which race car controller?

TitusTroy

Senior member
Dec 17, 2005
335
40
91
I decided to purchase Grid due to the 50% off sale this weekend on Steam...I've always played all my PC games (including racers) using my keyboard/mouse but want to try it with a controller...can someone recommend an excellent controller to use for racing games like Grid?...I've never used one so something a little user friendly would be nice as well
 

brblx

Diamond Member
Mar 23, 2009
5,499
2
0
without paying for hardcore sim gear, logitech has the best offerings. driving force pro is still a great wheel and works for ps2/ps3/pc. g25 is nice but about three times as much.
 

RallyMaster

Diamond Member
Dec 28, 2004
5,581
0
0
Find someone with a wheel first and try it on that game before you buy a $100 wheel. If that game's handling is anything like DiRT's, then good luck with a wheel. My 360 controller has been proven to be better than the Logitech Momo in DiRT and considering they both use one game engine, I don't think GRID's going to like a wheel either.
 

duragezic

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
11,234
4
81
Yes, unless it is a hardcore sim, I find controllers to be better. For that I find the 360 controller much better than most gamepads, especially with the triggers.
 

TitusTroy

Senior member
Dec 17, 2005
335
40
91
a lot of people are saying that GRID is pretty much unplayable with a keyboard/mouse...I'm considering picking up an Xbox 360 controller...but I've played and finished other PC racing games with my keyboard/mouse with no issues (Need for Speed series etc)...is Grid that much different that it requires a controller?

I took a look at the Xbox 360 controller and I don't see how that would make playing the game better then on my PC...it still has a few buttons that need to be pushed so how will that make it any different then using my mouse/keyboard combo?...if I'm still going to have to push buttons etc I'd rather play it on my keyboard which I'm used to...or does the Xbox controller handle much better then a keyboard?
 

reallyscrued

Platinum Member
Jul 28, 2004
2,618
5
81
The analog sticks make all the difference. Try playing HAWX with it also, much better than keyboard + mouse.

Makes me wish I bought a 360 instead of my 4890.


....Nah.
 

Farmer

Diamond Member
Dec 23, 2003
3,334
2
81
The top end Logitech one. If you don't want to splurge for that one, a gamepad will do.
 

BenSkywalker

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
9,140
67
91
I took a look at the Xbox 360 controller and I don't see how that would make playing the game better then on my PC...it still has a few buttons that need to be pushed so how will that make it any different then using my mouse/keyboard combo?

Analog versus digital, it makes a HUGE difference.

If you are using your keyboard or mouse for steering and throttle you have a limited amount of options. Full throttle and going straight, off throttle and going straigt, steering maximum in one direction full throttle, steering maximum in one direction with no throttle. Imagine trying to drive a car like that? Heh, wouldn't work too well ;)

The 360 or PS3 controller both allow you to either use the joysticks or shoulder buttons(which have a reasonable amount of throw to them) to modulate the throttle or steering. As an example of why this could be huge, say you are taking the turn at the top of Laguna Secca's hill on the back side of the course and you are in a RWD car, you brake and then go into the turn, you don't have enough traction to put down full power so either you do it anyway and spin out due to oversteer sliding into the sand(if you are lucky), or you lift throttle which gives you compression braking and massive understeer so you push the corner and end up off the track anyway. Another example is when the need comes to countersteer out of oversteer. In more powerful cars snapping to full reverse lock is more likely to cause a spin then modulating the throttle and driving out of it(not that countersteering isn't ideal, just picking the lesser evil). In so many ways digital controls are so bad for racing games it is hard to explain properly.

In so many ways digital controls in race sims are just complete and utter failures, I honestly think the gaming companies would do their customers service by not supporting digital controls at all in the games, it would give gamers a much better overall experience.

As far as playing the NFS games, those are straight up arcade games with at most a vague hint at reality. They haven't utilized anything resembling realistic physics and their control mechanics are far simpler due to this and quite manageable on digital controls. Same with Burnout for that matter, once you get into the sim realm though, entirely different ballgame.

Also, if you plan on getting the new NFS when it comes out(it looks to be the best in the series ever by a long shot honestly) you will also want to pick up at least a controller. Either 360 or PS3- both are VASTLY superior to any digital input. I prefer the PS3 controller for racing games, I like using the shoulder buttons when using a gamepad for brake/gas and the PS3's seems to be a bit easier to modulate, but that is splitting hairs- what you are using now is a Yugo and we are comparing Porshce/Vette level performance characteristics by comparison ;) .
 

ArchAngel777

Diamond Member
Dec 24, 2000
5,223
61
91
I was very unimpressed by Grid's controls. Even after fine tuning my wheel, the cars did not respond correctly. You know something is wrong when a game has you clocked at 30 miles an hour and you can't even keep it under control. Some of the race car games are far, far more difficult than driving IRL. Best sign to tell if the car responds properly is to drive the car at a reasonable speed and see how it handles. If you can't keep the the thing under control at 60 mph, something is very wrong. Oddly enough, there are a handful of arcade racers out there like that. Even some of the older nascar simulations were complete crap.

