The Best Joysticks for Planetside 2

Zekeen · 2012-05-27, 07:45 PM

Recently, I've been blown away by the new air combat of PS2. The turns they make... so incredible.... and so, I look at my joystick.

My joystick was bought back in the day to play Earthsiege. For those who don't quit get how old that is.... Earthsiege (1994) predates the game series Tribes (1998). You see, Tribes is a post-apocalyptic game really, based in the Earthsiege universe, a games of giant mecha and evil robots. Ever seen giant mechwarrior mechs in a Tribes game? No? That's how old my joystick is. It no longer works for many games.

A lot of players, like me, don't have a good joystick, or have one at all, or just need a better one to optimize air combat in Planetside 2. And so I have started this thread to gather the information to buy the best, economical joystick and spread the knowledge to others, so that when beta comes around, we're all ready!

So here is some questions I need filled, help me gather this information!

Give some suggestions on Joysticks you've heard are exceptional

Give some personal suggestions on what you use and how good it is.

Give some cheap alternative joysticks, and how good they are.

What is the very tip-top of the line far as Joysticks go?

Find out what the DEVS use!!! I really wanna know what joysticks the PS2 team are using. Without a doubt, any they use will become popular, since it's already used in game to produce such excellent videos!

Now, along with saying how good they are, please explain what special features they have, number of triggers, buttons, additional axis controls, ect. I want to get as much info for new joystick purchasers as possible. Also, less looked at info, such as the sticky pads at the bottom or any other way the joystick can be anchored, to ensure it won't just pop up into your face. Ease of positioning and removing the joystick from that position would also be good, since I doubt a joystick is as useful for infantry as it is with aircraft.

I am hoping to present good outsider reviews and links to each joystick.

Zulthus · 2012-05-27, 07:54 PM

Well... I'm not here to recommend a joystick... but before you go and blow upwards of $150 on a good joystick I'd recommend just using your mouse... it's much better for fine adjustments and doesn't take up a huge block of space on your desk.

I don't know if people just really suck at flying but in any Battlefield game I seem to always beat anyone else in the air. All usin' a Deathadder.

Shott · 2012-05-27, 07:56 PM

Have they confirmed joystick support for PS2?

Zulthus · 2012-05-27, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by Shott

Have they confirmed joystick support for PS2?

Yup.

RSphil · 2012-05-27, 08:01 PM

For my combat flight sims like aces High I use the x52 but battlefield I fly helicopters with my mouse and jets with the stick.
From what I've seen the aircraft in ps2 will be VTOL so untill I try it myself can't really say.

KTNApollo · 2012-05-27, 08:02 PM

If you're not used to using a joystick, now isn't the time to start. Modern joysticks typically come with a billion customization options that will take you forever to get used to, and when you need to run around on the ground you'll have a giant joystick cluttering up your desk (unless you have a big desk).

the X52 Saitek is a good, relatively cheap joystick with plenty of customization. I used it for a little while before sending it back because I just decided I didn't need a joystick.

QuantumMechanic · 2012-05-27, 08:02 PM

I just started using my Logitech Extreme 3D Pro joystick with Planetside 1 last night. It seems to be the most popular budget joystick out right now (was only $30 or $35).

I'm sure I need a lot more practice with it, but sofar I don't think it's particularly easier to fly with that thing than the mouse/keyboard. Then again I've been flying with mouse/keyboard for years.

It's more fun to use than the mouse/keyboard though. I feel like I'm prepping to fire the wave motion cannon each time I pull that thing out in front of me.

roguy · 2012-05-27, 08:03 PM

I can't fly planes for crap in battlefield (although I'm quite good with choppers).

How do Xbox360 gamepads do for controlling vehicles (especially air) in these games? Since I already have one lying around collecting dust...

Zulthus · 2012-05-27, 08:08 PM

Originally Posted by roguy

I can't fly planes for crap in battlefield (although I'm quite good with choppers).

How do Xbox360 gamepads do for controlling vehicles (especially air) in these games? Since I already have one lying around collecting dust...

They're shit. Use it as a doorstop instead.

Mastachief · 2012-05-27, 08:15 PM

I think higby has this or something similar
http://www.logitech.com/en-gb/gaming...s/devices/5855

Personally i'll probably get
http://www.logitech.com/en-gb/gaming...ks/devices/291

As its cheap and easy to move outta the way.

ArcIyte · 2012-05-27, 08:43 PM

Ditch the stupid joysticks. This won't be a flight simulator.

Zulthus · 2012-05-27, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by ArcIyte

Ditch the stupid joysticks. This won't be a flight simulator.

+1

Zekeen · 2012-05-27, 09:06 PM

Originally Posted by ArcIyte

Ditch the stupid joysticks. This won't be a flight simulator.

I hope you're TR or VS, so I can gun you down easier than your friends.

PS2 has 360 degree flight now. PS1 had a much easier style of flying. The problem with a mouse is you can't spin very easily, so in a dogfight, you're dead.

Even in PS1, I had a MUCH easier time with a joystick. It just gives you full control without the need to lift it up and put it back down to move it again. With so many things that can go wrong, a joystick allows you steer out of the way of so many hazardous obstacles in a fight and gives you a much more agile flight than with mouse and keyboard.

I've been using a mouse and keyboard for years, but I want every boost I can get with PS2, I'm too crazy about it to just play as is.

Zulthus · 2012-05-27, 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by Zekeen

I hope you're TR or VS, so I can gun you down easier than your friends.

PS2 has 360 degree flight now. PS1 had a much easier style of flying. The problem with a mouse is you can't spin very easily, so in a dogfight, you're dead.

Even in PS1, I had a MUCH easier time with a joystick. It just gives you full control without the need to lift it up and put it back down to move it again. With so many things that can go wrong, a joystick allows you steer out of the way of so many hazardous obstacles in a fight and gives you a much more agile flight than with mouse and keyboard.

I've been using a mouse and keyboard for years, but I want every boost I can get with PS2, I'm too crazy about it to just play as is.

What'chu talkin' bout' Willis? 360 degree flight with a mouse is a piece of cake, and spinning is easy as shit. I don't even know how you managed to use a joystick in PS1... the way aircraft controlled in general would mean it felt like flying a turd with jets. Mice are much, much better at fine tuned movements and are better with accuracy than joysticks.

Joysticks, granted, have better maneuverability in the axes compared to mice, but it's not big enough of a difference to matter anywhere outside of a flight simulator. However, once you try to start shooting accurately, good fucking luck.

I mean, I know everyone is comfortable with different things, but don't be so hasty to judge keyboard/mouse users.

ichebu · 2012-05-27, 09:39 PM

xbox 360 controllers is where it's at - can't stand them for FPS, but for vehicles they're great.