Question regarding using the Controllers for GT4.

[Tokyo Drifter]

Pardon me if this question has been asked before but I scanned through the forum and did not see anything about this. (Yes, I used the search feature too.)

Someone tried to rain on my parade with some bad news, I don't totally trust him, he can be a liar all too often. So I want to ask people around and find out first before I end up buying Gran Turismo 4.

The following claim was made regarding the game:

You CANNOT play the game with the PS2 controller (and even more impossible with the standard PSX control which I use with all PS2 racing games because well .. I find it far more responsive and better than the PS2 control). That without buying the 80 dollar Logitech Steering Wheel, all you will do is have one huge problem after another trying to control the car. He claims it's impossible to brake because whenever you do with a control, the brakes instantly lock up.

I personally have always hated the steering wheels and find them a real bother, so this would be unpleasant news to me to say the least. It also makes very little sense to me that they would make the game so that it utterly forces you to go out and buy the steering wheel which is apparently expensive.

I know quite a few people around here have said they dislike the steering wheels as well and get by fine with the controls .. but that was for Drifting and that was in GT3. So I wanted to ask about how GT4 is looking.

Do the controllers work alright or not? I want to know before I run out and buy the game with that big happy grin on my face and then get slapped in the face when I find out I can't play it.

 

[mclaren777]

I've owned a DFP since mid-summer and I MUCH prefer to use the standard DS2 controller. But I really think it's a preference thing though, so you're just going to have to decide what you like best.

 

[CrackHoor]

Many people are racing and winning and getting golds in their license tests with their controllers. Don't sweat it, your 'friend' doesn't know what he's talking about...

 

[redfury]

Also, the cheaper "old" wheel works just fine with the game. It self calibrates ( unlike GT3 ) and the feedback you get is awesome ( just use one around Nur and see what I mean ).

Rally racing is harder with the wheel than the controller.

So, use what you've been using, and don't listen to the 'haters'

 

[dak125]

I use the controller and I got bronzes all the way through the license tests . I haven't used the wheel, can't comment, but it makes considerable sense that you would have much better control with a wheel. It's tough even getting halfway throttle with my controller (might just be because it's old and worn). I'm thinking about picking up that wheel but there's no clutch!

 

[MCX]

Also, the cheaper "old" wheel works just fine with the game. It self calibrates ( unlike GT3 ) and the feedback you get is awesome ( just use one around Nur and see what I mean ).

Rally racing is harder with the wheel than the controller.

So, use what you've been using, and don't listen to the 'haters'

Not to mention, if you look around a bit and search for DS2 and DFP, you can read for yourself that there have already been plenty of opinions already posted.

Good place to look is the drifting forum, which IMO is a good test of controller precision.

 

[capnlarge]

The control with a standard Dual Shock 2 is no better or worse than it was in GT3.

 

[kariminal]

The guy's looking for a proper answer here people.

Yes, you can use the controllers for GT4, DS2 or DS1,
you stated your preference was using the original playstation playstation controller, the buttons on that are digital rather than analogue as in DS2. Therefore your accelerator or brakes are either off or on, nothing in between leading to loads of wheelspin on starts and locking brakes when you use the brakes.

If I were you I'd get used to the DS2 for GT4, otherwise you won't do too well!

Use the DS2 myself but looking to move onto DFP for GT4

 

[MCX]

The guy's looking for a proper answer here people.

And he got a proper answer, in the first two posts. Yes, the controller does work, and plenty of people use it, and his friend is dead-wrong.

Good point about the digital vs. analog buttons though. It should be noted that if you are determined enough to tap the button inputs, you can drive ok with a DS1. I agree with you though, it's just not worth it to me.

 

[GT-One Lover]

well take a DFP as a wheel or Logitech(or if you want sony) as a controller, cause logitech is just the best(comfort, design...)

 

[jbrennen]

Yeah, your friend is mistaken...

I've achieved gold on 78 of the 80 license tests (so far) with a DS/2, using the
standard "X" button as the brake.

The DS/2 may not be the "best" controller for the game, but it is quite capable of performing very well.

 

[Rotary Powered]

The DS/2 may not be the "best" controller for the game, but it is quite capable of performing very well.

It's all about the player... for sure.

But then I honestly doubt anyone could do just as well in a DS1 controller given the stated facts above.

 

[RenesisEvo]

Yeah, your friend is mistaken...

I've achieved gold on 78 of the 80 license tests (so far) with a DS/2, using the
standard "X" button as the brake.

The DS/2 may not be the "best" controller for the game, but it is quite capable of performing very well.

