So overall, Microsoft has indeed come up trumps by delivering new technology in a classy way. But new technology doesn't come without its fair share of gripes. And here is a doozy: a POV driving game should (theoretically) be easier and more fun to play with steering wheel and pedals than with a keyboard. While the process is a bit more fun on some games, playing is actually more difficult with the Force Feedback Wheel. Whether this is the fault of game physics or the wheel's use of them, we can't say, but until the two meet in the middle (Microsoft probably has the leg up on this one), it seems destined to be a less than satisfying experience. For this reason, we find it hard to recommend any Force Feedback Wheel at this time.
Upon testing several racing games, we also noticed that it doesn't simulate compound effects very well. For example, if you skid off the road, then the 'skid' force is simulated adequately. But then when you concurrently skid through some gravel it starts to ONLY simulate gravel. And without self-centering or any simulation for the skid, you don't exactly know which way to turn (pun intended). It becomes rather disorienting and somewhat frustrating. For a good deal less you can purchase a steering wheel, minus force feedback, which could turn out to be more rewarding. This brings us on to another flaw- the wheel has absolutely no self-centering springs in it, which means when you turn off the force feedback the Wheel is rendered pretty useless. It's not at all easy to use with games that don't support Force Feedback which seems a bit shortsighted on Microsoft's part.
Ardent racing fans (and technology pioneers) that want to try out the Microsoft Force Feedback Wheel should know that it's certainly as good a Force Feedback Wheel as is possible at this time but it may pay dividends to wait until the technology progresses that bit further and developers get proficient at implementing all these complex goodies into their games. Or at least until the price drops to a much more attractive level. Sorry to be such party-poopers but for now 'steer' (pun intended) clear of any Force Feedback Wheel unless you're willing to spend a lot of time, effort and money. If you are a bleeding edge technology racing game enthusiast (and that Diablo is out of the question), then opting for the Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel is as good as it gets.
- Innovative technology
- Adds new and fun dimensions to the racing game genre
- High Price
- Doesn't handle multiple forces well
- Makes driving harder and NOT easier as we believe it should.
Alex 'Sharky' Ross
Editor-in-Chief & General Joystick Waggler
