The only thing that could really spoil this solid offering is the D-pad, and unfortunately it does just that. When I tried the d-pad, even before plugging the pad in it felt just right – it's smooth enough to not hurt your thumb after long gaming sessions, yet the indents at each corner make sure you know which way you're pressing just by feel. Sadly, in use it suffers from a strange glitch. Pressing what you'd think would be right or left instead triggers an upper left or upper right direction press. To move right or left you instead have to press somewhere between the cross and the notch in the bottom corners; i.e. lower than you'd expect. After a few minutes I could control Jazz Jackrabbit 2 (the game I used primarily for D-pad testing) just as well as with any other good D-pad, but pressing slightly lower than usual to go left or right still felt strange.

The last feature that I should of course touch on is the “Rumble Feedback” feature that the pad is named for. On the whole, while it doesn't feel quite as strong and distinct as the rumble feature of the Logitech Rumblepad, it's still pretty good. It also works straight off with any current force feedback games, so who's complaining?

Aside from the slightly flawed D-pad, the Gravis Eliminator AfterShock is one of the best pads I've yet come across. Gravis have finally provided us with a fitting follow up to their classic Gravis Xterminator pad, except this one has an arguably better D-pad, despite the minor flaw, as its more responsive and easier to judge which direction you're pressing just by touch. While the Logitech Rumblepad soundly beats it on price, I'd argue that the extra money you pay ($40 as opposed to $25) is worth it for the superior comfort, analogue sticks, button feel and slightly more comfortable and usable D-pad (yes, again, in spite of its slightly odd flaw). If you've got the money, get the Gravis Eliminator AfterShock. While it isn't the cheapest pad around, it's still worth every cent.

Pete Closs
Games Editor