[pscates]

I was wondering if anyone could give me a quick education in joysticks and basic gaming facts/terminology.

I have an iMac DV with 192MB RAM, OS 9 (as of last night I now have ALL the latest software updates through the update control panel: audio, game sprockets(?), etc.

So I'm about as current and up-to-date as I can possibly be, hardware- and software- wise but I know NOTHING about this whole topic.

I've NEVER been a game player, but now that I have a decent Mac, I think I could probably get into a few of those flight simulation type of things (I don't think I'm probably much of a candidate for the gory, shoot-em -up stuff...but hey, I work for the government, so you never know...kidding!)

What does one look for in a joystick?
What brand do you use or prefer?
What is/are input sprockets? I hear this term in Macworld or see it on boxes...
Do all joysticks support all games (or vice versa?)
What brands/features should I avoid?

Assume I'm three years old and have never touched a joystick or played a video game on the Mac

And, by all means, please feel free to e-mail me directly if you'd prefer!

Thanks in advance!

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Paul Scates
Carlsbad, CA
Photoshop rocks...but Illustrator rules!

[wlonh]

http://www.macnn.com/thereview/revie...k/cyborg.shtml

not a gamer myself...

input sprockets: http://developer.apple.com/games/sprockets/index.html

compatibility: can happen that certain games have trouble with certain aspects of a peripheral input device's (joystick, etc) capabilities, but it seems rare enough at least from what i've read here at forums

[mdf-occ1]

>> What does one look for in a joystick?

Well what games you wanna play is important. A Joystick works for Flight Sims THE best, but also works very well for some racing games (such as Star Wars Racer... http://homepage.mac.com/mdf_occ1/MacChamp/ if you got PodRacer). I've had some troubles with using a joystick on some games such as Descent 3, but if Flight Sims are what you crave I'll repeat, it is a must.

A Gamepad is great for those side-scrolling and Role Playing Games, and sports games. I've heard of some people using them for 1st person games (like Unreal Tournament) but I can't imagine it working too well.

If your looking to play 1st person games and those point n' click games such as Myth2, I suggest you get a slick mouse. A good multi-button mouse is a must for playing games.

>> What brand do you use or prefer?

For Joysticks, I'd recommend the CH products. My CD Gamestick 3D is very slick with Flight sims, and even has a throttle! Check out http://www.chproducts.com/index.html.

For GamePads, check out MacAlly's iShock. It's exactly like a playstation joystick, very nice feel.CHeck out http://www.macally.com/new/usb/newishock.html

What is/are input sprockets? I hear this term in Macworld or see it on boxes...

Input Sprockets are a cheap, but very good way to make universal drivers for joysticks/mice/gamepads to work in games. Easily said, if the Game supports Input Sprockets, your peripheral is also supported. This isn't ALWAYS the case though, sometimes the joystick/mouse doesn't support Input Sprockets, so check the box before purchasing.

One more note, if you get a USB controller/mouse be sure to check out USB Overdrive. It'll let you use ALL functions of that USB device in any app...

eg. I bought an intellimouse... it has five buttons, and while I used the intellimouse software, I was only able to use 3 buttons in games. I installed USB Overdrive, and got rid of the Microsoft drivers and now I can use every button in games. It's a VERY good utility. Check out http://www.usboverdrive.com/

>> Do all joysticks support all games (or vice versa?)

Read Above

>> What brands/features should I avoid?

Cyborg3D joystick has had reported problems with OS 9 I believe, other than that check out gaming areas for more reports.

Mac Gaming Ledge is a great place to start at: http://www.macledge.com

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mdf-occ1
Mad Skillz Homie Dawg

[Kbee]

I've got the iShock, and it's cool for racing games, and Virtual Game Station. If you want a joystick, get the Saitek Cyborg 3D. Just an awesome joystick. For first person shooters, just get a good mouse.

[Errol]

I just bought a Logitech Wingman Extreme Digital 3D.
It doesnt say that it works with mac but it does if you have USB and sprockets 1.7 or later.
It's fxxng great!