I <3 my Gravis Gamepad Pro USB. It was inexpensive when I bought it (and that was years ago), I didn't have to install drivers to use it on Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, it's lightweight, and it's shaped just like a PS2 controller. The D-pad is a little stiff and you can tell it's a "value" product, but it gets the job done.
I use a gampad to play games like Recettear, Super Meat Boy, Jamestown, and Streets of Rage Remake. Coupled with Xpadder, I've even used it to play Chime.
But I've had my eyes on the Logitech F710 for a while now. My laptop has a HDMI Out port, my HDTV has multiple HDMI In ports (of course), and I have a great-quality 10-ft. HDMI cable. I'd love to play games like Jamestown on my HDTV and the F710 is wireless and has dual analog sticks (something unheard of at the time the Gravis Gamepad Pro USB was designed, if memory serves).
I've read some glowing reviews of the F710, but I keep coming across complaints of finicky and very short range wireless reception. One review suggested opting for a Xbox 360 controller instead, but the "Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows" package seems to cost about $20-$25 more than the F710. I've also never liked the layout of the analog sticks on the 360 controller. I prefer the PlayStation controller layout, especially for dual analog stick-intensive games like Katamari Damacy.
So I'd like to hear from others who use gamepads on their PC. What controllers would you recommend? And yes, I'm still convinced that keyboard and mouse are the best controls for a FPS or RTS or MMO. But when it comes to platformers and most shmups (especially now that holding down the left mouse button for extended periods is a beast on my hands), it's gotta be a gamepad. Well, with the notable exception of Trine, but my point still stands.
EDIT: It doesn't help that I can't find a brick and mortar store that sells the F710. A gamepad is the kind of item that you want to see and handle before purchasing. At least I know what a 360 controller feels like.
EDIT#2: And man, I <3 those USB receiver nubs. I have one for my Logitech v450 and one for my Logitech MK550 Wireless Wave Combo (keyboard and mouse). I'm a fan of Logitech products (I also own a MX518 and a Marble Mouse, which is actually a trackball). I'm just not sure if their gamepads are as great as their mice.
I use a gampad to play games like Recettear, Super Meat Boy, Jamestown, and Streets of Rage Remake. Coupled with Xpadder, I've even used it to play Chime.
But I've had my eyes on the Logitech F710 for a while now. My laptop has a HDMI Out port, my HDTV has multiple HDMI In ports (of course), and I have a great-quality 10-ft. HDMI cable. I'd love to play games like Jamestown on my HDTV and the F710 is wireless and has dual analog sticks (something unheard of at the time the Gravis Gamepad Pro USB was designed, if memory serves).
I've read some glowing reviews of the F710, but I keep coming across complaints of finicky and very short range wireless reception. One review suggested opting for a Xbox 360 controller instead, but the "Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows" package seems to cost about $20-$25 more than the F710. I've also never liked the layout of the analog sticks on the 360 controller. I prefer the PlayStation controller layout, especially for dual analog stick-intensive games like Katamari Damacy.
So I'd like to hear from others who use gamepads on their PC. What controllers would you recommend? And yes, I'm still convinced that keyboard and mouse are the best controls for a FPS or RTS or MMO. But when it comes to platformers and most shmups (especially now that holding down the left mouse button for extended periods is a beast on my hands), it's gotta be a gamepad. Well, with the notable exception of Trine, but my point still stands.
EDIT: It doesn't help that I can't find a brick and mortar store that sells the F710. A gamepad is the kind of item that you want to see and handle before purchasing. At least I know what a 360 controller feels like.
EDIT#2: And man, I <3 those USB receiver nubs. I have one for my Logitech v450 and one for my Logitech MK550 Wireless Wave Combo (keyboard and mouse). I'm a fan of Logitech products (I also own a MX518 and a Marble Mouse, which is actually a trackball). I'm just not sure if their gamepads are as great as their mice.
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