With
a sliding throttle for precise speed control, two analog sticks for full
360 degree rotation, plus vibration feedback to let you feel every bump
and turn, Logitechs Wingman RumblePad might resemble the ubiquitous
PlayStation Dual Shock gamepad, but several improvements make it far
superior peripheral. The RumblePad is comfortable and stylish, with six
thumb buttons and two triggers that are firm and responsive; its precise
analog, thumb-controlled joysticks offer just the right amount of
resistance. And
theres no batteries required!
The Rumblepad
installs quickly and easily; just load the software, which includes the
delightfully intuitive WingMan Profiler programming suite, reboot, and
plug the gamepad in. The analog thumb sticks can be switched on or off
with the touch of a buttonwhen they're on, the left one becomes the
main x- and y-axis controller and the D-pad functions as a POV hat. The
thumb controllers offer surprisingly exact, proportional control, which is
perfect for most any flight/vehicle sim out there. For many, it wont
feel right to play a realistic flight sim with a gamepad and the throttle
slider, which is mounted just above the right trigger barely offers any
resistance, making it too easy to overcompensate when adjusting
on-the-fly.
Disabling the analog controllers turns
the RumblePad into an ordinary vibrating gamepad thats versatile enough
for a variety of sports and arcade games.
In fact, the Rumblepad includes a mode button that allows quick
changes from a sports setup to a sims setup.
The Logitech software includes over 285 game profiles for most
popular games (force feedback or not!)
Much like the recently-released Wingman Force 3D, the Logitech WingMan
RumblePad succeeds in being a multitalented controller with a terrific
price-to-performance ratio. If
youre at all interested in an economical entry into the vibration
feedback controller market, youd be well-advised to pick up the Wingman
Rumblepadwith a retail cost of $29.95, its well worth the
investment.
--Al
Wildey |