'cat vs. mouse - by pavlovscat
jtr7 on 9/4/2008 at 20:56
I stopped playing mouseless games back in '96 when I began to develop carpal tunnel-like nerve pain. It didn't help that I have an unconscious tendency to press the buttons harder in a futile attempt to make faster moves.
In Thief, I like being able to rotate the camera where I want, when I want, at the speed I want, and without nerve pain. My left hand uses the keys all the time, but for simple commands that don't require speed, or so much repetition, without real rest. I love my mouse-look.
I'd like to see a FRAPS'd video of how Thief looks played with keys only by a pro. :cool:
pavlovscat on 9/4/2008 at 21:11
@Suglasp
Yes! Those 2 games & Witchhaven were the first ones I really got into. All good keyboard games. I guess I'm an old dog...just too used to keyboard commands. I really don't feel comfortable with the mouse. I have a horrid sense of direction and have to be careful or I get vertigo. :laff:
@jtr7
Do you use a curved ergonomic keyboard? My hubby had carpal tunnel problems. He is also a key pounder. He works in IT, so he's constantly at the computer. Once he got an ergonomic keyboard, the problem went away and so did his need for surgery. I also find them better for my back.
As far as FRAPS goes, that would be great if we can find a pro who uses a keyboard. ;)
(or anybody else at all!)
Cap on 9/4/2008 at 21:19
I started out on computers with a TRS-80 and it was many years until I got another one. When I started installing 3D games (wow!) I played a lot of racing stuff like Motocross Madness with a joystick. The first time I installed a FPS (Quake2 I think), I used a joystick for it and didn't even consider using mouselook for some reason. Nowdays, there's no way I'd go without mouse and keyboard for FP games and I can't even stand console controllers. I'd go nuts using keyboard only for Thief. But kudos if you can actually play like that.
jtr7 on 9/4/2008 at 21:42
Here's the thing: I can use the keyboard all day, everyday, and never have a problem. It's only when I try to play key-centric games that the problem begins. I also use about five different keyboards throughout the week and have more problems with the displays being too close or the lighting of the room causing eyestrain. On my own computer, a laptop, I only have problems when my posture is asking for it.
Goldmoon Dawn on 9/4/2008 at 22:08
Quote Posted by pavlovscat
I have never used my mouse while playing T1 or T2. I only use keyboard commands. Are there any other anti-mouse players, or am I the only one?
That is how I started playing the Thief franchise. I came off of Might and Magic VI in late 98' (keyboard driven 1st person rpg) and landed on Thief. I set the Dark Project keyboard up to match MM6. I didn't use mouselook until well after Forgery (T2) came out. :)
muncadunc on 9/4/2008 at 22:12
When I first borrowed T:DP from a friend I didn't know about mouselook and so I tried playing it via the keyboard... and made it halfway through Cragscleft before I gave up and didn't play Thief for another year. Keyboard only is HARD!
Goldmoon Dawn on 9/4/2008 at 22:15
Keyboard is easy, yet keyboard is slow(er)...
Jarvis on 9/4/2008 at 22:39
Reminds me of Grank. Crazy guy played Thievery with a controller.
pavlovscat on 9/4/2008 at 22:47
@Suglasp
Funny!!
@GD
Keyboard is easy, but it's also faster for me. Keeping my orientation with the mouse takes some thought.
