Obeejw on 29/8/2006 at 11:24
I've been getting back into System Shock lately, and I found this great little program on the net for re-mapping keyboard keys. I'm a bit clumsy with the default movement keys in SS1, on this keyboard anyway, so it's come in really handy. It's called Tradekeys and is based off ZDnet keymap.
Compared to the old version, which was a chore to use, Tradekeys is infinitely better. The interface is much clearer, it runs as it's own program and you can save and load configs (yes!). It basically just takes your keystrokes and turns them into something else, and it works perfectly in DOS.
Download link: (
http://freyder.net/dist/trdkeys.zip) http://freyder.net/dist/trdkeys.zip
It was released in 2002 by PC magazine and runs on Windows 95/98/NT/XP, so you XP players can use it too :D. I've tested it in SS enhanced at 640x480 and it works fine. In Win 95/98, remapping is instant as soon as you press OK, but in XP, you'll need to log out and then log back in because of registry issues.
Here's my mappings:
W = S(forward)
S = X(back)
A = A(turn left
D = D(turn right)
Q = Z(step left)
E = C(step right)
Z = Q(lean left
X = W(lean center)
C = E(lean right)
R = R(look up)
F = V(look down)
V = F(look centre)
That allows you to use WASD for moving and turning, Q and E for when you need to sidestep, Z X and C for leaning (previously Q W and E) and R/F for easy looking up and down (I found center being in the middle was slow). I also add G to the CTRL key, giving me quick access to crouch, but also allowing me full height control through T, G and B if I need it.
Kolya on 29/8/2006 at 11:40
I'm not gonna change the SS1 mapping for me as I find it pretty well thought out but this is still interesting. Thanks for the link Obeejw! :)
Nameless_Voice on 29/8/2006 at 12:18
The keybindings in SS1 feel quite natural to me after spending too much time using DromEd...
Nice idea though; does it remap the keys all the time, though? Or only while the chosen app is running?
Obeejw on 29/8/2006 at 12:31
Quote Posted by Nameless_Voice
The keybindings in SS1 feel quite natural to me after spending too much time using DromEd...
Nice idea though; does it remap the keys all the time, though? Or only while the chosen app is running?
Yep, it works all the time. The app just modifies the registry or something, so once you remapped a key and pressed the OK button, you can close the program and the key is set until you re-open Tradekeys and modify it again. Mappings remain the same after restarting as well.
It's mainly for new players really, and because it works so well with SS I thought it was thread worthy :)
D'Arcy on 29/8/2006 at 18:25
I wouldn't dream of remapping the controls in System Shock, but at least this program might be useful in stopping all the constant whining we get from new players regarding the controls :)
Kolya on 30/8/2006 at 11:16
It's a new version of the rogram mentioned in that thread. :D
But you're right. Every once in a while someone points at one of these tools as the solution to map keys in SS1. And shortly after I have forgotten about it because I never use it. :sweat:
William Dojinn on 30/8/2006 at 17:11
What is it with you people? There's a method to remap ss1's keys so those of us who haven't played it on end can enjoy it and all the community gives it is a 'meh'?
Can I get anybody to back me on wanting to get this thing put in the FAQ for SS1 so people that're just now findng out about that little gem can remap their keys to taste?
Shevers on 30/8/2006 at 17:12
Yeah - I was just thinking this should be mentioned in the FAQ.
Obeejw on 30/8/2006 at 22:19
The ability to save/load configs actually makes it useful this time :). ZD keymap required you to remap every single key each time you wanted to play, as you had to undo all the re-maps one you were back in Windows (to type properly).
Really, there's no other remapping program that compares to the usefulness of this, not just in SS1 but in other old games. I do understand what people are saying, this kind of thing pops-up every once in a while, but I think Tradekeys covers everyones needs so that they don't need something else, and thus, don't need to create more threads.
