From PS2/360 to PC: Shifting Over

Now, there are a few players out there that enjoy playing on the PS2 or the 360 version and really enjoy the use of their controller. I originated as a PS2 player and then I shifted to my PC (since it just runs much better overall), so I can understand how being forced on a keyboard can be difficult.

So, for those thinking about changing to the PC version, I give you:

Mog's Spiffy Guide to Controllers

In FFXI, you are able to use any controller. In theory, you could use any type of PC-Compatible controller. However, for full functionality, we will need a controller with the following properties:

2 Analog Sticks (and can function as digital buttons as well)
1 Digital Directional Pad
10 Buttons
Rumble Feature

If you were to take out everything that was considered optional from a full setup:

2 Analog Sticks (and can function as digital buttons as well)
1 Digital Directional Pad
7 Buttons

Now, for those who just want any kind of controller and don't want to use their PS2 or 360 controller, I present to you:

The Logitech Rumblepad 2 >:O

This controller is about 30 dollars, about the same price as a PS2 controller, less than a 360 wired controller. Its good, the only complaint that I have with it is that the diagonals are too pronounced on it, but the D-Pad is great and I find it to be perfect if you play any emulator systems on your computer. For FFXI, perfect enough to do anything like a PS2/360 controller.

But, if you're a purist like me and you need to use your PS2 or 360 controller, lets start talking.

For the PS2, you have an option of buying a PS2 to PC converter. Now, there are a lot of them on the market and they either suck or they work just like the real thing. One issue that you'll run into with these converters is the lag issue from your button press to the game's reaction to it. Personally, I use the Red Octane Universal Controller Adapter. It allows you to plug a PS2 controller into your PC, your Xbox(1) and your Gamecube(or Wii). Unfortunately, Red Octane does not sell this any more, your best bet is to check eBay. This has absolutely no lag and it makes it great for using your PS2 controller for games that need that sort of precision with your controller (fighting games are a good example). Now, you can get away in FFXI with any other controller converter really, since most converters lag about .3 seconds, so really the Red Octane isn't the must-get adapter for just FFXI.

If you're on the 360 and you have a wired controller or bought the Wireless Receiver, you're probably disappointed to all hell, right? Yes, the drivers that were released for the controller is horrible. Unfortunately for right now, wireless controllers aren't going to get much of a fix until a bit later. For now, for you people that are using the wired Xbox 360 controller, you can download these custom drivers from XBCD Plus and can edit the inputs of your wired controller to function more like a regular controller (i.e. making your analog buttons more like digital buttons).

And of course, you could always give up the way of the controller and use your keyboard... but who would want to do that? <.<