Three-Button-Friendly Games (TBFG FAQ)

[esteban]

Hey folks!   I would love your help re-creating a mini-FAQ for three-button-friendly games. Thanks in advance, you bastages 

The back story: A long time ago, at the magicengine forum, I was compiling a list of games that benefitted from the three-button pad.
Unfortunately, the magicengine forums crashed and we lost ~2+ years worth of conversation (apparently, back-ups were infrequent).

Three-Button-Friendly Games (TBFG* FAQ)

AVENUE Pad 3 (NAPD-1001) (NEC AVENUE)	PC BLASTER (ACP-01) (シュールド・ウェーブ/タケル)	*Yes, "TBFG" sounds ludicrous.

Raison d'être: Three-button pads can re-map SELECT or RUN to BUTTON III. For certain games (such as Forgotten Worlds), using BUTTON III can make it easier to play (less awkward than using SELECT or RUN). For most games, however, the "benefit" of re-mapping is dubious, at best. Often, using SELECT or RUN is not awkward and therefore does not hinder gameplay. NONETHELESS, this FAQ lists all the games that could conceivably benefit from BUTTON III. These "three-button-friendly games" give Avenue Pad3 its raison d'être! Yes, you can use button III to adjust thruster speed (Blazing Lazers, Soldier series, Cybercore), activate special weapons (flamethrower/grenades in Bloody Wolf), and toggle maps/status screens (sundry RPG's).

Please follow this format for submissions:

• (1) GAME TITLE:
• (2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Select) or (Run)
• (3) Function of (Select) or (Run):
• (4) Optional, but greatly appreciated... COMMENTS/ADVICE! (i.e. Share any tactics/strategy concerning III/Select/Run you use in game)
• (5) Optional, but greatly appreciated... SCREENSHOTS! (e.g. title screen, button III in action, interesting/rarely documented moments in game, etc.)

Please make corrections! Contribute ADDITIONAL info/screenshots!



Afterburner II

• MAP BUTTON III TO: RUN
• Function of (Run): Afterburners
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: Double-tap to engage.
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Air Zonk

• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (Select): Fires rear thrusters to damage enemmies behind you.
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Akumajō Dracula X: Chi no Rondo

• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (Select): Item Crash
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Barunba

• MAP BUTTON III TO: RUN
• Function of (Run): Rotate cannons counter-clockwise
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Battle Royale

• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (Select): Perform special moves by pressing RIGHT/LEFT on direction pad + SELECT
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: "You die!"
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Blazing Lazers (GunHed)

• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (Select): Adjust speed of ship (cycle through 4 thruster levels)
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Bloody Wolf

• MAP BUTTON III TO: RUN
• Function of (Run): Special Weapons (grenades/flash bombs/flamethrower) & dismounting from motorcycle.
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Burai (HASAGYAKU NO YUSHI DENSETSU)

• 
• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (Select): Brings up status screen (see below).
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• 

Cyber Core

• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (Select): Adjust speed of ship (4? thruster levels)
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Download

• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (Select): Adjust speed of ship (4 thruster levels)
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Dragon's Curse

• MAP BUTTON III TO: RUN
• Function of (RUN): Inventory Screen
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Exile

• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (Select): Menu
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: "There is more than one way to access a menu." --colloquial saying
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Final Match Tennis

• MAP BUTTON III TO: RUN
• Function of (Run): Lob
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Final Soldier

• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (Select): Adjust speed of ship (cycle through 3 thruster levels)
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Forgotten Worlds

• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (Select): Rotates character counter-clockwise.
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Gate of Thunder

• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (Select): Adjust speed of ship (cycle through 3 thruster levels)
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Golden Axe

• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (Select): Special Attack (Magic Spell)
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Gradius II

• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (Select): Shoot/Bomb/Power-up
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: Go to "Options" menu to configure buttons.
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

John Madden Football

• MAP BUTTON III TO: RUN
• Function of (Run): Passing
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Legendary Axe 2

• MAP BUTTON III TO: RUN
• Function of (RUN): Special attack (bombs)
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Martial Champion

• MAP BUTTON III TO: RUN
• Function of (RUN): High Attack
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Metamor Jupiter

• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (SELECT): Morph ship form  (3 forms)
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Neutopia

• MAP BUTTON III TO: RUN
• Function of (RUN): Inventory Screen
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Popful Mail

• MAP BUTTON III TO: RUN
• Function of (RUN): Menu Screen
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: Saving yourself the extra moment to access healing can save your hide during the action.
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Riot Zone

• MAP BUTTON III TO: RUN
• Function of (RUN): Desperation Move
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

SideArms

• MAP BUTTON III TO: RUN
• Function of (RUN): Brings up WEAPON SELECT menu.
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Soldier Blade

• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (Select): Adjust speed of ship (cycle through 2 thruster levels)
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Spriggan mk2

• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (Select): Toggles between weapons (in sequential order).
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Street Fighter II'

• MAP BUTTON III TO: RUN
• Function of (Run): 3rd kick or punch attack.
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: (+) Better than using just the RUN button. (-) Still much worse than using a real 6-Button pad.
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Super Star Soldier

• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (Select): Adjust speed of ship (cycle through 3 thruster levels)
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Turrican

• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (Select): Switches/selects special weapons.
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: Handy in heated situations...
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Valis III

• MAP BUTTON III TO: RUN
• Function of (RUN): Change character
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: Cycle through 3 playable characters--Yuko, Char, Varna--with different abilities.
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

Ys III

• MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
• Function of (SELECT): Brings up MENU screen
• COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
• SCREENSHOTS: ???

[termis]

I'll start - I just loaded up this game today, (and man, I'm not sure what to do... I'll be posting about this game in another thread)

* (1) Burai


* (2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Select)
* (3) Brings up status screen as seen below

[Tatsujin]

GAME TITLE: Street Fighter II'
MAP BUTTON III TO: Run
Function of Run: 3rd kick or punch attack
COMMENTS/ADVICE: Pro: Better than using just the Run button. Contra: still much worse than using a real 6-Button pad
SCREENSHOTS: None

[SignOfZeta]

Burai...? How does Burai uniquely benefit from the 3 button pad? Do you have to constantly hit Select rapid fire or something?

I think the point of this thread is to name a game where you need to hit one of the tiny rubber buttons so often or rapidly that it would be better off as a larger plastic one.

[termis]

Burai...? How does Burai uniquely benefit from the 3 button pad? Do you have to constantly hit Select rapid fire or something?

I think the point of this thread is to name a game where you need to hit one of the tiny rubber buttons so often or rapidly that it would be better off as a larger plastic one.

Meh, in that case, nevermind.   Just figured a game where a "select" button does something was part of it.

[esteban]

Burai...? How does Burai uniquely benefit from the 3 button pad? Do you have to constantly hit Select rapid fire or something?
I think the point of this thread is to name a game where you need to hit one of the tiny rubber buttons so often or rapidly that it would be better off as a larger plastic one.

Meh, in that case, nevermind.   Just figured a game where a "select" button does something was part of it.

Don't be so quick to dismiss your contribution.

I want to be ridiculously meticulous. Don't forget, I'm trying to justify the existence of the three-button pads!

ZETA: If the list becomes over-run with RPG's (to activate maps/status screens), I'll simply split it into two lists: RPG's and non-RPG's. Of course, I now expect you to find all the games where button III is CRUCIAL

GAME TITLE: Street Fighter II'
MAP BUTTON III TO: Run
Function of Run: 3rd kick or punch attack
COMMENTS/ADVICE: Pro: Better than using just the Run button. Contra: still much worse than using a real 6-Button pad
SCREENSHOTS: None

Thank you.

[nat]

So GunHed up there should say Map to: SELECT for changing ship speeds. Same with all the -Solider games.

[esteban]

So GunHed up there should say Map to: SELECT for changing ship speeds. Same with all the -Solider games.

Thanks. How many thruster speeds are available for each game? Cybercore also allows this. This is an open question to all

[nat]

GunHed: four speeds
Super Star Soldier: three speeds
Final Soldier: three speeds
Soldier Blade: two speeds

[esteban]

GunHed: four speeds
Super Star Soldier: three speeds
Final Soldier: three speeds
Soldier Blade: two speeds

Side note: am I the only one who was ever excited by this topic? Where's CrackTiger when you need him. I thought there would be more folks helping me

[esteban]

Akumajō Dracula X: Chi no Rondo

    * MAP BUTTON III TO: SELECT
    * Function of (Select): Item Crash
    * COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
    * SCREENSHOTS: ???

[shubibiman]

Final Match Tennis

    * MAP BUTTON III TO: RUN
    * Function of (Select): Lob
    * COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
    * SCREENSHOTS: ???

[esteban]

Final Match Tennis

    * MAP BUTTON III TO: RUN
    * Function of (Select): Lob
    * COMMENTS/ADVICE: ???
    * SCREENSHOTS: ???

Yay!

[Arkhan Asylum]

I LOVE THE AVE. 3 PAD.

yeah!

[guyjin]

    (1) GAME TITLE: Valis III
    (2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Run)
    (3) Function of (Run): change character

[esteban]

(1) GAME TITLE: Valis III
    (2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Run)
    (3) Function of (Run): change character

Thank you guyjin!

What are the characters names? Char, Yuko and Varna? My memory is failing me. I love to put all those details in, though .

[PunkCryborg]

Barunba is playable with the third button, you use it to rotate the gun which is a pain to do with a 2 button controller.

