I didn't do any mods or whatever. Downloaded and installed it like it is and went straight into playing it from start to finish. Didn't have much problems on my end. The game has been my all time favorite for a long time and it still is. Glad I got to enjoy the PC version.
Got this on steam, it is one of the best games I played because if its unique concept but it's abandonware. Wouldn't work well with a controller unless you make some tweaks for hours, to make it work. So your best bet is to just roll with it on mouse and keyboard. It has a lot of potential, could've been better if there was dedication at all whatsoever. There is another game you can try that's similar to this called Under the Sand. Unique on its own as well.