Dragonica with PS3 Sixaxis Controller Guide

1. Introduction
2. Drivers and Packages
3. Installation
4. Key Mapping
5. Credits

1. Introduction

How can i ever have Dragonica opted out from the list of the most fun and exciting games now? :D With it's own unique gameplay, exceptional simple but appealing overall graphics and effects, i have to admit - after playing briefly through the CBT period, it has indeed proven that it does deliver perhaps more than enough to match those expectations from most of us here at MMO and the rest in general. There're tons of guides for controllers and dragonica-specific key mappings all over the web but it's rather hard to get one that specifically matches the usage of PS3 Sixaxis Controller as a primary in-game controller for Dragonica. So here it is, something to fill the void which hopefully would benefit anyone who's interested :)

This guide has been tested working on the following test system:

- Windows XP SP2/SP3 (32-bit)
- Windows Vista SP1 (32-bit)
- Windows 7 RC (Build 7001) (32-bit)

2. Drivers and Packages

Required files for this task can be obtained from their respective author's website but i think i'd be easier if i package the required files (with versions that has been tested working fine) in one single zip file "sixaxis_package.zip"

Contents of sixaxis_package.zip:

- libusb-win32-filter-bin-0.1.10.1 (USB Driver/Filter Package)
- ps3sixaxis_en (Controller Initiator)
- ControlMKv0232 (Key Mapping)

Download links (choose any service that suits you best):

http://www.mediafire.com/?mtninoi2k0y (Mediafire)
http://www.2shared.com/file/5954360/4d4140b0/sixaxis_package.html (2shared)

3. Installation

Note: Have your Sixaxis Controller aside first, there's no need to have it plugged in at this point.

Step 1 - Download the package from any of the links above :D
Step 2 - Extract "sixaxis_package.zip" to any desired location
Step 3 - Copy "ps3sixaxis_en.exe" to "C:\Windows\System32"
Step 4 - Install "libusb-win32-filter-bin-0.1.10.1" and proceed with a system restart
Step 5 - Install "ControlMKv0232.exe"

Optional - Step 6 - Create a desktop shortcut for the Command Prompt and controlMK

At this point, with necessary packages installed, we're ready to proceed with controller initiation steps and mapping the keys :) To initiate the controller, follow these steps:

Step 1 - Plug in that Sixaxis Controller now :D Let windows finish the stardard automatic detection and install routine
Step 2 - Run Command Prompt as Administrator (Right Click > Run as Administrator) and issue and execute this command > "C:\Windows\System32\ps3sixaxis_en.exe" You should see some output strings and PS3 Sixaxis Controller should be listed.
Step 3 - Press the "PS" button once on the controller

Note: You need to initiate the controller everytime you restart your system. I'm still testing a batch script for automatic initiation on reboot and to automatically activate desired key mapping.

That's it! The controller should be initiated at this point. If you want to test it now for a bit to confirm detection, you can head to "Control Panel" and open "Game Controllers" and select the Sixaxis Controller from the list of devices and click "Properties". Move that analog, give it a spin, and see the live output there :) Now we're good to proceed with key mapping to actually have it working with Dragonica!

4. Key Mapping

Here is where ControlMK plays it role, at best :) There's a lot of other alternatives to this but it's so far the best option out there. It's fast, simple, effective and free :D The idea of key mapping is simple where the purpose is to have buttons on the controller to perform keyboard actions (like a specific key press) or other things like mouse/cursor movements. With keys mapped properly, you can have your game controls on your controller, with any desired configuration or key options which makes it very flexible to suit most of the games. Now lets get started, shall we?

Step 1 - With the controller initiated, start ControlMK
Step 2 - Choose "PS3 Sixaxis Controller" as active in ContolMK

To proceed with key mapping, you can either map it manually by creating a new mapping profile based on this key mapping or feel free to download a preset basic configuration for Dragonica which can be imported into ControlMK as active profile.

Stock Key Mapping (# represents button number in ControlMK)

#0 = Select
#1 = Analog Press (L)
#2 = Analog Press (R)
#3 = Start
#4 = DPAD UP
#5 = DPAD RIGHT
#6 = DPAD DOWN
#7 = DPAD LEFT
#8 = L2
#9 = R2
#10 = L1
#11 = R1
#12 = Triangle
#13 = Circle
#14 = X
#15 = Square
#16 = PS Button
#17-19 = Null

Tips: For example, if you want your character in Dragonica to move to the right, the default action would be you pressing the Right Arrow key on the keyboard. With ControlMK, you can map the #5 (5th Button) which is the Right Arrow on the PS3 Sixaxis to perform a keyboard action of pressing the Right Arrow. That's it! Take your time to explore and test different configurations to find one that makes u feel comfortable :)

Download links for sixaxis_dragonica basic preset profile for ControlMK (choose any service that suits you best):

http://www.mediafire.com/?yybt2d1zjyn (Mediafire)
http://www.2shared.com/file/5954860/4114af51/sixaxis_dragonica.html (Sixaxis)

Note (Extras): The preset profile came along with mouse/cursor mapping. Now move that cursor with that left analog~ :D Dragonica game keys can be revised and modified through ControlMK interface after importing this profile. Anyway, just a quick note here:

Cursor direction/movement control
> mapped to native movement and direction of Sixaxis Left Analog

Left Click
> mapped to Left Analog (Press)

Right Click
> mapped to Right Analog (Press)

With key mapping done and profile saved, just click "Apply" in ControlMK and you can have it minimized. Now start Dragonica and give that controller a run! :D Here's a brief reference notes on steps done.

1. Install Packages + Restart/Reboot
2. Initiate Controller
4. Map keys with ControlMK

That's it for now and i hope this helps. Feel free to drop a line if there's any questions or issues. Alright guys, Happy Dragonica!~

5. Credits

# PS3 Sixaxis Initiator (ps3sixaxis_en.exe)
Keiichi AOKI
- k1@pads.cs.tsukuba.ac.jp

# libusb-win32-filter-bin-0.1.10.1.exe (LibUSB Win32)
Robert Marquardt
Nightstorm
Stephan Meyer
- http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=78138&package_id=79216

# ControlMK for Key Mapping (ControlMKv0232.exe)
Redcl0ud
- http://www.redcl0ud.com/controlmk/index.html

# This Guide (Dragonica with PS3 Sixaxis Controller Guide)
Nori Norhakim
nmapped@gmail.com