Name:  - Xterminator Dual Control Joystick
Gravis Description:
Put twice the power at your fingertips.
With twice the power at your fingertips, you can use the joystick with proportional D-pad to master highly synchronized moves, execute massive action sequences - to win.
Features
- Joystick and proportional D-pad give you ultimate control of any game.
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49 programmable functions for custom cheat codes, keyboard-free control, and anything else you need to win.
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Variable throttle for ultimate speed control.
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8-way POV switch to instantly change perspective or weapons.
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Contoured joystick and hand rest for total comfort during marathon gaming sessions.
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Game port and USB connectivity for quick, easy installation.
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11/25/2001 - Greetings to all! I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving holiday.
Since this is a time for being thankful for what we have, I feel it's appropriate to take a small bit of space here and express to you's how VERY fortunate it is to have an opportunity to provide you, the users, reviews of the joysticks and games provided for us here at JR. I mean, where else can I go to sit down and unwind? Just the thought of sitting down in front of my monitor sipping a freshly brewed cup of Starbucks brings a familiar smile to this reviewers face. --excuse me just a minute...Shawn, please turn down your stereo. Okay, where was I, oh yeah, smile to my face, ok, anyway, as I was saying, being a part of this team of reviewers has brought it's special blessings. First of all, any time I need a stick or gamepad for a new game, I have one! And not just one, but many to choose from. All of the contributors have been so generous providing us with some top quality merchandise...SHAWN! I said to TURN DOWN YOUR DANG STEREO, I'm TRYING to concentrate here --sigh...ok, sorry, um, having such a privilege of reviewing is both relaxing and rewarding...I said TURN IT DOWN I'm sorry, I'll be right back, ahh crap, I just dumped my coffee on my desk...ahhh, dang it, SHOOT! What a mess. Ahhh man, all over the stick too.
Ahh crap, this sucks. And I still have to sit here for the next hour or so writing this stinkin' review. This really bites. --deep sigh Ok, on with the review.
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Xterminating the Tribes
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91.7
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| First Impression |
Impressive indeed. Even while sitting in a puddle of coffee! A solid well constructed design with a comfortable feel. |
9.5
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| Software Installation |
Installation? One word. A breeze. Okay that's two but who's counting. Just pop in the CD and follow the on-screen prompts. |
10.0
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| Software Controller Interface |
The Gravis Xperience is a software utility used to aid you in defining custom controls for your Gravis controllers. The way I see it, this utility can be used a couple different ways. First for the serious gamer who wants to define every button for his/her convenience, you can spend a lot of time customizing assigning each button to a specific command. Also secondary Hot Set functions provide even further customizing. Or, on the other hand, it also caters to the casual gamer who just wants to sit down and play a game. If this describes you, then, to make it simple, select the 'import' option, then select the game you're wanting to play. Beside each button is a description of what that button does. Review the button's functions - write 'em down if ya have to - and game away! If the game you are playing is not one of the ones listed then you'll have to just create one yourself. I ran into that one myself so without doing anything in the Xperience utility, I started the game, used the games controller set up, and defined each button from there.
Bottom Line Whether you're an expert at defining controls or an amateur, you shouldn't have any trouble using the Xperience. --Plus it looks kewl on your desktop! |
8.8
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| Game Included |
SHA-WING! Bonus! A copy of Tribes is provided! I'm glad to see Gravis add a game with this stick. I've always said, why not toss in a game that can showcase what the controller can really do? Obviously Gravis was listening! I've never played Tribes so this was a nice treat, as it should be for the person who purchases this controller. Way to go Gravis. |
9.0
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| Help Instructions |
A 16 page instruction booklet is provided to help get you on your way in using the stick. If you need a bit more help or just want to learn as much as possible about your newly acquired weapon of choice, then Gravis offers an electronic manual - provided in the software installation. |
9.0
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| Comfort |
Simply put, this thing feels pretty darn good! A large footprint with rubber pads on the bottom provides for 'slide free' operation! I didn't spend any time chasing the stick around while using it. My hands rested comfortably and each finger lined up perfectly with each button.
The stick has a nice feel to it and re-centers itself without me having to search for the center position -as did the D-Pad. It all felt smooth and accurate while out there in Tribes-land! I did have to adjust the turning sensitivity for the stick. After doing so, I was able to turn more quickly -a minor adjustment in the game setup interface. I was a little unsure about why Gravis didn't add a twist option to the stick. That would have been a nice addition\option while using it for flight sims.
Overall, my hands did not tire from using this stick. It's a very comfortable stick to use if you don't have to have the twist option.
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8.8
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| Construction (Quality) |
Rugged heavy duty plastic design should provide many years of gaming enjoyment! --it's even impervious to coffee!
All the buttons worked flawlessly and seem to have a solid 'click' to em. The throttle wheel has a bit of resistance to it too, preventing accidental 'bump' adjustments. :o}
What if it breaks you ask? Gravis' standard 3 year warranty should take the fear out of that question.
With a serial port and an optional USB plug in adapter, it's sure to connect to any PC. The down side to that is the weight of the adapter. I never have liked the weight of them things hanging from my USB ports.
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9.0
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| Looks |
Gravis could have made this square and plain but they didn't! I thought it looked pretty kewl as well as being functional. Not only did they pay attention to the functionality of it, but during the process they made it look good too. The rubber boot underneath the stick -as far as I can tell- is strictly cosmetic adding a very nice look. Smooth rounded lines with a glossy finish scores high too. About the only other thing they could have given it is lights. -Nice looking stick. |
9.2
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| Value (price for what you get) |
The stick lists for $49.99 (usd) and is well worth the coin when considering everything it gives you as well as what it doesn't give you. --like hand cramps or blisters on your thumbs from the D-Pad! |
9.2
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| Recommend to Others |
49 programmable options to choose from should tame any tweaker out there, and the warranty speaks for itself. Bottom Line Go get one! |
9.2
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RECOMMENDATIONS to the Vendor
KOGGS
- Add the twist action to the stick as this will appeal more to flight sim people
- Add a few COLORED lights to the base or the stick itself. It would only inhance the looks, not to mention catch the eye of a potential buyer.
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