Use a gamepad. This game was designed for PS2. You'll need 2 analog sticks and a digital d-pad just for basic navigation. A mouse is simply not good enough. One stick to control your movement, one stick to control the camera, and a d-pad to navigate menus. Assign an easy-to reach button to select, one to cancel, and one to menu and bang, you're off to the races.

I also advise using any shoulder bumper buttons to access the macro palettes.