Controller vs Keyboard + Mouse?

In alt.games.video.sony-playstation2 GameAddict <gamebox2k3 DeleteThis @yahoo.com> wrote:
> I am recent PC gamer converted to 360 (sorry couldn't wait for PS3
> anymore). I am so used to FPS with keyboard and mouse. Will I ever
> achieve such a speed and accuracy with a controller?

Short answer: No.

Longer answer: Controller for FPS isn't BAD, but takes some getting used
to. Still not as good as a mouse/keyboard, but being able to play on a
nice big TV takes a lot of the pain away.
 >> Stay informed about: Controller vs Keyboard + Mouse? 

Doug Jacobs wrote:

> Longer answer: Controller for FPS isn't BAD, but takes some getting used
> to. Still not as good as a mouse/keyboard, but being able to play on a
> nice big TV takes a lot of the pain away.

Unfortunately I just haven't gotten used to the controller. I have to
play all FPS games on the easiest mode. I still enjoy them but it's
just more natural and less tiring to move your wrist with a mouse
instead of flexing your thumb all over the place.
 >> Stay informed about: Controller vs Keyboard + Mouse? 

Jordan wrote:
> Plus a controller is so much better for other kinds of games. I can't
> imagine trying to play KOTOR or Jade Empire with a keyboard and mouse.

I hear ya. Mouse + keyboard is (IMO) unrivaled for FPS and RTS games
.... and that's about it. Platformers, RPGs, sports games, squad-based
tactical games, beat 'em ups, arcade classics, and shooters are all a
lot more gamepad-friendly for me.

I still think Microsoft not supporting mouse/keyboard play on the 360
is a totally asinine move, but I realize there's not much point in me
whining about it much further.
 >> Stay informed about: Controller vs Keyboard + Mouse? 

Dub wrote:
> I hear ya. Mouse + keyboard is (IMO) unrivaled for FPS and RTS games
> ... and that's about it. Platformers, RPGs, sports games, squad-based
> tactical games, beat 'em ups, arcade classics, and shooters are all a
> lot more gamepad-friendly for me.

Some RPG's are very tailored towards a mouse and keyboard too though.
It's often easier to point and click with a mouse or assigning hotkeys
to keyboard buttons when managing long lists of spells and inventory
items. Also, games that are 3rd person with multiple characters in a
party where you click back and forth on each character to control
different characters (Dungeon Siege for example) seem like they are
much easier with a mouse.
 >> Stay informed about: Controller vs Keyboard + Mouse? 

I am not sure about the PS3 but the PS2 controller has a variable speed
thumbstick.

In an FPS, when you push the thumbstick forward you walk... when you push it
all the way forward, you run.

I have used the a keyboard on my PS2 via the SmartJoy Frag adapter. There
is no way of setting up the keyboard to reproduce the variable position via
keys (they are either off or on). So, you can't run.

I do however, still pwn by using the keyboard + mouse combo. I just had to
adapt and plan each situation around not running.

I originally bought a USB keyboard designed for the PS2 but no games really
used it (same with the mouse). At best, all I could use the keyboard for
was to enter text. Myst allowed me to use the USB mouse to actually control
the character.

That is why I got the SmartJoy Frag. It works with all games and you can
create several sets of customized keyboard/mouse control sets.

It is sad that game producers will create a game for PC and PS2 but not
incorporate keyboard support in the PS2 version. I'm not a game programmer
but it seems to me that all they have to do to port a game from PC to PS2
is adjust the code for a different type of CPU & add the controller
functions... not re-write the whole game and leave out the keyboard + mouse.


"Tom" <tom_overton_1968 DeleteThis @yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1157805372.061975.157090@h48g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> Doug Jacobs wrote:
>
>> Longer answer: Controller for FPS isn't BAD, but takes some getting used
>> to. Still not as good as a mouse/keyboard, but being able to play on a
>> nice big TV takes a lot of the pain away.
>
> Unfortunately I just haven't gotten used to the controller. I have to
> play all FPS games on the easiest mode. I still enjoy them but it's
> just more natural and less tiring to move your wrist with a mouse
> instead of flexing your thumb all over the place.
>
 >> Stay informed about: Controller vs Keyboard + Mouse? 

"GameAddict" <gamebox2k3 DeleteThis @yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1157758792.546444.102770@i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>I am recent PC gamer converted to 360 (sorry couldn't wait for PS3
> anymore). I am so used to FPS with keyboard and mouse. Will I ever
> achieve such a speed and accuracy with a controller?

Nope - NEVER!
 >> Stay informed about: Controller vs Keyboard + Mouse? 

Dub schreef:


> I still think Microsoft not supporting mouse/keyboard play on the 360
> is a totally asinine move, but I realize there's not much point in me
> whining about it much further.

Not really asinine, because it would lead to everybody on XB live
having to use the M+K combo to remain competitive. One of the reasons I
like consoles is that you can play from your sofa, relaxed, not behand
a desk. If FPS games on XBL allowed for K+M then I'd have to this combo
myself, taking away a lot of the fun.
 >> Stay informed about: Controller vs Keyboard + Mouse? 

Tom wrote:

> Also, games that are 3rd person with multiple characters in a
> party where you click back and forth on each character to control
> different characters (Dungeon Siege for example) seem like they are
> much easier with a mouse.

I can see using a keyboard and mouse for a menu system or for hotkeys
like you say, but I can't stand using them for character movement. I've
played Baldur's Gate on my Mac and Dungeon Siege and Guild Wars on my
PC and I just can't stand being "distanced" from the characters, if
that makes any sense.

It doesn't feel like I'm moving them directly, it feels like I'm just
pointing at a map. I much prefer the direct control offered by console
games.

- Jordan
 >> Stay informed about: Controller vs Keyboard + Mouse? 

I'm in the same boat. Converted from PC and its hard to get used to
using a controller for FPS. I would love it if they allowed use of the
mouse and keyboard but like someone said it would be unfair. They would
have to have XBOX controllers only rooms or something like that. It
just feels less immersed when you can't easily lock on with the aim.
More like firing in their general direction and hope to hit something.
Also when I played with the PC I was more physically close to the
monitor so it seemed like "I was there".

But overall I would say I'm happier with the console. Couch is a good
thing.

As for RPG I really liked OBLIVION with the controller. Once you got
used to all the buttons everywhere it was easier then the keyboard and
mouse and I never felt disadvantaged. Hmmm actually now that I think of
it I only used Area effect spells rather then spells that needed a
direct hit. Ie Fireball VS firebolt. This was because I found I missed
too much otherwise.
 >> Stay informed about: Controller vs Keyboard + Mouse? 

Dub wrote:

> I hear ya. Mouse + keyboard is (IMO) unrivaled for FPS and RTS games
> ... and that's about it. Platformers, RPGs, sports games, squad-based
> tactical games, beat 'em ups, arcade classics, and shooters are all a
> lot more gamepad-friendly for me.

Disagree about RPG's, they are better with mouse+keyboard too.
 >> Stay informed about: Controller vs Keyboard + Mouse? 

In alt.games.video.sony-playstation2 - - : R A T B o y : - - <- - : R A T B o y : - -.RemoveThis@shovit_dude.com> wrote:

> I have used the a keyboard on my PS2 via the SmartJoy Frag adapter. There
> is no way of setting up the keyboard to reproduce the variable position via
> keys (they are either off or on). So, you can't run.

Who walks in a FPS? Most PC FPS games have a "creep" button so you can
navigate along cliffs or whatnot. It's usually a toggle as well. Otherwise,
running is the normal mode of movement.
 >> Stay informed about: Controller vs Keyboard + Mouse?