I played a bit more of JFG and finished the SS Anubis level with all but two of the Tribals. I literally just realised, as I looked up the spelling of the level, that it's Anubis not Annubus (like a-new-bus). I've been calling it by the wrong name for nearly 15 years
Anyway, I thought a bit more about why I find the controls to be awkward on the X1 controller. Firstly, I'd like it if I could swap the strafing directions on the right analog stick. It feels like I use them more to control the camera than the character so I want to look one way but the camera goes in the opposite direction.
Secondly, I believe that it was easier to start using the analog stick to look, not move, on the N64 because it's easier to differentiate between buttons and sticks. On the X1, swapping movement and looking between two analog sticks is pretty confusing but I think that it would be easier to swap them between only one stick and the C-buttons on the N64. I'd actually like it if I could remap the controls so that jump and duck are on the bumpers and the right analog commands are on the ABXY buttons. It could also be due to the fact that I've been used to using dual analog controls in shooters, without swapping movement and look commands mid-game, for about 10 years and it's hard to go back to the JFG method.
As Juno made it to the end of the level without dying, I do think that I've improved my game this time and that, despite my reservations, I'm getting used to the controls. It's still a fantastic game and exploring each area feels fresh and new, even though I eventually remember certain parts. Despite having the soundtrack playing in my music library for the past few years, it's still great to hear the classic tunes as I play