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Gameplay or graphics? Presentation or content?
These factors are nothing without good use of the controller available. Button configuration is vitally important in making games fun.
For instance look at the N64 pad. On a game that uses the 3D stick, you cannot easily use the L button, so to have it set to a vital function would be stupidity!
When performing actions they have to become like second nature to you, with you being able to perform one thing after another, without accidently pressing the wrong one.
I noticed that between ISS64 and ISS2000 they've changed one of the tackle buttons from A, to B. Now I always press the wrong button, and wonder why my guy is just standing there! Things like this can become rather annoying.
Another little annoyance was the control method for RE2 on the N64. When I press left, I want to move left, not turn left. I'm a human character, not a car for Christs sake! Luckily, I discovered that you could change the control method so pressing left, turned and moved you left, pressing back turns you around and walks in that direction. However, having to mess around with the dodgy control beforehand, put me off the game a great deal.
The way you hold the pad, and where your fingers lie has to feel natural. On an N64 pad it's difficult to use A, B and Rat the same time. When would you ever need to though, you may ask. Well I'll tell you. In Diddy Kong Racing either A or B accelerates, the other breaks. R skids. Pressing skid and break at the same time makes you turn tightly. You then want to keep pressing accelearate to keep going. It just doesn't feel that comfortable to hold the pad the way I have to to perform this move!
A game can be graphically amazing, and the concept can be original and, in theory highly playable, but if it's awkward to control, with the many buttons on the pad performing different functions, but you always press the wrong one, then gamers won't like it, and won't play it! There has to be some natural flow through the buttons, so you're not going to discolate your finger to jump over a wall, or sprain your wrist to draw another weapon whilst running along!
These factors are nothing without good use of the controller available. Button configuration is vitally important in making games fun.
For instance look at the N64 pad. On a game that uses the 3D stick, you cannot easily use the L button, so to have it set to a vital function would be stupidity!
When performing actions they have to become like second nature to you, with you being able to perform one thing after another, without accidently pressing the wrong one.
I noticed that between ISS64 and ISS2000 they've changed one of the tackle buttons from A, to B. Now I always press the wrong button, and wonder why my guy is just standing there! Things like this can become rather annoying.
Another little annoyance was the control method for RE2 on the N64. When I press left, I want to move left, not turn left. I'm a human character, not a car for Christs sake! Luckily, I discovered that you could change the control method so pressing left, turned and moved you left, pressing back turns you around and walks in that direction. However, having to mess around with the dodgy control beforehand, put me off the game a great deal.
The way you hold the pad, and where your fingers lie has to feel natural. On an N64 pad it's difficult to use A, B and Rat the same time. When would you ever need to though, you may ask. Well I'll tell you. In Diddy Kong Racing either A or B accelerates, the other breaks. R skids. Pressing skid and break at the same time makes you turn tightly. You then want to keep pressing accelearate to keep going. It just doesn't feel that comfortable to hold the pad the way I have to to perform this move!
A game can be graphically amazing, and the concept can be original and, in theory highly playable, but if it's awkward to control, with the many buttons on the pad performing different functions, but you always press the wrong one, then gamers won't like it, and won't play it! There has to be some natural flow through the buttons, so you're not going to discolate your finger to jump over a wall, or sprain your wrist to draw another weapon whilst running along!
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meka_dragon wrote:
> For DKR, in order for me to play well, and I have my thumb on the
> accelerator. It stays here the whole time I play the game, and
> doesn't move.
I no longer need think about the thumb.
The
> middle finger takes on a position on the "R"
> button.
The finger between these two comes across to the brake
> button.
I certainly doesn't look natural, but you get used to
> it.
Couldnt you use the knuckle bit of your thumbon the accelator, your first finger on R and when you need to use the brakeyou can just push the pad of your thumb down onto the B button.
Im not sure if i explained that well, but hopefully you see what i mean.
> For DKR, in order for me to play well, and I have my thumb on the
> accelerator. It stays here the whole time I play the game, and
> doesn't move.
I no longer need think about the thumb.
The
> middle finger takes on a position on the "R"
> button.
The finger between these two comes across to the brake
> button.
I certainly doesn't look natural, but you get used to
> it.
Couldnt you use the knuckle bit of your thumbon the accelator, your first finger on R and when you need to use the brakeyou can just push the pad of your thumb down onto the B button.
Im not sure if i explained that well, but hopefully you see what i mean.
For DKR, in order for me to play well, and I have my thumb on the accelerator. It stays here the whole time I play the game, and doesn't move.
I no longer need think about the thumb.
The middle finger takes on a position on the "R" button.
The finger between these two comes across to the brake button.
I certainly doesn't look natural, but you get used to it.
Also on this subject, use of the keyboard.
