Gamepad Q and Freestyle...

[Batman]

The other day I got NBA Live 2003 for my PC and have some questions.

First of all, I never play console games and am not adjusted to the "bulkier" controllers, and rarely ever used a thumbpad. For all previous PC Live games I used the d-pad (Microsoft Sidewinder) exclusively, and never had any problems.

Now I have to get new pads because the ones I have are old and non-USB, as well as lacking analog.

I COULD get away without the thumbpad if I don't need to use the freestyle action--so how necessary is freestyle in Live 2003? Is it like an "optional" way to play the game, or is it integral to winning (against both CPU and human players)?? I only play in Superstar mode btw.

Assuming freestyle mode is important, is it possible to use a pad with only one analog pad? Because if I use a d-pad for movement, I could use the one analog for freestyle (or not??) Anyway, I read up on the Wingman Rumblepad Cordless but read that it was quite "bulky" and that the d-pad was unresponsive, so this only becomes more complex now.

What would be the best pad for me, overall? To the best of my knowledge there is no Sidewinder that has analog support, and I insist on getting a pad that has six buttons on the top as opposed to the usual console format that has just 4. Some help please?? email or here is fine

[Andrew]

You'll need a gamepad with two analog sticks to use Freestyle.

You don't have to use Freestyle to play NBA Live 2003, but it does make things considerably easier (raising arms on defense, having control over the crossover you execute). It's not vital to play the game, but it really is a lot more enjoyable if you do use it.

As for the types of gamepads...check out this thread.

As usual, I'll plug the Thrustmaster Firestorm Dual Analog. The advance of this pad is that you can switch between digital and analog mode by pressing a button on the gamepad. This means you can use the right analog stick for freestyle and the D-Pad for movement, instead of using the left-stick for movement. However, you won't be able to use Quick Plays if you do this.

[Colin]

You'll need a gamepad with two analog sticks to use Freestyle.

Not with my Wingman Rumblepad Cordless. I use the D-Pad for movement (because I hate using analog for that, I seriously hated those old N64's because of it) and the right analog for freestyle. Although it only works when the "mode" light is red. Check the thread that andrew posted.

[Andrew]

True, you can do that with the Thrustmaster, switch between digital (D-Pad) and analog mode. But you still need a gamepad with two analog sticks to do that - that's what I meant.

[MaD_hAND1e]

Thrustmaster supporter~~!

[Andrew]

Yes, best $70 I ever spent. Well, a candidate for the best $70 I ever spent in any event.