Performance-
The Logitech WingMan Force 3D joystick is a solid performer. It
sets up fairly easy and functions well. I put the Force 3D to task
with a bevy of games and sims for testing. No compatibility issues
were found with either the stick itself or the software.
It seems every stick I test
starts its testing with Microsoft Motocross Madness. This time I was
able to test MM2 with the stick and activate the force effect (unlike MM1
that only supported MS FF). The stick provided control on par with
other sticks I use for this game and the force effects added to the
gameplay but were subtle enough that they did not hinder play. I
created a profile from scratch for MM2 and later also used the in game
assignments to setup the stick. I found no benefit to either over
the other.
I moved on to Microsoft
FlightSim 2000 and Microsoft CombatSim to test the function of the stick
as a flight controller. Again, I used both the Profiler (with
provided profiles) and later the in game assignments for axis and button
setup. Again, no real difference was detected in either ease of use
or performance other than the ability to use a shift button with the
profile. These sims have more function than the stick has
buttons. The use of a shift allowed me to double the sticks function
and I found myself reaching for the keyboard rarely. Force effects
in both sims were good. From the runway rumble to the
"break" of the stick as I went into a stall (intentionally of
course) the force effects added to the experience rather than being a
nuisance.
Lastly I played a few
racing games with the stick to round out the testing. Star Wars:
Racer and Need For Speed: High Stakes were chosen for this leg of
testing. Star Wars: Racer has a poor controller setup method and the
Profiler was great in getting around this. Need For Speed: HS has a
better setup method and all programming of buttons and axis were done
using the in game options. The other reason I chose NFS: HS is its
reputation for slowdowns with some force feedback devices enabled.
With the Force 3D I did not detect the slowdown in gameplay. Both
racing games played quite well and the force effects added to the
experience.
If I had to pick on one
issue of the stick it would simply be the current inability to use
external rudder pedals with the controller. Previous WingMan devices
and software versions allowed this, even for USB controllers. The
Force 3D has the ability to lock the twist handle teasing you with the
idea but it is not currently supported. I found that flying the
helicopter in MS FlightSim 2000 was a bit difficult using the twist
handle. The precision needed to control the chopper just can't be achieved
with the short throw handle movement although it was fine with the other
aircraft in the hanger.
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