Manufactured By:  Logitech

Retail Price:      $19.95

Review Date:  11-18-00

The casual gamer needs an affordable controller to get through the levels of their favorite game.  Logitech makes a huge variety of controller for both the hard core gamer and the casual player.  The Logitech WingMan Attack stick is fashioned after the other WingMan sticks with a sleek look and comfortable layout.  The Attack stick is geared towards the casual gamer.

• 3 axis joystick including Throttle lever
• 4 buttons

• Flight Sims (Fly, MS FlightSim 2000, MS Combat Sim, Flight Unlimited III, etc.)
• Racing Games (Castrol Honda Superbikes (included), Star Wars: Racer, Need For Speed series, Motocross Madness II, etc.)
• Space/Combat Sims (Descent Freespace, Mechwarrior III, etc.)

Setup of the Attack stick is simple and will only occupy a few minutes of effort.  No software is provided or needed.  Windows has a default setup that works fine with the joystick and for the perfectionist you can create a custom setup and properly name the stick.

Plug the joystick into your gameport, start the system and enter the game controller setup through the control panel.  Select a 3 axis 4 button controller and enter into the properties of the stick.  Here you should calibrate the axis of the stick.  You should then run a quick test of it to assure the calibration is OK.  

There is no advanced programming option available with the Attack stick.  To get this advanced feature you need one of the higher end WingMan sticks.  Still, buttons and axis control can be assigned actions through most in game setups.

The Wingman Attack stick is a typical analog controller.  It offers good control for most games in the above mentioned categories.  Its limitations are centered in the number of buttons it offers and the lack of a hat switch for advanced view control.  Still, for its price it offers good control.

The stick was put to work with a handful of racing games.  I usually start with my favorite- Motocross Madness 2.  The stick was used to control pitch and turning.  The throttle controlled acceleration and the buttons the stunt and special view modes.  The stick offered great control in this game.  The throttle offered better control than mapping this function to buttons as you often need to do with a gamepad.

Other racing games also benefited from the stick's throttle control.  The Need for Speed Series played fine with the stick but the keyboard was needed for some of the advanced actions such as dropping spike strips and other chase actions.  I used the trigger as a handbrake, two of the buttons for shifting and the last button for switching views.  The forward/back action of the stick was unused.  Other racing games were played and performed similarly.  Most did not need as many buttons as Need For Speed and I didn't need to use the keyboard as much.

Space and flight games played alright.  The lack of a rudder control forced me to setup using an automatic or coordinated rudder.  Its not the most realistic method of flying but it shouldn't be a major setback for most.  Since the joystick is analog in function you can easily add external rudder pedals.  The stick can be expanded if you find yourself looking for more control.  I connected my set of SIMPED-vario and CH Product Pro Pedals (at different times!).  Both added the rudder function to the setup without issue.  

The stick performed well and is very comfortable.  The base is wide and heavy enough to be stable without taking up too much desktop real estate.  The layout of the controller is good and everything is within reach.

The Logitech WingMan Attack Stick is a good choice for the casual gamer who needs a controller.  Its both affordable and well made.  If you decide to upgrade rudder pedals can easily be added giving you a decent flight setup.

For $20 you can't go wrong.  The Control Center recommends the Attack Stick as an entry level joystick.

Buy the Wingman Attack Stick