rpg/action games controls

[Nikolas]

I was wondering...

When you play other games, that require, at least a bit of real time controls, like most rpgs today (not turn based), or rts, or action, or 1st person etc...

Do you use the keyboard along with the mouse?
Do you use the mouse only?
Do you use only the keyboard?

Of course it depends on the game, but do you mind any of the above choices?

Thank you

[ManicMatt]

Resi 4 on the PC, so I'm told, ONLY lets you use keyboard controls. For a game like this you need a mouse for aiming for precision, and keys to move about. So I'll always prefer mouse AND keys. I think 90% of gamers play the games like this, at a guess. And joypads obviously.

[R4L]

Well, there are games that absolutely need keyboard and mouse, but there are some games that really should be played with a gamepad. Resi 4 is one of them, along with RTS games. I couldn't see anyone trying to defeat Zerglings with no mouse.   

[TheJBurger]

Most games that run in real time or that are competitive require you to use both the keyboard and the mouse. It's just easier to multi task with two hands, ten fingers, and twenty buttons on a complicated game.

The only times I prefer to use keyboard only or mouse only is if it's intuitive for that type of game (see Tiltor or Anna or Trilby's Notes). Also, sometimes it's just nice to use mouse only on certain adventure games when I feel lazy.

[enkerro]

Resi 4 on the PC, so I'm told, ONLY lets you use keyboard controls. For a game like this you need a mouse for aiming for precision, etc..

There are external apps for applying mouse controls for Resi 4. But the mouse aiming is actually more difficult than
aiming with a keyboard. It's odd but true

[Radiant]

Plain keyboard, as much as possible. I'm one of those rare folks that play better on a keyboard than on a gamepad, or on a keyboard/mouse combo. Yes, even in most FPS games.

[Inkoddi]

If possible and convenient, I prefer using a gamepad or joystick. That goes for 2D platformers, 3D platformers, racing games, flying games, space shooters, console type RPGs and probably more. It is nice and relaxing to be able to lean back while playing games. Also, an analog stick is way superior to cursor keys when making smooth turns.

[Akatosh]

It depends, but for most games, Mouse + Keyboard probably is best. Mouse only can be a problem at least for those "hardcore gamers" who can't live without hotkeys.

[2ma2]

Being a Genesis ho, I rely on right hand resting on the arrow keys, and left hand on A S D. Shooters are made for playing WASD and mouse. Joypads are supreme for fighting galore.

..I have yet to tried the Wii controller though. Perhaps not a revolution, but amusing it seems. Hum hum.

[Khris]

Resi4 for PC has a setup button on its launcher, allowing to completely customize the controls, including the use of gamepads.
I prefer pads; and games that are made for pads.
The only exception are games with indirect control (real-time strategy or similar) and of course, FPSs, mouse control is the obvious choice with those.

Occasionally I play on a friend's XBox; aiming and walking with the sticks is a pain in the ass.

I think one of the games with the most intuitive and well-done controls is Metroid Fusion for the GBA.
I just love how holding down a shoulder button remaps the cross/button functions from movement to attack. Just as in RE4, btw.

[2ma2]

Walking and aiming with the pad is smooooooth in Morrowind for the Xbox. But it is perhaps not as actionpacked as Halo. But I remember Halo being smoooooth aswell. You eventually get the hang of those sticks.

[lo_res_man]

I like mouse and keyboard, it allows you to combine the intuitivnes of mice, with the depth of keyboard. but I agree for fighting games, nothing beats gamepad. and for flying games keyboard, unless you can get a yoke or joystick

[Hudders]

unless you can get a yoke or joystick

Also useful for Daley Thompson's Decathlon.