[eisberg]

So I got this game installed on Linux Mint, using the FS Open version.  Joystick works much better in Linux than in Windows 7 or 8.  The problem I had with Window 7 and 8 is that it was very easy to over steer, and changing dead zone or sensitivity would not change that.  When this game originally released Microsoft had a different API for joysticks, but their new API (X-Input) has been horrible for Joysticks in my experience.

Well with Linux, using a joystick is just like how it was when the game first released and using Windows 98.

Finally get to play this game again with the updated graphics and with proper joystick control.  I am excited.

[Phantom Hoover]

Isn't this kind of thing why we're going SDL everywhere with the next FSO release?

[niffiwan]

Yeah.  It also makes the code more consistent by reducing the amount of OS specific code, which should reduce bugs, make it easier to modify, etc.

[Mr_Blastman]

Hmm that explains a lot then...  I knew I wasn't that bad with joystick considering all the flight sims I fly, but I have always felt something was off in FS Open with one under Windows.

[jr2]

Aaand this must be why when I tried FSO with my X-45, I promptly went back to mouse and KB, aha. That was indeed my problem exactly, everything flew like a pig.

[bigern314]

Man I hope its not bad Windows code or something, I just spent 80 bucks on a new joystick.

[Klaustrophobia]

I still soldier on through using an X-45 (though I didn't know until very recently that it was a legit code thing and not me sucking after 8 years away/misremembering how good I was before).  I will NOT fly a space fighter with a mouse and keyboard.  WILL NOT!!!

[bigern314]

I might have to setup a linux partition or something then. I had an old Thrustmaster Top Gun and it had a massive dead spot, but the joystick always blew so I just notched it up to that and bought a CH Combatstick.  If that is as bad it will make the game nearly unplayable.  I don't like using a KB+M for a flight sim at all.  I didn't notice a deadspot when using my Xbox controller, but that is a far cry from a joystick.

[AdmiralRalwood]

Keyboard flyers unite!

[bigern314]

Well my new CH Combatstick has the same huge dead zone that my old Thrustmaster did, so I'm guessing it wasn't the joystick.  Bummer.

Setting up a linux install of the game as I type, hopefully its better as the OP stated.  Playing with a keyboard and mouse just isn't as much fun.

[dan87uk]

I preferred my joystick back in the day but it's just so sluggish to use now (pretty much a 1 second(ish) delay on any movement) that I end up just using the keyboard....never use the mouse though as the turning circle is crap unless you have the worlds biggest mouse mat....even then its difficult when you are trying to follow an enemy doing loop-de-loops. So i just stick to numpad flying!