…one of the low points of the previous Wingman Force 3D was the limited range of the joystick movement on all axes, including the twist function, compared to most of the other joysticks I've tried – it just doesn't move as far as you'd expect when you pull it in any direction. In the Strike Force 3D, this flaw seems even more noticeable somehow. After coping fine in Freespace 2 with a number of the Microsoft Sidewinder variations as well as with sticks from Gravis and Guillemot, the Strike Force 3D joystick movement just felt a little strange and unfamiliar and took quite a while to get used to. In fact, in the time I spent using the stick for review I don't think I quite got used to it, to be honest. I eventually ended up playing the various games I tested the stick with almost as well as with my usual stick (a Sidewinder Force Feedback) but it just didn't feel quite as comfortable or accurate. Given more time I'm sure it's something I could get used to, and in fact based on the strengths of the joystick I'll be using it as my main stick in the hope that I can overcome the only flaw in this otherwise excellent joystick. Is anyone else likely to do the same? Well, if you're looking for a joystick with more control features than any other I can think of, you don't have that much choice. That's no bad thing, though.

Aside from the initially unfamiliar feel of the joystick movement, the Wingman Strike Force 3D is among the best joysticks available now (or rather it will be when it hits the shelves). If you want more control features, such as lots of buttons, a scroll wheel and twin hats, the Wingman will not disappoint, as long as you're willing to spend a little time getting used to the odd feeling stick movement.

Pete Closs
Games Editor

• Twin hats and scroll wheel
• Powerful and smooth force feedback
• Solidly built
• Small

• Limited range of movement
• Joystick movement will take some getting used to