Gaming controls

[pally01]

Well I recently started picking up some pc games and giving them a shot (I've been a console baby since the Atari 2600). Anyways, I learned quickly that gaming with a keyboard and mouse is not for me. I like using games pads and this lead me to buy a Logitech cordless Rumblepad II (Newegg #N82E16826127209).

My problem with this is having to map the keys and the chore this is turning out to be. For instance; Left 4 Dead 2 has to be mapped and I've tried to make the left stick move the player around but for some reason the stick doesn't get mapped, the directional pad does. I've retried several times without joy. Any insights?

I've also subsequantly read somewhere that using an X-box 360 controller might be better because most games that are gamepad-enabled are programmed with this type of controller in mind. I will buy one if it means no more remapping. Can anyone comment on this?

[David M]

I realize that it's a personal preference and that I am not answering your question, but a mouse is a much more precision control device than a dinky little joystick. I would give it some more time.

[pally01]

You know I used to laugh when I saw "gaming keyboards" and "gaming mice" for sale. I thought "why does one need a special keyboard and mouse to game on?". I think I get it now....

You may be right, David. Though I wonder how does one actually play while trying to look at the keyboard for whatever action they need to do and not get killed or hit the wall or whatever? I type with two fingers and I need to look at my keyboard when I do it!

[Force Flow]

Originally Posted by pally01 Though I wonder how does one actually play while trying to look at the keyboard for whatever action they need to do and not get killed or hit the wall or whatever? I type with two fingers and I need to look at my keyboard when I do it!

Actually, you don't look at the keyboard. It's like touch typing. You'll acquire it after some practice.

[pally01]

Hmmm. Let me ask this then: are most pc games sort of the same when it comes to what keys do what? (assuming the genre is the same). What I mean is do shooter games always use (insert proper key here) as the shoot key etc? If I must relearn how to play a game with these devices do I need to re-invent the wheel for each and every one of them?

Also: can you elaborate on what exactly makes gaming keyboards and mice different/better than normal input devices? What are good gaming devices? I think I may be shopping for some game gear soon and want to get the best stuff if I need to invest.

[David M]

Give it a week or two until your brain starts telling your fingers where to go automatically. After a while you will not need to think about it. It's like learning to play an instrument where it just takes time for your brain to learn how to do it almost subconsciously. By then you will be capable of doing precision dances around those using controllers. Being able to move in a big arc around your enemy while accurately spraying bullets at their head is a big advantage you get with the precision of a mouse and keyboard.

Originally Posted by pally01 Hmmm. Let me ask this then: are most pc games sort of the same when it comes to what keys do what?

Yes and no. The movement keys are pretty universal to all games, W, A, S, D. The primary fire button is also pretty universal, left mouse. Change weapons is also pretty common to the mouse wheel.

Other buttons like Scope, Crouch, Grenade, Grab, Pickup, Activate and Melee can vary from game to game Whats nice is that all games have the ability to re-key the function. In other words, if you are used to the C key being crouch, you can make the C key be the crouch function in any game that has a crouch function, regardless of what the C keys original function was.

Don't laugh about specialized gaming keyboards. Many have specialized function keys that can be programed to do a series of keystrokes (macros) with the push of one function key. My keyboard (Logitec G-19) has a miniature screen that brings up in game data. The better gaming keyboards have shorter stroke keys that are not mushy.

Gaming mice have a higher DPI resolution which adds to precision. BTW, no serious gamer has a wireless mouse which can add lag.

[Force Flow]

I just use a regular keyboard and mouse.

WSAD for movement, space for jump, left-CTRL for crouch, e for reload, r for use, SHIFT for sprint, t for chat, y for team chat, c or mouse3 for voice chat, z,x,and v for command menus, f for quick response requests (like "heal me"), g for grenades, tab for scoreboard, comma and period for team switch and character switch, f9 for quicksave, f10 for quickload

And those I usually customize to be the same across most games I play.

[mvanwey]

Don't use the LogitechWingman software if the game already has mapping capability. They just fight with each other. You need to get Wingman out of the registry autostart list also, because it will want to run everytime you reboot.

Let me know...

[pally01]

Thanks everyone.
I'll stick with the mouse and keyboard and see f I can adjust. 30 years of joysticks is tough to overcome. Aside from the controls, what i've seen thus far of pc gaming is pretty sweet though!

I really enjoy the graphics of Batman Arkanham (sp) and want to be able to play that one fluently. As well, I grabbed Left 4 Dead 2, Dirt 2, Saboteur and Metro 2033 (all off Steam) for stupid-low prices. I got all of those for less than what I paid for Gran Turismo 5. Gotta like that math

[mvanwey]

Gimme some info on steam?

[David M]

....please.

Steam, The Ultimate Online Game Platform

I got a chuckle where it says that for Macs a two button mouse is recommended.