is this game worth playing with a regular controller? i want to get it but dont want to have to spend a ton of money on a joystick.

If you are going to play the game casually (and not online), I guess you could use the standard controller. Almost everyone I know uses a joystick though, because it is easier to play with.

what about the mad catz fightpad?

Dude, don't believe the lies. You do not need a joystick to play this game online. I'm playing on a 360 pad and kicking ass with Dan.

I do fairly well with the 360 controller too, but maybe that's because I used to play SF with a controller rather than a Joystick, since I never played on an arcade machine.

You don't need fancy sticks or pads, it all comes down to preference

Don't even worry about it, man.  Get the game and if you learn on the 360 controller, than you're going to play fine online.  I feel like I'm getting plenty out of the game with just the standard controller, but a lot of it has to do with preference.  I might someday get a Fightpad, but I personally don't see the point at the moment.

It's fine with a controller, I've always used a controller for my fighters. A stick takes a while to get used to, I just recently got a stick and still feel more comfortable with a controller. You do not NEED a stick to play SFIV or any other fighter, just use what your used to.

most people just WANT a fightstick, but the fact is most of us don't NEED one. This ain't guitar hero or DDR where you HAVE to buy new shit to get full enjoyment of the game. This is like mouse and keyboard versus controller for shooters all over again; just pick one and stick with it.

I own a Hori EX2 and I actually prefer playing this game with my regular controller...I think the game works well with a regular controller for the most part. You may not be able to play at the level of someone who own a fancy stick, but someone who owns an expensive ass stick just for this game is probably a nutbar :P

It takes some time getting used to it, till then just use Ken, Ryu, or even Zangief+LB.