[esteban]

Barunba is playable with the third button, you use it to rotate the gun which is a pain to do with a 2 button controller.

Awesome. Is it the SELECT or START button that rotates the gun?

Thanks elabit  .

[esteban]

Bump, you bastards.

I care about this, goddammit.

I need clarification for Barunba (see prior post).

Also, someone mentioned Ys III (inventory/map?) in a separate thread.

Thanks in advance.

[Obfuscate]

John Madden Football, 3rd button as Run for passing.

[esteban]

John Madden Football, 3rd button as Run for passing.

Yes!

[Kaijuboy]

Bump, you bastards.

I care about this, goddammit.

I need clarification for Barunba (see prior post).

Thanks in advance.

You're not alone! I care too!   

Barunba uses RUN to rotate your guns counter-clockwise.

[Kaijuboy]

(1) GAME TITLE: Afterburner 2
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Run)
(3) Function: Afterburners
(4) COMMENTS/ADVICE: double-tap to engage


(1) GAME TITLE: Download
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Select)
(3) Function: Speed adjust (4 levels)


(1) GAME TITLE: Dragon's Curse
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO:(Run)
(3) Function: Inventory screen


(1) GAME TITLE: Neutopia
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Run)
(3) Function: Inventory screen


More to come...  

[esteban]

Now we are talking!!!!!

I'll update the website and original post tonight

Keep 'em coming!

[esteban]

John Madden Football, 3rd button as Run for passing.

Thank you, Obfuscate! Added .

(1) GAME TITLE: Afterburner 2
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Run)
(3) Function: Afterburners
(4) COMMENTS/ADVICE: double-tap to engage


(1) GAME TITLE: Download
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Select)
(3) Function: Speed adjust (4 levels)


(1) GAME TITLE: Dragon's Curse
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO:(Run)
(3) Function: Inventory screen


(1) GAME TITLE: Neutopia
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Run)
(3) Function: Inventory screen


More to come... 

Thank you, Kaijuboy! Added




Can anyone clarify details for:
Ys III
Bloody Wolf

[Kaijuboy]

A few more:

(1) GAME TITLE: Golden Axe
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Select)
(3) Function: Magic Spell

(1) GAME TITLE: Martial Champion
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Run)
(3) Function: High attack

(1) GAME TITLE: MetamorJupitor
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Select)
(3) Function: Morph ship form  (3 forms)

All 3 of these games greatly benefit from a 3 button controller.

More to come... 

[esteban]

A few more:

(1) GAME TITLE: Golden Axe
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Select)
(3) Function: Magic Spell

(1) GAME TITLE: Martial Champion
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Run)
(3) Function: High attack

(1) GAME TITLE: MetamorJupitor
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Select)
(3) Function: Morph ship form  (3 forms)

All 3 of these games greatly benefit from a 3 button controller.

More to come... 

Thank you, Kaijuboy.

TBFG FAQ updated.

[SamIAm]

Hey, there's a 3-button Forgotten Worlds pack at my local shop for 1500 yen. Is that a decent price? I'm thinking of getting it mostly for the controller.

[PunkCryborg]

Hey, there's a 3-button Forgotten Worlds pack at my local shop for 1500 yen. Is that a decent price? I'm thinking of getting it mostly for the controller.

for most of us in the US that is a pretty good price.

Ave 3 pad is the best PCE controller hands down. Everyone wants the Ave6 pads but I use my Ave 3 pad almost exclusively

[esteban]

I have that Forgotten Worlds + Ave 3 pack.

Hey, there's a 3-button Forgotten Worlds pack at my local shop for 1500 yen. Is that a decent price? I'm thinking of getting it mostly for the controller.

for most of us in the US that is a pretty good price.

Ave 3 pad is the best PCE controller hands down. Everyone wants the Ave6 pads but I use my Ave 3 pad almost exclusively

100% agreed about 3-button controller being my main pad...not always the Ave 3, necessarily, but 3-button all the way.



Now, someone help clarify the details for Ys III and Bloody Wolf...

[SamIAm]

for most of us in the US that is a pretty good price.

Ave 3 pad is the best PCE controller hands down. Everyone wants the Ave6 pads but I use my Ave 3 pad almost exclusively

Aweseome. I'll pick it up tomorrow then! Thanks for the advice.

[Kaijuboy]

Now, someone help clarify the details for Ys III and Bloody Wolf...

Cant help with Ys III, as I dont have it yet, but I can clarify Bloody Wolf.  (RUN) is used for grenades and getting on/off motorcycles.

[Kaijuboy]

And a few more...

