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Six axis (Or: The Pros and Cons of different console controllers)

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Eagle Est1986
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friedmetroid:
I find all console controllers pointless since the perfect gaming controls, the mouse and keyboard, already exist.

Wrong. You can't sit back on your sofa with a keyboard and mouse and a mouse makes FPSs a little too easy for my liking. However, I do envy your set-up for RTSs.

I quite like the sixaxis feature although it's not often uesd that well. I thought Resistance used it quite well, shaking the controller to put out the fire if you get set alight, makes it so much harder to aim while burning! Flow used it brilliantly too, a marvellously relaxing game. However, the rest of the design of the controller is a bit rubbish, the triggers are awful.
I think the 360 has the best controller for this gen, a bit basic admittedly but it's just lovely and comfortable.
The wiimote just makes my hands hurt, good ideas Nintendo, but poor execution (again).

Lazy Lemon
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The only truly awesome use I've found for it is in MGS4

(SPOILERS)

when you shake it to throttle Screaming Mantis to death using your newly found phsycic abilities.

jezz8me
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I have only ever used sixaxis once on my ps3 and that is on the demo of Skate when to see what it was like. I never activated it again. Sixaxis is pointless, truly IMO.

Having said i love the playstation controller. In fact one of the reasons i bought a PS3 was the controller. They are much more ergonomic for my small hands, even well sized, good grip, i prefer the trigger buttons much more than the Xbox 360 and it all round just works for me. it might be that i was raised on a ps1 but i cannot use an Xbox controler (almost) it is big and cluncky, the buttons are uncomfortable and far apart and yes it is heavy.

I understand with the big handed masculine people who generally play Xbox 360 it is probably a better controller but for me i suit a controller designed for JRPG and fighter playing Japanese people with small hands. (sorry for the generalization)

cleverlymadeup
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the funny part about lair, that uses the sixaxxis for controlling is ppl complained about how bad it was, they released an analog control patch and most ppl that dl'd it, used the analog control for a bit and then went back to the sixaxxis controls

it's actually a pretty good controller, it just takes some getting used to, tho in gta iv it's a REAL PAIN to control the helicopter, boat and bike were ok

in uncharted the balance beam thing i found useless but the grenade tilting was kinda cool

JaguarWong
Beat Writer
Posts: 208
Joined: 5 Jun 2008

I'm not a fan of this discussion as it, more than almost any other, comes down to personal taste.

I can, and do, switch between 360 and PS2 controllers and barely notice a difference. My favourite thing about the Wii controls is that they are ridiculously comfortable - especially as you don't have to hold your hands together in front of you like a begging dog.

Keyboard and mouse is not for me - playing at a desk is not for me.
I can never understand how PC gamers are so anal about aiming accuracy but are happy with a movement system that I used to play Spectrum games with.
Mouse aiming makes games too easy - easy = not fun.

laikenf
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I like sixaxis (the idea at least) it's the devs. who haven't implemented it well yet.

cleverlymadeup
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JaguarWong:

Keyboard and mouse is not for me - playing at a desk is not for me.
I can never understand how PC gamers are so anal about aiming accuracy but are happy with a movement system that I used to play Spectrum games with.
Mouse aiming makes games too easy - easy = not fun.

no it makes it more accurate not easier, i'd rather use a mouse and keyboard for a fps. using a controller for an fps is just a pain and makes it unnecessarily difficult because the analog stick is no where near as sensitive as a mouse

Takatchi
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My only problem with "motion-sensitive" controllers such as the wiimote or the Sixaxis has to do with the sheer amount of gimmicks the game designers want to throw in. Having not seen many PS3 games with this gimmick, I don't have much to say about it. I generally like most of the games that have included Sixaxis functionality. fl0w was a very enjoyable game, made all the more calming and relaxing by the movement of the controller directing your movements, rather than the analog or D-pad. I thought this was a good idea, and I think some of the flight-based games that are out for the PS3 could make good use of it. However, if it ever gets to the point where the PS3 wants me to shake my controller furiously to knock away a zombie in RE5 or throw it into the air and catch it to unlock a door, I'll gladly trade it in for a dualshock.

laikenf
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friedmetroid:
I find all console controllers pointless since the perfect gaming controls, the mouse and keyboard, already exist.

