Poll: The Joy of Joysticks.

[Private Custard]

I really hate playing with anything other than Mouse & Keyboard. The joysticks don't lay in your hands properly, feel so damn fiddely and generally have multiple actions bound to 1 key. Not to mention the trigger holding 24/7. I don't want to cramp up my fingers just to play a game.

So I take it you've never used a flight stick before? Because those complaints apply to gamepads, but not flight sticks, which is what the thread is about. They basically replace the mouse with something better suited to sim mechanics. You still use the keyboard, although your basic functions (targeting, firing, throttle if your stick has it) will be mapped to the joystick as well as the keyboard. These things are as PC gaming master race as it gets, they blow away anything consoles have in terms of complexity, with the possible exception of that one mech sim on the original Xbox that had a special controller that cost $200 on its own.

If it's complexity you're after, as well as the stick and keyboard, you can also add these to the sim setup.

Spoiler: extreme nerd overload

I have the first one, it's really handy for IFR. They're all made by Saitek and bolt together to make a huge control stack!!

 

[kasperbbs]

I mostly use M & K and occasionally a PS3 controller, but lately i haven't gotten much use out of it simply because it just doesn't have enough buttons since most devs program their PC releases with a 360 controller in mind.

 

[Owyn_Merrilin]

I really hate playing with anything other than Mouse & Keyboard. The joysticks don't lay in your hands properly, feel so damn fiddely and generally have multiple actions bound to 1 key. Not to mention the trigger holding 24/7. I don't want to cramp up my fingers just to play a game.

So I take it you've never used a flight stick before? Because those complaints apply to gamepads, but not flight sticks, which is what the thread is about. They basically replace the mouse with something better suited to sim mechanics. You still use the keyboard, although your basic functions (targeting, firing, throttle if your stick has it) will be mapped to the joystick as well as the keyboard. These things are as PC gaming master race as it gets, they blow away anything consoles have in terms of complexity, with the possible exception of that one mech sim on the original Xbox that had a special controller that cost $200 on its own.

If it's complexity you're after, as well as the stick and keyboard, you can also add these to the sim setup.

Spoiler: extreme nerd overload

I have the first one, it's really handy for IFR. They're all made by Saitek and bolt together to make a huge control stack!!

I know setups like that exist, but I've never run into someone hardcore enough into the genre to have one on a general gaming forum before. That is awesome.

 

[Private Custard]

I really hate playing with anything other than Mouse & Keyboard. The joysticks don't lay in your hands properly, feel so damn fiddely and generally have multiple actions bound to 1 key. Not to mention the trigger holding 24/7. I don't want to cramp up my fingers just to play a game.

So I take it you've never used a flight stick before? Because those complaints apply to gamepads, but not flight sticks, which is what the thread is about. They basically replace the mouse with something better suited to sim mechanics. You still use the keyboard, although your basic functions (targeting, firing, throttle if your stick has it) will be mapped to the joystick as well as the keyboard. These things are as PC gaming master race as it gets, they blow away anything consoles have in terms of complexity, with the possible exception of that one mech sim on the original Xbox that had a special controller that cost $200 on its own.

If it's complexity you're after, as well as the stick and keyboard, you can also add these to the sim setup.

Spoiler: extreme nerd overload

I have the first one, it's really handy for IFR. They're all made by Saitek and bolt together to make a huge control stack!!

I know setups like that exist, but I've never run into someone hardcore enough into the genre to have one on a general gaming forum before. That is awesome.

I'd go for all the other ones, but to be honest, they're waay more than I'm willing to spend at the moment (anywhere from £50 each and upwards!).

Some of the addons for FSX are pretty costly. The Precision Manuals 737 is currently selling for £45. The base sim was made in 2006 and is currently only £14. The entire world is on the disc, but if you want decent scenery addons, they're about £30 each. ORBX New Zealand (the first video I originally linked to) cost me around £60.

But to be honest, it's the sole reason I built my own PC. If I just wanted an internet machine, I'd have used some cheap off-the-shelf machine, or a laptop.

Oh, if you want a laugh, have a look at what some guy in Las Vegas (a pilot by trade) built in his house!

Spoiler

 

[Zipa]

I prefer the mouse and KB simply because I have and do use one so much every day (at work at at home) that they are second nature to me.
Also I prefer the 360 controller over the PS3 one, my big hands do not suit the small PS3 controller at all. Never used to have the issue with the PS1/PS2 controllers though, they were way better size wise.

 

[Chairman Miaow]

I really hate playing with anything other than Mouse & Keyboard. The joysticks don't lay in your hands properly, feel so damn fiddely and generally have multiple actions bound to 1 key. Not to mention the trigger holding 24/7. I don't want to cramp up my fingers just to play a game.

So I take it you've never used a flight stick before? Because those complaints apply to gamepads, but not flight sticks, which is what the thread is about. They basically replace the mouse with something better suited to sim mechanics. You still use the keyboard, although your basic functions (targeting, firing, throttle if your stick has it) will be mapped to the joystick as well as the keyboard. These things are as PC gaming master race as it gets, they blow away anything consoles have in terms of complexity, with the possible exception of that one mech sim on the original Xbox that had a special controller that cost $200 on its own.

Is it Steel Battalion?

Spoiler

Personally, I want to get my hands on one of these....

Spoiler

That secondary screen.....

