Name: Guillemot Force Feedback
Manufacturer: Guillemot
Buttons: Nine
Driver link: 1.23 Drivers
Force Feedback: Yes
Supported port types: Serial and USB on same cable
Price: $73.99
Notes: -

While they're better known for their graphics cards, Guillemot do none the less make a line of game controllers. In fact, to bolster their game controller side they bought Thrustmaster a while back and now sell joysticks under both brand names. The best joystick currently available from Guillemot/Thrustmaster (there are actually Force Feedback joysticks available under both brands but as far as I can tell they're both pretty much identical) is the imaginatively named Force Feedback Joystick. The joystick is rather similar in appearance to the original Jet Leader 3D from Guillemot with the exception of the monster base unit that houses the Force Feedback motors. The Guillemot easily took up the most desk space of all the units in this roundup thanks to this massive base. It's also a very heavy stick, although its weight doesn't stop it from slipping about on the tiny, if numerous, rubber pads. Our main gripe with the Guillemot stick is the height of the handle. Although we could reach most of the buttons just fine, the hat was partially out of reach. Pushing it forward was no problem but to pull it back (usually to check if there were any bandits on our six) required moving our hand upwards and then back down again, in which time a few more shots could have landed on our hull when they could otherwise have been dodged. The hand rest is adjustable using the included key but only downwards for those with giant hands.

The Guillemot does have its high points despite my numerous gripes. On the highest setting, the forces in games are very strong indeed and while we found it too distracting (in fact I decided to lower the setting again to prevent a broken wrist), those seeking greater immersion without fear of a sore arm will likely appreciate it.

It's also the only ambidextrous stick in our roundup, although whichever hand you use it can be a little difficult to reach all the way across to the buttons on the other side of the base.

• Ambidextrous Design
• Very powerful Force Feedback
• Low price

• Some buttons and the hat can be difficult to reach
• It's quite immense
• No joystick twist function
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