A question for PC gamers.

[Sixcess]

My most up to date console is an XBox, as I've been a PC gamer for most of the last 10 years. That said I did buy a 360 controller for Saints Row 2 as the mouse/keyboard controls for that game are unbelievably bad to the point of being almost unplayable.

 

[Eponet]

The only real downsides are occasional bad console ports (they're getting better, though), retarded devs gimping the PC versions of their games, and publishers not properly handling piracy (Ubisoft being a major example here).

and the fact that it doesn't have a console's split screen ability. Dragging a single PC over to a party doesn't work quite as well as most consoles.

 

[Deguasser]

I'm kinda mad right now about PC gaming, Valve banned me because they thought I was cheating.

OT: You'll get used to it over awhile, right now I'm so used to a mouse and keyboard I suck at Console shooters now.

 

[Jandau]

We don't "tough it out", we have a control setup that's quite great. Sure, if you're not used to it then it might take a while, but it is not inferior to a controler.

Having said that, you can still use a controler with a PC for many games. Naturally, not for the RTS games and such, but for most multiplatform releases there is gamepad support.

As for why I love PC gaming, mostly because it's cheaper. The games are cheaper and I can't justify the extra cost of a console in my budget at the moment, not to mention a new TV. Also, the superior controls, at least as far as my favourite genres go (RTS, TBS, RPG).

 

[tharglet]

One thing with FPS games, is I usually fiddle the mouse sensitivity to the right level for me. One thing that slightly annoys me about Valve's games is that their default is very, very slow, but at least I can crank it up to something decent. It can help somewhat to get the control you want.

If you're not really used to any sort of mouse sensitivity, try and set it reasonably high and get used to that - being used to the higher sensitivities means it's quicker to aim at stuff in the long run.
(What's amusing is when people borrow my machine, and they can't keep a track of where the mouse cursor's gone as I have the sensitivity a bit higher than average).

As others have said, if you've already got a gamepad you can plug into your PC, then there are a lot of games that support it. First page of the manual usually gives a clue to this - often there's a pic of the gamepad controls.

 

[Me55enger]

Buy a mouse that feels right. Razer are expensive, but they'll talk you through what would suit you and your hand.

Unless you believe its a marketing gimmick, in which case bollocks to the lot of it.

Also: welcome to PC elitism, you'll find your tobacco pipe and your complimentary copies of "arrogance for the newly inclined" in your desk drawer.

Enjoy.

 

[Flames66]

I want to know what makes a PC gamers enjoy PC over console.

For me it is the following:

#Mods
#I don't like console controllers
#Valve
#Online communities
#Indie games
#I can game on the same thing I do my other stuff on

The first one is probably the most important to me. That last one is also very important as I am currently living between two houses so only a laptop is really feasible.

 

[Hateren47]

Get a good responsive mouse if you don't have one already. For the most parts it doesn't matter what keyboard you are using unless it's in some way severely limited (if it only registers 3 simultaneous keystrokes, it sucks) but a good 5+ button mouse is incredibly important for a good experience.

They real fancy is the mods and the superior power. Everything looks better than on consoles and if it doesn't someone will make it look better. The community is also a lot better than on consoles because the community has a big part in getting the mods out to the public and resolve technical issues should you have them. The in-game community is only marginally "better" than on console though. I think that's mostly down to server admins (another great thing on PC, dedicated servers). But tbh I haven't had a lot of trouble on XBL. Some say it's a lot worse and I can imagine they are right. I don't play a lot of console games online.

It's not that consoles are bad. They can be quite fun to play and services like XBL are quite good at what they do. Everything is just so limited on consoles and everything looks worse than what I'm used to. That's why I prefer my PC for gaming.

 

[Merkavar]

id suggest just getting used to a keyboard and mouse. its not that hard. just might take a little bit of practise

 

[Daniel Laeben-Rosen]

I prefer PC over Consoles right now because I have a good pc and don't have any newer console. That simple. Newest console I have right now is a Gamecube.
And because I like Bioware. And their Pc-ports are always a step above their console-ports. I find.

Not to mention FPS and RTS-games are just alot easier to play with a mouse and keyboard. It's mostly a personal thing but I just think it's smoother. Except with RTS-games because those really only work on Pc. With few exeptions

 

[guyroxorz]

I started PC gaming a long long time ago and i remember the difficulty of getting used to the keyboard/mouse combo and feeling like i should just stick to consoles HOWEVER once you get past the initial "what the fuck am i doing" feel you'll find that actually you getter better almost exponentially. Just tough it out and you'll find that sooner or later it'll be just as natural as using a controller

 

[meticadpa]

I prefer PC over console because my PC kicks ass and I prefer a keyboard/mouse to a controller by far.

I was a console guy up until a couple of years ago, though. It took me a few months to get used to a mouse and keyboard compared to a controller, but now I'm so glad I did - I can't see how I ever played with a controller well.

You should get a decent mouse. Something like the Logitech G500 is great - I have one myself - and would make a huge difference to your overall enjoyment of the PC platform.

 

[Brightzide]

Its all a matter of getting used to it. You know...WASD, and click click boom. Thats all it takes really. Good equipment can help abit. I've got a Logitech MX5500 keyboard and Roccat Kone gaming mouse. Used to have one of those Razer Naga ones, but it felt way too clunky in my hand.

 

[Void(null)]

You don't have to use Mouse and Keyboard for EVERYTHING. Some games play better with some controller types.

FPS, RTS, RPG = Mouse & Keyboard
Driving = Driving Wheel
Flight Sim = Flight Stick
Platform, 3rd person action = Controller
Fighters = 6 button control pad

I love my 360 controller for my PC. I wouldn't play an FPS with it, but some games it's just more suited for.

Use the proper tool for you, to get the job done.

 

[fix-the-spade]

If you could can you explain if there is is an easier more enjoyable way to play PC games, or do you just have to tough it out?

You could plug a wired 360 controller in. The drivers for one can be had free off the web and then you don't have to mouse'n'keyboard.

Regarding using the mouse and keys. It's just a new control scheme, if you take the time to get used to it it's really very precise and a lot faster than control sticks. The extra precision is why so many console shooters have such generous auto aim.

 

[thenumberthirteen]

Well as a long time console gamer I had no problem moving to Mouse and Keyboard when I got my new PC. I have a G13 gameboard that has a little analogue stick you can use instead of a mouse, but it is so inaccurate in comparison. Basically get a wired 360 controller, and try out some of the games that support it in the mean time, and just practice with a mouse. It's not hard at all.