Erm... surely thats "X" is standard for accelerator? Or has something weird being going on in the last 6 years I have been playing GT games?

Agreeing - DS2 outshines the DS1, especially on GT3. I find I cant cope without pressure-sensitive buttons now!!

 

[jbrennen]

Erm... surely thats "X" is standard for accelerator?

You're right. Square is brake, X is throttle... My mistake

 

[Mooman117]

I have the DFP and DS2 both seem great to me. Rallying is a bit tricky to get used to but just needs a more sensible driving style rather than keeping the throttle open. You can break with the ds2. Brake hard at high speeds and release the pressure as you slow down.

I have had a couple of other wheels for other systems the DFP is excellent (far better than the others) and is worth the cash IMO. It is much more responsive and gives precise feedback.

 

[Tokyo Drifter]

kariminal: I do believe that the other people too gave me a good answer but I appreciate you noting my mention of preference with the original PSX Control too. I am quite familiar with the on or off behavior of that control with the accelerator, brake, steering etc .. this has always worked the best for me and given me the best feel of control over the car. (In GT3 that is.)

I have been told by numerous people that it is possible my PS2 Control is broken, (which is disappointing if true since I bought it brand new), it works fine with all games but there have been some noted oddities in GT3. I see no difference between the PSX Control and the PS2 Control. The PS2 Control seems to give me the same on or off behavior but if the button is not mashed down as far as it goes, it has a habit of cutting out. It does this to me in another game, the character will randomly stop moving unless I have pushed the button all the way down and am holding it as far down as it goes. So perhaps it really is broken and that is why the PSX Control feels better to me.

Some games require me to use the PS2 Control and will not even load up until a PS2 Control has been plugged in. I guess since no one mentioned this as being a possible problem, GT4 does not do this.

I told this "friend" of mine as much when he went on what was atleast a 15-20 minute rant about how stupid I am for not listening to him .. I still told him that I did not believe him. He's not really a friend, just someone I know, a friend of a friend and he has proven himself to be a compulsive liar on more than one occasion. Don't understand why people feel the need to lie like that to anyone. It does nothing but makes them look stupid later.

I figured that it would be awfully stupid to make a game that cannot be played until you spend 80 dollars more to buy a piece of equipment. It would not be the only time that a game company has expected you to spend more money to play the game. Final Fantasy 11 Online anyone? (didn't get it because of the money involved and my dislike for online games in general but it was a good example).

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR RESPONSES. -- I wanted to make sure you see that. I will make it a point to head out and buy the game as soon as I am able to and join you all in playing Gran Turismo 4!

 

[dhwebb]

With my original DS2, I had trouble with throttle/brake control. It would do either 1/2 3/4 or full only. I bought a new one, and I can now control them just like using the pedals and wheels. I have then DF but after a while, my back starts to hurt so I use the DS2 mostly because I can lie down on the couch and still play.

 

[dhwebb]

dupe. sorry

 

[lambchop44]

Am I the only one that uses the right analogue stick for gas an brake?
You can get really decent throttle and brake control with a DS2 controller. I've never had problems.

I was getting all sorts of silvers on my licence tests on the first try (I have no desire to get gold on them, I just want to race).

Make sure you have a newer DS2. One that the analogue sticks don't rotate. Your thumb will slip off the spinny ones from time to time.

I also have a cheap MadCatz wheel. I'm actually faster with a controller but the wheel is fun sometimes. When I had the Logitech force wheel I found that motor stopped me from being able to counter-steer fast enough and I would always end up in a bad pendulum swing if the back end kicked out.

Just my 2 sense worth.
Lambchop

 

[BaronCAD]

Am I the only one that uses the right analogue stick for gas an brake?
You can get really decent throttle and brake control with a DS2 controller. I've never had problems.

I was getting all sorts of silvers on my licence tests on the first try (I have no desire to get gold on them, I just want to race).

Just my 2 sense worth.
Lambchop

No, your not the only one. I like the feel of the DS2 plus louging on the Lazy-Boy.
I went out last year and bought a wheel returned it the next day. First couldn't adequately secure wheel to my satisfaction or keep the pedals in one place. But the biggest problem was/is space to construct a platform to house a wheel.

 

[dJomp]

Am I the only one that uses the right analogue stick for gas an brake?
You can get really decent throttle and brake control with a DS2 controller. I've never had problems.

I do too. But I'm looking into other buttons at the moment, to allow for some left-foot braking technique to be used...

 

[f1king]

Pardon me if this question has been asked before but I scanned through the forum and did not see anything about this. (Yes, I used the search feature too.)

