Is it possible to set up an emulator to play the game with the controller

i've been playing it, out the box with my xbox360 controller. didn't have to do a thing.

but as with everything else in this game, good luck with that, because they didn't bother mapping the keyboard keys to controller symbols. so, even /if/ you start playing with the controller, you have to figure out which button does what.

[for the sake of reference, my xbox360 controller's a wired one, not a wireless one. i /could/ try my ps2 controller and that might make this better, but i get the feeling i still won't know which buttons do what without exploring, myself. and good luck with "combos."]

I use a wired one myself with PC games. Considering that this game came out in 2004 I don't think it is possible to find a mapping reference anywhere. What are the base actions on the 360 controller?

here's the thing: it doesn't matter.

for most of the game, as long as you're hitting a, you'll probably be ok. it's...not a very good game.

i'd also advise keeping your keyboard handy, because i haven't figured out what the "supers" are mapped to. [supers are moves that charge up over time and that deal lots of damage to everything near you.] - you get a team super [everyone joins in] and a solo super [for your guy you're currently controlling.]

apart from that, assuming the diagram i've pasted below:

http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130217165529/residentevil/images/b/b3/Xbox_360_controller_diagram.png

a: hits things.
b: kicks things
y and x may as well not exist.
right bumper and a: shoot things at range [useful with the mage.] hold it down for a charge. again. good luck with not getting overwhelmed by guys while charging your attack. this is SUPER USEFUL on the spider level. [you'll know it when you see it.]
the right stick doesn't exist as far as the game's concerned.
the d-pad changes characters.
the left stick moves you around.
the left bumper allows you to shield.

you'll need the keyboard for...q? i think it is. and t? or something, i forget.
they didn't bother mapping the supers to actual non-keyboard commands, and occasionally, you might need these to clear out guys so more guys can come at you.

apologies if i have missed something important, here. i'm doing this from memory.

the conclusion i am swiftly coming to with demon stone?
"the only winning move is not to play."

You either had some issues in your controller or you didn't experiment enough. Here's how it works for an Xbox controller:

A: Basic attack
B: Melee attack
Y: Special attack*
X: Coup de grace (finishes off knocked down enemies)**
RB+A: Ranged attack/ability
RB+B: Ranged attack/ability 2
LB: Block
BACK: Super attack***
START: Call teammate help****
D-PAD: Change characters
Press LEFT STICK: Team super attack*****

*Only after you've acquired the ability, of course
**Only after you've acquired the ability to knock them down
*** Only usable when your meter is full (the white background in the character portrait) and your hero's gem is shining
**** Spends meter
***** Only when all three heroes' gems are shining

Also, as you level up and purchase abilities, you get combos (A, B, A; A, B, B; etc.), ripostes, stand-up attacks, etc. It can be much more that simple button mashing, and much more fun than that.

I have a PS4 controller & Retro Flag controller and a 8bitdo (on the way)

any of those work as well?