PC gamers seem very proud of their mouse (it is a cool interface and all but c'mon guys), what most fail to mention though is how dismal the keyboard is as a controller interface, you guys cannot argue that ANY controll pad is much more confortable when movement is concerned.

AlphaWolf13
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ElArabDeMagnifico:

AlphaWolf13:

friedmetroid:
I find all console controllers pointless since the perfect gaming controls, the mouse and keyboard, already exist.

Love PC gaming, but... Several flaws...

Not the most portable item (Desktop that is)
Horrible with group (split screen and such) multiplayer
And!!! More expensive...

1. True (sort of) - but you can get a smaller case, saw one called a "Litebox" and it was basically just a bigger gamecube.

2. Depends on your layout and setup but in general you're right, but it does have better online so I guess it's balanced out. Split screen play is a little harder to setup than a console would, and is only worth the effort if you have a select group of friends who visit frequently.

3. False (or Half True) - a gaming PC is what you make it to be and mine was cheap. I'll spare the details, long story short, 400 dollars in upgrades, and haven't had to upgrade since.

Not to argue, but you say "upgrades", not a full computer. If you were to start from scratch, I believe a "decent" gaming PC to rival the Systems would be more expensive. Granted, you'd get more out of the PC though (non-gaming wise).

BallPtPenTheif
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Juan Regular:
flOw was cool with sixaxis.

true

it helped add a sense of calm to the game. something about drifting your wrists back and forth is relaxing (no masturbation jokes).

ElArabDeMagnifico
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AlphaWolf13:

Not to argue, but you say "upgrades", not a full computer. If you were to start from scratch, I believe a "decent" gaming PC to rival the Systems would be more expensive. Granted, you'd get more out of the PC though (non-gaming wise).

True, I guess I just assumed upgrades since chances are most of us here are on a computer or laptop. Correct though, the initial cost of a PC is costly but after that it's not as bad.

Eagle Est1986:

friedmetroid:
I find all console controllers pointless since the perfect gaming controls, the mouse and keyboard, already exist.

Wrong. You can't sit back on your sofa with a keyboard and mouse and a mouse makes FPSs a little too easy for my liking. However, I do envy your set-up for RTSs.

Also wrong, I've got that exact setup (26'' LCD T.V. - and I just sit back on my bed) and just have something to rest my KB&M on so I also don't need a controller, and can sit on a sofa or a bed or a floor or w/e. Then there is the FragFX controller I posted earlier. -and I know it's just "your opinion" but come on, why would you "handicap" yourself to make something more challenging? There are better ways to achieve that.

Sexual Harassment Panda
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Wow six axis isn't popular at all by the look of it. I only have the one game that uses it, Heavenly sword...and I thought guiding arrows into people was actually pretty cool. I think for most things the 360 controller is probably better though. It is a nice shape and I actually like a bit of weight to a controller when I am holding it.

SaintWaldo
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A few enjoyable SixAxis games

Blazing Angels I & II - I prefer the SixAxis/arcade controls for flight.
Burnout Paradise - I use it just for the crash mode
Fatal Inertia - I only hope Wipeout HD uses the same scheme, because it's pretty much perfect once you dial sensitivity right. Also demonstrates an auto-level feature many games should steal.
flOw - It's the only way to play, really.
GTA IV - Helicopters are great with tilt.
Lair - Imagine the controller as reigns, and it's pretty intuitive and awesome, unless you happen to also be a professional game reviewer, it seems.
MGS4 - Shake load. Yeah, more games need that.
Ratchet and Clank: ToD - The minigames were all pretty good uses of tilt, esp. the circuit game.
Warhawk - For flight, and oddly enough driving, I found tilt to be very satisfying and preferable to sticks.

I'm sure I've missed a few.

General tips

Try and imagine the controller as a proxy object of the kind you are controlling on screen, i.e. if you are flying a plane pretend the controller is a small model of that plane. This minimizes translation in your brain.

If a minigame models tilting a flat surface, stabilize one or more of your hands on a flat surface like your knees or a table. You can then make very precise tilting motions. Obviously, the more hands at your disposal, the more stability you can achieve.

