Do most PC visual novels work with USB game controllers?

[DragonmasterX]

And even if they do, do you still prefer to just use the keyboard anyway?

[Haeleth]

I don't recall seeing any that support controllers. RealLive certainly doesn't. But then again, it's not like we're talking about games that require any degree of manual dexterity to play...

I tend to use the keyboard to progress to the next string (except in the rare cases where I can find an auto-read setting that suits me), and the mouse to make choices.

[TDOMMX]

If you really want to sit back and use a controller to play visual novels (or control any PC software, for that matter), Google for "JoyToKey". I use it when I come across games that should have controller support, but for some reason don't.

[l|ammamama]

I often wish there was a button in visual novels which would change the function of a click during auto-read mode from 'skip it even faster' to 'pause.' That way when I come across a line that I want to let sink in a little bit, I would be able to just click once to stop it from proceeding, then click again when I want to resume reading.

Hmm.. who knows, mabye there's a game or two out there that Do let you do this and I just don't know about it.

Originally Posted by TDOMMX

If you really want to sit back and use a controller to play visual novels...

...you could just use a wireless mouse instead. :P

The wireless mouse works well for me. My wrists get too tired if I try to hold my hand in the same position required to keep it on the enter key or trackpad button while I'm reading for long periods of time, so I just pick my bluetooth mouse up off of the table and hold it wherever it's comfortable. Since one rarely needs to click on anything in particular, it's not necessary to move the cursor, so the mouse doesn't have to be on a surface.

Once my new MacBook Pro finally ships from Apple, I might go about figuring out how to make the little remote control advance to the next screen/control the auto-advance features. That might be cool.

[DragonmasterX]

Another feature I like is how some games allow the text to automatically proceed at its own pace. However, this creates a problem when I need more time to look up an unfamiliar word and the text continues scrolling by.

[GreatSaintLouis]

A controller for visual novel games?

Could it be that you're after... ONE-HANDED GAMEPLAY?!? Σ(゜Д゜;)

Originally Posted by GreatSaintLouis

A controller for visual novel games?

Could it be that you're after... ONE-HANDED GAMEPLAY?!? Σ(゜Д゜;)

OBJECTION!

A 'game controller' typically requires the use of both hands.
To achieve 'ONE-HANDED GAMEPLAY', one would require something more similar to... a REMOTE.

[zalas]

What about programmable controllers that have turbo buttons?

[GreatSaintLouis]

Originally Posted by rodan

OBJECTION!

A 'game controller' typically requires the use of both hands.
To achieve 'ONE-HANDED GAMEPLAY', one would require something more similar to... a REMOTE.

異議あり！

A normal controller requires the use of both hands. However, there are some controllers designed mainly for RPG-type games by ASCII, and indeed released as far back as the Famicom...
CONTROLLERS MEANT FOR USE WITH ONLY ONE HAND!

It isn't that hard to use the PS2 controller with one hand when you're playing ADV games, you know.

Originally Posted by Roto

The wireless mouse works well for me. My wrists get too tired if I try to hold my hand in the same position required to keep it on the enter key or trackpad button while I'm reading for long periods of time, so I just pick my bluetooth mouse up off of the table and hold it wherever it's comfortable. Since one rarely needs to click on anything in particular, it's not necessary to move the cursor, so the mouse doesn't have to be on a surface.

My sentiments exactly.

[PyTom]

I should point out that Ren'Py has supported joysticks and gamepads for a few releases now. So the upcoming wave of games should have joystick support.

When playing long games (like Ever17), I like to change up how I click through the screens of text. I've been known to use:

- Mouse (normally)
- Mouse (wirelessly, held in air)
- Regular keyboard on desk.
- IR Remote.

And my personal favorite:

- USB Gamer Keyboard on 12ft cord, from across the room, with the game set to full screen.

I think changing it up is an important hedge against RSI.

Originally Posted by GreatSaintLouis

異議あり！

A normal controller requires the use of both hands. However, there are some controllers designed mainly for RPG-type games by ASCII, and indeed released as far back as the Famicom...
CONTROLLERS MEANT FOR USE WITH ONLY ONE HAND!

What?! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[Spiritsnare]

Originally Posted by rodan

What?! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

And not just that -- the Revolution controller appears to be supporting one-handed gameplay! WITH RUMBLE, TO BOOT!