FPS controls on PC versus controller

[dogman91]

Being a complete noob to FPS games, can somebody explain how PC controls (mouse/keyboard) work with FPS and what makes it unique compared to a controller? This is a major conundrum with me... with every FPS game I've tried I found a controller simply worked out best for me. Portal was very frustrating with keyboard/mouse IMO and I found that the console version with a controller was a much better experience overall... I also mapped the PC version of Wolfenstein 3D to the Xbox 360 controller and found that preferable to use.

There's probably something I'm not getting like maybe the mouse is more accurate to aim and fire because you can just mouse over the enemy with the crosshairs as the cursor and click? I also never got the idea of movement by moving the mouse forward in a 3D space... seemed like a really weird way of controlling things.

This makes games like Half-Life leaving me stumped on what version to play as well... PC, Dreamcast, PS2?? Same with games like Hexen, Quake, etc. etc.

[Erik_Twice]

A mouse allows you to move instantly to any location in your screen, an analog stick doesn't. Similarly, a mouse allows perfect movement at any speed while a stick is fixed and will always be inadequate.

You can't do this with a controller:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAoAW31HulI

You also can't turn around 180 degrees at a reasonable speed without making it impossible to aim to what's in front of you. In other words, if you have a high enough senstivity to turn around you have it too high to accuratedly aim normally and viceversa. That's very bad.

The mouse doesn't move in a 3D space. You move up/down/left/right, there's no third dimension.

Playing a FPS with a controller is similar to playing Robotron with Berzerk controls or a driving game with a Dpad. Or dare I say, worse, because you also need to aim up and down in a FPS.


Playing with a controller also means you can't rocketjump. That's like of the half of many good games

[BoringSupreez]

Having a whole keyboard at one's disposal creates much greater potential for actions that a controller has, because of the much greater number of buttons. The mouse is far more accurate for looking and aiming than an analog stick. That is what makes keyboard+mouse control unique.

[Forlorn Drifter]

It really is just a matter of preferance. I, personally, due to hand problems, prefer 99.99% of the time to use a controller, and do. On Team Fortress 2, despite not being able to turn as quickly as my oppenents, often beating a large majority of my own team. Now, I do admit, that their are limitations. Turning is more choppy, and the buttons aren't exactly how I would like to set them up. Its obvious that, even though it is a built in controller setup, it doesn't feel like it has been optimized correctly. On the other hand, I can much more easily snipe with my controller than a mouse. Go figure.

[ejamer]

People like what they are used to, and there is a significant learning curve for both mouse+keyboard and controller setups (although most people forget how long it took them to truly become proficient with their favorite methods).

Mouse+keyboard clearly has greater potential because it allows quicker and more accurate movement, but many people will never learn to take full advantage of that setup and will prefer the comfort and familiarity of a controller. Luckily, there is no "wrong" choice. Everyone is free to play games the way they want!

One interesting aspect not mentioned is the evolution of console FPS games to use Wii remote/Move controllers. This control method feels like a compromise between traditional console controls and those available on PC, and (for me) felt like a significant improvement over standard console FPS controls.

[BoringSupreez]

People like what they are used to, and there is a significant learning curve for both mouse+keyboard and controller setups (although most people forget how long it took them to truly become proficient with their favorite methods).

QFT. Took me until I got a PS2 and was forced to use analog sticks before I stopped using the d-pad for movement. I played all my PS1 games 16-bit style back in the day.

[CRTGAMER]

The Mouse allows a greater control then the analog game controller. However the "Light" gun of the Wii Remote offers INSTANT point to the screen where you want to shoot. Use with the right setting on the analog stick of the Nunchuck for spinning or sidestepping, I prefer it over a Mouse.

[Xeogred]

I guess I still seem to be one of the only ones that thinks it's actually the game that can be the biggest factor for me. Half-Life 2 felt super awkward on consoles for me, Halo felt super awkward on the PC for me, and there's some other FPS's that were obviously designed with a controller in mind and stuff, typically games that don't have very many options or much sensitivity scaling. lol

So I personally like both, it just really depends on the game. Not sure if I have a preference overall. Although I love "leaning" in old FPS's, I sure do miss that. System Shock 2, the Thief games, and STALKER are some that come to mind that used it really well.

Although I guess I can stress I totally hate the PS controller for FPS's. I like the joysticks being on different levels like the 360 controller, unlike the PS ones.

[Valkyrie-Favor]

The mouse is obviously better for aiming, no reason to get into that. I do prefer a controller for more precise movements. An analog stick allows you to move in any direction at variable speed, and it's also more comfortable. I think the Wii remote idea is nice, but turning around is a huge problem and it never seemed very accurate although I was using a smaller TV at the proper distance.

The Xbox versus PS controllers is just a matter of preference when it comes to shooters. I happen to prefer PS and I think the 360 controllers are uncomfortable, but most people will tell me the opposite. No big deal.

I have been known to play PC shooters with a Dualshock in my left hand and a 10-button mouse in my right. There's always that.

[Forlorn Drifter]

The mouse is obviously better for aiming, no reason to get into that. I do prefer a controller for more precise movements. An analog stick allows you to move in any direction at variable speed, and it's also more comfortable. I think the Wii remote idea is nice, but turning around is a huge problem and it never seemed very accurate although I was using a smaller TV at the proper distance.

The Xbox versus PS controllers is just a matter of preference when it comes to shooters. I happen to prefer PS and I think the 360 controllers are uncomfortable, but most people will tell me the opposite. No big deal.

I have been known to play PC shooters with a Dualshock in my left hand and a 10-button mouse in my right. There's always that.

Hold the phone, you can do that? Holy crap! I might get in to PC gaming yet...