PS3 mouse and keyboard

LewieP's Mummy · August 2009

I can't hold the PS3 controller and hit all the buttons with both hands (my left hand is tiny, with 1" long unbending fingers), and LewieP has suggested I try using a keyboard and mouse - I managed to play Portal all by myself on the PC with LewieP mapping the mouse and keys for me. I'd like to play more games, but am fed up of not being able to use the controller (unless I'm playing Flow or Flower), so advice/suggestions on which mouse/keyboard combo and which games (not violent/scary games, remember I'm a wimp) much appreciated.

Thank you xoxox

Chance · August 2009

KBM control is a bit like the in-game screenshot feature - it's there. It's possible, but devs need to actively program for its use - and they don't. I've only heard of one game supporting KB+M control. I think it was Unreal Tournament, but I can't be sure - and I doubt that's your cup of tea.
How's your right hand? I'm positive that one-handed PS2 controllers exist - perhaps there's a new custom controller for the PS3?

The other option is turn-based RPGs - which is a pathetic response, I know - but... hey, I think I've got it.

Prince of Persia ('08). The left hand never does anything but manipulate the left analog stick, and once you get into an acrobatic section you won't have to use the stick again until you hit solid ground. I remember being amazed I could play it one-handed.

So I'm sorry I can't explicitly suggest a KBM-compatible game - but as far as I know there aren't any. Slow RPGs and PoP are my best suggestions >.<

LewieP · August 2009

Heh, I just suggested PoP to her actually.

I said "It sucked because they took an involved platformer all about precision controls and complicated levels and watered it down completely, and made it "My first platformer", which is actually ideal"

Chance · August 2009

Well yeah, that's all totally true. But really all they did was remove the R1 function (go towards a wall and press R1 to run up, go towards a wall at an angle and hold R1 to run along it, swing on a pole with R1). And it's this removal that makes it possible to play one-handed.

Also, I just went and tested Valkyria Chronicles. You can totally play it one-handed - I did a whole mission with only my right hand - but having an extra finger for the right analog stick would be helpful. You can save at any time, so it's very forgiving.

There's a demo up on PSN that represents the gameplay pretty well, but not the story. Give it a shot, if you don't mind Japanese tropes.

MichaelLC · August 2009

The Logitech MediaBoard Pro for the PS3 (whew!) is a pretty nice KB and touchpad. The touchpad is on the right side, I'd say a little smaller than most newer laptop pads.

Probably something you'd want to give a try first, as I'm using it for Web, and it works great, built very solid.

Chance · August 2009

Yep any USB or bluetooth-compatible keyboard and mouse will work just fine. It's finding a game to play with 'em that's the hard part >.<

CarbonFire · August 2009

MichaelLC wrote: »

The Logitech MediaBoard Pro for the PS3 (whew!) is a pretty nice KB and touchpad. The touchpad is on the right side, I'd say a little smaller than most newer laptop pads.

Probably something you'd want to give a try first, as I'm using it for Web, and it works great, built very solid.

I'm sure that works great for surfing, but it sounds like she's looking for something that will help her play games.

LewieP's Mummy, do you have sufficient use of your left hand to use one of these?

Hori Real Arcade Pro 3 PS3 Fighting Stick

This particular stick allows you to switch which "directional control" input is mapped to the joystick (d-pad, left thumbstick, right thumbstick). Yes, it's intended for fighting games, but it has full PS3 compatibility so it should work with any game that only requires one directional control input, like platformer, racing and arcade games. There are other sticks, many of which are cheaper (this one is about $100), but this is the only one that appears to for sure work as a replacement for any of the directional inputs that most games use (most commonly left thumbstick).

Hope that helps