FDX's Review of the Hy OCTA Gamepad

Overview

• Presenter: FDX
• Purpose: Reviewing the Hy OCTA gamepad, the same pad used by Chikin to win Evo Japan.

Motivation and Background

• Chikin switched to a pad because he believed it suited Tekken's close-quarters combat better than a Japanese lever.
• Japanese lever is good for games like Street Fighter but doesn't bounce back quickly enough for Tekken's repetitive neutral movements.
• Tekken emphasizes quick guard and movement techniques.
• Hardware adaptation to playstyle is crucial in competitive gaming.
• Mixed reviews on the Hy OCTA, but its success in a championship warrants a test.

First Impressions and Features

• Mechanical buttons: Super light controller with mechanical switches.
• D-pad: Feels better than DualSense despite being stiff.
• Software: App available for customization; however, sensitivity adjustments seem limited.
• Buttons: L3, R3, L1, L2, R1, and R2 are positioned unusually.
• Additional Features: Small toggles for PS5/PS4/PC modes and menu button locks.
• Weight and Ergonomics: Lightweight and easy to travel with compared to arcade sticks.

Gameplay Experience

Lily Gameplay

• Combos: Quarter circle movements felt intuitive; Korean back dashing decent.
• Button Mapping: New positions required some adjustment.
• Performance: Lily's movement cancels and combos felt manageable; the controller felt quite intuitive.
• Travel and practicality: Easier to carry multiple pads than an arcade stick.

Mishima Gameplay

• Execution: Mishima's forward-forward crouch dash was challenging.
• Micro Switches: Struggled with wave dashing, but Korean back dashing was decent.
• Hand Fatigue: Avoiding hand fatigue is important; this pad might be more tiring initially.
• Performance: Feels good for certain techniques; practice required.

Additional Notes

• Competitiveness: Many American pros use pads (e.g., Joey Fury, Anakin, Cuddlecore), making pads viable for high-level play.
• Tournament Readiness: FDX considering using it post-Evo tournament due to current time constraints for adaptation.
• App and Settings: App allows for button testing and limited customization.

Conclusion

• Pros: Lightweight, competitive viability, customizable, suitable for close-combat gameplay.
• Cons: Steeper learning curve, potential for hand fatigue, limited app functionality.
• Overall Impression: Impressed with the initial performance, considering a more extended trial post-tournament.

Sign-off

• Future Plans: Continue testing post-Evo tournament for a serious adaptation.
• Acknowledgments: Insightful review demonstrating potential for competitive use.

[Music]

Peace!