Relax. The SixAxis can gimbal lock (stop responding because it's at the end of multiple rotational axes, perhaps in hardware or in the sim) in some games, typically the heavy flight sims like Blazing Angels. Usually a quick pause and return to play with a level controller fixes this condition. But confining oneself to small, non-exaggerated motions tends to avoid gimbal lock completely.

BallPtPenTheif
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Games that don't work with keyboard and mouse:

Race Games
Flight Sims
Fighting Games
Platform Games with analog movement
Sports Titles

Programmed_For_Damage
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jezz8me:

I understand with the big handed masculine people who generally play Xbox 360 it is probably a better controller but for me i suit a controller designed for JRPG and fighter playing Japanese people with small hands. (sorry for the generalization)

It may be a bit of a generalization but there is certainly an element of truth there.

My biggest gripe with the PS3 controller is the L2 and R2 buttons. I much prefer the 360's triggers (I wonder if that subconsciously implies your "generic" 360 player would rather squeeze triggers than push buttons?). That and it's too light; same with the Wiimote. Strangely enough I find it much better to use than the PS2 controller.

Gravy Devil
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If a game opts me to turn off the six-axis, i'll do it everytime.I've never found much of a use for it.Especially in Folklore,when I thought stealing monster's souls would be a wiggle of the controller followed buy a quick upward tug, turned into having to swing it back and forth at almost arms reach.If I was playing, no one was allowed to play next to me.Ditto for controlling vehicles,esp when using the sticks is better.In Haze, if you caught on fire, you had to "shake" the flames off, which was rather cumbersome trying to flee a stream of fire,while shaking your controller,running away from everyone shooting at you.The only time it was ever remotely fun was in Ratchet & Clank, free falling to the ground and using the six-axis to avoid missle being shot at you.It's a gimmick at best, and I've never been excited to use it with any of the gameplay mechanics.

AlphaWolf13
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ElArabDeMagnifico:

True, I guess I just assumed upgrades since chances are most of us here are on a computer or laptop. Correct though, the initial cost of a PC is costly but after that it's not as bad.

You also have to think about the computer you have, and what needs upgraded without bottle necking. My mom has a computer, my sister has a computer. If either of them wanted a "gaming" pc equivalent to a PS3 or Xbox 360, they'd have to replace just about everything in the system. Except of course the DVD drive...

That would be more then a system right there. ^

That alone is if you know how to upgrade too. Most people don't... So it's either too a shop for upgrading, or "new computer".. Either way, both will be hurting your wallet.

But if you know how to upgrade your computer, and your computer isn't ancient, it might be more cost effective then buying a Console... And you can play lots of the Xbox 360 titles on your computer. <--- so that helps too.

PS3fanboy
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I think the motion sensor is good when used properly.
In Resistance you shake the controller to shake off flames and meniels and such. Giving you just about as much else to do as if you were really on fire.

Edit:
Also, the newest ones have rumble.
Also, you can turn the motion-sensor off.
Also, even though I have relativly large hands, i just have long fingers, so even though the Xbox controller is big It just doesn't feel right. The triggers are to thin and I don't like the idea of my fingers wrapping around them and almost touching my palms.

ANTI-SANTA
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[quote=CartoonHead]P.S. I was going to add a poll, but accidently tapped 'Enter' before I finished setting up this topic. Sorry.[quote]

you do know you can edit you posting right?

Personally i dont give half a shit about anything to do with the PS3 or its unimaginetive controller. Basically, all sony does is take the best bits from other consoles and tack theirs togeher with other stuff people dont even want.

Indigo_Dingo
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ANTI-SANTA:
[quote=CartoonHead]P.S. I was going to add a poll, but accidently tapped 'Enter' before I finished setting up this topic. Sorry.[quote]

you do know you can edit you posting right?

Personally i dont give half a shit about anything to do with the PS3 or its unimaginetive controller. Basically, all sony does is take the best bits from other consoles and tack theirs togeher with other stuff people dont even want.

As you can see, many people like the Sixaxis controls. So whats this "stuff people don't even want"?

ElArabDeMagnifico
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BallPtPenTheif:
Games that don't work with keyboard and mouse:

Race Games
Flight Sims
Fighting Games
Platform Games with analog movement
Sports Titles

Haha, you are so wrong man, clearly shows you haven't tried those with a KB&M. I also use to think that Hack-n-Slash was going to be annoying on PC but after playing the DMC4 demo I proved myself wrong.

