Controller setup

[Miasmic]

What are you guys using for controls in Overload? I am currently using dual joysticks, and I'm thinking about getting a pair of rudder pedals. My sticks both have twist (T.16000m), but I think that pedals just seem fun (and more immersive). I play Star Citizen as well, and I think the pedals would have "more" use there, but I think it would be pretty fun in Overload as well. This would also take roll duty off of my aiming hand (its currently on twist), allowing for better precision (takes effort to roll without altering pitch/yaw).

For what its worth, I am looking at both the VKB-Sim T-Rudder Pedals Mk.IV and the MFG Crosswind's. If anyone has experience with either, feedback would be great. I am leaning towards the VKB's, becuase the wait time on the MFG is pretty outrageous, I don't really "need" toe brakes for space sims/6dof games, and the design/manner of operation would fit "more nicely?" under my desk. But I am certainly open to any suggestions for other mid-range pedals.

Anyways, what contollers are you guys using to enjoy Overload? Kb+m/HOTAS/HOSAS/Joy+Mouse/Gamepad/Other?

[CHILLYBUS]

I think twin joysticks would be really fun to fly with, but way less efficient than MKB. I started playing this with the Descent defaults -- A/Z, turn with arrows, roll on Q/E no strafe unless I held Alt as the slide modifier.

I've since iterated to my current setup of WASD/QE roll, mouse aim, strafe u/d on L/R mouse buttons, afterburners on shift, primary/secondary fire on ctrl/spc. In a pinch I have primary fire on mouse wheel click but I hardly if ever use that.

[Miasmic]

Originally posted by Mr. Necktie:

I think twin joysticks would be really fun to fly with, but way less efficient than MKB.

It is less efficient, but it is a hell of a lot of fun. My scores in the end don't come out to be too too different between m+kb and dual joysticks, but I can certainly take out enemies easier/more efficiently when using the mouse. I am getting better every day with the joysticks though, but its slower (aiming, not general flying). I have only had to resort to the mouse for one level (Pipeline;Golems) to get into the top 5's for Hotshot, all my other scores are with dual joysticks, so I am pretty happy with that. I am moving to Ace with dual joys now. edit - totally forgot I had set my ace scores too. I guess its time to shoot for unlocking insane.

Originally posted by Mr. Necktie:

I've since iterated to my current setup of WASD/QE roll, mouse aim, strafe u/d on L/R mouse buttons, afterburners on shift, primary/secondary fire on ctrl/spc. In a pinch I have primary fire on mouse wheel click but I hardly if ever use that.

That is an interesting Keybinding layout. Any particular reason you choose to use ctrl/space instead of mouse clicks for firing and strafe on the mouse? Just comfort, or does clicking for firing affect your accuracy? Or was that the default for PC back in the day? I played Descent on Playstation.

[CHILLYBUS]

Originally posted by MiasmicReality:

Originally posted by Mr. Necktie:

I think twin joysticks would be really fun to fly with, but way less efficient than MKB.

It is less efficient, but it is a hell of a lot of fun. My scores in the end don't come out to be too too different between m+kb and dual joysticks, but I can certainly take out enemies easier/more efficiently when using the mouse. I am getting better every day with the joysticks though, but its slower (aiming, not general flying). I have only had to resort to the mouse for one level (Pipeline;Golems) to get into the top 5's for Hotshot, all my other scores are with dual joysticks, so I am pretty happy with that. I am moving to Ace with dual joys now.

Originally posted by Mr. Necktie:

I've since iterated to my current setup of WASD/QE roll, mouse aim, strafe u/d on L/R mouse buttons, afterburners on shift, primary/secondary fire on ctrl/spc. In a pinch I have primary fire on mouse wheel click but I hardly if ever use that.

That is an interesting Keybinding layout. Any particular reason you choose to use ctrl/space instead of mouse clicks for firing and strafe on the mouse? Just comfort, or does clicking for firing affect your accuracy? Or was that the default for PC back in the day? I played Descent on Playstation.

Haha it forced me to learn vert strafing really fast! I'm afraid changing it would make me unlearn it lol

[Man's Best Friend]

I use a gamepad. My personal preference is the sticks are just like any other FPS game. Left is lateral movement + boost, right is direction control + smash. Right trigger is main guns, left is missiles. Then things start getting strange.

