PC Gaming With a Controller

[heartburnron]

Q, A, O, P and Space for me...

Unless I'm playing a modern AAA game that's not an FPS, then it's got to be a controller, surely?!

We have to remember that most of the games are optimised for console play these days and with that, the controller as the input device.

Ha! You're showing your age now, I was a Q A O P space guy back on the old ZX Spectrum. It's WASD all for the left hand now, mouse in the right hand. Space bar is still used for jumping though.

But no, all modern and AAA games can be played very well on mouse and keyboard unless it's a 2D fighter like Mortal Kombat, Tekken, Streetfigher, etc.

 

[robfosters]

Started playing AC Valhalla this week and thought I would try and start the game with controller but I just couldn't get the feel for it. Since when where the main strike buttons assigned to the right shoulder and right trigger buttons!? Urgh! Had to switch back to m & kb. Much more comfortable to to use the left mouse button for main strike and shift + left mouse button for heavy strike.

I’m completely the opposite, I can’t stand playing AC with K&M. Controller all the way.

 

[user2000]

Ha! You're showing your age now, I was a Q A O P space guy back on the old ZX Spectrum. It's WASD all for the left hand now, mouse in the right hand. Space bar is still used for jumping though.

But no, all modern and AAA games can be played very well on mouse and keyboard unless it's a 2D fighter like Mortal Kombat, Tekken, Streetfigher, etc.

Yup, ah life was simpler back then.

I'm afraid to say that any 3rd person game I have taken to using the controller - the latest Tomb Raider trilogy for example. Tried k/m but it was a nightmare. It's the lack of analogue finesse when trying to walk slowly for example that means the gamepad wins out - having only the option of slow,normal or run with these type of games really just doesn't work for me. Of course aiming your weapons is considerably easier with the mouse, but in general it's just not that kind of game. Death Stranding another, the aforementioned Assassin's Creed, etc etc, I could name loads more - they are just a nuisance to play on k/m for me. I've read some folks like to use k/m for running around and then gamepad for driving etc in GTA V and the like. Not sure I could be bothered with that.

Also trying to play Rocket League on k/m is another no-no in my book.

Back when PC gaming was just that - PC gaming then of course k/m was king, but the sad fact is that in this console ruling age, anything that's not an FPS or RTS is going to be expecting you to have a gamepad.

YMMV of course, but it is the case that most of these games are indeed geared towards controllers instead of k/m - first person shooters excepted of course.

 

[Tutan]

I used to play with KB & Mouse ages ago,then moved from PC gaming to console gaming (and using a Mac for normal computing) and now that I'm back to PC gaming,I play only with controller (Xbox Series controller) and just can't get back to KB & Mouse.

I don't play competitive shooters and such at all,but for everything else controller is perfect.

I also connected my gaming PC to TV and got rid of the monitor and desk so that's another reason controller is a much better choice for me.

 

[ic1male]

I also connected my gaming PC to TV and got rid of the monitor and desk so that's another reason controller is a much better choice for me.

And I managed to find one game (Battlefield 3) that doesn't like HDMI connected displays. You can't change the video settings without it crashing! First time I've ever seen that.

 

[PC777]

I remembered my controller of choice for C64, though would also work on loads of other computers like Amiga or Spectrum with an adapter - the Powerplay Cruiser released in 1986 complete with Miami Vice style colouring. Could get other colours as well including clear plastic.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powerplay_Cruiser

https://www.retrogames.co.uk/046565/Other-Formats/Power-Play-Cruiser-Joystick

These were legit, microswitches, integrated autofire and three levels of joystick travel. Awesome back in the day and still seems collectible.

 

[Danny75]

Anything that can be played with controller that's what I use. No aim assist. I just don't find M&K fun for gaming unless it's something strategy/very chill.