D-Pad all the way. I only really play analog in fully 3D games I guess, but for old school and classic games I stick to D-Pad. Platformers, survival horror, fighting games, classic.

I know I grew up with the Dpad, but even when I'm playing a retro game, I use the analog stick now. I don't know why. It just feels better to me. Maybe the Dpad is better for those, but it just doesn't feel right.  

You know my answer based on what I've said about nting to replay shovel knight just to use ps4 d pad. 

Honestly, I even tend to get more consistent input from it in 2d fighters, depending on the characters.

I will say strider on ps4 still felt good using analogue stick to move, and it doesn't feel out of place in 2d games, but i still prefer d pad for old l stuff. I can definitely see where snee is  from though. Sometimes i feel better switching it up.

I can't remember the last time I used the d-pad on my Xbox or PS controller. Maybe I used it for menus in something recently, definitely not in place of the stick though. 

I prefer D-pad with 2-D  games, although I'm not a fan of D-pads on controllers like the Dreamcast's and 360's.  It took me a while to get used to D-pads, though.  When I was a kid I had to get the NES Advantage joystick because I was so used to playing that way in arcades.

Also I'd like to encourage you to read my newest blog, as I talked about Stardew Valley for a bit and I think I remembered you were into that game.

D-Pad all the way, preferably with a PS4/Wii U Gamepad layout where it's right where my thumb is. Don't like it as much on Xbox/Switch where I have to reach down to use it. 

D-Pad. Its more how it feels to me while playing those games. I'm trying to use the joysticks as well but it doesn't feel "right" to me.