Two keys that perform very different functions should not ever be next to each other. Such as save and load, for example!
I no longer need think about the thumb.
The middle finger takes on a position on the "R" button.
The finger between these two comes across to the brake button.
I certainly doesn't look natural, but you get used to it.
Also on this subject, use of the keyboard.
Two keys that perform very different functions should not ever be next to each other. Such as save and load, for example!
It's a nice idea, but the only problem is that all controllers have a different number of buttons, and so some aspects or functions of the game would be unavailable.
For example, you can get Bleemcast to play PS1 games, but the DC controller has less buttons than a DualShock. Hence you have to buy an adapter to allow connection of a DualShock pad for some games.
For example, you can get Bleemcast to play PS1 games, but the DC controller has less buttons than a DualShock. Hence you have to buy an adapter to allow connection of a DualShock pad for some games.
I dont know what it is about the PS pad, but it just seems uncomfortable to me. Still, everyone has different hands and its one of the problems console developers have to contend with. Some people will obviously prefer certain pads than others.
What I would like to see, although its probably really impractical to do, is for a manufacturer to release something where you can plug in any pad you want (from whatever platform) and then plug the box into whatever console you want. Then you can use your favourite controller with your favourite console, and everyones happy!
What I would like to see, although its probably really impractical to do, is for a manufacturer to release something where you can plug in any pad you want (from whatever platform) and then plug the box into whatever console you want. Then you can use your favourite controller with your favourite console, and everyones happy!
Your Honour wrote:
> How do you hold your N64 pad? I find
> it quite easy to use A B and R, maybe i just have weird hands
> though.
> I think the worstpad i've used is the PSX pad,
> and thats not just because i dislike Sony. After doing an endurance
> race on GT I thought my fingers were going to fall off!!!!
I have to ask you what you asked Meka... how did you hold the pad? Everything on a PS pad is in very easy reach; I've sometimes played games for 14 hours or more, and had no blisters, cramps or other ill effects - well, apart from a bit of a headache!
Some people have said that the DualShock2 is unoriginal - but I for one think Sony did the right thing by sticking with the same design. IMHO it's the most comfortable controller yet devised, and if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Personally, when playing a Dreamcast pod at the local cinema, I thought the controller was okay but nothing special. And I couldn't get on with my cousin's N64 controller at all. I do have large hands, though, and I think that is a major factor.
> How do you hold your N64 pad? I find
> it quite easy to use A B and R, maybe i just have weird hands
> though.
> I think the worstpad i've used is the PSX pad,
> and thats not just because i dislike Sony. After doing an endurance
> race on GT I thought my fingers were going to fall off!!!!
I have to ask you what you asked Meka... how did you hold the pad? Everything on a PS pad is in very easy reach; I've sometimes played games for 14 hours or more, and had no blisters, cramps or other ill effects - well, apart from a bit of a headache!
Some people have said that the DualShock2 is unoriginal - but I for one think Sony did the right thing by sticking with the same design. IMHO it's the most comfortable controller yet devised, and if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Personally, when playing a Dreamcast pod at the local cinema, I thought the controller was okay but nothing special. And I couldn't get on with my cousin's N64 controller at all. I do have large hands, though, and I think that is a major factor.
meka_dragon wrote:
The way you hold the pad, and where your fingers lie has to
> feel natural. On an N64 pad it's difficult to use A, B and Rat the
> same time. When would you ever need to though, you may ask. Well
> I'll tell you. In Diddy Kong Racing either A or B accelerates, the
> other breaks. R skids. Pressing skid and break at the same time
> makes you turn tightly. You then want to keep pressing accelearate
> to keep going. It just doesn't feel that comfortable to hold the pad
> the way I have to to perform this move!
How do you hold your N64 pad? I find it quite easy to use A B and R, maybe i just have weird hands though.
I think the best pad i've used so far is the DC pad, it just felt so natural when i first used it, that was to play Sega Rally by the way.
I think the worstpad i've used is the PSX pad, and thats not just because i dislike Sony. After doing an endurance race on GT I thought my fingers were going to fall off!!!!
The way you hold the pad, and where your fingers lie has to
> feel natural. On an N64 pad it's difficult to use A, B and Rat the
> same time. When would you ever need to though, you may ask. Well
> I'll tell you. In Diddy Kong Racing either A or B accelerates, the
> other breaks. R skids. Pressing skid and break at the same time
> makes you turn tightly. You then want to keep pressing accelearate
> to keep going. It just doesn't feel that comfortable to hold the pad
> the way I have to to perform this move!
How do you hold your N64 pad? I find it quite easy to use A B and R, maybe i just have weird hands though.
I think the best pad i've used so far is the DC pad, it just felt so natural when i first used it, that was to play Sega Rally by the way.
