Attention Captains,
We have uploaded a new beta branch that focuses on controlling Astra Protocol 2 using a gamepad.
Whilst Astra Protocol 2 controls best via a keyboard, there are some circumstances where it might not be practical, or possible to use one.
This beta intends to get the proposed control system into users' hands so they can help us work out if it is a control system worth pursuing. If all goes well, there's the possibility that it could open the door to a Steam Deck build.
If you're still interested, read on.
Having a game designed around inputting commands meant that it was a challenge to come up with a system that supported a limited form of input like a gamepad. There is the possibility of an on-screen keyboard, but navigating that with a controller can be clunky in real time, and pausing the game each time the keyboard was required wouldn't lead to a very slick system. So we have come up with the following control system:
Holding down the Left Trigger (L2) will start the command input process (the command line will change colour to reflect this).
Pressing Upand Down will toggle through the list off available entries - this will be the command, subcommand, or parameters depending on which part of the command you are entering. Left and Right will skip to the next command that starts with a different letter.
Once the correct entry has been selected, pressing the Accept button / button 1 will enter that into the command string and bring up the next set of entries where applicable. If an incorrect entry has been selected, pressing the Back button / button 2 will remove that entry from the command.
Releasing the Left Trigger will then commit the command (e.g. it is the same as pressing return on a keyboard).
Should you need to enter a numerical or yes / no value, pressing the Right Trigger (R2) will change the input mode accordingly.
Additionally, to swap between modules quickly, the Bumpers (L1 and R1) can be used to cycle between them.
In all other circumstances, the gamepad will work as normal - e.g. in the science module, it will move the cursor and select a target as long as the left trigger is not being held down.
We are aware that this system seems unconventional, but once you get used to it (and we iron out all the issues) it can be quite usable.
If this feels like a control system you would like to try out, please jump onto the controller_beta branch. As this is still a work in progress, we'd also like to hear your thoughts and any bugs and issues you encounter. Please leave any comments on this post, in the forums, or feel free to reach out to us via email.