controller options

[etien]

Some player like to control almost everything from their controller (me). Without having to jump back to the keyboard all the time. (xbox360, joystick+rudder etc).

The (very small) issue with evochron renegades is that there is too many keys, mouse interactions to load everything in a simple 10 buttons+3 joysticks+hardhat controler ala xbox360.

Dungeon & Dragon Online online (a slowly dying MMO) proposed an elegant solution:
(1) an "alternate button", when u press it an simultaneously another one, you get another button (so de-facto passing from "10 buttons + hardhat" to "18 + 4+hardhat+a switch button").
(2) a "mouse emulation" button, when you press it, one of the 2 joystick on the pad control the mouse pointer, allowing to basically emulate the mouse on all its interface functions.
With those 2 tricks the full MMO is playable using only a xbox360 gamepad which is very very cool.

X3-reunion has done a good job to reach the same result, their cumbersome menu driven interface becomes a bless form someone trying to achieve this goal, as the hardhat handling of the different menu (previous selection,next selection, previous menu, next menu)+ 2 button (Agree/Cancel) allow a full control of the overall menu driven simulator.

It would be nice if this great game could find a way to achieve a similar result.

[Edited on 3-16-2008 by etien]

[MMaggio]

I'd like to mention a solution here, tho it might not be what you want to hear.
The Saitek "X" series contollers not only offer more programmable buttons and switches, but due to it's "Mode Switch", it can be programmed to double as the mouse when you need it.
Since I play from a custom chair in front of my TV, I don't want to have to get up and return to the keyboard everytime I dock, or return to the hanger, or reach the next level, etc., depending on the game. It is a very simple thing to program, even if you don't like using the Saitek programming software.
Of course, if you're just sitting in front of your PC monitor and the K&M are right in front of you, then you might not care to use that option.
Just wanted to let you know what youcan do with the Saitek.
Have fun....

[tha_rami]

You can set the game to use almost any type of key or keycombination for most actions. Just set the "alternate buttons" to use ALT+(a key) in the game configuration, and do the same to calibrate your joystick.

[Tucker]

Like Rami said you can program most of your controls onto your controller. I have almost all of the controls I commonly use to fly on the joystick and only use the keyboard for the less used commands. I have the Saitek AV8R so I have 8 switch positions at the joystick base, 4 buttons plus the trigger on the joystick and the trottle on it.

[Edited on 3-16-2008 by Tucker]

[etien]

not sure I follow the "alternate button" trick. will try at home tonight,