PS3: Important General & KB/Mouse Questions

[DwellerInTheDeeps]

I have some important but simple questions I just need truly accurate objective answers to, before my wife and I make the decision to obtain a PS3.

I'd appreciate anyone taking the time to address the questions at-hand, and pass on as much info as possible.

1) How well does the KB/mouse combination fare on the PS3?
2) Does it actually make an FPS title playable in any comparison to PC?
3) Is there a major "dead zone" when using a mouse with games that aren't coded for usage of a mouse?
4) Are the Axis controllers with the PS3 really as much of a pain with (certain?) games as I've heard mentioned?
4a) Is it just the games that are programmed to use the Axis movement?
4b) Are there many that are, and if so, can you use circumvent that?

I'm not familiar with what the deal is with the PS3 controllers, but I don't like movement being dictated by actually having to move the controller.

5) Are there many titles (upcoming, even) that suppose split-screen, or even any type of system link, such as with the 360?

6) Lastly, considering the types of games both and I my wife are predominantly into, would it make it a truly worthwhile purchase (considering any upcoming titles in Sony's line-up as well)?

It's important that we are able to get as much in-depth feedback from actual owners as possible (again, that's objective) before we go ahead with the purchase.

It's especially important to me, because while I come from the arcade/console generation, and have owned almost every console ever made, I've become a hardcore FPS PC gamer over the last almost ten years. I'm still very much into console games, though specifically for the X360 at this point.

Playstation was the king of consoles back in the day, but the PS2 didn't offer much that I (or my wife) were interested in at all. Most of the games we enjoy (GTA-type action, particular racing titles) are on the 360, so we never considered getting the PS3 until now.

The KB/mouse issue is one of the biggest reasons, and is directly related (for me) to the fact that all FPS titles being released this year are being released on all platforms, and the PS3 is the only console (because MS is "behind the times" with certain things, I feel) that supports KB/mouse.

If I could actually decently play an FPS title on the PS3 with a KB/mouse, especially on a large HD 40" TV, I'd be an extremely happy man.

Honestly, both the 360 and PS3 on a nice LCD TV look extremely comparable to PC (and that's coming from someone who is a true "graphics whore"), and I've really been finding it less and less appealing to have to sit at my desktop as much as I have over the years. So, the whole idea of getting the most out of consoles is becoming more and more appealing as time goes on.

So, thanks for your time is reading this, and I hope to get some helpful feedback.
Cheers!

[ocellaris]

I've only played UT3 on the PS3 with a keyboard and a mouse, and it was not for very long at all. I will say it worked pretty damn good though, I had no problem with it.

The KB/mouse issue is one of the biggest reasons, and is directly related (for me) to the fact that all FPS titles being released this year are being released on all platforms, and the PS3 is the only console (because MS is "behind the times" with certain things, I feel) that supports KB/mouse.

Killzone 2 and Resistance 2 are both PS3 exclusive and coming out this year. Both of those games have a ton of potential and are shaping up to be two of the best FPS games for 2008.

If I could actually decently play an FPS title on the PS3 with a KB/mouse, especially on a large HD 40" TV, I'd be an extremely happy man.

You can definitely do it on a PS3. I am sure more people will jump in here, however its not so gimped that you feel like its not working correctly or anything.

Personally, I've been PC FPS gaming since Doom II was new, and the multiplayer involved directly dialing my friend's modem. Maybe I am getting old and whatever now, however I got no problem FPS gaming with a gamepad now. Much like its easier to just plop down on the couch and play a game, its easier to be using a dpad on the couch too. I will say I am less concerned with my personal stats and scoring compared to what I used to be though, and its definitely harder to snipe with a dpad... I must be getting old =(

[DwellerInTheDeeps]

I've only played UT3 on the PS3 with a keyboard and a mouse, and it was not for very long at all. I will say it worked pretty damn good though, I had no problem with it.

Killzone 2 and Resistance 2 are both PS3 exclusive and coming out this year. Both of those games have a ton of potential and are shaping up to be two of the best FPS games for 2008.

You can definitely do it on a PS3. I am sure more people will jump in here, however its not so gimped that you feel like its not working correctly or anything.

