The problem with gamepads is the thumbsticks. Small joysticks with a small moving range, that make them very imprecise. The moving range and versatility of a mouse is far superior. And most buttons are maneuvered with only thumbs, leaving a lot of fingers unused. Granted, it has gotten better in that regard, with index and middle finger buttons on modern joypads, but it's still not good.
A motion controller similar to gamepad with motion input would be something like the STEM system. Key here is motion input. That's what makes them fine. Still, turning with a thumbstick is horrible, turning with a mouse is much better.
DK1 - previously owned
DK2 - 2014-08-26 RECEIVED (ordered 2014-04-24)
CV1 - 2016-05-25 RECEIVED (ordered on release day)
Touch - 2016-12-07 RECEIVED (pre-order with CV1)
I agree that the gamepad solution works nicely for this demo. I'm not sure how a HOTAS would feel but it'd be nice to try.
I also agree that the argument about not being able to see the keys is bogus. I've done DCS in the Rift and that pretty much requires stick, throttle, mouse, and keyboard input if you're going to be serious about it. It wasn't a big deal. Even when not using the Rift, are you looking at your input devices all the time? I don't think so - your eyes are on the screen. This problem of not being able to see has been way overblown in my opinion.
Sure, there is a little fumbling around just to get used to where your input devices are positioned when you're using the Rift and have things set up in an unfamiliar layout. That takes what, half an hour at the most to get used to? And even if some people just can't get used to not being able to see their input devices (psychological barrier perhaps?) it's not a great reason to degrade the experience for everyone else.
Finally got around to trying this demo and WOW! It worked perfectly in direct mode with the max graphics settings and everything looked and played great! My Xbox controller worked perfectly and I felt very comfortable in the cockpit. I loved all the details of the cockpit and had a lot of fun blowing the limbs off of the mission targets. For a demo, this is very polished and feels like the start of a really great game.
When this full game comes out, count me in!
i7 5960X @ 3.8 GHz | Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4 PC2800 | GTX Titan X Pascal | Win 10 64 bit | Asus ROG PG348Q | EVGA X99 Classified
