Control Configuration and Basic Concepts

A challenging task for the first-timer Descent player is just learning how to keep the ship upright. If that's a problem you're facing, this chapter was made just for you. Controlling your ship is fundamental to successfully completing level after level of the single-player game and beating your friends in the multiplayer arena. Read on to get the basics of a comfortable control scheme as well as learning about concepts such as the objectives list and the helpful GuideBot.

Setting Up a Comfortable Control Scheme
One of the toughest tasks for a novice Descent player is configuring a control scheme that feels comfortable. Descent is unlike most first-person action games because in its world, you aren't restricted to walking on a surface. In this world, you're free to move in any direction including up and down.

If you're a veteran of first-person shooters, you should have little problem getting a few of the basics - looking around, strafing left and right, firing primary and secondary weapons, and piloting your ship forward. However, that's just the tip of the iceberg with Descent. Here, you must also practice the art of strafing up and down and rolling left and right. Remember, your ship can travel in any direction (and you will!), and often you'll become disoriented with your ship floating around every which way. Rolling left and right is a key way to reposition your ship in its upright position (unless you are using the auto-leveler).

Next: A comfortable control scheme (cont.)