Is anyone really playing games on HTPC? How do you do it?

[eu_phorix]

All,

Recently purchased a PJ for use with our HTPC, and the quality is amazing (had been using a 46" RPTV before). Now I've gotten back into building up our HTPC and am exited about extending the capabilties (have been using all the basic TV/Music/DVD aspects for a couple years).

One thing I'd really like to do is be able to play some games on this setup. (For example, back when I had a PS2, my wife and I totally loved Baldur's Gate 2!). The problem I see here is: Control.

What games would work good with a HTPC? What methods of control are feasible for use on a couch? (i.e. We love WoW and EQ2, but I can't see playing these kicked back on the couch, as the need for precise mouse control is critical). Further, are there any split screen co-op type games for the PC (ala Baldur's gate 2 for consoles).

Thanks for the input all, interesting forum space, look forward to useful feedback!

[Scotty L]

I use a USB extension cord. If you have a 2+ seater couch it's no big deal... slim keyboard in your lap and mouse on the cusion next to you. It's not as ghetto as it sounds, I helped my mohaa clan get to first place on OGL a couple times using this setup. ;) WAF will be an issue if you keep the wires out.

You can also use console controllers on the PC (with an adapter), if you have multi-platform games such as Need for Speed or Marvel Ultimate Alliance. A little bit of extra setup is worth the $10-20 you save when buying a game for your PC vs. console.

As for what PC games to buy, check out Half Life 2 (+ its expansion), command & conquer series, Oblivion, GTR 2, Medal of Honor series, Serious Sam, Rainbow Six/Ghost Recon series, and tons more favorites I'm forgetting. If you have a nice video card check out STALKER (http://pc.ign.com/articles/767/767063p1.html) which comes out this month.

[HeadRusch]

You can invest in a simple little slide-up-to-the-couch table so you can mouse/keyboard on the couch. Use a USB extension cord or two.....works great. if you use a wireless mouse/keyboard that uses a USB interface, use the cables to put the receiver close to where you sit, so you dont have to invest in one of the really-expensive long-range wireless Keyboard/Mouse combos ($90+)

For console-style games, pick up a couple of Xbox 360 wireless controllers for the Xbox360 and then buy a $20.00 Microsoft Windows receiver (brand new, came out last week..lets you use the 360 controllers on the PC).

From that point, its game-on. ;)

[HorrorScope]

I use a notstromo instead of a keyboard for gaming. IMO the combo works great.

[joewagner501]

I use a wireless keyboard and mouse combination (Logitech MX Revolution and Logitech Di Novo Edge). For flight games I use a wireless Logitech joystick. Have never had a problem playing any fps or strategy game. You may have problems with older games that don't support HD formats unless your TV can accept the resolution older games output.

A good site for game information is "widescreengamingforum". They have a list of games that natively support HD and a list of games that you can "fix" to support HD gaming.

Be warned that once you start playing on the big screen you won't want to go back to the small.

[jhoff80]

I made a post about this a while ago. Besides the 360 controller you might want to look into the Phantom Lapboard (which may or may not be vaporware, but it'd be perfect for this usage): http://phantom.net/content/products/index.html


Also, I really wish that Splitfish would make a version of this controller for the PC because it'd be perfect: http://gear.ign.com/articles/769/769529p1.html

Hopefully the Bluetooth version will work on the PC.

[Ryguy]

is it possible to use a ps3 (bluetooth) or wireless xbox360 controllers with an HTPC?

[krimson]

is it possible to use a ps3 (bluetooth) or wireless xbox360 controllers with an HTPC?
Yep, there is a wireless receiver to connect xbox 360 controllers (including the steering wheel) to your PC.

[kylebisme]

MS's controler drivers aren't functional for most games though; not enough deadzone on the analogs, none of the buttons or axis are configurable, and the triggers act as a single axis so holding one down cancels out the ablity to activate the other. XBCD (http://www.redcl0ud.com/xbcd.html) for Xbox controllers works much better, and can be modified to work with 360 controllers too (http://xbcd360guide.50webs.com/guide.html), but unfortunatly it doesn't work with the wireless hub yet.

[Trebuken]

There is a new sort of mouse called an 'air mouse'. t is gyroscopic and works similar to a Wii controller. I am planning on picking one up myself (they are not the cheapest mice). I think this is going to be the solution to many of my HT gaming problems.

