Need standard list of key functions!

[ChuckB]

Hi,
I know to use the arrow keys to move around in a 3D world and to use the mouse vertical motion to lookup/down. What other keys are used in most games for standard motion?

Shooting I suppose is done with Space button. How about picking up items or 'ducking' to avoid being hit or even jumping?

I am working a game concept and need to setup a standard set of keys.

I am not a great game player so my experience is fairly limited to cursors and spacebars.

Regards,
ChuckB

[Sastraxi]

Usually you have First Mouse Button = Fire, 2nd Mouse Button = Alt. Fire or Zoom (or Throw Grenade, something of that nature) Scrollwheel = Weapon Scrollthrough or Item Scrollthrough.

Note that also the horizontal axis of the mouse is used for looking around;

And left/right arrow would strafe, not turn to look. For me, I use Shift as ducking (hold, not toggle), Control as jump, 3rd mouse (scrollwheel click-down) as USE or ACTIVATE key, the number keys above the letters for weapon selection (ex. 0 = knife category, 1 = pistol). F as flashlight, M as medicine.

If there are any others... don't hesitate!

[NoteMe]

Originally posted by Sastraxi
I use Shift as ducking (hold, not toggle), Control as jump(

I would probably use shift as jumping and ctrl as ducking because shift is located above the ctrl...more logic in that way...but why not let the player choose...????

[ChuckB]

Hi,

Sas, by 'Strafe' do you mean sideways movement like that of a crab?

NoteMe, I agree with allowing the user to config. I do need to learn how to capture the Ctrl and Shift key presses using GLUT/C++.

Regards,
ChuckB

[Sastraxi]

Yes, like the movement of the crab.
You might also want to know that in the old days, the first 3D games (like Wolf3D) used the mouse for movement and the left and right arrow keys for turning.

Usually games auto-pickup items that you are in range to (ex. you are on top of them). But sometimes they require you to look at them and select them by use of a USE or ACTIVATE key. Games with slower pace (Thief, Thief II, Morrowind) use this method, while games with faster pace (Q3A, UT) let you run over and pickup items automatically.