Steam Controller/Machines/Link hands-on impressions. Final reviews: Nov 10

Damn, this is really disheartening. I was hoping this thing could effectively replace my 360 controller once & for all. Perhaps for those types of games, the physical analog stick works better. I'll wait 'til the dust settles and monitor the reception in the Steam discussion threads.

Have a look at some GAF impressions from a user here.

They think the dpad emulation is great on Super meat Boy so I expect there to be a wider variety of opinions on this.
 
Damn, this is really disheartening. I was hoping this thing could effectively replace my 360 controller once & for all. Perhaps for those types of games, the physical analog stick works better. I'll wait 'til the dust settles and monitor the reception in the Steam discussion threads.

Doesn't sound like they messed with any of the customisations. If the deadzone is low, you can just rock your thumb. Here is an opposite impression - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=428f76P8nCk
 
Damn, this is really disheartening. I was hoping this thing could effectively replace my 360 controller once & for all. Perhaps for those types of games, the physical analog stick works better. I'll wait 'til the dust settles and monitor the reception in the Steam discussion threads.

Same, I've always preferred pad play for fighting games (as opposed to sticks) but none of the controllers have ever felt exactly right. I was hoping the steam controller could fit that niche.
 
Have a look at some GAF impressions from a user here.

They think the dpad emulation is great on Super meat Boy so I expect there to be a wider variety of opinions on this.

Doesn't sound like they messed with any of the customisations. If the deadzone is low, you can just rock your thumb. Here is an opposite impression - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=428f76P8nCk

Ah, thanks for that. It's a shame some of these reviews don't go into very much depth (the Ars one was the most comprehensive of the six-odd I looked at). One of the greatest benefits of gaming on PC is the option for configuration & customization. Looking forward to hearing more user feedback once it's finally in the wild.
 
I enjoyed the ComputerWorld overview.

It seemed fair on all counts, and it basically says the controller, link, (demoed) machine are exactly what you'd expect....which is all I needed to hear.

Learning curve for Steam Controller? Check.

Controller suitably customizable, with many profiles from users incoming? Check.

Steam Link perform as well as hoped, depending on user's network? Check.

The value proposition of Steam Machines questioned? Check.

Steam Controller versus Keyboard & Mouse? Once again, made clear that this was never the Controller's intent, which is the proper answer. So...Check.
 
I think I'll have to get a Link. I've wanted to opt for the better PC versions of games plenty of times, since my rig can handle most new games well. But I just keep finding myself wanting to plop I front of the tv after a long day. This kind of is an answer to both problems. Even so, getting at my current Steam library is enough of an incentive.
 
So what's the word on using the Steam Controller to play a FPS like Counter-Strike competitively?

Right now I'm currently using a Xbox One controller and manage to be pretty decent at CSGO, playing st Legendary Eagle right now and averaging a 9.5 RWS.

Can't decide if I want to "upgrade" my game by going with the Steam Controller or just "upgrading" to an Xbox One Elite controller.
 
I figured the Steam Controller would getting eaten up critically as it does require a learning curve, and from reading game reviews over the past decade, journalists are either incapable of adjusting to learning curves or unwilling.
 
Doesn't sound like they messed with any of the customisations. If the deadzone is low, you can just rock your thumb. Here is an opposite impression - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=428f76P8nCk

To me it seems using the left pad as a D-pad works best for gaming where you use continuous input, meaning you press some direction at all times. By comparison fighting games are more about tapping a bunch of inputs in so it might not be that great for those.

Or it might be just something that needs to be figured out by users.
 
Damnit, is this going to be one of the cases where I'll have to buy it before I know if I'll like it because reviewers are so focused on getting reviews out? Does Steam have these controllers set up anywhere to try out first, like a store kiosk?
 
So what's the word on using the Steam Controller to play a FPS like Counter-Strike competitively?

Right now I'm currently using a Xbox One controller and manage to be pretty decent at CSGO, playing st Legendary Eagle right now and averaging a 9.5 RWS.