[jhoff80]

Its not really a new mouse, its been out for years now, if you're talking about the Gyration stuff. Besides that, it works entirely different from the Wii controller. For aiming, the Wii controller generally used the pointer. A set of IR LEDs send out an image, and the remote calculates from this to know exactly where you're pointing at it.

The Wii remote does have accelerometers, yes, but they're not used for the same purpose. If you are curious, try using the Wii remote paired to your desktop using glovePIE, and use one of the accelerometer only bluetooth profiles. This is a similar feel to how the Gyration mice work. Basically, don't expect them to be the greatest for aiming when they're in the air.

I do have one somewhere, and the only time during games I would use it in the air would be for flying planes in DesertCombat, it was a decent mouse simulation of a flightstick. However, as soon as I was on the ground, I would have to put the mouse back down and use it like a standard mouse.

[rabident]

I'm back to my Dell 20" LCD after playing on my 120" Ruby. I got around the control problem by buying a cheap $50 laptop table with wheels from Target. When I wanted to game I rolled my chair and table in front of the couch. I would have preferred to setup a permanent desk behind the couch, but didn't have the space.

120" was just too big. It was impressive at first, but it gets tiresome to look at. I set my PC up temporarily on my old 20" Dell LCD from work, and forgot what I was missing. It's a brighter, more saturated, overall just more solid looking picture. It's a step down in resolution from 1920x1080 to 1600x1200, but the Dell looks sharper to my eyes... probably because the resolution per square inch is a lot higher.

[7Enigma]

I'm trying to set my computer up now on my 46" RPTV for Silent Hunter 4. I can tell there seems to be some LFE that I'm not getting on my computer setup, and it seems like one of those games that will have that Das Boot feel on a large screen with 7.1 surround...

I think C&C3 will also be great (probably any RTS will look excellent on it due to the added viewing space from traditionally-sized 19" CRT/LCD's).

[krimson]

Make sure to check the widescreengaming forum (link in the stickied thread) for info on C&C3. The game comes with very few resolution options in the game menus but you can set any resolution through the command line.

[Tinker]

I'm back to my Dell 20" LCD after playing on my 120" Ruby. I got around the control problem by buying a cheap $50 laptop table with wheels from Target. When I wanted to game I rolled my chair and table in front of the couch. I would have preferred to setup a permanent desk behind the couch, but didn't have the space.

120" was just too big. It was impressive at first, but it gets tiresome to look at. I set my PC up temporarily on my old 20" Dell LCD from work, and forgot what I was missing. It's a brighter, more saturated, overall just more solid looking picture. It's a step down in resolution from 1920x1080 to 1600x1200, but the Dell looks sharper to my eyes... probably because the resolution per square inch is a lot higher.
Not 120" but just 60" (1080) and I feel the same as you. Its OK for console and casual gaming but for full pledged serious PC gaming I use my Dell 30" LCD , either at 2560x1600 or 1920x1200, all dependent on the frame rates and the game.

[Trebuken]

I read somewhere that 26"-27" is the optimum size for PC Gaming because of how close the average person sits to the monitor combined with how much your eyes have to move to take in the entire range of motion on the screen.

Coincidentally, many manufacturers are coming out with models in this range after skipping to 30" from 22" or 24".

120" does sound complicated. I play on a 72" screen and find it comfortable, but I have to sit at least 10' away.

[temeone]

I use a vast array of input devices for gaming on my projector. various console controllers, such as PS2 controller w/ USB adapter, and button to keyboard key input program where necessary, gyration mouse & wireless KB (thats the 'air' mouse.. its not new at all though.. well I don't use it for gaming, just navigating on the htpc), wired mouse w/ USB extension. I think I'm going to pick up the xbox 360 wireless mice w/ MS IR receiver though. sounds like a great idea. I use a Logitech G25 for racing games.

I don't play FPS on the projector.. too big and difficult to concentrate on enemies far away and make precise aiming movements. everything else is great.

[kenny_dope]

Not 120" but just 60" (1080) and I feel the same as you. Its OK for console and casual gaming but for full pledged serious PC gaming I use my Dell 30" LCD , either at 2560x1600 or 1920x1200, all dependent on the frame rates and the game.


