best game controls for ipad / iphone

jlbjork

I am an experienced game developer, but have never developed for a touchscreen only platform before. I could use a tip or two about the best controls for use with a touchscreen. Your imput will go a long way toward helping me decide how to resolve combat in my upcoming game.

I have seen some games with "virtual joysticks" and others with more like a series of "virtual buttons" on the screen. Do you find these controls user friendly? If not, what kind of controls are the most touch-screen friendly?

Thanks for your expert opinions.

JCFord

I personally like the virtual joysticks, but they do take up a lot of screen real estate, as you don't really want any important action to take place underneath them.

Don't forget that you can also use the built in accelerometer for game control.

goliath

I find the virtual control sticks fine but some people's fingers kind of loose their placement on the touchscreen and hinders movement (nothing too bad....just has to get fingers back to where the sticks are).

I have heard that they are working on a add on Dpad for the iphone that will provide actual buttons and dpads for games. This is strictly a rumor at this point though.

jlbjork

What is an accelerometer?

jlbjork

NM - found it. Yeah that will help.

davidchris

Here is an article on the same topic.

http://www.techduplex.com/best-ipad-games-2011/

jonmulcahy

David. This thread is a year old and your link is talking about the best iPhone games of 2011,not the best control methods.

FranzKeller

Accel. control is too imprecise for anything above basic gaming.

dpads / joysticks work okay, but don't make them too small.
spend enough time tuning them! because even a lot of commercial games fail in this area

touch point control is best for some game types (spaceship shooters) but not for others. (platformers?)

they now have suction cup Dpad things at the Apple Store, Think Geek, etc.
to make it easier to play! ;-)