany4u.com/Tiffany-CO-1837-Collection-Open-Ring-products-108.html ]gold wedding rings[/url] . These stones weighed around 14 carats. Her platinum bracelets also had black and white diamonds.
he musician is quite clear that he is in no hurry to get married ¨C in fact to ever get married again. He will be turning 60 in a few months and though he is in a relationship with Dana Tyler, an American newsreader, his previous marriages seem to have made him wary of walking down that aisle again. He met claddagh ring when she interviewed him and now they are a couple.
To think that a man who has penned the most incredible love songs can feel this way is a bit surprising but that¡¯s how it is. Some of his songs really do bring a tear to the eye but in real life, he feels he is grumpy and not really cut out for marriage necklaces . This, in spite of the fact that all three ex-wives seem to be on amicable terms with him and they even go out together.
The first one was Andrea, who was with him in drama school, the second was Jill, who was with him for twelve years and the third was Orianne who was a good twenty two years younger birthday gifts than him. The good thing is, he makes so much that he doesn¡¯t have to worry about the money so he can keep getting married, again and again.
Kolkata, Oct 3, 3010 (Calcutta Tube/IBNS): Madhu Neotia, wife of industrialist Harshvardhan Neotia,cufflinks inaugurated an exhibition on custom jewellery-Opulence- here on Friday.
The gold and silver jewellery gold earrings emblemed in Jaipur gharana style were studded with precious and semi- precious stones and the designs are a mix of oriental and western antique finish.
On the occasion, Madhu said: ¡°All the jewellery are hand crafted. Gold- diamond jewellery, silversilver necklace , textured on Jaipur gharana style is a splendid piece of art. Young girls will like, as a lot of natural element were used to give it a creative feel. I am sure it will get good response. As the creation are all custom made and very elegant indeed.¡±
Rio Tinto¡¯s diamonds come from the Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia and are known for their optimum quality and pretty well known in the haute couture circles. They have now entered the mainland Chinese market with the official unveiling of a contemporary fashion jewellery collection and a unique bracelet encrusted kookaburra. Chow Tai Fook, China¡¯s leading diamond jewellery retailer has teamed up with Rio Tinto diamonds and an opulent event was organized to celebrate the new partnership.
The Peng Peng comes with 20,000 diamonds encrusted in it and could be one of the most opulent objets d¡¯arts ever created. The little birdie which brought the news to us was not able to confirm the price of this monstrously elegant piece. Rio Tinto¡¯s Argyle Diamond Mine bangles also has the reputation of being the world¡¯s largest producer of natural coloured diamonds. So what are you waiting for?
Murari and Co.¡¯s ornate diamond choker with strands of diamonds draped over one shoulder; National School of Design¡¯s large funnel shaped wired 3D motifs on a huge necklace; Rhea Nasta¡¯s long strands of diamonds gliding down the center of a delicate necklace; Rosily Paul¡¯s diagonal asymmetric thin curved strands for a Tiffany Money Clips necklace; Sangam Chains¡¯ antique gold red tasseled armor necklace with gems and matching tasseled earrings; Sawansukha Jewellers¡¯ rolled antique gold necklace with diamond pendant tucked in the center and a dramatic back ending; Surana Gems¡¯ rose motif,Tiffany 1837 cuff, nose ring and dome shaped ring, armlet and a U shaped molded diamond necklace; Timond¡¯s tiny floral diamonds on a thin multi-chain necklace; Varuna D Jani¡¯s wide emerald and diamond necklace with three pronged pendants and matching earrings; Zoya by Tanishq¡¯s broad pear shaped diamond earrings with a matching circular and cuff.
The show revealed the country¡¯s leadership in the diamond manufacturing sector of India,shop for Tiffany Pendants , with the vast range of jewelry making a brilliant impact on the national and international visitors who included a sizeable number from Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East-Gulf region, he told Arab News in an online interview. India, which according to the World Gold Council alone consumes 45 to 50 percent of the global gold production, is showcasing its vast array of jewelry at some of the upcoming expos including Jewellery Arabia 2010 in Bahrain from Nov. 23-27.
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