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[DareM]

Hello, my first post but problem is relevant to my current project.

Recently I've been testing key combinations that work simultaneously and it looks like keyboard quality is a big factor.

I believe you have to play safe and use 'established' keys (arrow keys, WSAD, ctrl, shift).
I noticed that on cheap keyboards space key can be problematic when pressed together with arrow keys (better to avoid it).

This probably depends on a type of game you are making but in my case it's a dynamic plane flying game so simultaneous key pressing is very important (4 pressed keys at the same time are normal).

[jkd003]

Hello, my first post but problem is relevant to my current project.

Recently I've been testing key combinations that work simultaneously and it looks like keyboard quality is a big factor.

I believe you have to play safe and use 'established' keys (arrow keys, WSAD, ctrl, shift).
I noticed that on cheap keyboards space key can be problematic when pressed together with arrow keys (better to avoid it).

This probably depends on a type of game you are making but in my case it's a dynamic plane flying game so simultaneous key pressing is very important (4 pressed keys at the same time are normal).

That plane game sounds awesome! Most people have gamepads so that should be ok. How exactly do the controls work?

[DareM]

Yes, gamepad will be probably better choice for controls. Game is a bit arcadish plane racing in the mountains, will give more details/screenshots soon.

Keyboard controls are currently set to: W(speed up), S(air brake), Arrow keys (left/right, nose up/down), Q(boost).

Boost mapping is a bit of a problem. I wanted to use Space key for boost, but some cheaper keyboards have problem with holding Space while trying to turn plane with arrow keys.

All in all, plane driving adds another dimension of movement compared to car driving so using both hands is necessary for speedy movements.

[Klaim]

Same problem here with this project I'll restart this week end : http://code.google.com/p/radiant-laser-cross/ (there is a video of the controls)

It's thought to be played with a xbox/ps3 type joypad but on keyboard you are obviously limited by hardware inputs.

I don't know yet how to work around the 2 max keys limitations for this specific game, but it's challenging.

[jkd003]

>inspired by Radiant-Silver-Gun and Ikaruga.
Nice!
I was actually going to mention Radiant Silver Gun as a game that uses 4 button input wonderfully.

I've simplified the controls for my first game so its no longer a issue, but thats only because my target is making a game ANYONE regardless of previous experiences with games can enjoy.

But Later on I do plan on making some very intense  action games heavily inspired by Treasure Games and God Hand!
Knowing my target audience, I'm not a afraid to make a game that requires a gamepad or a high end keyboard I expect the majority of people downloading it won't have a problem.

My suggestion to you Klaim is to not try to work around it, Embrace the fact you are making a niche game for people who are serious enough about playing video games on their computer to already have a Gamepad.

[Klaim]

That's my main option, so far I'm thinking to just go that way.

Now, I also think it might be worth to provide a version that would allow only one directional shoot and allow 1key for diagonal movement. That way it's possible to play on any keyboard, BUT the problem is the level design.

With 4 directions fire I can design levels where some kind of enemies appear in sync at opposite side of screen, maximizing challenge when enemies are of colors not opposite on the player's cross (forcing him do choose a side to attack first while dodging the other and then rotate guns to kill the second one).

I'm still thinking, I'll take a decision saturday morning when starting the new "clean" version.

[Chromeleon]

My suggestion to you Klaim is to not try to work around it, Embrace the fact you are making a niche game for people who are serious enough about playing video games on their computer to already have a Gamepad.

From someone who doesn't own a gamepad, this is terrible advice.  Just allow configurable controls, and let the users sort it out from there.  That's the best choice for everyone.

[Klaim]

That's how I was thinking the "target gamepad first" solution.

However, that doesn't fix hardware limitations anyway.

[jkd003]

I never said he shouldn't have configurable controls. Most games should.

Chromeleon, why don't you have a gamepad? You can get a decent one for $10 with free shipping online!

[Chromeleon]

Chromeleon, why don't you have a gamepad? You can get a decent one for $10 with free shipping online!

...because I don't want one?  Maybe it's just because I grew up almost always playing games on computers, not consoles, but I genuinely prefer using a keyboard/mouse whenever possible.

[jkd003]

That's fair enough! But if reminds me of Vanquish, that's another wonderful example of input limitations.

I've always been a PC gamer primary, the idea of playing a shooter with a gamepad always seemed inferior, and so I would always pick up the pc version. That is until Vanquish came along, Vanquish is the first and only third person shooter that I know of that takes advantage of Console controls.

To give an example to people who haven't played the game:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xux1h-dBzro&feature=related
often times I would run with the Left analog stick, aim with the right analog stick and break into a slide with the left trigger, while firing with the right trigger!
Vanquish uses the entire Gamepad and I think the game would be impossible with a keyboard, it really makes me wonder how keyboard controls have shaped shooters more than anything else!


It took me a while to get used to the controller but once I did I found myself enjoying a wonderful game, the best third person shooting game of my life.

On the other side of the coin games like ARMA2 would also be impossible on a gamepad.