MAMEWorld Forums - EmuChat - Re: Mame game discussion forums...

> This is my maiden post here. I have been browsing for a bit and can see that the type
> of question I have does not fit the usecase for this forum.

It's fine here in Emuchat but would also fit the Hardware forum.

> I have come back to MAME after 20 years and find myself without a suitable joystick.
> Joystick now ordered but I would like to get advice on what games work well (are
> enjoyable) with just a keyboard or a keyboard and mouse.

I'd say it depends on how comfortable you feel playing games using mouse and keyboard. I know a few younger PC gamers who have only ever used a gamepad who would be lost trying to play games using keyboard and mouse.

I guess you could argue that the simpler the controls the better (or at least less annoying) the experience will be, Frogger and Pac Man only uses directional controls and no buttons, Uo Poko, Galaga and Space Invaders only uses a single button and left-right directional controls. Asteroids only used buttons etc etc.

Spinner games like Arkanoid and Tempest or shooting gallery games like Chiller or Operation Wolf usually work well with a mouse. Trackball games like Marble Madness too. With a little work you can set up Ikari Warriors with WASD + mouse FPS style controls, which works surprisingly well.

Most 3D Driving/flying games that used analog controls are fun for a while with a mouse but the novelty wears out quickly. Some aren't too bad though, like Star Wars for example. You'll have to try for yourself and see how far removed from the intended experience you can go and still have fun.

S