Can't decide if I want to "upgrade" my game by going with the Steam Controller or just "upgrading" to an Xbox One Elite controller.

Steam Controller should be much better for that. People seem to say that it's not as good as a mouse but the next best thing to one. All other controllers are IMO horrible for anything that requires precise aiming but fine for games that only need you to move the viewpoint.
 
I figured the Steam Controller would getting eaten up critically as it does require a learning curve, and from reading game reviews over the past decade, journalists are either incapable of adjusting to learning curves or unwilling.

Yeah most of these reviews are killing me. Two pages in the steam controller impressions thread will give you more valuable feedback than some of these articles.

Assuming you start far enough back to not get shipping questions.
 
I love it when reviews begin by telling me to forget doing something ive already done. Forget precise platformers and fighting game? I beat a ladder in mk:x with the steam controller without ever losing a round. Ive played sonic cd, super meat bou, freedom planet, super metroid, axiom verge, etc with the controller just fine.
 
I love it when reviews begin by telling me to forget doing something ive already done. Forget precise platformers and fighting game? I beat a ladder in mk:x with the steam controller without ever losing a round. Ive played sonic cd, super meat bou, freedom planet, super metroid, axiom verge, etc with the controller just fine.

I feel like somehow a week is not long enough for people to see that they are a bit biased towards new input, and they never really mess with any settings to get to their conclusions.
 
The Gamespot review confirmed my fears with this controller. I still want one, but it won't replace my Xbox 360 controller.

As I said that GS review is on the extreme down side. There are multiple impressions out there saying it's good for aiming. He was also messing way too much with joystick emulation when peopel prefer trackball mode. I suggest you just wait for gaffer impressions.
 
I actually put a lot of time into kof98u using the steam controller. I can pull off ryo's dragon punch everytime without problem. And I do it by rocking my thumb.
 
Yeah, from reading the reviews, this thing is NOT plug and play friendly - meaning, don't think you can just boot up a game and the controller does magic for you. It will require lots of tweaking and configuration changes to get the most out of each game; and yes, it does seem like this will need to be tweaked for each game individually - no "one size fits all" solution like the Xbox 360/Xbox One controller provides.

I'm glad I pre-ordered, but seems I'll be sticking with the Xbox 360 controller until Valve can work out the kinks with the software, and more optimized games profiles are uploaded by the community.
 
Really can't wait to try one. No controller has ever had FPS controls to my satisfaction and his sounds like it'll be the first one that does for me.
 
meaning, don't think you can just boot up a game and the controller does magic for you. It will require lots of tweaking and configuration changes to get the most out of each game; and yes, it does seem like this will need to be tweaked for each game individually - no "one size fits all" solution like the Xbox 360/Xbox One controller provides.

There are plenty of games that are "plug and play friendly" with no work. Doom 3 is a shining example.

And no, you will not have to tweak each game endlessly. Once you figure out which control scheme works for you, you can basically use it from game to game without problem.

Unless, of course, you are someone who tweaks your mouse endlessly between games.
 
I wouldn't trust reviewers to give reliable impressions with a brand new input method.

The Steam Controller will simultaneously require a lot of practice and configuration to feel as good as decades-old input methods, but ultimately should be able to do more than any prior device.
 
All of these reviews are probably worthless. Developers and communities will have to come out with the proper setings for this controller which will probably take months for anything where precision is required.
 
Not too encouraging from the get go but Im willing to give it a go, Im really hoping this replaces all the different controllers I use on my PC right now, the DS4 has the advantage of having a Mouse pointer and having 2 extra buttons on the mousepad, but the Steam Controller could potentially blow it out of the water.
 
Yeah, from reading the reviews, this thing is NOT plug and play friendly - meaning, don't think you can just boot up a game and the controller does magic for you. It will require lots of tweaking and configuration changes to get the most out of each game; and yes, it does seem like this will need to be tweaked for each game individually - no "one size fits all" solution like the Xbox 360/Xbox One controller provides.

I'm glad I pre-ordered, but seems I'll be sticking with the Xbox 360 controller until Valve can work out the kinks with the software, and more optimized games profiles are uploaded by the community.

