Poll Results: FPS Weapon of choice
by Blake Snow 
{ Dec 9th 2005 at 11:30AM }
It's extremely hard to play a first person shooter without thinking about the input device the genre originated
on, namely the keyboard and mouse. Many that voted for a gamepad did so for comfort reasons rather than sitting in
front of PC. Thanks for all those that voted.
It will be interesting to see if Nintendo's Revolution controller could skew future results when the system is
launched later next year.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mazinkaiser @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Big surprise here! Why don't we ask the same question about RTS games while we're at it lol!
vc @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
If it were so obvious, I don't think we'd have 1200 answers in favor of a joystick / game pad.
I find it unbelievable that that many people would choose game pad over keyboard/mouse. My assumption in making sense of that data is that these people have never actually taken the time to develop real facility with the keyboard-mouse.
Mazinkaiser @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
vc,
I assume (yes I said assume) that the majority of the gamepad votes came from people who don't care to have a cutting edge PC and people who got into FPS at the time of Halo. I know people that love gamepads for FPS games, but none of them have ever played Quake (or something similar) on PC. If all you know is what you've seen, then you get used to it and like it. The X360 costs less then the best PC graphics card so I think less people will be willing to spend a fortune on a good PC for games when thy can just pick up a next-gen console of their choice. For someone like me, I need both a PC and console to get the best of the games I like.
AK @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I like a gamepad with triggers more because it feels more natural pulling a trigger (with vibration feedback) than clicking a mouse. For me, controllers (done right) are more immersive. A keyboard/mouse is too detached.
Just my opinion.
Phranctoast @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Im just phyched that the ps3 will have mouse and keyboard support and the new ut2007 will support that setup on that console.
Now if only there was a way pc users could challenge console users (like what nfs:undergound did)
Mazinkaiser @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
AK,
I see your point and it makes scense.
For me, its more of an accuracy and speed issue especially in a death match and I find I'm much better with the PC setup and its not because of a lack of trying.
Different strokes for different folks lol!
vidGuy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Triggers like those on the XBOX and 360 controllers more accurately simulate the trigger of a gun.
I hate pressing keys on a keyboard to walk and run, it always feels so rigid. I think an analog stick is much better, and dual sticks easily replace a mouse + keyboard setup for me.
The real deciding factor, though, is that I have much easier access to my other inventory (flashlight, grenades, etc) on a controller than on a keyboard.
I played a lot of Unreal and Quake on the PC, and I love PC games for the ability to get updates, expansion packs, and player designed maps, but if I'm going to play an FPS once through, I'll take the console version.
Domingo @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I'm still in favor of the gamepad/mouse combo.
I still don't see why we need to throw a typewriter layout into this mix. I've been playing with a gamepad/mouse combo since the first Quake.
A typical PC pad has an analog stick (which replaces 4 kets), 2 top triggers, and at least 1 other button within easy reach. Most mice have at least 3 buttons and a wheel.
Use the gamepad for movement (the analog stick is more precise than keys) and the mouse the aim. Best of both worlds.
The whole advantage of kayboard/mouse doesn't include the keyboard at all. That whole scheme is great only because of mouse aiming. The keyboard's only advantage is a buttload of buttons...90% of which you'll never use.
Voodoo M @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I think AK has a point. Keyboard and mouse may be 'easier', but are they necessarily more realistic/immersive? In my (very) limited experience of running around shooting people (i.e. paintball), it feels like you vaguely aim the weapon at the target, then kind of push/pull the crosshair into place, rather than simply pointing and firing. Or am I just crap at both?
torch @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
"The real deciding factor, though, is that I have much easier access to my other inventory (flashlight, grenades, etc) on a controller than on a keyboard."
Its funny you mention it because I feel just the opposite. I always set up my 1,2,3,4,r,f,g,v,c,q,e,caps lock,shift and alt keys for different weapons/inventory. Everything is always 1 touch away. It would be great if they could set up a game where kb/m players could take on gamepad gamers and see which provides better control. I play both ways and feel I am much quicker and more accurate on a kb/m but you couldn't say for sure without a real tournament. That would be awesome.
Matthew @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
one little point.. you mention "Its extremely hard to play a first person shooter without thinking about the input device the genre originated on, namely the keyboard and mouse." But the genre was (arguable) created by Wolfenstein, however the keyboard and mouse combo weren't readily used until Quake came out years later... so the genre was really created with just the keyboard in mind and it wasn't until later the mouse became a large part of the control scheme. Personally, I still recall seeing the setup in a game mag and trying it out on quake and never turning back...
SuicideNinja @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I used to be a supporter of Keyboard and Mouse. I even bought the keyjoy (or whatever it was called) to use keyboard and mouse on the Xbox. I previously played a lot of Aliens vs Predator 2 and Counterstrike on the PC. Even Halo.
But after playing Halo 2, Resident Evil 4, Quake 4, Metroid Prime, etc on gamepads, I like gamepads better.
The keyboard requires 3 fingers to move around rather than 1 thumb. It takes two fingers to move slowly or duck and move. That's annoying.
Clicking mouse buttons feels cheap and uninvolved to me. A scroll wheel isn't a good control either. I tried scrollpoint mice and they weren't any better. Of course, I didn't play any games that support using the scrollpoint eraser to move the character. That would be cool; then you could do the important controls with one hand (if they made a 5-button version which I'm not sure if IBM did or not).
