If you haven’t heard, EightArc is the new kid on the block when it comes to the arcade stick market. In this review I take a look at their dual-modded stick (works on Xbox360/PS3/PC), the EightArc Fusion. FYI, yesterday EightArc also announced the Fusion Sapphire and Fusion Ivory variations of this stick as well. The major difference in the Sapphire version is that it is limited edition and comes with Seimitsu stick/buttons as opposed to Sanwa stick/buttons. Will probably do more of these in the future so please check out the review and leave some feedback with comments/criticism:
Comments
14 responses to “EightArc Fusion Premium Tournament Joystick Review”
nice review. Is Sapphire transparent?
Ordered the Sapphire two days ago, would I notice any difference between the Sanwa parts vs the Seimitsu parts?
It depends on how much you’ve played on Japanese sticks. My first time using a seimitsu stick I knew something was different but I couldn’t figure out what it was. Generally, people will tell you it has a tighter spring and shorter throw (returns to neutral faster and takes less movement to activate a direction). The model EightArc used on the Sapphire is close to a Sanwa stick though. Button wise – seimitsu buttons are less sensitive than Sanwa buttons.
Thanks for the follow up, I shouldnt know any difference since this is my first stick really, have not used one since early 2000’s when you could actually find an arcade still.
hey rip, when and why did you change from pad to stick?
I grew up playing on sticks in arcades until Tekken 5.0 – at home though was always pad until the end of DR. I still play on pad for tournament but I started really trying to learn stick during DR for SBO tournaments. Then throughout Tekken 6.0 / BR at the arcade we had no pad ports at the arcade, so I spent those years on stick. At this point, I have different things I can do better on one or the other but prefer pad for most tournament matchups because I can move and block faster on it.
Great Production values as always.
One thing though, you mentioned how an advantage of Eight Arc was the space it offered to the left of the stick for your hand and the exta space on the right side extreme end as well. I’m curious as to why no one ever mentions the space between the stick and the buttons? I guess I’m just used to the T6 Hori HRAP3 and I find the cramped layout of the Qanba, VLX, and to a slight extent, the TE (which the 8arc is emulating) really frustrating.
I mean, what’s the point of the extra space on the extreme right end, might as well move the buttons further right to avoid the cramped feeling.
I actually made a small mention that the space between the stick and the buttons is slightly more than the TE stick. However it’s barely noticable so I didn’t put a lot of emphasis on it. I personally have never really felt cramped, but I have heard a lot of people complain about this. I believe the upcoming Soul Calibur 5 sticks are based off the NOIR cabinet and should have more space between the stick and buttons.
Hey rip, thanks for the review and all the effort — keep up the good work.
I’ve been considering purchasing a stick, so I would like to know if you recommend eightarc as an “entry level” stick. Also which other sticks would you recommend on that price range of $100-150?
pretty cool stuff,i really like the color of it,wonder if it is easier to use then Hori Wireless Fighting Stick 3?
Man this thing looks awesome.
The EightArc looks alright. I prefer Qanba Q4 over this any day though.
Great review! This is somehting Id definitely prefer the the Qanba q4, that start button just looks awkward to me. And the dual mod? no one can beat that.
Thanks for doing giveaways 🙂