Personally, I've been PC FPS gaming since Doom II was new, and the multiplayer involved directly dialing my friend's modem. Maybe I am getting old and whatever now, however I got no problem FPS gaming with a gamepad now. Much like its easier to just plop down on the couch and play a game, its easier to be using a dpad on the couch too. I will say I am less concerned with my personal stats and scoring compared to what I used to be though, and its definitely harder to snipe with a dpad... I must be getting old =(

Heh, I know the feeling. All the same deal with me.

Thanks for that info. Definitely helpful.

Yeah, there are a few FPS titles coming out on all platforms... Far Cry 2, Dead Space (cant wait for that one), Left 4 Dead... and I'd love to be able to play them without too much frustration.

Having the mix of my/our few "main genres" all in once place just seems to be becoming more and more of the priority these days.

Thanks again, and any/all feedback welcomed and appreciated.

[ocellaris]

I guess the real deciding factor for you might be how many games actually support a kb + mouse for input. Presuming most games do not support kb + mouse, then you are just playing with the same gamepad everyone else is playing with, on the same system, with the same framerates, so at least its a level playing field.

FPS on a dpad has a learning curve, however its not really bad once you stop thinking about it. Also at some point, I think it becomes preferable to just buy a game that works and has no settings to mess with. I'll take the loss of kb + mouse controls for the simplicity and reliability of console play. I still love the tinkering and tweaking aspect with my PC games, however I keep finding less and less time for that the older I get.

[Crighton]

answers to questions 4, 5 and 6.

4. if you mean the actual use of the 6-axis controls I would have to say it depends on the game. The only game that is was really panned for was Lair. Other games use it but it does tend to feel more like an add on than a benefit to game play. If you mean the actual controller that would be a matter of preference.

4a. If you mean does the controller do motion control in the XMB then the answer is no. it is a feature that needs a use some games have no use for it at all and some allow you to turn it off and use a conventional control scheme.

4b. oops answered this above.

5. as for split screen more games are coming out and I do know of at least one game that has both features that is on the horizon called Haze ,but this game was supposed to be out in November and is now slated for may. So I cannot vouch for it's actual quality until it ships.

6. I don't see any problem getting a PS3 for FPS (some Hate the actual controller for FPS though) with the games starting to roll out with KB/M support and it seems all the Major titles are coming out on both the PS3 and the 360 and the quality has been good now since the holiday season on most of the multi-platform games. I personally am looking forward to the PS3 exclusives that are coming out in the Genre that you seem to favor as well so now seems like a good time to get a PS3.

[lewchenko]

I love playing FPS on my PC with a KB/M, and when I had my 360 I steered away from FPS games like Halo3 as I just couldnt get used to the controls.

However, since then Ive sold the 360 and got myself a PS3. Ive been playing Call of Duty 4 and UT3.

Suprisingly I have adapted to playing with the controller much better than on the 360. I dont know why this is.. maybe the layout, or the accuracy in game ? Who knows.

But in my first online COD4 game I got dozens of kills, and in the 2nd game I actually came 3rd! With a bloody controller! In UT3 it was a similar story. I was convinced I would need to play with a KB/M for UT, but my kill rate suggests otherwise.

Plus if you are thinking about a PS3 for shooters, then I would say go for it. UT3 is great, plus you have Killzone, Haze, MGS, COD4 etc. The 360 has a decent library too, but I foud Halo3 a little boring to be honest.

[inotocracy]

I played the Turok demo last night, it was the first FPS I've played on a console since Goldeneye-- I couldn't stand it. Turning was slow, hard to aim.. all I could think about was how well my mouse+keyboard combo worked in comparison. I just quit after about 10 minutes due to frustration.

So support for kb+mouse on PS3 is dependent on the game? There isn't some kind of controller mapping done in the background?

[ocellaris]

:(I played the Turok demo last night, it was the first FPS I've played on a console since Goldeneye-- I couldn't stand it. Turning was slow, hard to aim.. all I could think about was how well my mouse+keyboard combo worked in comparison. I just quit after about 10 minutes due to frustration.

Turok is just completely terrible. The demo is downright offensive to anyone that touches it, no matter what you do the aiming and controls are bad in that game :( Something like CoD4 is a much better example of good input from a gamepad.

[DwellerInTheDeeps]

Thanks to everyone for their great feedback and experiences.

