Microsoft: Sidewinder Joysticks, Voice Command, Strategic Command, Steering Wheel
Microsoft, flushed with the sales success of its gaming hardware and software titles in recent years, has greatly expanded its lineup of gaming options. In addition to a revised version of its popular SideWinder force feedback joystick, the company now offers highly specialized devices for optimal enjoyment of voice-enabled multiplayer games, driving simulations -- even strategy games.
PC Buyers Guide tested several of the new devices. Here are our findings:
SideWinder Force Feedback 2 joystick: With a heavier base than that of the original model, the new model delivers smoother force feedback, with over 200 effects, including, skidding, rumbling, gun recoil and of course crashing (er, in the game, not your operating system). Connects to the computer via USB; also requires AC power. Not suitable for left-handed use. The joystick is natively supported under Windows Me, and force feedback effects in many FF-enabled games work without any additional software installation. The device does, however, include a driver disk that allows customized settings for individual games.
SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel - designed for driving games, this unit, like the joystick, responds to special commands built into many recently released games to deliver force feedback effects. The USB-connected wheel also comes with footpedals, for puttin' the pedal to the metal.
See http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/sidewinder/default.htm for more details.
Product: Sidewinder game controller software
From: http://www.microsoft.com/products/hardware/sidewinder/
Price: freely downloadable (req. supported SideWinder hardware)
Pros: Improved setup, configuration and customization options.
Cons: Force feedback functionality for the SideWinder Force Feedback Pro is available only in games developed under Microsoft DirectInput API 5.0 or later. Check your game's box or manual for this information. You can use your SideWinder Force Feedback Pro joystick in games that do not have force feedback events and it will function as a regular joystick.
Summary: Microsoft Sidewinder Game Device software version 3.0 has two components. Using the SideWinder Profile Activator you can either select an existing game profile to use, or select an existing game profile to edit. Game profiles created in V2.0 are compatible with V3.0.
Also new is Microsoft's SideWinder Precision Pro, a digital joystick from Microsoft available with both standard gameport connection and USB support under Win98.
Compare the Logitech WingMan Force and CH Products Force FX sticks.
Force Feedback Steering Wheel!
We recently had the opportunity to test Microsoft's Force Feedback Steering Wheel controller. In a word, cool! Running Monster Truck Madness (included), the supplied footpedals accelerate forward and backward, while the force feedback on the wheel provides moderately realistic bumps and jolts as you wreak mayhem on and off the country roads. CART Precision Racing is also included. See our 3D Games review for info on how to download the free trial version of MTM2. The Force Feedback Steering Wheel will be available at the end of Oct. '98.
Finally, there's the Free Style Pro, an $89 gamepad that detects pitch and roll. The company says it found that players of games such as Motocross Madness (a daredevil motorcycle stunt racing game bundled with the gamepad) and other racing games tended to lean into the curves. Now, these actions will do some good. Microsoft says all its new games are multiplayer enabled.
For those who prefer a more solid steering wheel and pedal combo, ThrustMaster (www.thrustmaster.com) makes a variety of models, including the Nascar Pro Racing Wheel. This model doesn't offer force feedback effects, but is otherwise satisfyingly solid and responsive. We tested it with Eactronics Arts' Need For Speed III (our favorite racing sim) and can't bear the thought of going back to a joystick or (shudder) keyboard.
The Nascar Pro Racing Wheel consists of two components (three, if you count the control panel software): a wheel (corresponding to joystick X) and gear-shift console that attaches securely to your desk using a clamp with rubber feet. It's easy to install -- and remove -- and feels very solid, although we kept wishing it had force feedback effects. The second part is the pedal board (corresponding to joystick Y), which sits on the floor. This part of our test unit didn't fare so well in testing. One of the glued-on rubber feet fell off, probably due to our enthusiasm for putting the pedal to the virtual metal. The gear-shift and two buttons on the steering wheel correspond to the buttons on a standard four-button joystick, making this wheel highly compatible with virtually all games. The manual also details how to use a joystick while the wheel is attached. Like most joysticks and other game controllers, the unit attaches to a game port, such as those found on most sound cards. (ThrustMaster recommends a dedicated game port for optimum performance.)
The control panel was moderately troublesome, at least in Monster Truck Madness and Motocross Madness, which didn't seem to respond to some of our pedal and gear-shift programming efforts. A Microsoft conspiracy to make people buy the Microsoft controllers? We're not sure, but the U.S. Justice Dept. probably thinks so. At any rate, the ThrustMaster wheel is worth looking into, although we recommend comparing a force feedback model before buying.
For Further Reading
Force Feedback Joysticks - Virtual Reality game controllers.
Flight Simulators - The Ultimate Flight Hardware Set-Ups To Make Your Desktop Soar
Games Controllers - Pedals to the Metal. A review of advanced game control devices
3D Games - Reviews of freebies and the hottest downloadable demos.
http://www.microsoft.com/products/hardware/sidewinder/force/default.htm - Microsoft's page of info on Force Feedback steering wheels, joysticks, etc.
PC Labs Tests Five Force-Feedback Joysticks
Send comments, disagreements, or your own picks and pans to gben...@istar.ca.
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