The so-called "Precision" (laugh) steering, requiring two hands, one on the cursor keys and another on the R Shift key, is equally ridiculous. Sorry, i don't have 3 hands (one for cursor keys, one for R shift key, one for mouse.) The mouse has enough to do without being required for small changes to power and rudder. Why on earth don't the arrow keys work incrementally (e.g., each tap changes the value 10% instead of 100%).
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Likewise, neighboring keys could be converted to jump keys, e.g., W, X, A, D correspond to cursor keys but are incremental, while E, C, Q, Z are jump keys, i.e., do what the cursor keys do right now, which is all or nothing. There should also be an independent centring (neutral position) key, e.g., S on the keyboard, which centers the position, much like double-clicking achieves with the mouse.
I can't remember whether R shift key can be reconfigured to L shift key, but don't think this is possible. One ends up crossing hands, like a concert pianist.
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I'd like to know how others compensate for it. My only remedy is to use bursts of rudder (L/R arrow keys) and gluing the mouse cursor to the throttle, where small power changes are more important. (Furthermore, whenever I use the cursor keys for throttle changes, I wince every time I hear the engine revving up to full power and then cutting off, thinking of the repair bill. That's no way to treat a ship!) Unfortunately, using the mouse for throttle doesn't give me enough time to use it for other useful things, such as R-click-dragging to look around for that ocean liner that's about to slice me in half. Fortunately, ships move more slowly than trains or planes. Try using SS2008's control system in a train sim or plane sim!!
I suggest that 2 sets of keyboard profiles be incorporated, the original set for those who are used to the current configuration, and a new set using incremental changes to make life easier for those of us who have tasted this before.
(Added after mvsmith's comment below)
Larger vessels do have incremental control. This post refers to smaller boats, in which IMO incremental control is just as important.
Hi maxand.
You exactly described what the "Precision Steering" box does when you check it. You didn't need to write a so precise message, everything you asked for is already included in the game. We're not here talking about the "temporary" precision steering mode that you activate when using R shift, but about the global precision steering mode you enable in the option>controls menu.
When you enable this mode (
laugh), with one hand you can set you throttle and rudder angle at will, without the spring effect you're talking about. And then arrow keys (or whatever other keey you might have configured) work incrementally (e.g., each tape changes the value (5% or so, instead of 100%). And when you enable this mode, you don't even void your warranty neither, isn't life beautiful ?!
The other features you asked for (about changing key layouts) are available too, as you can assign whatever key you want to whatever function you want, even the "reset rudder1 to neutral", "reset rudder2 to neutral", "reset engine1 to neutral" and "reset engine2 to neutral" functions exist.
Oh, and by the way, this "precision steering" option is available whatever the ship, small or big. And this option actually
is described in the manual, page 19, section Controls : "The option “Precision steering†allows you to set the rudders and engine speed in small increments, rather than at maximum value."
Did you notice the post you're refering to is more than one year old ? I'm not sure about that, can't remember, but it's possible that the permanent precision steering mode wasn't available at that time, and has been added since then with an update.
Maybe you didn't read the manual, or didn't update your version of the game. In either case, I find it abusive to complain about so called missing features with such a condescending manner !
Anyway, welcome on this forum, just please try to look by yourself before complaining
!