Codgo
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JaguarWong:
Mouse aiming makes games too easy - easy = not fun.

The hell are you talking about?

AlphaWolf13:
You also have to think about the computer you have, and what needs upgraded without bottle necking. My mom has a computer, my sister has a computer. If either of them wanted a "gaming" pc equivalent to a PS3 or Xbox 360, they'd have to replace just about everything in the system. Except of course the DVD drive...

That would be more then a system right there. ^

That alone is if you know how to upgrade too. Most people don't... So it's either too a shop for upgrading, or "new computer".. Either way, both will be hurting your wallet.

But if you know how to upgrade your computer, and your computer isn't ancient, it might be more cost effective then buying a Console... And you can play lots of the Xbox 360 titles on your computer. <--- so that helps too.

Its not that expensive to have a good gaming rig, i built mine and saved alot of money. If your smart you don't take a piece of shit computer and try to upgrade it. Its better to start from scratch. You can even get some money off the old one if you sell it.

More cost effective to buy a console? I don't think so. I have a xbox360, i have to pay to use the online service and if i want any extras for the console they have very expensive and the games and nearly £50 a pop new. I can get a new PC game for around £24/26 pounds at most. With the serious price increase of the games you end of paying just as much. Need HD? Alot of these games are being designed for HD now, i better get a HD tv also and they ain't cheap either compared to a monitor.

And also, my DVD drive on my xbox is being a bitch. I would simply buy a new DVD drive for £14 pound if it was a PC. But i can't... i need to have the console shipped off for repair.

So console gaming isn't any cheaper and in many ways its more annoying.

User was banned for: Halo 3 Recon: The "Final Statement". (3 days)
Jumplion
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ANTI-SANTA:
[quote=CartoonHead]P.S. I was going to add a poll, but accidently tapped 'Enter' before I finished setting up this topic. Sorry.[quote]

you do know you can edit you posting right?

Personally i dont give half a shit about anything to do with the PS3 or its unimaginetive controller. Basically, all sony does is take the best bits from other consoles and tack theirs togeher with other stuff people dont even want.

At least their doing something. When was the last time you've heard of a new service for LIVE? Or a firmware update for the Wii that will actually do something and reconfigure some of the menu options? (no seriously, i have not heard of anything like those from them).

AlphaWolf13
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Codgo:

JaguarWong:
Mouse aiming makes games too easy - easy = not fun.

The hell are you talking about?

AlphaWolf13:
You also have to think about the computer you have, and what needs upgraded without bottle necking. My mom has a computer, my sister has a computer. If either of them wanted a "gaming" pc equivalent to a PS3 or Xbox 360, they'd have to replace just about everything in the system. Except of course the DVD drive...

That would be more then a system right there. ^

That alone is if you know how to upgrade too. Most people don't... So it's either too a shop for upgrading, or "new computer".. Either way, both will be hurting your wallet.

But if you know how to upgrade your computer, and your computer isn't ancient, it might be more cost effective then buying a Console... And you can play lots of the Xbox 360 titles on your computer. <--- so that helps too.

Its not that expensive to have a good gaming rig, i built mine and saved alot of money. If your smart you don't take a piece of shit computer and try to upgrade it. Its better to start from scratch. You can even get some money off the old one if you sell it.

More cost effective to buy a console? I don't think so. I have a xbox360, i have to pay to use the online service and if i want any extras for the console they have very expensive and the games and nearly £50 a pop new. I can get a new PC game for around £24/26 pounds at most. With the serious price increase of the games you end of paying just as much. Need HD? Alot of these games are being designed for HD now, i better get a HD tv also and they ain't cheap either compared to a monitor.

And also, my DVD drive on my xbox is being a bitch. I would simply buy a new DVD drive for £14 pound if it was a PC. But i can't... i need to have the console shipped off for repair.

So console gaming isn't any cheaper and in many ways its more annoying.

Good point, but as I said, as long as you know what you're doing about upgrading. Which a lot of people don't :-/.

If you do, it is probably better and easier to go with PC. As for the Xbox 360, I just have a ps3, it's online is free and I've had no trouble with it breaking or anything. It's the first addition too.

