Name:  - WingMan Force 3D
Logitech Description:
Feel the action in your games. This low cost, force feedback joystick lets you feel weapon recoils, explosions, and much more. The space-saving design takes up minimal room on your desktop. Includes a twist handle function, seven programmable buttons, 8-way hat switch, and high-precision throttle. Requires USB connection.
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11/12/2001 - The WingMan Force 3D is my first force experience with Logitech, and it left me impressed.
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86.8
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| First Impression |
My first impression was that it was much lighter than I expected it to be… not to say that it is as light as a non-force, but it is definitely lighter than the MS-Force Feedback 2. |
9.0
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| Software Installation |
The software installation went great and I didn't experience any problems at all. Simply follow the Quick Install instructions on the paper insert. You will install the Logitech software first, then after the install connect the USB controller. The controller install software warranted a great score here for a non-event on the installation. |
9.5
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| Software Controller Interface |
The Wingman Profiler allows you to configure your joystick for each game you have, you can even launch games from it. Once you have a custom profile for a given game you can save it, and Logitech offers pre-made profiles for popular games on their website you can download.
You can play with the sensitivity, and since I like to FEEL as much as I can, I cranked it up! You can adjust the force sensitivity of the Overall force, Spring, Damper, and Centering. In fact, I'm not sure how Logitech did it - but they were able to allow settings all the way up to 150%!! Not the typical 100%… although I'm pretty sure their 150% is equal to others 100%… ;-)
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8.8
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| Game Included |
If your going to make a force feedback controller, why not package it with a game that really shows it off? Logitech DID! Interplay's Freespace 2 - Colossus takes great advantage of the force effects of this controller. It only includes 10 missions (not the full version), but the full training simulation and missions together is a package that will provide hours of great fun. The game is styled similar to a Star Wars concept, and has a great story line. It has one of the coolest interfaces to launch you into the various parts of the game that I have seen.
Without getting into a complete game review, simply put… this is an excellent game that matches the controller very well. |
9.0
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| Help Instructions |
A Windows styled help file is included, and can be launched from the Windows menu (Launch WingMan Help). As is the standard, you search keywords and read tidbits as necessary. This approach is effective, but definitely lacks pictures and could be enhanced with a better interface. |
7.0
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| Comfort |
My hand fit nicely on the handle, and the controls were easy to get to. I would like to see them add a nice grip (for sweat). In addition, I found the throttle location in a semi-awkward location. I would also like to be able to feel the center (dead area) of the throttle (the standard bump type feeling), because I kept having a hard time putting in neutral :) |
8.0
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| Construction (Quality) |
Logitech has been known for quality, so you can generally take for granted that any controller will be made good. All of the buttons and controls found on the controller itself operate great, and have a nice high quality feel.
I would like to have a smoother edge on the handle (you could feel the line down the middle), but this didn't interfere with game play in any way. As I stated in the comfort area, I want to have some kind of grip on the handle - and this would solve the issue.
FORCE
Logitech did a great job implementing force. It has a great feel, and plenty of affect that can be tweeked to your liking. It is very comparable to the MS Force Feedback (which is saying a lot). |
9.0
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| Looks |
The controller looks very sleek, and I thought the stickers they put on the controller looked really good… all except for the big 'gaudy looking' Force Feedback sticker (it looks like some guy in marketing said they need to make sure people know it has force feedback, so they plopped on a big clunky looking sticker). Consequently, it says Force Feedback twice on the base (the thin unobtrusive looking sticker looks great - should have left it with that). |
8.0
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| Value (price for what you get) |
With excellent force feedback, a great game, and a price that won't break the piggy bank - this is one of the best force feedback values you will find anywhere. |
9.5
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| Recommend to Others |
Logitech has no reason not to sell tons of these controllers. It is a complete package, and should be considered by anyone looking for a good force feedback controller. |
9.0
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RECOMMENDATIONS to the Vendor
LAZ
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Create an HTML interface for the help files. This way you can easily incorporate pictures and hyper links to get around, and it will have a more user friendly interface.
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A no slip grip on the handle would be nice, and would cover the seam.
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Move the throttle further out to the left, and put some kind of bump in the middle to find neutral.
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I would like to see some kind of base attachment, like on the wheels. When you use a force controller, you tend to get into a fighting match with the controller (part of the fun), and you can wind up chasing the controller around. Some kind of clamping mechinism would help the controller stay put. Whatever you do, don't try to resolve this issue by adding weight to the unit. The light weight is great, and impressive when you consider the kind of force the unit puts out.
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