What is the control device for games like Madden 2005?

[Caveman]

Nearly all of my "fun" time is spent doing flight simulation but I want to try some gaming as well... What kind of control devices are available for games now? I have a $1000 control setup for flying but it won't work for games. Is there a low cost (under $30) solution that is like a game pad type affair for games like Madden 2005 or FPS that I can just plug into the PC?

 

[BlueWeasel]

(1) Pick up USB gamepad from Circity City/Best Buy/Staples/[insert your store here]
(2) Plug into USB port
(3) Profit

 

[DnetMHZ]

Originally posted by: BlueWeasel
(1) Pick up USB gamepad from Circity City/Best Buy/Staples/[insert your store here]
(2) Plug into USB port
(3) Profit

What he said, although for FPS's you still can't beat the keyboard/mouse combo IMO.

 

[Caveman]

So, is Madden 2005 a fun game? And... Do the gamepads come in pairs for two players or do I have to buy 2?

 

[DnetMHZ]

Originally posted by: Caveman
So, is Madden 2005 a fun game? And... Do the gamepads come in pairs for two players or do I have to buy 2?

I've only played up to '04 in the Madden series but I'd say yes they are fun (assuming you enjoy football).

As far as the game pads go, yes you'll have to buy 2.

 

[afropick]

This is the controller that I use for playing games on the PC:
Logitech Dual Action

It works great for sports games (NBA Live and Madden series) and I've also used it for the GTA series, Need for Speed Underground 2 and some others.

They're about $19 each, function pretty much identically to the PS2 controller, and most games auto detect it so you don't have to manually configure buttons and what not.

There are adapters that you can purchase if you have PS2 controllers, that let them work on the PC, but sometimes they are hit and miss. You almost can't go wrong with the Logitech Dual Action.

 

[duragezic]

If you happen to own an Xbox already, you can get a cable for about $5 so that you can use it on your PC. Personally, I'd way rather use the Xbox controller than the majority of PC gamepads out there. I'm contemplating buying that cable and a controller just for my PC.

 

[sparkyclarky]

Whatever you do, check out a football game other than Madden first. EA and the NFL just signed a contract which gives EA exclusive rights to the NFL players, stadiums, and teams for 5 years. This sort of agreement only hurts the gaming industry, and any sort of action to be done about it will have to come from you, the consumer. If you somehow agree with their contract, or simply don't care, feel free to use a Madden product. But if this sort of thing irks you, I can't recommend enough that you look somewhere other than EA to get your football fix.

 

[CrowDog]

Originally posted by: afropick
This is the controller that I use for playing games on the PC:
Logitech Dual Action

It works great for sports games (NBA Live and Madden series) and I've also used it for the GTA series, Need for Speed Underground 2 and some others.

They're about $19 each, function pretty much identically to the PS2 controller, and most games auto detect it so you don't have to manually configure buttons and what not.

There are adapters that you can purchase if you have PS2 controllers, that let them work on the PC, but sometimes they are hit and miss. You almost can't go wrong with the Logitech Dual Action.

 

[NewBlackDak]

I bought an USB adapter, and play madden on my PC with my PS/2 controllers. For the $8 shipped I spent on the converter they're way better than the PC gamepad. I mainly hate the round directional pad since it's nearly impossible for me to push on way without putting an angle on it.

 

[clicknext]

Originally posted by: NewBlackDak
I bought an USB adapter, and play madden on my PC with my PS2 controllers. For the $8 shipped I spent on the converter they're way better than the PC gamepad. I mainly hate the round directional pad since it's nearly impossible for me to push on way without putting an angle on it.

I agree. I would say nay on the Logitech because they have a reputation for breaking within months. Besides, you can get a PSOne controller in some gaming stores for like $10 (but only if you can find it) and the converters usually cost around $10 I think.

 

[Rottie]

Originally posted by: Caveman
Nearly all of my "fun" time is spent doing flight simulation but I want to try some gaming as well... What kind of control devices are available for games now? I have a $1000 control setup for flying but it won't work for games. Is there a low cost (under $30) solution that is like a game pad type affair for games like Madden 2005 or FPS that I can just plug into the PC?

Got tired of flying simulation already?