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Brink dev: Analog sticks are a poor man's mouse photo

Splash Damage is bringing its new shooter Brink to both PC and Xbox 360, but the game's creative director knows which version is best. Stating that console controls can't match PC input, Richard 'Rahdo' Ham has explained that analog sticks are just a poor man's mouse and that the PC will always rule first-person-shooters.

"No matter how hard we work on it to make the perfect analogue stick controls -- and as an aside we have got really good analogue stick controls -- it is a poor man's mouse at the end of the day," he states. "Obviously it goes without saying that on consoles it is going to be pegged to the maximum resolution that the consoles can handle. Whereas on PC, the sky's the limit, depending on what your rig is. There is no choice about it. 

"I would be laughed out the room if I were to sit here and say 'yes of course the console games will look just as good as the PC version'. The PC version will always be king because it can always adapt and keep on building if you have got the money.

"All PC gamers know that's where the best experience is going to be if you have got the money. But I am a console player first and foremost and so we are also ensuring it will be a fantastic and beautiful experience on consoles as well."

Harsh, harsh words for consoles. Of course, I am in the tiny minority that actually prefers controllers to mice. A console trigger just feels better, and I've never been a fan of the mollycoddling "point-and-click" approach to shooting. Sure, it's more accurate, but where's the sense of skill? Anyone can point and click at a head. I know most people find the PC superior for their shooters, and that's cool, but it's definitely not for me, nor will it ever be. 


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103 comments | showing # 1 to 50

TheGreatPUDDING's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:03
TheGreatPUDDING
Since when do mouses take less skill?
Jumbo's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:04
Jumbo
They can have 'em. If all FPS's disappeared from consoles I'd be fucking psyched.
GamesAreArt's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:06
GamesAreArt
"Sure, it's more accurate, but where's the sense of skill?"

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n261/JOSE2_04/DFace.gif
Super Drybones's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:08
Super Drybones
I hate using triggers, they don't take more skill, just more getting used to an imperfect method.
casualweaponry's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:10
casualweaponry
...I...I...I just don't want to know what dark corners of the Internet you pull these pictures from Jim.

Also, Splash Damage is doing some pretty nifty things with console controls that are pretty cool. If their demo at PAX is any indication, console controls may be better than their PC counterpart.
adultswim810's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:10
adultswim810
"where's the sense of skill?"
because auto aim requires so much more finesse...
Deathofthedead's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:12
Deathofthedead
I'm sure I (and he) will get flamed for saying it, but I'm with Jim on this one. Every time I try to play an FPS on PC it feels like I'm playing "click on the enemies". Not that they're intrinsically bad or anything, just that they don't work for me personally.
cdt cousteau's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:15
cdt cousteau
go play METROID dude !
kefkaesque's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:17
kefkaesque
PCs have superior graphics, sound, controls (mice are flat out better to analog sticks even if you like controllers when it comes to aiming) Obviously they're the best platform for FPS, it's a shame they get shafted so often though.

Also using an inferior aiming apparatus means you have more skill? Gonna have to call bull on that.
cdt cousteau's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:17
cdt cousteau
just makes me want to cry ... mouse is for retards ... at least use a wacom tablet !
kefkaesque's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:21
kefkaesque
@ cdt cousteau

Oh yeah, because holding L (or whatever it was) to auto lock onto everything without ever having to actually aim is for people with mad skill. I love Metroid Prime but if any aiming system is for retards, it'd be Metroid's.
EternalDeathSlayer's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:21
EternalDeathSlayer
@kefkaesque:

They get shafted because computers are more expensive and because a lot of people just don't enjoy playing games with a mouse. I have a decent gaming PC, can run Crysis Warhead at max settings, but I just prefer my 360 for shooters.

Like Deathofthedead and Jim, I just feel like I'm clicking things, not really killing them. I think it's the feeling of the trigger on the 360, feels more satisfying than a click.

Also, PCs have superior sound? Since when?
EternalDeathSlayer's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:24
EternalDeathSlayer
Also, @ Super DryBones: You dislike triggers because they're an imperfect method.

