However, the new games that are in development now will support Microsofts technology through DirectX 5 and DirectInput. Games that support the Force FX will not support the MS stick. The motors give it some solid weight but a glass filled handle would have been nice.Ĭompatibility with older games will be an issue with some. The feel of the stick is actually quite good. In my case, with a PII system cooled by rejects from a laser printer sitting eighteen inches from my eardrum, I really didn't While it occupies less real estate on the desktop, it does have a built in cooling fan that may bother some people. Microsofts stick isn't perfect in this department either.
It did have a sometimes annoying buzz, however. (You can expect to pay less through wholesalers).įrankly, I didn't mind the large size and weight of the CH stick. Microsoft redesigned their Sidewinder stick to incorporate force-feedback technology, dropped three games in the box, and slapped on a less daunting price tag of $149.95. I tend to favor the underdog.īut you have to give Microsoft credit for creativity, and they did a nice job of doing away with the need for a serial port and reducing the cost. I'll be honest, I'm no great fan of Microsoft. Unfortunately, the price point hasn't been right, and some gamers have been hard pressed to find the extra serial port that the Force FX required. Not only did I hear the "thup-thup" of the Vickers gun, I felt it! And when the engine rpm changed, I felt that too! Testing the stick in Fighter Duel I began to rely on my hand to tell me when I was nearing stall speed or pulling too many g's.įorce-feedback is one of the most exciting areas of growth in computer gaming hardware. The first time I engaged force feedback was in Flying Corps early this year. If this doesn't capture your imagination, it may be because you've never used one of these gadgets. And those explosions that are rocking your fighter will be transmitted physically to your hand and wrist.
If you are about to stall in your aircraft, you'll feel it. If you are diving too fast in your Spitfire, you'll know it by the rapidly increasing buffet. First, in suspension of disbelief, the feeling of "being there." Second, for the increased situational awareness. The potential for force feedback for simulation play is tremendous.
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