On the directional pad we get
up= headlight
down= flare
left= map
right= hologuide, which I've actually not even tried yet. Does it even do anything in challenge mode?

On the right side buttons we get
triangle= slide up
X= slide down
square= cycle missile
circle= cycle main gun
Yeah, I'm using a PS4 controller.

And of course the shoulder buttons
L1= roll left
R1= roll right

I thought about trying to map the gyroscope to the right analogue, but can't seem to figure it out.

As an aside, I could never play this with a mouse. Limiting the turn speed causes a disconnect that I cannot abide by using mouse input. The limit is fine, I have no problem with it, but I have the expectation that if I move the mouse faster I'd better damn well turn faster.

[LlxxTprr]

~~ Steam Controller ~~

left stick - move forward/back; slide R/L

trigger R - fire weapon
trigger L - fire missile
buttons R/L = roll R/L
dpad R - switch weapon
dpad L - switch missile

Y- slide up
A- slide down

B - boost
X - flare

dpad up - headlight
select - map (..could also be dpad down I guess)

right touchpad - pitch up/dn; turn R/L
>> mouse-like joystick, trackball mode on, friction low, haptics low.
RS click - holobot.

Y = inverted.

---

so much fun.. what a great game!! ..thx @devs!
..can I haz moar levltz noww?

[HeadwarP]

Some people are using m+KB, some gamepads (console version will have a lot of gamepad users of course)

Some people are using a dual joystick setup.

Me personally I enjoy combat flight simulations, so I have a full hotas setup with rudder pedals and trackIR.

I own MFG Crosswinds, and as combat flight simming is a hobby that takes up many hours of my day at times, they were worth every penny.

I wouldn't have invested so much into just Descent/Overload or perhaps even just Star Citizen (can't say because it's been in alpha way too long for me to want to purchase it).

But seeing as I also fly in DCS World, IL-2 Sturmovik, Elite: Dangerous as well as Overload.. It was nice that Overload allowed for so much configuration with control setups that all of my peripherals are working.

Personally - if you have room for them, and a way to fasten them to the floor - MFG Crosswinds would get my vote over the VKB T-Rudders. Don't get me wrong - VKB makes some serious products.. but as someone who enjoys flight sims, having physical toe brakes is a feature I enjoy.


Crosswinds will tip over if you place only one foot on them, but you can always solve that with some adhesive velcro or by cutting a piece of plywood to fit under your desk with some thin bolts running up to put the crosswinds on, other than that - tension is completely adjustable, and you can change cams for a smooth movement without a center detent, or like me use the default cam with the center detent.

Before I got the Xwinds I was using Saitek Pro rudder pedals and they were a big plastic piece of crap.

My Crosswinds will likely last me the rest of my life as long as USB remains a form of connectivitiy, or it's easy enough to convert to the next big thing. The 4096 positions on each axis makes for extreme accuracy, but also can make them very touchy without setting curves.

If you're going to go this far.. you really should look into adding some flight sims to your inventory imo, as that is where you will gain the most benefit from having them...

But.. I've gotten pretty good at aiming on the yaw axis with my feet in Overload even if I don't play challenge modes enough for it to show in my scores.

If you're going to buy rudder pedals.. i absolutely recommend picking up some crosswinds instead of the plastic garbage you find mass marketed. BRD also makes a custom all metal set of rudder pedals, and VKB pedals will likely as well be a step ahead of any of the plastic competition as well.

Pesronally - I went with the Crosswinds, had to wait 4 months for them to be made, and they were worth every penny and every month of the wait. He makes them a lot faster these days from what I can tell. Ships within 1-2 mos. Milan @MFG is also top notch customer service. He replied to my emails within 24 hours and was never anything but polite and reassuring. Would recommend his product to anyone who was investing in rudder pedals.

Truth be told though - back in the days of Descent 1 and 2.. all I had was an ms sidewinder 3d pro in one hand and a keyboard in the other, and those games didn't even recognize the twist axis (without tweaking config files) until the Rebirth mod.

If you want the most accuracy.. M+KB is sure to win. If you want to really feel like you're flying.. get some flight sim gear.


*Edit* just realized this thread is from July.. and I'm pretty sure miasmic has already went with his dual stick setup. :)