Keyboard and mouse combo.

[Watcher]

Do you have to use the keyboard and mouse combo on most first person shooter PC games these days or do you have another option to use a controller with assigned buttons like the Xbox has?

I can't stand the keyboard/mouse combo and it makes me feel like I'm 14 years old and playing the Commodore 64 in my bedroom. :p I've mainly been a console player over the years and prefer the controller method.

[linton]

Nope, Keyboard + mouse is the only way to go for precision FPS gaming. The only problem I have is there are so many damn keys required for the keyboard side of things these days (it's not just side strafing and a jump button), so I'm looking to buy a proper keypad designed for FPS's.
Something like this one:
http://www.nvnews.net/reviews/wolfking_gaming_keyboard/index.shtml

[linton]

Also, how can a mouse and keyboard make you feel like you're playing a C64?
From what I remember, most of the games I played were using a joystick and so really, using a controller should make you feel like you're playing a C64. :p :D

[Ozeagle]

Yeah, I don't know how you can possibly be competitive in an FPS without the precision of a mouse. Friends of mine who used to be *supremely* good online gamers (one was top 10 in Quake in Australia at one point) were incredible to watch - they had the mouse sensitivity up so high that an almost imperceptible movement of their hand would spin them 180 degrees. They could spin around, fire a rocket and spin back without missing a step in their running - quite incredible.

I can't stand FPS games on the console - it just doesn't work.

As for 'so many damn keys these days' - I don't think there's a game yet that has approached the skill required to be good at Descent. One hand on the QEZC square and one hand on the number pad, plus the space bar and a few other miscellaneous keys. An FPS in three dimensions with pitch, roll, yaw etc - that was a hell of a learning curve. But damn it felt good when you got it right. :D

[Watcher]

Also, how can a mouse and keyboard make you feel like you're playing a C64?
From what I remember, most of the games I played were using a joystick and so really, using a controller should make you feel like you're playing a C64. :p :D
LOL :D How true.
There's been 2 and a bit decades between now and when I was 14 so give me a break. :p

Our computer isn't on a desk and although I can manage every day use with the wireless mouse and keyboard here in the recliner, I can't stand playing a fps that way and it's a bit harder to manage.

Thanks for the link Linton. I may be something to consider when I eventually upgrade the computer.

[linton]

I lounge back in an arm chair too, the arm is wide enough for me to use the mouse on, and keyboard sits in my lap. Unfortunately with the wireless set, I lose a little sensitivity and reaction time, but it does the job for now. :)

[freddyfartbox]

If you've got an Xbox, installing XBCD will allow you to use it with your pc.

[Lord Smelly]

As for 'so many damn keys these days' - I don't think there's a game yet that has approached the skill required to be good at Descent. One hand on the QEZC square and one hand on the number pad, plus the space bar and a few other miscellaneous keys. An FPS in three dimensions with pitch, roll, yaw etc - that was a hell of a learning curve. But damn it felt good when you got it right. :D

hell yeah, descent was a sensational game.

and yeah everything Linto and Oz said also Watchie i totally agree with :)

[custos]

Yeah, I don't know how you can possibly be competitive in an FPS without the precision of a mouse. Friends of mine who used to be *supremely* good online gamers (one was top 10 in Quake in Australia at one point) were incredible to watch - they had the mouse sensitivity up so high that an almost imperceptible movement of their hand would spin them 180 degrees. They could spin around, fire a rocket and spin back without missing a step in their running - quite incredible.
Quick, grab that quad damage :)

I agree, for FPS the keyboard mouse/combo is much more sensitive than XBox controllers. The first time I used a controller with a FPS was Halo on XBox. I had played Halo on a PC and couldn't believe how clumsy it felt by comparison. I guess it's just what you're used to.

[linton]

Quick, grab that quad damage :)

I agree, for FPS the keyboard mouse/combo is much more sensitive than XBox controllers. The first time I used a controller with a FPS was Halo on XBox. I had played Halo on a PC and couldn't believe how clumsy it felt by comparison. I guess it's just what you're used to.
My first experience came with Unreal Tournament on the PS2, and swore a lot, threw the controller around a bit, then vowed never to use a controller for first person shooters again.
That lasted until I attended a LAN Xbox night with a couple of friends, and I had my arse handed to me then as well (so I renewed my vows). :p

[Shimon]

Well as you know I'm a wwII shooter fan I just luv playing Cod2 daily..well weekly but Cod3 is only on the New-gen consoles (not "wee" lolz wii) and cod is a shooting game only...all u do is shoot nutin else and it's gonna be so freakin hard...I played halo a week ago and had so much trouble turning (most console games don't let you strafe because it dosn't sute them more for "a" and "d"...keyboards)
games are getting to expensive ...$100+ !!! yikes:p