FPS Syndrome?

MarkShot · June 27, 2012, 10:32:58 AM

Yesterday, I was in one of those moods where nothing on my hard drive looked good (there actually isn't too much on the drive). So, I decided to reload something from my file server archive.

I reloaded Ghost Recon. I have to say I love this game. No preparation to play. Instantly exciting. It has the attraction of playing Combat Mission, but being in the thick of it.

Here is why I archived it years ago and what I saw as the problem yesterday. I love this game. But I develop WASD left hand syndrome. Which if played enough is going to lead to repetitive stress injuries. I don't know what to do. I really love Ghost Recon, but never had the chance to explore it deeply. I would probably like other realistic shooters too, but I don't seen how I can play them.

Does anyone else suffer from this problem? (as it seems many of you guys are older war gamers) Is there a solution other than to just stick with slower paced and less tense strategy style games?

Thanks.

MengJiao · June 27, 2012, 11:15:08 AM

Quote from: MarkShot on June 27, 2012, 10:32:58 AM
Yesterday, I was in one of those moods where nothing on my hard drive looked good (there actually isn't too much on the drive). So, I decided to reload something from my file server archive.

I reloaded Ghost Recon. I have to say I love this game. No preparation to play. Instantly exciting. It has the attraction of playing Combat Mission, but being in the thick of it.

Here is why I archived it years ago and what I saw as the problem yesterday. I love this game. But I develop WASD left hand syndrome. Which if played enough is going to lead to repetitive stress injuries. I don't know what to do. I really love Ghost Recon, but never had the chance to explore it deeply. I would probably like other realistic shooters too, but I don't seen how I can play them.

Does anyone else suffer from this problem? (as it seems many of you guys are older war gamers) Is there a solution other than to just stick with slower paced and less tense strategy style games?

Thanks.

I used to be right handed but In 1996 or early 1997 (when I was in my early 40s), I played Diablo so much that my right hand was hurting so
I now use my left for the mouse and the right for the WSAD. Somehow this has cut back on the pain. Not sure why.

Maybe getting away from Diablo was it.

I think I do tend to play slightly slower shooters like ARMA-0-2 or the Original Red Orchestra and if possible I prefer to run over
my enemies since this doesn't require hitting any small buttons usually.

mirth · June 27, 2012, 11:29:19 AM

I had the same problem when I played Diablo. I played almost non-stop for a week. One night at about 3am, my right arm stopped working entirely. Seemed like a stopping point.

MarkShot · June 27, 2012, 11:59:31 AM

Around 2000, I used to race and fly. But I had too many problems. I thought if I went through it long enough that I would get adjusted. But I didn't. Finally, I gave up with it. It's no fun or point to play a game if you are going to be in pain to do so.

It is sad to love something and not be able to play.

W8taminute · June 27, 2012, 12:22:39 PM

I seem to have the opposite problem. You see I'm left handed so WASD is awesome for me! My problem is my right index finger and right wrist are shot due to the twitching of the mouse during combat. My aim has suffered as well as my weapon reaction times. Ghost Recon is the perfect type game for me as one actually has the time to setup shots even at close range where as Call of Duty type games are survival of the youngest with the best reflexes.

Toonces · June 27, 2012, 12:49:13 PM

Have you tried using a gamepad-type controller?

W8taminute · June 27, 2012, 12:51:47 PM

Yes I have one for my PC. Unfortunately that didn't help because the gamepad controller I'm using is patterned after the Sony PS3 controller which I have trouble with. I need to find a PC gamepad controller that has the same specifications as the Xbox 360 controller.

MarkShot · June 27, 2012, 12:57:15 PM

I looked at game pad controllers, but read that they do poorly for PC FPS like the original Ghost Recon.

It seems the console games have aiming aids built-in to compensate for the lack of game pad precision. However, PC FPS are designed with a mouse in mind which is a much more precise input device.

I did look at the G13 Logitech Game Board which is similar in principle to WASD, but maybe more ergonomic:

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/gaming/mice-keyboard-combos/g13-advanced-gameboard

Of course, I am not inclined to acquire anything new prior to relocating.

Barthheart · June 27, 2012, 12:59:46 PM

Quote from: W8taminute on June 27, 2012, 12:51:47 PM
Yes I have one for my PC. Unfortunately that didn't help because the gamepad controller I'm using is patterned after the Sony PS3 controller which I have trouble with. I need to find a PC gamepad controller that has the same specifications as the Xbox 360 controller.

Can't you just plug a wired 360 controller into yer PC USB? I thought all you needed was a driver to make this work....?

MarkShot · June 27, 2012, 01:00:38 PM

But I am not sure that will help. You still have long periods of pressed keys with finger contortions. The difference between this and strategy games is that you are talking about quick key presses as opposed to long periods of hold downs.

MarkShot · June 27, 2012, 01:03:51 PM

It's a shame. I want some low thought deeply engaging games. But how do you get that without a lot keyboard/mouse action?

I did take a quick look at iPad FPS, but I think it is sad to play an FPS on a 10" display when you have a 21" at your disposal.

W8taminute · June 27, 2012, 01:37:39 PM

Quote from: Barthheart on June 27, 2012, 12:59:46 PM
Quote from: W8taminute on June 27, 2012, 12:51:47 PM
Yes I have one for my PC. Unfortunately that didn't help because the gamepad controller I'm using is patterned after the Sony PS3 controller which I have trouble with. I need to find a PC gamepad controller that has the same specifications as the Xbox 360 controller.

Can't you just plug a wired 360 controller into yer PC USB? I thought all you needed was a driver to make this work....?

I think you're right, but I haven't looked into this option yet. Too busy playing my Xbox vs. playing on my PC these days. :D

Kushan · June 27, 2012, 02:06:19 PM

I bought a Razer Nostromo game pad a few years back. Its helped the pain I was having in my left wrist, to the point were it has just about gone away. I have more pain in my right wrist these days, mainly to having to use a mouse a lot at work, then going home and gaming on my PC.

MarkShot · June 27, 2012, 02:27:58 PM

Well, at least, I found out that I am not the only one. But I guess, you folks are more hardcore than me, since you play through your pain/aging. I am a pathetic wimp, since I simply switched genres!

Nefaro · June 27, 2012, 03:45:08 PM

Yeah.. confirmed carpal tunnel getting increasingly worse. I managed data entry for a few years, and worked on computers many more, besides all that gaming. Between all the typing and mouse use, it'll eventually happen to anyone and is becoming quite common in this day & tech age. You just gotta find the right peripherals that ease the pain for you.. and get your supergeek wrist braces. :P

They can do some pretty simple surgery for it, when it becomes unbearable.