(1) GAME TITLE: SideArms
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (RUN)
(3) Function: Brings up weapon select menu

(1) GAME TITLE: Spriggan mk2
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Select)
(3) Function: Toggles between weapons (in order)

(1) GAME TITLE: Forgotten Worlds
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Select)
(3) Function: Rotates character counter-clockwise

(1) GAME TITLE: Gate of Thunder
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Select)
(3) Function: Speed adjust (3 levels)

(1) GAME TITLE: Riot Zone
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (RUN)
(3) Function: Desperation  Move

(1) GAME TITLE: Ys 1&2
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Select)
(3) Function: Brings up Menu screen

That does it for me, thats all the games I have that are TBF.  

So, I'll leave you with a GamePro style "Pro-Tip:"  
"Set Button III to RUN and the switch to hold to automatically have slow-motion in ANY* game!"
(*requires game uses RUN for pause, if game uses SELECT, set button III to SELECT instead)
 

[SuperPlay]

Nice update :-)

[Kaijuboy]

Aha!  I have a new one!

(1) GAME TITLE: AirZonk
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (SELECT)
(3) Function: Fires back thrusters to damage things behind you.

 

[Kaijuboy]

No more updates Esteban?  Have we lost all hope in the faq? 

[NecroPhile]

No more updates Esteban?  Have we lost all hope in the faq? 

Sheesh - learn the art of patience and give the guy a chance.

[esteban]

And a few more...

(1) GAME TITLE: SideArms
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (RUN)
(3) Function: Brings up weapon select menu

(1) GAME TITLE: Spriggan mk2
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Select)
(3) Function: Toggles between weapons (in order)

(1) GAME TITLE: Forgotten Worlds
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Select)
(3) Function: Rotates character counter-clockwise

(1) GAME TITLE: Gate of Thunder
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Select)
(3) Function: Speed adjust (3 levels)

(1) GAME TITLE: Riot Zone
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (RUN)
(3) Function: Desperation  Move

(1) GAME TITLE: Ys 1&2
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Select)
(3) Function: Brings up Menu screen

That does it for me, thats all the games I have that are TBF. 

So, I'll leave you with a GamePro style "Pro-Tip:" 
"Set Button III to RUN and the switch to hold to automatically have slow-motion in ANY* game!"
(*requires game uses RUN for pause, if game uses SELECT, set button III to SELECT instead)
 

These + AIR ZONK added .

Thank you kindly.

I still have to put in the "slow-motion" tip (in the intro).

Keep 'em coming. Woohoo.

[SamIAm]

• (1) GAME TITLE: Popful Mail
• (2) MAP BUTTON III TO: Run
• (3) Function of (Run): Brings up menu
• (4) COMMENTS/ADVICE: Saving yourself the extra moment to access healing can save your hide during the action.

[esteban]

• (1) GAME TITLE: Popful Mail
• (2) MAP BUTTON III TO: Run
• (3) Function of (Run): Brings up menu
• (4) COMMENTS/ADVICE: Saving yourself the extra moment to access healing can save your hide during the action.

Added. Thank you!

Keep 'em coming, my friends.

[Kaijuboy]

One more for you:

(1) GAME TITLE: Gradius II
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (SELECT)
(3) Function: Can be assigned in options to be either shoot/bomb/power-up.

[Kaijuboy]

And another:

(1) GAME TITLE: Turrican
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (SELECT)
(3) Function: switches/selects special weapons.

Comes in very handy in heated situations...

[esteban]

Turrican and Gradius II added!

Thank you kindly.

Don't stop.

[Kaijuboy]

Main post still lists Bloody Wolf with a bunch of ????.

Here is the info you seek...

Bloody Wolf:  (RUN) is used for special weapons (grenades/flash bombs/flamethrower) and for getting off motorcycles.

[esteban]

Main post still lists Bloody Wolf with a bunch of ????.

Here is the info you seek...

Bloody Wolf:  (RUN) is used for special weapons (grenades/flash bombs/flamethrower) and for getting off motorcycles.

Hells yes. Thank you. Updated.

[roflmao]

I really want to pick up a 3 button controller. 

[Obfuscate]

I'm kinda disappointed in you Esteban

Battle Royale

Map Button 3 to: Select 
Left or Right on D pad + 3 = Special Move
Comments: You Die

[esteban]

I'm kinda disappointed in you Esteban

Battle Royale

Map Button 3 to: Select 
Left or Right on D pad + 3 = Special Move
Comments: You Die

Hahahhahahhahahahhaa. AWESOME. Thanks Obfuscate.

Updated!

[wilykat]

(1) GAME TITLE: Exile
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Select)
(3) Function of (Select): menu pop up
(4) Optional, but greatly appreciated... COMMENTS/ADVICE! Not much use other than quicker menu access.

[esteban]

(1) GAME TITLE: Exile
(2) MAP BUTTON III TO: (Select)
(3) Function of (Select): menu pop up
(4) Optional, but greatly appreciated... COMMENTS/ADVICE! Not much use other than quicker menu access.

"There is more than one way to access a menu" --colloquial saying

Thank you .