Same here. I use to play Company Of Heroes, Stalker and C&C3 on my HDTV (only 47") but even that was too uncomfortable after a while. I need to get either a new sofa with some proper neck support or a decent little tray table for the mouse to rest on. As it is, the main gaming PC is now my gf's PC in our bedroom on the Dell 2407WFP:

Athlon 64 3200+
Asus 7900GT
2Gb OCZ DDR500

Not bad but it seems to play most things on High at 1920x1200. Until BD drives come down in price I get the feeling my main PC is going to waste...

[temeone]

how are the drivers for the wireless Xbox 360 controllers? I'm thinking about picking up a couple and the wireless windows controller hub. Will I be happy with common button mapping programs? Would I be better off getting a wired 360 controller and using XBCD 360? I really want the wireless controllers but I don't want to sacrifice functionality.. although I will be using these mainly with mame, and old console emulation (nes/snes/DC) so I don't know if it really matters.

[bac522]

I'm using these with my Linux based HTPC http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826127209

But I'm using them with just mame and zsnes emulators.

[temeone]

how are the drivers for the wireless Xbox 360 controllers? I'm thinking about picking up a couple and the wireless windows controller hub. Will I be happy with common button mapping programs? Would I be better off getting a wired 360 controller and using XBCD 360? I really want the wireless controllers but I don't want to sacrifice functionality.. although I will be using these mainly with mame, and old console emulation (nes/snes/DC) so I don't know if it really matters.

anyone?

[GhostGuest]

I have been using the Logitech PC Cordless RumblePad 2 Controller. It is very similar to the PS2 controller. It works well but you have to create a profile for each game.

I also have the wireless Gyration keyboard and mouse. They have worked flawlessly for over two years now.

[Mr.D]

The gyration mouse works quite well for most games unless you need really top nothc precise aiming. I played HL2 no bother at all with it on a 9 foot screen. Strategy games are easy on it . I wouldn't dream of playing CSS with it or even Far Cry to be honest , its just not precise and rapid enough.

To be fair though I would be lost without my gyration. I use it on a 42" plasma and projector. The mouse rarely gives me any trouble , ironically the keyboard can be a little laggy and sticky sometimes.

[DaverJ]

how are the drivers for the wireless Xbox 360 controllers?

I have used a wired 360 controller with a couple games (Tomb Raider Anniversary and the Overlord demo) on my Vista machine. It was pretty much exactly like sitting at a much higher resolution and smoother 360. :cool: The menus and on-screen prompts in Overlord even had the 360 button icons in the instructions.

I'm guessing this might be a function of Microsoft's "Games for Windows" certification...? I can't speak for other games or the wireless, but so far I've been real impressed with the 360 controller on the PC for these select games.

[kylebisme]

The MS drivers work fine for new games that are built with the controller in mind, but I still have to keep a wired controller around so I can use XBCD drivers in older games were MS's drivers are completely useless and hence my wireless controllers are as well.

[Bob7145]

Nostromo Speedpad N52
Logitech 518 mouse
BTC mini multimedia keyboard
Creatve Audigy 2ZS into surround sound of your choice
Dryer vent hose from AC to computer case
Liberal use of refreshing beverage (of your choice)
Lawyer on retainer to deal with neighbors calls to police from hearing gunfire. (This is more inconvenient than a noise complaint!)

[Topher]

I have been using the Logitech PC Cordless RumblePad 2 Controller. It is very similar to the PS2 controller. It works well but you have to create a profile for each game.

I also have the wireless Gyration keyboard and mouse. They have worked flawlessly for over two years now.
GhostGuest, I'm trying to figure out how to get my Rumblepad 2 to work. I'm trying to get it to work with MAME first, then Project 64 & the SNES emulator. When you say you have to set up a profile for each game, do you mean emulator, or each individual game? Are profiles exportable? I'm having a hard time setting up the button assignments. I'm use to a modded Xbox where everything worked OOTB. If they can be exported, would you mind PM'ing me yours?
I'm using MediaPortal as my HTPC front end & have tried running MAME through the MyPrograms & MyEmulators plugins.
Any help would be MUCH appreciated. No one's helped on the MediaPortal forums & I don't know what to do. I'm going to try Maximus Arcade, but you have to pay for it. I don't know why I'm having such problems when it looks like most everyone else doesn't.

[Randall Morton]

I'm also using the Gyration. I don't think there is anything else out there that works as well. I use the old style. I tried one of the newer ones and there were problems with range(maybe worked at 5 to 10 feet), I sit about 17' from my computer. When they discontinued the old model I bought 2 spares. They were on sale for around $35 for the mouse and keyboard.