 

[Owyn_Merrilin]

I really hate playing with anything other than Mouse & Keyboard. The joysticks don't lay in your hands properly, feel so damn fiddely and generally have multiple actions bound to 1 key. Not to mention the trigger holding 24/7. I don't want to cramp up my fingers just to play a game.

So I take it you've never used a flight stick before? Because those complaints apply to gamepads, but not flight sticks, which is what the thread is about. They basically replace the mouse with something better suited to sim mechanics. You still use the keyboard, although your basic functions (targeting, firing, throttle if your stick has it) will be mapped to the joystick as well as the keyboard. These things are as PC gaming master race as it gets, they blow away anything consoles have in terms of complexity, with the possible exception of that one mech sim on the original Xbox that had a special controller that cost $200 on its own.

Is it Steel Battalion?

Spoiler

Personally, I want to get my hands on one of these....

Spoiler

That secondary screen.....

Yeah, it was Steel Battalion. Also, that second pic looks awesome, if a bit impractical for a hardcore sim; not enough buttons to use without a keyboard, but bulky enough to make using one awkward. If you've got the right desk, though, it would be amazing.

 

[General Vagueness]

controllers of pretty much any kind feel better to me than using a mouse and keyboard, and I haven't really had a chance to use anything else...
honestly, I just love that Thrustmaster still exists

 

[Chairman Miaow]

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Yeah, it was Steel Battalion. Also, that second pic looks awesome, if a bit impractical for a hardcore sim; not enough buttons to use without a keyboard, but bulky enough to make using one awkward. If you've got the right desk, though, it would be amazing.

I know what you mean. To be honest, it doesn't even look like it has enough buttons for the game it's designed for. You have up to six weapon systems, you need to assign those weapon systems, you can power up/down, override power down caused by overheating, bring up the map, cycle lock on, toggle chain firing, Use jump jets. And I'm pretty sure there's a bunch of other not quite so important stuff. It does look cool, and the screen does seem like a lovely addition, but I have no doubt it won't be worth the money.

 

[Private Custard]

honestly, I just love that Thrustmaster still exists

I think, in-part, it's down to the amazingly suggestive name. There were many sticks in the price range when I was looking for mine, but the name sealed the deal!

I can understand why younger gamers might find Joysticks a bit odd, but at 33 years old, I grew up with them. Everything from platformers to driving games were all controlled with a stick.

This is what I used to have for the Spectrum 128+2, the Quickshot Pro

I remember the first pads I ever used (NES and Master System), and the difference to pads now is massive. I love the fact that joysticks still look the same. I'm just glad that they're now heavy enough to use without needing a solid surface and those suckers that always popped off when you tried to force a jump or hard turn. That popping sound was the sound of failure. Another life lost!

 

[Croaker42]

Bad poll is bad.
Every method has its utility and place based on the users preference.
Fighting games, for me feel silly on a keyboard or joystick.

 

[Chairman Miaow]

Bad poll is bad.
Every method has its utility and place based on the users preference.
Fighting games, for me feel silly on a keyboard or joystick.

That is obvious. But which do you prefer to use. Flight sims aren't my favourite kind of game by a long long long shot, but nothing beats the feel of a joystick for me. I would never dream of playing an fps or whatever with one, but that's not the point. You don't have to be rude.

 

[fix-the-spade]

EDIT: For those not in the know HOTAS stands for Hands On Throttle And Stick, like what I have up top there.

I have an ancient Cyborg Gold HOTAS twisty stick, because rudder pedals are frigging expensive.

The only serious problem is throttle support seems to be a dwindling commodity. A whole bunch of games I've played recently, including a some flying based titles, simple didn't have the capacity for it. They either used preset slots or +/- button presses, which stinks.

On the other hand, hat switch support is in rude health!

Outside of flight and mechs I use Keyboard/mouse, but anytime big vehicles are around mouse can run for it's hole...

 

[fix-the-spade]

I'm just glad that they're now heavy enough to use without needing a solid surface and those suckers that always popped off when you tried to force a jump or hard turn. That popping sound was the sound of failure. Another life lost!

Pff, I used to drill holes in the table and bolt the little blighter to the desk, doesn't go anywhere then.

In fact, that's a feature sorely missing from Joysticks now.

 

[Private Custard]

I'm just glad that they're now heavy enough to use without needing a solid surface and those suckers that always popped off when you tried to force a jump or hard turn. That popping sound was the sound of failure. Another life lost!

Pff, I used to drill holes in the table and bolt the little blighter to the desk, doesn't go anywhere then.

In fact, that's a feature sorely missing from Joysticks now.

Ha haa, I'd have gotten into so much trouble for that!!

 

[The Comfy Chair]

KB and Mouse for FPS and other obvious genre's, 360 controller for platformers/driving

 

[Tiger Sora]

I'm a mouse and keyboard guy.
I've never really owned a game that I could use a joystick for, but I've used them when playing games at other peoples houses as a kid. They're fun, and I'd use one again or something similar. The new Mechwarrior would be a good one like you said OP.

Also, funny.

 

[General Vagueness]

honestly, I just love that Thrustmaster still exists

I think, in-part, it's down to the amazingly suggestive name. There were many sticks in the price range when I was looking for mine, but the name sealed the deal!

that's actually what I was talking about >_> like I said I haven't really used joystick so I don't know anything about Thrustmaster except the name and that they were one of the top brands at one time, and I like that a company/product line(?) with such a fun name is still around