Now I believe that if you spend enough time with a good gamepad, you'll be faster and more effective. Accuracy takes some practice with an analog stick, but after a while it isn't a problem. I'm actually better with my 360 controller than I ever was with my keyboard & 5 button mouse.
AK @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
One of my favorite hobbies is target shooting and from experience (from shooting 9MM, .40, .45 pistols to a 5.56 MM rifle) hitting a target is a little more complicated than just point and shoot. I totally respect people's preference for a keyboard/mouse (it's defintely faster and more precise), it's just not for me.
Now, if they could only make a controller with the recoil of an actual gun......(fantasy land- battery life would probably be 15 minutes on a wireless, LOL)
AK @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Have you guys plaved Call of Duty 2 on the 360? I love the control scheme!!!
ink @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Keyboard and mouse also mean you need to sit at desk. I could not spend hours playing Halo or Metriod Prime sitting on the sofa and hunched over the coffee table.
Zeta @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
When I played HALO 2 on XBOX live, those insane sniper that I met most of them are actually using a keyboard and a mouse.
krang @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I grew up with FPSs on the PC, but I thought I'd give Soldier of Fortune on the DC a go simply using the pad (I did have the option of keyboard/mouse, but chose the pad for some reason). I completed the game using the pad, and found it quite responsive once you've got over the initial apparent clumsiness of it all.
However, I think the mouse works well because if (like me) you work an office job you get used to using the mouse to, well, click stuff, all of your working day. But when the click becomes DEADLY HEAD KILL it changes the whole idea of the interface.
I'm now going to kill "Add your comments".
Bobjoe @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I have been a PC and console gamer since I was 5 years old (I played a 3d simplified version of Zork on an Apple IIe). Having spent equal time with multiple types of controllers, joysitcks, gampads, mice, keyboard, racing pedals, steering wheels, I must say that hands down learning to become efficient and accurate with a keyboard and mouse setup is easier and faster than anything else. However, I feel that using a gamepad/joystick is only better than using a mouse and kb in racing/flying games. Using 4 different keys to dirrect movement is a lot more exact than with an analog stick. Using analog sticks in FPS games are tedious, you simply cannot get the prceise speed and movement with them compared to a mouse. Also, with a keyboard, you have all your fingers over buttons, whereas with a gamepad, some of your fingers are used to hold the gamepad. The only realistic input device for a FPS is a lightgun. All other input devices are basically equally unrealistic.
The Dude @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
It seems that a lot of the deciding factor is whether people are going for the level of "immersion" in the game, and the reality of the game, verses accuracy and ease. But truthfully, when you're playing CTF in UT2k4, you go to get your flag back, translocating over 3 guys, spinning in midair, switching to your rocket launcher, letting the rockets go, landing on the ground and whipping out your shock/lightning gun to finish them off . . . I just don't see it happening with any controller I know of. I play unreal cuz it's fun, not cuz it's real . . . heck it's called "Unreal" for a reason!
RighteousDork @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
It's all a matter of preference but everyone needs to realize that the keyboard was never created with first person shooters in mind. Personally, I can't stand using WASD. I don't like having to squeeze my fingers together into some kind of crippled-looking hook, just to move around. The majority of PC gamers have adopted this as a reasonable form of gaming and I wish them all the best.
For me, it's all about using the mouse and a Nostromo Speedpad n52(http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=2071&pcount=&Product_Id=157024). Using the little directional pad on the side to move around feels really natural to me. I've used this scheme mostly for MMORPGs and I love it. I've only dabbled with FPSs on the PC but it works just as well. The hardest problem with using a gamepad is mapping all the buttons and figuring out what works best for a specific game. The thing that is great about the Speedpad is that it's also made for people who love WASD. The main difference being that the buttons are actually more ergonomic for WASD. No crippled-looking hook hand with this badboy.
Jason @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I wish there was a way to have a multikeyed controller in my left hand with a thumbstick on it while I use a mouse with my left hand. I know there is such a beast sold at Best Buy, but that has a D-pad, not a thumbstick. There's no point in that because WASD is no different than a D-pad.
Adam Carrico @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I like mouse and keyboard for maximum control, but of course for comfort I can sit back and play of my game pad. I think if you want a lot of online, headshots are easier on the PC.
SuicideNinja @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
"Using 4 different keys to dirrect movement is a lot more exact than with an analog stick"
How can it possibly be more exact? When you hit left, you go left. There is no "slight left" option with a keyboard without tapping inaccurately.
As for "wasting fingers holding the controller" you waste fingers for directional movement on a keyboard. 1 thumb vs 3 fingers? Plus you avoid having to use your pinkies for anything.
"playing CTF in UT2k4, you go to get your flag back, translocating over 3 guys, spinning in midair, switching to your rocket launcher, letting the rockets go, landing on the ground and whipping out your shock/lightning gun to finish them off . . . I just don't see it happening with any controller I know of."
I've seen equally crazy if not crazier things happen in Halo 2 with a controller. Think Killtacular, Kill Frenzy, etc.
Another good point is that "wrong button" pushing is more likely to happen on a keyboard since there are more keys.
As far as "realism" goes, maybe we'll see some good FPS action with the new Revolution controller with the analog stick attachment.