As far as I know, the D-pad on the ASCII pad is the same between the DC and PS2 versions. I had DC ones for awhile (until I got convertors for Saturns pads) and from what I recall, they felt pretty similar. The pad is elevated and loose. I actually used it a couple days ago for the first time in years to ensure that it still worked and while it takes some getting used to after using sticks and PS2 Saturn pads, it seems like it would work well. Honestly, if someone wins it and totally hates it, I'd allow a return (especially to a fellow CAGer).
The best port of Mark of the Wolves is probably the newish JP release from a year or two ago for the PS2. Between US and Japanese DC versions, I'm not sure. I'll play it later today and post some impressions here. Some things (like missing blood and/or animation) should be immediately evident.