Name:  - SideWinder Dual Strike
Microsoft Description:
Experience 3-Dimensional Action!
The Microsoft SideWinder Dual Strike's rotating right hand perspective control enhances precision mouse movements like looking, aiming and firing. The left hand controls agility movements for running, dodging and sidestepping.
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6/28/2001 - Microsoft appears to have the pulse of the PC gaming market by offering several different controllers designed to offer unique advantages and features for a wide range of PC games. Among them are wheels, action pads, and flight sticks. This controller offers to fill a niche created by the popularity of action games. For this product I tested it out with Half-Life and Unreal Tournament.
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Striking Down the Opposition
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87
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| First Impression |
My first impression of this product left me a little skeptical. After all, how can a controller replace the mouse/keyboard tandem in action games without sacrificing play quality? Well, Microsoft cleverly designed their product with a swivel grip that replaces the function of the mouse. The rest of the controller contains an action pad along with just enough buttons and triggers to adequately replace the need of the keyboard, without overwhelming complexity. |
9.0
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| Software Installation |
The SideWinder Game Controller Software 4.0 installation wasn’t without incident. Initially, the software didn’t want to recognize my resident VIA USB Host Adapter driver leaving the controller undetectable to my system. I then proceeded to uninstall/reinstall the controller software and finally, the controller took. When installation was complete, I was greeted by a very cool Windows Media Player introduction to the controller and software. From there I was shown how to load my favorite profile, configure the game, and how to use the product. I was reminded of Microsoft’s awesome resources and their endless determination to make their products easy for the rookie --- once they’re installed. |
7.0
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| Software Controller Interface |
The SideWinder Game Controller Software interface was very crisp and clear. Included is an easy to navigate menu that offers a whole host of options like web links and answers to questions about previous version of controller software. This is where you load your favorite game profiles or create your own. Unfortunately, only 24 profiles are available from Microsoft so if your game isn’t there you are stuck with creating your own --- which is no easy matter. I spent 45 minutes trying to get a profile set up for No One Lives Forever, to no avail. I got tired of trying so I went back to a nice little tidy game of UT and life was good! Setting up a custom profile has got to be easier than this! |
8.0
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| Game Included |
Microsoft did not include any games to showcase the unique advantages of the ‘Dual Strike’. |
5.0
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| Help Instructions |
Our friends in Redmond have packaged a helpful paper manual along with their comprehensive software which details step by step instructions on controller installation that should give comfort to even the most squeamish of users. If that’s not enough for you, the Microsoft website is sure to fill in the voids. |
10.0
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| Comfort |
With the buttons and triggers conveniently located, I felt like I was connected to this unit. A bit of soft rubber padding, however, would help prevent ‘gaming thumb’ and would add to an otherwise pleasing experience. |
9.0
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| Construction (Quality) |
I have never worn a Microsoft controller product out and this unit gives me no reason to think that it’ll be an exception. Solid and responsive, The Dual Strike delivers with the grace of a gazelle and the strength of an ox. An action gamer should accept no less. |
10.0
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| Looks |
Sharp looking and cool, this product’s appearance might even prove to be contagious and allow you to get out once and awhile! (Koggs, I’m talking to YOU!) |
10.0
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| Value (price for what you get) |
Action gamers are a truly unique breed. After all, these FPS fanatics are the people that create a market for cutting edge graphics cards and feel that money is secondary to a truly exhilarating gaming experience. That said, this unit should no doubt find its cord plugged into many USB ports. |
10.0
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| Recommend to Others |
If you enjoy action games, then there is no reason why you should be without this product, unless you easily lose your patience when creating your own custom profile. Simply put, when playing against the best out there, you want every advantage available to you. The Microsoft Sidewinder Dual Strike delivers in a big way. |
9.0
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RECOMMENDATIONS to the Vendor
ZWORM
- Please include more profiles with the controller or online.
- Soften the unit up with some rubber buttons or grips.
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