Joystick - do I really need one?

[Jamoe]

I have just played this evening with my 360 pad tut and gortex and it is very playable.  Even with stock set up!!!!

Snap

I'm just missing strafing left/right but I'm not sure how important that is with the slow left-right turn speed. The number of Controller options scares me...

(I'll join the group next time I'm on)

[albert]

There are several important movements you need to go on the controller but most actions can be done on a keyboard positioned nearby.

You need to Yaw, Roll and Pitch. Analogue stick right and LB/RB
Fire primary and secondary. RT/LT
Thrusters (strafing as you call it) left/right, up/down (left thump hat), back, forward (Y and X buttons), very important for added movement in battle, it makes all the different.
Flight Assist on/off A button
Boost B button
Divert Power, sys, wep, eng and balance left analogue

Everything else can be done on the keyboard (unless there is a shift button capability on xBox Controller) but this little lot are essential otherwise you lose some benefit that might not be immediately obvious at first glance but after 6 months of playing this I found them eventually.

[Jamoe]

Cheers albert, I'll have to take a closer look next time I'm on. I've got a n52 somewhere so that might be handy for the lesser used buttons.

[albert]

Cheers albert, I'll have to take a closer look next time I'm on. I've got a n52 somewhere so that might be handy for the lesser used buttons.

The n52 would be perfect for the other actions that happen a lot in game.

Targeting of various types.
Landing Gear
Frame Shift Drive
UI control

I used a keyboard and mouse for a bit and it's pretty easy to get used to punching the right keys, so an n52 will be even better.

[Sneakytiger]

[video=youtube;QrRkqalbzeY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrRkqalbzeY[/video]

for any 1 with a xbox controller