Someone tried to rain on my parade with some bad news, I don't totally trust him, he can be a liar all too often. So I want to ask people around and find out first before I end up buying Gran Turismo 4.

The following claim was made regarding the game:

You CANNOT play the game with the PS2 controller (and even more impossible with the standard PSX control which I use with all PS2 racing games because well .. I find it far more responsive and better than the PS2 control). That without buying the 80 dollar Logitech Steering Wheel, all you will do is have one huge problem after another trying to control the car. He claims it's impossible to brake because whenever you do with a control, the brakes instantly lock up.

I personally have always hated the steering wheels and find them a real bother, so this would be unpleasant news to me to say the least. It also makes very little sense to me that they would make the game so that it utterly forces you to go out and buy the steering wheel which is apparently expensive.

I know quite a few people around here have said they dislike the steering wheels as well and get by fine with the controls .. but that was for Drifting and that was in GT3. So I wanted to ask about how GT4 is looking.

Do the controllers work alright or not? I want to know before I run out and buy the game with that big happy grin on my face and then get slapped in the face when I find out I can't play it.

No worrys dude, Ive played all of the GT games with my regular controler and if any thing GT4 seem to be the easist to control with them. Very responsive, who ever told you all the none sense about just cant play the game. The brakes dont lock up, what I find is alot of tire squealing but thats when you have standard street tires. But still no lock up it takes alot to lock them up like if you go into a corner way too hot you will lock up just like GT3.

Dont worry man like I said when you get used to it ( like in 5 mins) it seems easy to contorl.

 

[Famine]

I've got to 40.4%, with all licences gold and all Mission Hall races (except the last one - I want to learn the Ring more first) passed with a DS2.

I find the DS2 is less capable than it was in GT3, but it's still a viable option. There is no fundamental issue which will prevent you from using the DS2 and doing well in GT4. Slap your friend.

 

[kariminal]

I've achieved gold on 78 of the 80 license tests (so far) with a DS/2, using the
standard "X" button as the brake.

To be honest for most of the licence tests your X button is the brake! I found with the majority of them that letting off a bit was preferable to the old square.

But i'n now in a quandry about the DFP, from some of the videos it seems very noisy, is this particularly annoying in game play? sounds like a weird scratching.

 

[dhwebb]

I do too. But I'm looking into other buttons at the moment, to allow for some left-foot braking technique to be used...

I'm a L2/R2 brake/throttle guy but you can also still use the right stick in this setup. Try using the right for throttle and when you want to left foot brake, use the assigned brake button on your config. Should give you the best of both worlds. I used to use the right stick but went back to buttons a few years ago when I switched to manual. Couldn't handle 2 sticks and buttons for some reason.

 

[sukerkin]

Ah darn it! Now I'm upset .

I've just shelled out knocking on for a £100 for a DFP only to find this thread not half an hour later telling me that all I've been hearing about GT4 not being playable with the DS2 is in fact hyperbole and I could have saved my hard-earned cash :grr:

 

[Duke]

sukerkin: don't worry. I'm a dedicated analog sticks guy, and it's tough to avoid overcontrolling with the DS2. The FWD license tests in particular will give you fits. Everything I've read combined with my own few hours of game play has prompted me to order a wheel as well. I think it will be well worth it.

 

[nttdemented]

I've played with the Right Stick as Throttle/Brake since the DS1 controllers came out. It gives me much better sense of control and I've adjusted my driving style to not use the brake at the same time as the accel (heel & toe). Now in GT4 I can switch my thumb from the right stick to the buttons and be able to use heel & toe on the fly though. Only use it if I've lost my line all of a sudden or something in the middle of a curve.

And a note to the right stick users and GT4, you can't assign the right stick in the controller options but its already setup by default. So in-game with the default controll setup you can use the right stick OR the buttons whenever you want. Thats a blessing for me at least because I'm always playing with friends and now I don't have to be going back into options to change controlls for my friends every time. 👍

 

[TigJackson]

Ah darn it! Now I'm upset .
....hearing about GT4 not being playable with the DS2....

Just one of the many rumors started by the trigger happy 4za fanchildren.

I've only had my DFP about a month, but I've logged many runs around the Nurburgring playing the Japanese Demo. I have 48 Golds, B, A, and IB and, today I will begin on the IA tests. I actually managed Gold test times on the first two....the easiest tests....with the DS2. I also got frustrated on the Ice Track in one of the IB tests and switched over to the DS2. It really works better for me on some of the tests, but overall, the driving experience is much better with the Driving Force Pro.

 

[Thirdeye]

I use both the dfp and the DS2, and the controller works fine (and sometimes better in my opinion)