One of the best games that I race around with is GTR 2.0. It is a simulation and it handles very well. The BMW actually drove like mine when I would run around with it. The handling was great.

Anyway, as far as a controller, the G25 is one I see recomended all the time by the racing simulation crew with the exception of the truly hard-core that build their own and spend thousands.

I will always prefer a wheel over a controller. In fact, I don't enjoy any racing games without a wheel. I find it rather boring. Just my opinion on it.
 

Lonyo

Lifer
Aug 10, 2002
21,938
6
81
Originally posted by: BenSkywalker
I took a look at the Xbox 360 controller and I don't see how that would make playing the game better then on my PC...it still has a few buttons that need to be pushed so how will that make it any different then using my mouse/keyboard combo?

Analog versus digital, it makes a HUGE difference.

If you are using your keyboard or mouse for steering and throttle you have a limited amount of options. Full throttle and going straight, off throttle and going straigt, steering maximum in one direction full throttle, steering maximum in one direction with no throttle. Imagine trying to drive a car like that? Heh, wouldn't work too well ;)

The 360 or PS3 controller both allow you to either use the joysticks or shoulder buttons(which have a reasonable amount of throw to them) to modulate the throttle or steering. As an example of why this could be huge, say you are taking the turn at the top of Laguna Secca's hill on the back side of the course and you are in a RWD car, you brake and then go into the turn, you don't have enough traction to put down full power so either you do it anyway and spin out due to oversteer sliding into the sand(if you are lucky), or you lift throttle which gives you compression braking and massive understeer so you push the corner and end up off the track anyway. Another example is when the need comes to countersteer out of oversteer. In more powerful cars snapping to full reverse lock is more likely to cause a spin then modulating the throttle and driving out of it(not that countersteering isn't ideal, just picking the lesser evil). In so many ways digital controls are so bad for racing games it is hard to explain properly.

In so many ways digital controls in race sims are just complete and utter failures, I honestly think the gaming companies would do their customers service by not supporting digital controls at all in the games, it would give gamers a much better overall experience.

As far as playing the NFS games, those are straight up arcade games with at most a vague hint at reality. They haven't utilized anything resembling realistic physics and their control mechanics are far simpler due to this and quite manageable on digital controls. Same with Burnout for that matter, once you get into the sim realm though, entirely different ballgame.

Also, if you plan on getting the new NFS when it comes out(it looks to be the best in the series ever by a long shot honestly) you will also want to pick up at least a controller. Either 360 or PS3- both are VASTLY superior to any digital input. I prefer the PS3 controller for racing games, I like using the shoulder buttons when using a gamepad for brake/gas and the PS3's seems to be a bit easier to modulate, but that is splitting hairs- what you are using now is a Yugo and we are comparing Porshce/Vette level performance characteristics by comparison ;) .

NFS U, U2, MW, Carbon and Undercover might be fine with a keyboard, but hell if you try Pro Street with one.
Pro Street with a wheel is pretty sweet, and it gives me hope that the new sim NFS will also be pretty similar.
 

TitusTroy

Senior member
Dec 17, 2005
335
40
91
Originally posted by: BenSkywalker
Analog versus digital, it makes a HUGE difference.

nice explanation...you've convinced me...I'm going to get the Xbox 360 wired controller

question: would having the analog Xbox 360 controller also make a difference in lets say FPS/RPG games as well or is it mainly best served for racing games?
 

brblx

Diamond Member
Mar 23, 2009
5,499
2
0
racing games and 360 ports. you're gonna want a mouse for rpgs and fps's.
 

TitusTroy

Senior member
Dec 17, 2005
335
40
91
I just received my Xbox 360 wired controller and was wondering if it is necessary to install the software that came with the controller?...is the software just useless bloatware or is it actually necessary to use the controller?
 

TitusTroy

Senior member
Dec 17, 2005
335
40
91
Originally posted by: RallyMaster
Just plug it in, install the Windows Update on it, and you should be good to go.

OK just making sure because the manual makes it seems like it's important to install the software (along with any updates) before plugging in the controller

 

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,080
136
I havent found too many racing games that benefit from a wheel. The Xbox 360 controller is more than good enough.
I have the USB version from MadCatz and its great in TDU and GRID.
 

TitusTroy

Senior member
Dec 17, 2005
335
40
91
is there any way of customizing the button layout in game on the Xbox 360 controller?...I don't see a way of changing any of the default button movements
 

brblx

Diamond Member
Mar 23, 2009
5,499
2
0
in grid? i would assume...stock mapping should be best, though, analog triggers for gas and brake, face buttons for ebrake and shifting.
 

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,080
136
Yes, you can customize all controls in GRID. But I recommend the defaults, they actually work quite well.
 

TitusTroy

Senior member
Dec 17, 2005
335
40
91
for those that have played GRID using the Xbox 360 controller:

do you enable the Force Feedback option?...I tried enabling it but it feels too weird and strange and takes away from my enjoyment of the game...doesn't feel natural...just feels like random buzz shots to my hand...doesn't have a real 'force feedback' feel to it...are there people that enjoy the game with it enabled?