Well there will be community templates for each game so that should help
 
There are plenty of games that are "plug and play friendly" with no work. Doom 3 is a shining example.

And no, you will not have to tweak each game endlessly. Once you figure out which control scheme works for you, you can basically use it from game to game without problem.

Unless, of course, you are someone who tweaks your mouse endlessly between games.

Kreijlooc, please stay in this thread. I know responding to people who've made up their minds based solely on a 8-16 hour use review from someone who got paid to review it might not listen to you, as someone who has used it for far longer and to much greater success, but you can at least get through to a small percentage of the people who are like, "Well, I am glad I preordered it, but since it got bad reviews at some sites, I think I'll just leave it in its box and never give it a chance, personally."
 
These generally mixed press impressions of the controller are about what I expected from them.

The detailed impressions by Krejlooc, trialbygame, etc in the other thread are much more insightful and informative to me.

Looking forward to getting my controller tomorrow.
 
So a few lukewarm impressions and people are already writing it off? lol

This controller is going to evolve over time when the community figures out the perfect settings for each game. It was never going to get love letters from games journalists.
 
So a few lukewarm impressions and people are already writing it off? lol

This controller is going to evolve over time when the community figures out the perfect settings for each game. It was never going to get love letters from games journalists.

There are some positive impressions too btw. Haven't read all, but PC World, Engadget liked it overall. Ars Technica specifically mentioned how they can go back to analog when it comes to shooters etc. I expected much worse to be frank, though final verdicts are coming Nov 10. But we'll have gaffer and other player impressions till then.
 
yes (ultra SFIV), and SF x Tekken, and KOF 98 U, and KOF 2002 U, and KOF XIII, and MK:X, and MK9, and Injustice, and MK Komplete edition, and Skullgirls, and DOA5, and OMF 2097. Basically any fighting game I could get my hands on.

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So can it replace the 360/xb1 controller for fighting games?
 
So can it replace the 360/xb1 controller for fighting games?

I prefer my custom made sticks to all the above, personally. I use Sanwa parts and a nice metal chassis out of a prefab project box.

I much prefer the placement of the d-pad over the Xbox One controller, however. But the face buttons are not in an optimal spot for a fighting game. But you can use the grips and triggers if that bothers you.

I don't think someone with a steam controller would be at a disadvantage compared to someone with an Xbox One controller, if that's what you're asking.
 
Tomorrow I'll be trying out SNES KI, and then the one of the more ridiculous test - an entire run through the MK9 story mode, particularly for the Shao Khan final fight, which took me a ridiculous amount of tries with the 360 controller

I hated that fight!

I prefer my custom made sticks to all the above, personally. I use Sanwa parts and a nice metal chassis out of a prefab project box.

I much prefer the placement of the d-pad over the Xbox One controller, however. But the face buttons are not in an optimal spot for a fighting game. But you can use the grips and triggers if that bothers you.

I don't think someone with a steam controller would be at a disadvantage compared to someone with an Xbox One controller, if that's what you're asking.

Ya that is what I meant, thx. Hopefully gamestop comes through tomorrow with my preorder
 
I just want the controller so my wife and I can possibly play Diablo 3 from the couch on the living room gaming PC.

Anyone have any hands on personal experience trying that this week?
 
I wouldn't trust reviewers to give reliable impressions with a brand new input method.

The Steam Controller will simultaneously require a lot of practice and configuration to feel as good as decades-old input methods, but ultimately should be able to do more than any prior device.

I like the avi.
 
I just want the controller so my wife and I can possibly play Diablo 3 from the couch on the living room gaming PC.

Anyone have any hands on personal experience trying that this week?

Your main hurdle will be the tiny ui. But yes, you can do this.
 
I just want the controller so my wife and I can possibly play Diablo 3 from the couch on the living room gaming PC.

Anyone have any hands on personal experience trying that this week?

Does the steam controller actually registers as a mouse and keyboard on the pc?

Because D3 on PC doesn't and won't be able to use a controller.
 
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