All About the Experience: 5 PC Games That Are Just Better with a Gamepad

Gaming on the PC often sparks the debate of whether to stick to the traditional mouse and keyboard combo or to opt for the comfort and ergonomics of a controller. While most PC games offer both options, some are just inherently better when played with a controller. Whether it's the nuanced control of movement, the tactile feedback, or the familiar layout, a gamepad can transform your gameplay experience. Today, we're diving into five games that epitomize this, examining their gameplay mechanics, as well as their pros and cons, to understand why a controller is their perfect companion.

Forza Horizon 4: A Drive Through the British Countryside

Forza Horizon 4 is a racing fan's paradise, offering players the chance to cruise through a meticulously detailed recreation of Great Britain in a vast collection of cars. Whether you're tearing down a country lane or competing in street races against the backdrop of historic Edinburgh, the game's dynamic weather system and seasons ensure the experience is ever-changing. With a gamepad in hand, the driving feels natural and intuitive. The analog triggers and the refined vibration feedback provide a sense of immersion that's hard to match on the keyboard.

Pros:

• Immersive driving experience with gamepad vibration feedback.
• Seasons change gameplay dynamics, providing varied experiences.
• Vast vehicle selection caters to all types of car enthusiasts.

Cons:

• Some players may find the open-world exploration less engaging with a keyboard.
• Menu navigation is slightly less intuitive with a controller.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - An Adventure Enhanced by Joysticks

With its expansive and story-rich world, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a masterclass in action RPGs. Encounters with beasts and bandits are wholeheartedly gripping, with a combat system that demands precision and timing. Utilizing a controller makes for natural and fluid combat transitions, while exploring the vast landscapes of Novigrad and Skellige is simply more enjoyable when you have the subtle control that a joystick offers.

Pros:

• Combat controls are smooth and responsive on a controller.
• Greater maneuverability for exploring the game's open world.
• Intense storytelling is complemented by comfortable controller interaction.

Cons:

• Complex inventory management may be easier with a mouse.
• Hotkey limitations for quick item and spell usage.

Dark Souls III: When Controllers Are a Necessity

The Dark Souls series is notorious for its challenging gameplay, and Dark Souls III is no exception. The requirement for precision in dodging and striking makes playing with a controller almost a necessity. The tactical position of the buttons and analog sticks allows for swift action in high-pressure combat scenarios, which is crucial in a game where any slight misstep could be punishing.

Pros:

• Analog sticks provide nuanced movement crucial for combat.
• The Gamepad layout is optimized for quick access to all necessary actions.
• The ergonomic design is less fatiguing during extended gameplay sessions.

Cons:

• Camera control can be challenging for some players who are not used to stick adjustments.
• The keyboard allows for quicker menu navigation.

Rocket League: Combining Precision and Fun

Rocket League sits at the sweet spot between being a sports game and a driving game, demanding both precision and spontaneity. The need for subtle car control, from pinpoint goals to aerial saves, means the smooth analog control and force sensitivities offered by a controller give players a competitive edge. Furthermore, when the game is heating up and you're flying through the air to make that crucial touch, nothing beats the grip and layout of a controller.

Pros:

• Improved handling of cars with analog controls for delicate movements.
• Controllers provide better ergonomics for fast-paced, competitive play.
• Enhanced force feedback provides greater immersion in match action.

Cons:

• Keyboard and mouse may offer a steeper learning curve but can still be effective.
• Some high-level players prefer the precision of keyboard direction inputs.

Hollow Knight: A Platforming Dream with a Gamepad

Hollow Knight is a beautifully designed Metroidvania that shines in platforming precision and combat gracefulness. The soft touches required for pinpoint platform jumps, and the pacing of combat maneuvers scream for the analog input of a controller. With tactile feedback and a tight stick for directional movement, you delve into the game's moody world with perfect poise and rhythm on a gamepad.

Pros:

• Analog movement enhances platforming control and precision.
• Ergonomic button mapping allows for fluid combat and exploration.
• Ambient vibrations add to the atmospheric depth of the game.

Cons:

• The keyboard provides a consistent speed of movement for precision platforming.
• Mouse aim allows for more precise spell casting.

 

In a world where gaming preferences are as diverse as the games themselves, the controller stands out for certain titles due to the sheer depth of interaction it offers. After sifting through mountains of user opinions and reviews, one game stands head and shoulders above the rest for its controller-optimized gameplay - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Its blend of narrative depth, responsive combat, and massive open world is best navigated and appreciated through the finesse and tactile sensations supplied by a gamepad. It's not just about playing; it's about experiencing every heartbeat of the adventure. A controller can make it all come together to immerse you in a world like no other.