Codgo
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AlphaWolf13:

Codgo:

JaguarWong:
Mouse aiming makes games too easy - easy = not fun.

The hell are you talking about?

AlphaWolf13:
You also have to think about the computer you have, and what needs upgraded without bottle necking. My mom has a computer, my sister has a computer. If either of them wanted a "gaming" pc equivalent to a PS3 or Xbox 360, they'd have to replace just about everything in the system. Except of course the DVD drive...

That would be more then a system right there. ^

That alone is if you know how to upgrade too. Most people don't... So it's either too a shop for upgrading, or "new computer".. Either way, both will be hurting your wallet.

But if you know how to upgrade your computer, and your computer isn't ancient, it might be more cost effective then buying a Console... And you can play lots of the Xbox 360 titles on your computer. <--- so that helps too.

Its not that expensive to have a good gaming rig, i built mine and saved alot of money. If your smart you don't take a piece of shit computer and try to upgrade it. Its better to start from scratch. You can even get some money off the old one if you sell it.

More cost effective to buy a console? I don't think so. I have a xbox360, i have to pay to use the online service and if i want any extras for the console they have very expensive and the games and nearly £50 a pop new. I can get a new PC game for around £24/26 pounds at most. With the serious price increase of the games you end of paying just as much. Need HD? Alot of these games are being designed for HD now, i better get a HD tv also and they ain't cheap either compared to a monitor.

And also, my DVD drive on my xbox is being a bitch. I would simply buy a new DVD drive for £14 pound if it was a PC. But i can't... i need to have the console shipped off for repair.

So console gaming isn't any cheaper and in many ways its more annoying.

Good point, but as I said, as long as you know what you're doing about upgrading. Which a lot of people don't :-/.

If you do, it is probably better and easier to go with PC. As for the Xbox 360, I just have a ps3, it's online is free and I've had no trouble with it breaking or anything. It's the first addition too.

You may not have had any problems with your PS3 and lucky you but others have. Yes the online may be free but its still just as expensive as a xbox360.

Even if you don't have experience with building its not hard to find somebody that does do it, a local privately owned computer shop won't charge you much for a build. It just takes a bit of common sense really.

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clarinetJWD
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Honestly, I don't know why more consoles and console games don't support mouse and keyboard. I've always been of the opinion that if a game needs auto aim or aiming assist because of the controls, you're using the wrong controls.

With as many of these games coming out for PC/360 (most common pairing), and having to work out controls for mouse and keyboard anyways, why not include it on the 360? As it stands, I just don't play anything other than racing games and Wii titles on consoles.

AlphaWolf13
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Codgo:

You may not have had any problems with your PS3 and lucky you but others have. Yes the online may be free but its still just as expensive as a xbox360.

Even if you don't have experience with building its not hard to find somebody that does do it, a local privately owned computer shop won't charge you much for a build. It just takes a bit of common sense really.

Even with that, you think to create a PC would be less then the $400-500 for a new console? That would be on par with them? I guess if you Ebayed... Meh, You're probably right, I'm too tired to try and figure out numbers at the moment..

zebubble
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On the whole build your own computer thing, as I built my own computer I can say it is really quite easy.

TheNecroswanson
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ElArabDeMagnifico:
Alright here's my quick rundown.

Wii-mote: It's responsive, it's quick, and the only annoyance is no charging cable and very small battery life - and if you can't stand that stupid connecting wire then it'll cost even more for you since you need the wireless, and these controllers are already pretty damn expensive. Syncing controllers is a nuisance if you use the Wii-mote jacket.

360 controller:

Good: It fits well in my hands and has a good grip. The triggers are nice, and the LB and RB are probably the only working buttons on the damn thing.

Bad: It's very unresponsive and is pretty much only designed for shooters, The D-pad is small and a bit annoying to use, the buttons aren't pressure sensitive and have a round surface so that when you attempt to press two buttons at once chances are the character you are controlling will do the exact opposite thing you told them to do, the battery life is good but most SKU's don't come with charging cables and you need a certain battery pack that is compatible with the charging cable, as opposed to the pack that just holds two AA batteries, and last but not least, syncing controllers can be a pain sometimes.

PS3 original Sixaxis:

Good: It's got a decent grip, it's comfortable despite it's small size, and if you had a PS2 then you will already be