By Monte R. Reinger


Space games are packed with entertaining challenges such as gaining new abilities for your character, interacting with alien races, and participating in epic space battles. Video games in the science fiction genre have been released since the earliest days of the gaming industry; as time has gone on, these games have become more palatable to a greater audience. By improving each individual feature of their games, designers have been able to create elaborate science fiction adventures that feature captivating stories, characters, and visual worlds. You can only take complete advantage of your character, your character's skills, and the incredible detail of these games if you are familiar with the controls.

Space battles often appear in science fiction games that are designed for Internet play so your two main sources of controls will be your PC's keyboard and mouse. Most games automatically assign certain commands to keyboard buttons that are convenient for play. For instance, either the arrow keys or the WASD keys will typically work to move your character or otherwise direct you. Additional keys close to the WASD keys are often assigned for attacks, use of items, and other essential commands.

The mouse is frequently needed to lead your ship and weapons during space battles since it is good for targeting in 3D games. Many games currently connect the mouse movement and directional keys together to help you better target your weapons or direct the movement of your character. The mouse buttons are usually programmed for normal attacks and similar commands although many games will also allow you to alter the preset commands set to these buttons.

There are a few gamers who have come to be accustomed to using a joystick or gamepad and thus prefer these over the keyboard and mouse. These might be particularly useful in specific types of games, such as a space flight simulator that makes effective use of a joystick for good maneuvering.

What is really important is not which type of input device you select but rather how well you use it and how familiar you are with each of your character's abilities as they related to battle. In doing so you will have the chance to overcome even the most challenging space battles in your favorite sci-fi game, assist other players in cooperative play, and develop a strong character that can advance to the game's final stages.




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