Funny, I thought that when you shot a gun in real life you pulled a trigger, not clicked a button. I guess I was mistaken.
GamesAreArt's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:24
GamesAreArt
@eternaldeathslayer, what I dont get is this. Both the 360 and the ps3 have mouse + keyboard support for the system, HOWEVER, Nobody uses it for FPS's. On the pc(which I dont have a good one) you have the option to use a controller, On consoles you have no such option.
cdt cousteau's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:24
cdt cousteau
@cdt kefkaesque

i forgive you ...
cdt cousteau's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:25
cdt cousteau
and i like Halo too ;-)
kefkaesque's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:27
kefkaesque
@ EternalDeathSlayer

So having a hard on for pulling buttons instead of clicking them makes a completely inferior aiming style better?

Also yes PCs have higher sound quality, better sound cards and surround sound headphones are much better than whatever year old sound information consoles use. PCs since they're always updating will always have better everything over consoles, the console makers can't pick technology out of the future to match up with computers.
cdt cousteau's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:32
cdt cousteau
i believe this dev guy should be more confident with is xbox version anyway , and of course the mouse vs pad vs wimote vs brain wave control mehod is very ... childich anyway !

lets just do what we prefer and many options are the way to go !!
Arkhon's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:33
Arkhon
Meh.

-Analog sticks are much better for movement than WASD, for the simple reason that they allow for variable speed and greater precision.
-Face buttons are more ergonomic and easier to find than keyboard buttons.
-Rumble really helps with immersion. Seriously, it feels wrong to play any shooter without force feedback.
-A gamepad as a whole has been explicitly designed for gaming, meaning that it's far more ergonomic than mouse and keyboard, which were designed for pointing, clicking, and typing.
-It's more satisfying to pull a trigger (which is sensitive to how far back you pull it) than to click a button.
-With a gaming PC, you have to pay at least 500% more for 50% better graphics.
-Playing games on one's TV is much easier and more comfortable with a gamepad than a mouse and keyboard.
cdt cousteau's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:33
cdt cousteau
and excuse my french ( english ) ... i'm french by the way !
cdt cousteau's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:35
cdt cousteau
@Arkhon

you rule !
Arkhon's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:37
Arkhon
@cdt cousteau:

I'm going to take your earlier suggestion and attempt to play Unreal Tournament using my new Wacom tablet.
Genius's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:39
Genius
What I find funny is all these console lovers who refuse to admit that the mouse and keyboard is better wouldn't last a second against a random CPL player. So, as much as you'd like to say its as simple as click on the enemy, why don't you try it against some talented players and see how far down your throat you can put your foot. Gamepads are for Halo generation of gamers, who got online in counterstrike one time, got their ass handed to them, and decided Halo and CoD are the only games they should play. And yes, this is a PC gamer rant.
Cor E's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:39
Cor E
Jim, no one wants to see pictures of you in your underwear.
funran's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:40
funran
Mouse > Analog Stick every day of the week.
kefkaesque's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:40
kefkaesque
@Arkhon

1- Your fingers can move between WASD much faster than twirling an analog stick around
2- You just suck at finding keyboard buttons apparently
3- Rumble is nice, better graphics and sound are better
4- You're just resaying things you said before, which are still wrong
5- trigger fetish does not discount how inferior analog is
6- I wasn't aware my computer was three thousand dollars, because it isn't
7- That is 100% opinion, especially concerning what kind of couch of computer chair you have
brainderailment's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:40
brainderailment
What I did on UT3 for the PS3 was use a mouse to fire, look, switch weapons and use the ds3 joystick in my lap with my left hand to move the character around. I believe that's the ultimate control scheme. A joystick has much better control than WASD.
Arkhon's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:43
Arkhon
@Genius:

Actually, I'm quite good at PC FPS's. I have logged well over a thousand hours playing the original Unreal Tournament and can hold my own in any PC shooter online. When I first got into games, I was a PC gamer. I had a hard time adapting to console shooters at first but I stuck with it and now can hold my own in any console FPS as well.
Blackhat's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:44
Blackhat
"Sure, it's more accurate, but where's the sense of skill? Anyone can point and click at a head. I know most people find the PC superior for their shooters, and that's cool, but it's definitely not for me, nor will it ever be."

/facepalm

I guess we're all CAL-i snipers here then?
EternalDeathSlayer's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:45
EternalDeathSlayer
All I'm saying is that personally I prefer a controller.

