Weapons of Choice!

These are my weapons of choice! Obviously they are all video game controllers. Video games are my biggest past time/passion. I only play video games for pleasure, i've never considered professional gaming, but have been a avid gamer since receiving my first games console in 1992, a Sega MasterSystem, to which i still own to this day, albeit for nostalgic purposes rather than because i still play, which is why i didn't include it in this post. 

I remember the days sat in front of my TV playing my MasterSystem, such games as Dynamite Dux, Golden Axe, Alex Kidd and my personal favourite Double Dragon. 

These days i have an array of consoles and a gaming PC to fulfil my gaming pleasures. These are some of my most used 'weapons'

Steam Controller! 
Steam OS, PC, Alienware Alpha R2 Console.

I bought one of these because i love PC gaming, but was brought up on consoles. I like the experience of being able to combine the two. I use it with both my Alienware Alpha R2 and Gaming PC. It can replace keyboard and mouse on most games, and although most will ask the question 'why on earth would you', i have just always preferred to game with a controller than keyboard and mouse. Including FPS. My most played game with this controller to date is Cities: Skylines. Other mentions go to Empyrion Galactic Survivor & TerraTech.

Dualshock 4 Controller!

Playstation 4.

I have had every iteration of the Sony Playstation. Overall would have to say it is my favourite console franchise. Some of my most notable games and franchises across the playstation family are GTA, PES, Battlefield, Assassins Creed, Tomb Raider, Uncharted and Last of Us. My current most played games on the playstation 4 however are Battlefield 1, NBA 2K 17, PES 2017. With BF1 being my current go to game. I am aware that i can get a slightly upgraded experience playing games such as Battlefield 1 on PC rather than PS4, but console is where i am most at home in my enjoyment. The simplicity of consoles is a comfort. And although i love great graphics, i am not that concerned with increasing frame rates and res. As long as the spec is what i consider to be playable, i am fine. When playing certain games, i love to plug my over-ear headphones (Bower and Wilkins P5 Series 2) to increase the audio aspect of the games. And even with a sound bar connected to the TV, the experience is incomparable.  

 

Xbox One Controller!

Alienware Alpha R2 and PC.

I don't actually own an xbox One console, but bought the controller for use with my Alienware Alpha R2 and PC. I have a steam controller, but the lack of a second thumb stick makes some games, such as FPS less enjoyable and more cumbersome. I have to say, the Xbox One controller is my favourite in terms of design, build quality and in terms of comfort. My most played games on those two machines with this controller are Payday 2 and Call of Duty. 

Nvidia Shield Controller!

I bought an Nvidia Shield TV Console because i am a fan of casual gaming as much as what would likely be considered more hardcore gaming. I like to spend evenings before i go to bed playing a slower paced, more casual game on the Shield. The controller for this is a little too large in many ways, i have seen some plans from Nvidia for a re-designed Shield controller which would help with this issue, but as it is, the controller itself is actually comfortable to use and although large, doesn't suffer from cramping my hands which you might expect. I enjoy the shield as an entertainment centre as much as a games console. Using the YouTube app and catch up TV services. My most played games are Asphalt 8, Crossy Road (because someone has to play it) and GTA 3, Vice City and San Andreas. Handily the shield console itself is compatible with my Samsung TV and remote, so if i am using the console just for entertainment purposes, i don't need to use the gamepad for it. 

Nyko Bluetooth Gamepad!
Android devices.

This is a bluetooth controller from Nyko, it can be used with an array of devices, although i originally bought it and primarily use it for use on Android Tablets (before the introduction of the Nvidia Shield) plugged into my television. I don't use this too much these days, except maybe when travelling on a plane. I bring an Android tablet pre-loaded with games and enjoy them on the flight. My most played games would include Asphalt 8 (pre-shield), Beach Buggy Blitz and Shine Runner.

Nintendo Gamecube Gamepad!

I have always been huge Nintendo fan. Especially in their earlier days, with consoles such as the Nintendo Entertainment System, The N64 and Gamecube. I have owned all Nintendo consoles except for the Nintendo WiiU. I still have and play the N64 from time to time. Some of my favourites from the history of Nintendo consoles would be Super Mario World, Mario Sunshine, NBA Street, Burnout, Freedoms Fighters, Mario Kart and James Bond Goldeneye. One of my all time favourite games across all consoles and PC, not just Nintendo is Freedom Fighters. A game i wish would someday receive a sequel, but fear it never will. It was revolutionary at the time for its squad based combat. I still play that game to date along with Burnout 2 - exclusively for the Crash Mode. In terms of design, i have to say no controller has come close to matching this one in terms of the two triggers. Somehow they have the best experience which has not be replicated even all these years later.