Gamepads for PC

[Tolya]

So, with all the whining that PC crowd makes against the consoles and, specifically, the gamepad controllers, I decided to see for myself. I borrowed a PS3 controller, plugged it in at home and tried it out on a few games (motioninjoy emulator with XBOX360 controller settings work like a charm). Mind you, I've held a gamepad maybe for 10-15 minutes in my entire life. Some initial thoughts:

- the ergonomy is just terrific. Two sticks, four easilly accessible buttons (LF/RF/LB/RB) and 8 other buttons. For any kind of game with analogue direction control, this is just excellent. Playing any sports game with a gamepad puts you miles ahead of anyone who uses a keyboard & a mouse.

- complexity. Operating a gamepad requires an entirely different skillset than using a traditional mouse & keyboard. For I can't really compare which is easier though, since I've been using a keyboard and a mouse for so long it just feels natural to me.

I've yet to try it on a FPP game, but I suspect it won't be half as bad as I imagine it to be.

Im actually quite amazed at how efficient gamepads can be.

[Losonti Tokash]

It's sort of a no-brainer, when you think about it. A gamepad is made for, well, gaming. A keyboard and mouse are designed for typing and working. People just kludged control schemes together with it.

[Skgoa]

I allways found gamepads to be lacking for shooters (or anything that boils down to "position the cursor in the scene and click") and strategy games. Joysticks and force feedback racing wheels are awesome for their special field, too.

[weemadando]

I use gamepads for a lot of my PC gaming now. Turns out that already having most games built around a 360 gamepad interface means it's the best way to play.

[The Vortex Empire]

I prefer keyboard and mouse for shooters or strategy games, but some games require a gamepad. Ever try playing Assassin's Creed with a keyboard and mouse? I wouldn't recommend it.

[Stark]

Mice are good for moving pointers. If an interface is build around moving a pointer, a mouse is good. As ando says, more and more games are not built around pointers (ie tropico etc) and so it's not really a big deal. The rise of self-consciously retro games further increases the relevance of game pads for pc gamers. I find that modern attempts to move pc genres of consoles has driven a lot of UI innovation over the years; it's come a long way from 'drive the pointer with a d-pad ... What do you mean it sucks'.