I think the worstpad i've used is the PSX pad, and thats not just because i dislike Sony. After doing an endurance race on GT I thought my fingers were going to fall off!!!!
I agree. PC games like AOK have that problem when people decide to use the keyboard in stead of the combination. I could never control Banjo with a D-Pad but then again, I could never control Ken or Ryu with a control stick.
Layout again is an important factor like you said. The new Gamecube controller is supposed to be easier to navigate that the first level on Toe-Jam and Earl. It is good to see that Nintendo have taken the time to cover ALL the aspects of their Next-Gen console!
Just like the storyline topics, it is all down to the games. But think about it, I couldn't stand the layout of the Dreamcast when I first played it, but over time we get used to things. It will happen with the X-Box and The Gamecube. People will alter the way the hold, control and manouvre the pad!
But as I say, If Nintendo have already taken this into consideration they have another advantage to add to their collection!
Layout again is an important factor like you said. The new Gamecube controller is supposed to be easier to navigate that the first level on Toe-Jam and Earl. It is good to see that Nintendo have taken the time to cover ALL the aspects of their Next-Gen console!
Just like the storyline topics, it is all down to the games. But think about it, I couldn't stand the layout of the Dreamcast when I first played it, but over time we get used to things. It will happen with the X-Box and The Gamecube. People will alter the way the hold, control and manouvre the pad!
But as I say, If Nintendo have already taken this into consideration they have another advantage to add to their collection!
Gameplay or graphics? Presentation or content?
These factors are nothing without good use of the controller available. Button configuration is vitally important in making games fun.
For instance look at the N64 pad. On a game that uses the 3D stick, you cannot easily use the L button, so to have it set to a vital function would be stupidity!
When performing actions they have to become like second nature to you, with you being able to perform one thing after another, without accidently pressing the wrong one.
I noticed that between ISS64 and ISS2000 they've changed one of the tackle buttons from A, to B. Now I always press the wrong button, and wonder why my guy is just standing there! Things like this can become rather annoying.
Another little annoyance was the control method for RE2 on the N64. When I press left, I want to move left, not turn left. I'm a human character, not a car for Christs sake! Luckily, I discovered that you could change the control method so pressing left, turned and moved you left, pressing back turns you around and walks in that direction. However, having to mess around with the dodgy control beforehand, put me off the game a great deal.
The way you hold the pad, and where your fingers lie has to feel natural. On an N64 pad it's difficult to use A, B and Rat the same time. When would you ever need to though, you may ask. Well I'll tell you. In Diddy Kong Racing either A or B accelerates, the other breaks. R skids. Pressing skid and break at the same time makes you turn tightly. You then want to keep pressing accelearate to keep going. It just doesn't feel that comfortable to hold the pad the way I have to to perform this move!
A game can be graphically amazing, and the concept can be original and, in theory highly playable, but if it's awkward to control, with the many buttons on the pad performing different functions, but you always press the wrong one, then gamers won't like it, and won't play it! There has to be some natural flow through the buttons, so you're not going to discolate your finger to jump over a wall, or sprain your wrist to draw another weapon whilst running along!
These factors are nothing without good use of the controller available. Button configuration is vitally important in making games fun.
For instance look at the N64 pad. On a game that uses the 3D stick, you cannot easily use the L button, so to have it set to a vital function would be stupidity!
When performing actions they have to become like second nature to you, with you being able to perform one thing after another, without accidently pressing the wrong one.
I noticed that between ISS64 and ISS2000 they've changed one of the tackle buttons from A, to B. Now I always press the wrong button, and wonder why my guy is just standing there! Things like this can become rather annoying.
Another little annoyance was the control method for RE2 on the N64. When I press left, I want to move left, not turn left. I'm a human character, not a car for Christs sake! Luckily, I discovered that you could change the control method so pressing left, turned and moved you left, pressing back turns you around and walks in that direction. However, having to mess around with the dodgy control beforehand, put me off the game a great deal.
The way you hold the pad, and where your fingers lie has to feel natural. On an N64 pad it's difficult to use A, B and Rat the same time. When would you ever need to though, you may ask. Well I'll tell you. In Diddy Kong Racing either A or B accelerates, the other breaks. R skids. Pressing skid and break at the same time makes you turn tightly. You then want to keep pressing accelearate to keep going. It just doesn't feel that comfortable to hold the pad the way I have to to perform this move!
A game can be graphically amazing, and the concept can be original and, in theory highly playable, but if it's awkward to control, with the many buttons on the pad performing different functions, but you always press the wrong one, then gamers won't like it, and won't play it! There has to be some natural flow through the buttons, so you're not going to discolate your finger to jump over a wall, or sprain your wrist to draw another weapon whilst running along!
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