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What type of controller do you think will become popular as games become more advanced? Will the 'classic' hands on each side of the pad controller become evermore increasingly popular, or will a new type of controller (such as a games glove) gradually replace it? Remember, it happened to the joystick so it's not impossible for a new type of peripheral to 'take control'.
One steering wheel that came out for the Atari ST and Amiga was able to transform into a flight yolk and other things too. If only there was a controller that could be a basic controller and a steering wheel (not the playstation one that came with Ridge Racer 4,but a good one!) then I'd be happy.
Or how about better movement controllers, I know the playstation and PC have had their share of glove and arm controllers, but they were all crap and besides, it would be better to have some kind of band that went on your arms and legs and sensed movement that way, just think how fun fighting games would be!
Or how about better movement controllers, I know the playstation and PC have had their share of glove and arm controllers, but they were all crap and besides, it would be better to have some kind of band that went on your arms and legs and sensed movement that way, just think how fun fighting games would be!
What? has anyone forgot Nintendo here with its controllers?
After all It was Nintendo who innovated the Rumble,Analog(Although was on PC first, but Nintendo re-invented it)Pak slots on back L+R Buttons, D-pad.
And what about the NGC Controller with it's smooth ergonomic design?
I know we havent touched it yet, but with Nintendo's experience 'and success' esp. with N64. They deserve our gratitude.
After all It was Nintendo who innovated the Rumble,Analog(Although was on PC first, but Nintendo re-invented it)Pak slots on back L+R Buttons, D-pad.
And what about the NGC Controller with it's smooth ergonomic design?
I know we havent touched it yet, but with Nintendo's experience 'and success' esp. with N64. They deserve our gratitude.
Does anyone remember the game-chair that was being developed by Konix at around the time of the Amiga/Atari ST? The chair supported a screen, controller, pedals etc. and was supposed to move/turn/tilt in relation to the on-screen action.
I was really looking forward to that at the time, but sadly it never saw a release, and nor did anything else quite like it.
As for hand-held controllers, I've already stated elsewhere that I find Sony's the best for me. I have large hands, and the DualShock is extremely comfortable.
Someone else has said that they think Microsoft has the best controllers, but personally I disagree. I have a Sidewinder pad for my PC, and find it uncomfortable after extended play. The handles are flat, not angled, and this places the trigger buttons in a very uncomfortable position. Combined with smooth pointed shape of the handles, I find the pad slides out of my hand too easily, especially if my hands start to sweat.
Apart from controllers themselves, though, what about improvements in control *methods*? Okay, with driving or flight sims there's only so much you can do, but what about sports games?
I used to love sports games on my C64 and Amiga, but I went through no end of joysticks because they simply weren't built for the frantic waggling required in the running events. Similarly, ESPN International Track and Field on PS2 looks awesome, but I doubt I'll buy it as it will no doubt mean button-bashing and more knackered controllers!
Could such games have a different control method, or is button-bashing/stick-waggling the only way?
I was really looking forward to that at the time, but sadly it never saw a release, and nor did anything else quite like it.
As for hand-held controllers, I've already stated elsewhere that I find Sony's the best for me. I have large hands, and the DualShock is extremely comfortable.
Someone else has said that they think Microsoft has the best controllers, but personally I disagree. I have a Sidewinder pad for my PC, and find it uncomfortable after extended play. The handles are flat, not angled, and this places the trigger buttons in a very uncomfortable position. Combined with smooth pointed shape of the handles, I find the pad slides out of my hand too easily, especially if my hands start to sweat.
Apart from controllers themselves, though, what about improvements in control *methods*? Okay, with driving or flight sims there's only so much you can do, but what about sports games?
I used to love sports games on my C64 and Amiga, but I went through no end of joysticks because they simply weren't built for the frantic waggling required in the running events. Similarly, ESPN International Track and Field on PS2 looks awesome, but I doubt I'll buy it as it will no doubt mean button-bashing and more knackered controllers!
Could such games have a different control method, or is button-bashing/stick-waggling the only way?
I cant see anything replacing the Dual-Shock type of controller for quite a long time yet. This is merely because it is the best set up for use with a wide variety of games.
I do think, however, that we will see the appearance of more and more games specific peripherals. Fishing Rods for the Bass games, dancing mats, steering wheels, snowboards and of course guns will become more prevailant.
Maybe the technology being shown off at recent shows by Sony will take off (you know where you swing a stick around and a camera tracks it and translates it into moving a sword on the screen etc). That could be really cool for baesball games or star wars games BUT I think that the technology will need a hell of a lot of work if it is ever going to be able to function as a primary control method.
I am sure there are people beavering away on various peripherals as we speak. If they cant come up with sensible ideas however then I think they should stick with what works. Some controllers are just too ludicrous for words.
I do think, however, that we will see the appearance of more and more games specific peripherals. Fishing Rods for the Bass games, dancing mats, steering wheels, snowboards and of course guns will become more prevailant.
Maybe the technology being shown off at recent shows by Sony will take off (you know where you swing a stick around and a camera tracks it and translates it into moving a sword on the screen etc). That could be really cool for baesball games or star wars games BUT I think that the technology will need a hell of a lot of work if it is ever going to be able to function as a primary control method.
I am sure there are people beavering away on various peripherals as we speak. If they cant come up with sensible ideas however then I think they should stick with what works. Some controllers are just too ludicrous for words.
What type of controller do you think will become popular as games become more advanced? Will the 'classic' hands on each side of the pad controller become evermore increasingly popular, or will a new type of controller (such as a games glove) gradually replace it? Remember, it happened to the joystick so it's not impossible for a new type of peripheral to 'take control'.