I have no problem with people gaming on their PCs, but it's just not for me.
Jim Sterling's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:50
Jim Sterling
In this thread:

1. People claiming that that I'm wrong to suggest PC controls require less skill.

2. People claiming PC players will wipe the floor with console players because of the control scheme.
Arkhon's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:51
Arkhon
@kefkaesque:

1- Yay you can change direction faster. Too bad you still have less control of your movement.
2- I'll give you that, but face buttons are still easier to reach and feel more natural.
3- Slightly better graphics and sound.
4- No, a controller is more comfortable to hold. It simply is. I've never gotten carpal tunnel from a gamepad, unlike M&K.
5- Triggers are variable input. A mouse click is not.
6- $300 + 500% * $300 = $1800, which is actually a good estimation of the price of a gaming PC that has roughly 50% better graphics than a PS3 or Xbox 360. You fail at math.
7- So where do you put your mouse and keyboard? I'd assume your mouse would go on the arm of the couch/chair and the keyboard in your lap? I fail to see how that could be in any way more comfortable or convenient than a controller.
mrsatan's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:52
mrsatan
Console shooters are automatic fail because they require copious amounts of auto aim. Seriously, you shouldn't need the game to aim for you, that goes to show how inferior the control scheme really is.
Clarke's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:52
Clarke
Anyone can do it. Jim I'll challenge you to a game of Quake Live then.

Anyway I love the high resolutions, accurate mice, and adjustable FOV found on PC.
CRAZYAPE69's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:53
CRAZYAPE69
PLEASE, FOR GOD SAKE, STOP WITH THE HORRIBLE HEADER IMAGES!!!
Arkhon's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:54
Arkhon
@mrsatan:

I play without auto-aim in most of my games.
mrsatan's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:55
mrsatan
@ Arkhon What stupid overpriced crap are you looking at? I could build an awesome gaming rig for 800 dollars at todays prices.
mrsatan's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:57
mrsatan
@arkhon Except for the games that it forces you to have it on when you play online (Halo 3, CoD4, ect.)
Jim Sterling's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 17:58
Jim Sterling
PC gamers are so angry all the time.
mrsatan's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 18:00
mrsatan
@ Jim Sterling Cause stupid ass console gamers are always saying, "PC gaming is dead" or "It's too expensive." Whiners!
Clarke's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 18:01
Clarke
Keyboard movement isn't really horid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlZhDOqlPTc&feature=related
Los255's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 18:06
Los255
"2. People claiming PC players will wipe the floor with console players because of the control scheme."

9 times out of 10, yes.

He is right though. But everytime someone starts the debate, people go into an "OMG ELITIST" mode that gets old really quick.

It's the same shit with fighters, arcade sticks, and controllers.
EternalDeathSlayer's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 18:07
EternalDeathSlayer
I agree with Jim. I notice the PC guys in this thread aren't very nice and seem to believe they cannot possibly be wrong, nor can anyone disagree with them in any way.
Arkhon's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 18:08
Arkhon
@mrsatan:

No, console gamers generally just STFUAJPG. It's PC gamers who are the most vocal, constantly saying that a mouse is better than a controller in what appears to console gamers to be little more than fanboyism.
Wedge's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 18:09
Wedge
Jim knew he was trolling when he posted that anyways, whatever...
wedgewu's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 18:10
wedgewu
@Jim Sterling
Or just the angry ones respond. :3
Lt Numbnuts's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 18:11
Lt Numbnuts
Use the goddamn usb ports and support mouse and keyboard.Let players decide.
Yehat's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 18:22
Yehat
Splash Damage is primarily a PC producing development studio if you're shocked about their opinion to their platform of choice then you must live in the land where 'Next-Gen' Gamers don't complain about the Wii.

Besides any peasant can use a gamepad or mouse, a true man uses a Joystick!
Arkhon's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 18:25
Arkhon
@Yehat:

No, a true gamer uses a Wacom tablet, as I just have. It's ridiculous, although compounded by the fact that I have had no experience with using a tablet in any sort of way before today.
mxdirector's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/10/2009 18:27
mxdirector
"Anyone can point and click at a head."
If that was the case then why are people so much better and worse then me in tf2?
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