Microsoft Force Feedback Wheel
Written: Nov 01 '99
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great looking, great feeling, great working...
Cons: Really needs to have a USB version...
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| CJCraft's Full Review: Microsoft Sidewinder Wheel |
I gave this product a 9 out of 10.
Both the form and the function of this product are outstanding and more than worth the $100+ you will have to pay to purchase the item.
Background:
I am a 24 year old male engineering and computer science student living in SC. I do have a large humanities background.
Overview:
Form: This is a very solid looking and feeling item. It is well made and designed. It almost screams power and quality at you. The shape is pleasing to the eyes and the feel is pleasing to the hands.
Function: The response to and from the wheel is superb. You might think force feedback is a nothing more than a novelty, but the extra dimension it adds to any racing game makes all the difference in the racing game just being a novelty game, and it being as close to real as you can get without actually being there.
The wheel is heavy and solid. Just holding it you feel as if you have gotten your money's worth. The rubber grips on the sides where your hands go feel necessary due to the power of the device.
An important area in any computer racing system is how it will connect to your desktop. I love the way the Microsoft Force Feedback Wheel locks solid as a rock to your desktop. It is hard to describe but it is a great system.
Anther important area in a computer racing system is how the pedals work. These are not average pedals with a cheap base holding it in place. The Microsoft Force Feedback Wheel has a very heavy base that doesn't slide all over the place while you are pressing the pedals.
I think the only real problem I could see with this product is the fact that it isn't a USB product. I have it going through my gameport on my Sound Blaster Live!. The only real problem there is now I want to buy a force feedback joystick and I don't have anywhere to put it. If these two items were USB then I could easily add both to my system. You should consider waiting to buy these items until Microsoft releases USB versions, which should be soon. It would be a much better buy.
The wheel comes with two games: Monster Truck Madness 2 and Precision Cart Racing. Both are very fun high-quality racing games that are good choices for the wheel. They really show off what it can do. I would also recommend Star Wars Pod Racer if you want something a little different.
If you are going to add a force feedback wheel to your system then this is the one to get.
Be sure to check out my other reviews.
Thanks.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 100+
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Epinions.com ID:
CJCraft
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Member: Chris Craft
Location: Florence, South Carolina 29501-3439
Reviews written: 231
Trusted by: 35 members
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