Gamepads for PC.. whaddya think?

[figday]

Sooo, i've been weighing the option on buying a gamepad for PC games such as AssCreed type ones, hack and slash games, sports games. but i kept thinking, will i be using it that often? will it just stay in the corner and eventually be covered in dust until i get a game that fits with one?

And there are tons of options for gamepads today, mostly ppl recommend the xbox ones, because most PC games are console ports and they are 'comfortable and effective'. tbh, i've never been accustomed to the xbox ones, besides the fact that i HATE xbox, is also because i'm more used to playing my friend's playstation.

So, should i get one? will there be games in the future that will fit nicely with gamepads? still a mystery to me.. And whatever the game would be, i feel much more comfortable with keyboard and mouse since i literally grew up with them.

Okay, that last statement just made the texts above rendered useless..lol

So what about you guys?
The ones that has one, what're the pros and cons? Whats a good gamepad?
And those who doesnt, why not buy one? Will you get one eventually?
Or should i just buy a PS3? im a PC fanboy, but PlayStation's exclusives are just awesome!

 

[Neverhoodian]

When it comes to PC games, I tend to gravitate towards FPS and flight games. As such, all I really need is a mouse and joystick most of the time.

I have a few platformer games that I use a gamepad for. I bought a Microsoft SideWinder controller back around 1997 that I still use today. It's fairly comfortable to use and still works fine after all these years.

A Sony controller would probably be fine though. You can get models that are essentially identical to the Playstation controllers in terms of design and button layout.

 

[DazZ.]

I use my PS2 controller for things that need a controller. You can get a Playstation to USB adapter thing for about £2.

There are cons to having more control options, although I don't use mine often it's still needed for driving games or platformers.

 

[tehannihalator]

Do you still have a ps2? if so buy one of the converters for ps2 to usb.
ps2 converter link here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_13?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ps2+converter&x=0&y=0&sprefix=ps2+converter
however if you buy a ps3 you can use one of the drivers available for download to use a ps3 controller on your computer.

 

[The Madman]

I've got two I use for my computer, a wired 360 controller and a logitech 'Rumblepad 2'. Of the two I prefer the 360 controller, I just really like the way it fits in my hands and it's a very sturdy thing. Probably my favourite controller ever really, but that's just me.

The Logitech one is more akin to the traditional playstation controller and is excellent as well. It's got a nice weight to it and it's very receptive, feels sturdy too. You know that heavy, well built feeling you get with good electronics as opposed to those flimsy plasticky ones? It's like that! Never had any trouble making it work with my games games either, which is nice. If you're more a fan of the PS style controllers, it's certainly worth looking into.

 

[octafish]

I have the same dual-shock style controller as The Madman. I only really use it for soccer games, I did play Jade Empire with a similar one that was cheaper but not as nice as the Logitech one. Logitech have a cool piece of software that helps you configure it outside of games, but not all games are recognised. I have a Logitech PS3 wheel that works perfectly on my PC no adaptor necessary, most decent driving games either instantly recognise it or allow me to configure it in-game.

 

[sushkis2]

Quoting the wizards behind Super Meat Boy: "The first one to say that mouse and keyboard controls are better than gamepads gets shot in the face".

I've also got a good one, "Controller isn't required, neither is bathing"

Anyway, ive also got a Logitech Dual action gamepad, it's a shame it doesn't work on Unreal engine (Y axis is inverted LOL), as every second game is made on it XD But it works awesome on Assassin's Creed titles, after playing with the gamepad, I couldn't stand the kb/mouse controls.

 

[quantumsoul]

Xbox 360 controllers are good and even PS3 controllers emulated as a 360 controller. PS3 controllers require free 3rd party software. Motioninjoy I think it was called. It's what I've been using.

 

[Goody]

If you don't mind a bit of faffing around at first, I'd recommend a ps3 controller (with basic usb to mini-usb cable) and a piece of free software called MotionInJoy, it lets you use the controller as a basic pc gamepad, or to emulate a 360 controller on the games that support those instead.

 

[Alfador_VII]

I use a Wired 360 pad. No faffing, just plug it in and most games just recognise it automatically. And if they don't, it's not hard to set up.

It's also possible to get a receiver for a wireless 360 controller, but that does take some messing around.

 

[veloper]

I just plug in a 360 controller for certain button mashing games. It's sturdy, not too expensive and fairly ergonomic. Good for having stupid fun.

 

[Burnhardt]

I did have a logitech one and orginally used it for Racing games, but also soon found myself using it for the odd hack and slash I owned, until it completey stopped working. I later got a 360 one for windows when I got Assassisn Creed.

I also found it useful for some action games like Arkham Asylum and GTAIV, but that likely a personal thing.

 

[Gibboniser]

Good for plat-formers and Driving games.

 

[Arqus_Zed]

The seldom times I play on a PC, I almost ALWAYS use a controller. I just plug in my X360 joypad.

In my opinion, a controller is simply better for every type of game except RTS and MMORPG (and point & click adventures, obviously). Normally I'd place FPS here as well, but times have changed and I would actually consider them on the same level. That said, I've noticed people growing up with controllers to suck at playing FPS games with keyboard and mouse - and vice versa.

Anyway, if you plan on playing action/adventure/platformer/hack 'n slash/stealth-type of titles in the future, a controller is definitely worth considering.

 

[googleback]

I use my 360 controller, its very good.

 

[NewYork_Comedian]

I only really use my Xbox 360 controller on the pc if its a sports game, or if is a shitty port [usually both].