Who else isn't total confident when using analog sticks?

[Haruspex]

I first started using analog sticks on PS1 when i got my DualShock. If you remember back in the 32/64 bit days, most of the games had an option if you want to use the d-pad or the left analog stick and also few games back then used the right analog stick.

I almost always used the d-pad instead of the left analog stick, and never had a problem with it.

Then the PS2 came and perhaps only in the first titles you can use the d-pad, and right now the d-pad is a shortcut for your weapons and your mobile phone.

Also even in racing games i prefer the d-pad instead of the left analog stick and no way i am going to use the right analog stick for acceleration/deceleration. Although i like the 360/PS3 analog triggers for acceleration/deceleration and i prefer them over the A/X or X/Square buttons.

Of course i don't have a problem using analog sticks in most modern games, as long it's only for movement of my character and the camera control. I don't think for example that i can do better in Gears Of War if i replace the analog sticks with two d-pads (quality Nintendo's/Sega's or even Sony's d-pads of course and not the 360 d-pad) although i don't think i will have a problem in God of War for example if i had the ability to use the d-pad instead of analog.

But games like Skate, Fight Night, NBA 2K9, FIFA 09 for example that you move the right analog stick in different directions to execute tricks/punches etc. sorry but i can't do that reliably, especially when i am under pressure.

[the7k]

I guess I haven't played many games where the analog stick is used for more than movement and camera work.

I know that, with 2D fighters, I hate using the PlayStation analog stick more than I hate using the d-pad. I remember when I was playing SFIV on display, for some moves I had to use the d-pad and others the analog stick (mainly, Fei Long's back-down-forward-slighly-up-kick move; I just couldn't get it to register with the d-pad), but I always hated having to use that analog stick. I just didn't feel in control.

[jfrost]

Me. I feel like a dumbass when I'm trying to pull off a move in Pro Evolution Soccer and I can't move both analogs at the same time. It still feels weird for me to play games with no digital suport at all. For example, if I leave the controller for some minutes while I'm playing Devil May Cry, when I pick it up again, I'll instinctively try to press the digital arrows to run.

[alexandre]

When I play Street Fighter or some plataform games, I CAN'T use the analog. I just CAN'T.

[Niode]

For fighting games it's obvious not to use the analogue. Since every one of these games were designed for digital controls. Using the analogue stick is just retarded.

I have no problem with using the analogue stick on any game. I've been using analogue sticks since they first hit the mainstream on the N64. I took to it like a duck to water so to say. For 3D games theres no better control than pure relative analogue motion. I can't stand tank controls thats just stupid, especially in games where the camera isn't stationary.

Some games are made for analogue controls some aren't. If you haven't grasped analogue control by now then you've either been living under a rock for the last 10 years or you have some sort of dexterity problem.

Or you could've been playing nothing but fighting/shmup games. Which I can just about forgive. Only just though.

[jfrost]

Since only recently I've been able to buy a console, relying before that on emulation (playing with a keyboard), it's safe to say I've been living under a rock for the last 10 years.

Sure, there are games well suited to the use of analogs, but OP seemed to be talking about in-game movements you have to use the analog sticks to execute. In Pro Evo Soccer, you have to move with one stick and do the trickery with the other, it's kinda difficult. But to use one analog to move and the other to rotate the camera is fine.

By the way, I feel that I'm actually better in shmups when using the analog. After some time, my finger gets tired when using the d-pad.

[Haruspex]

OP seemed to be talking about in-game movements you have to use the analog sticks to execute. In Pro Evo Soccer, you have to move with one stick and do the trickery with the other, it's kinda difficult. But to use one analog to move and the other to rotate the camera is fine.

Exactly this. Also in PES since you mention it, i always play with the d-pad to move the player instead of the left analog stick.

I like to dribble a lot instead of playing a passing game and only the d-pad can give me the accuracy and response i want, especially when i am dribbling inside the penalty area with Messi

[Niode]

I haven't played a PES game since it was called ISS.

[Jrecee]

Haven't had much problem with analog sticks for most games. But god is the playstation dpad horrible.

[MrPopo]

The Playstation D-pad isn't all that bad. Ever try to use the 360 one? I get misfires when trying to navigate menus in an RPG. That's just depressing.