I know people are discussing joysticks quite a lot in other threads but it seems to be more like problem orientated discussions.

It's been 15 years since I last owned a joystick, can anybody recommend one for WC3?

+1, I can't find my old Sidewinder and could use some tips for what to buy. I'm definitely looking forward to playing the game.

The Logitech Extreme 3d pro; sells for roughly $20. Handles very well in this series.

Will a USB joystick work with WC3?

My USB gamepad works with all the Wing Commanders and I'm buying a joystick today so I can only assume it will work as well.

playing with a MS Force Feedback 2 Joystick. Just need to figure out how to get the slider working, other than that works great.

Great . Thanks.

My new joystick is being shipped and won't arrive for 5-10 business days, so I'll report back then if you're still waiting for a sure thing before making your purchase.

I am using a LogiTech Rumble Pad 2. After changing the in game settings to Joystick it worked as advertised (i.e. as per the reference card). I downloaded LogiTech's Game Controller Software and mapped keys to buttons. This gave me the ability to program pretty much whatever I want so I put in roll left/right, 1-button missle firing, thrust toggle.

The only tweak I had to do was to make this profile(i.e. custom key mapping) the default profile (I forget the exact setting in LogicTech's game controller tool and I am at work ATM).

The game controller software has the ability to launch a game from within the tool and load the appropriate profile for that game. However this does not work with DOS Box (or at least I could nto figure it out). So by making the profile (custom mappings) the default profile a button mapped to a key stroke is simply that, no matter what the application. As a test I went into notepad to see if the mappings worked there and they did. Of course I would need to change to another profile if I want to use this for another game.

So basically the LogicTech RumblePad 2 along with the software does everything I could ever need. I was even able to get creative. The left analogue stick is used for moving, but the right stick and direction dap are unused. You can map key strokes to those as well.

yoyoyojo thank you SO MUCH for this advice! I'm using the Logitech Rumblepad 2 as well and can't wait to try this out.

That's great Brian, hope it works out. Don't forget to make the profile the default all the time. If I remember when I get home I'll try to post what the actual setting is called.

The setting I am referring to is found in the Logictech Gaming Software -> Options -> Global Profiler Settings -> Apply persistent profile. Next to that is a drop down menu Choose persistent profile. Here you choose the name of the profile you setup for WC3.

BTW I downloaded this software from Logitech's website just last night (for a point of reference). It appears to work with all the Logitech game controllers and not specific to rumble pad.

Now if only I could get something like this for my old Microsoft Sidewinder.

What's your budget? I'm a big fan of CH Products joysticks, personally.

Forgot to mention one key point...I am left handed!

Anyway, I went to the local PC World and decided on the Logitech Attack 3. Felt good in my left hand and have worked out how to use the included software to map the keys to it so all good.

Looking foward to playing WC3 tonight for the first time.