I find it interesting (very surprising, actually) that, even from some PC gamers, I'm hearing that FPS'ing on a console just using the controllers d-pad hasn't been all that bad. I'm assuming that's far better than using the left stick for movement then?

I've heard similar comparisons that FPS'ing on the PS3 is easier than on the 360 due to the controller. I'm curious to try it on both, just because I already own a 360.

Thanks again for the feedback. Much appreciated.

[WaterproofPaper]

Thanks to everyone for their great feedback and experiences.

I find it interesting (very surprising, actually) that, even from some PC gamers, I'm hearing that FPS'ing on a console just using the controllers d-pad hasn't been all that bad. I'm assuming that's far better than using the left stick for movement then?

I've heard similar comparisons that FPS'ing on the PS3 is easier than on the 360 due to the controller. I'm curious to try it on both, just because I already own a 360.

Thanks again for the feedback. Much appreciated.

Ive said it before and ill say it again.. aiming in the general direction with a controller is pretty nice, but aiming for that pesky head is not so nice. Getting those red tigers in COD is harder than it should be :p

The PS3 vs 360 controller would be on debate till the end of time. I just started playing COD4 on my logitech cordless action on my PS3 and i wonder why i stopped using it.

[Stereophile]

Are there many titles (upcoming, even) that suppose split-screen, or even any type of system link, such as with the 360?

Not an FPS, but GT5 and I think even Prologue.

[inotocracy]

Turok was definitely a bad example of a FPS on a console. I tried the Resistance demo this morning and it was MUCH better control-wise. I was able to aim much easier, not as easy as a mouse+kb but much much more of an improvement over Turok. Essentially: aiming wasn't frustrating.

[dadi38]

Me and my buddies played and finished Resistance with the standard controllers. Great FPS and can't wait for the sequel. When you snipe you can slow down time to make those headshots even easier....lol.

[Baker]

I just wish more games supported M&KB on the PS3. :(

[inotocracy]

I just wish more games supported M&KB on the PS3. :(

Honestly I don't see why they couldn't. I'd imagine Sony could easily develop some kind of mapping tool that mapped keyboard keys to gamepad keys (and mouse to analog stick).

[ocellaris]

Honestly I don't see why they couldn't. I'd imagine Sony could easily develop some kind of mapping tool that mapped keyboard keys to gamepad keys (and mouse to analog stick).

Keyboard and mouse is just not very not very console like :) If people felt like they needed to buy a keyboard and mouse to effectively play online, they might be more likely to just stick with PC gaming.

[Baker]

Keyboard and mouse is just not very not very console like :) If people felt like they needed to buy a keyboard and mouse to effectively play online, they might be more likely to just stick with PC gaming.

No, because with PC gaming I have to keep upgrading the PoS. I don't want to upgrade my PC anymore, I already have a PS3 and an HDTV, ... so I would just like additional M&KB support. Honestly.. it can't be that hard to do if the PS3 already supports it right? I don't see how it would hurt their sales.. if anything... thats just additional sales... all because they put in the option to use M&KB?

[ocellaris]

No, because with PC gaming I have to keep upgrading the PoS. I don't want to upgrade my PC anymore, I already have a PS3 and an HDTV, ... so I would just like additional M&KB support. Honestly.. it can't be that hard to do if the PS3 already supports it right? I don't see how it would hurt their sales.. if anything... thats just additional sales... all because they put in the option to use M&KB?

Well as UT3 was an example of, game devs can put kb+mouse support right into the game if they want, they just choose not to. I would think they leave out kb+mouse support to keep the playing field level. Few people would argue that sniping is easier with a mouse, so its an advantage to those players that not everyone has.

[Tigerblade]

@ OP, have you considered the splitfish fragfx? Will work on any/all PS3 fps games. Is fully fully motion sensitive too!

http://www.splitfish.com/index.cfm

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/2053/fragfxpo2.th.png (http://img266.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fragfxpo2.png)

Just about to pull the trigger on one myself but I'd prefer the bluetooth version, no info on when that will be available tho :(

[Baker]

Well as UT3 was an example of, game devs can put kb+mouse support right into the game if they want, they just choose not to. I would think they leave out kb+mouse support to keep the playing field level. Few people would argue that sniping is easier with a mouse, so its an advantage to those players that not everyone has.

UT3 also has a M&KB search filter. :p