Name:  - PX 4500
Saitek Description:
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More fun with full shock feedback in PS2 games
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Fast and precise control (+ Extras: lockable axis)
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Saitek quality and design
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10ft cable for more flexibility
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Rumble
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Analog/Digital
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Turbo Button
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4 Action Buttons
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4 Triggers
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2 Analog Mini-Joysticks
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8-way D-Pad
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1/22/2002 - Welcome back to the gameroom. The time has come to put another gamepad through hour after hour of top-notch, hard core, playing time against yours truly. It appears that Saitek has designed a PX4500, and 'good for us' that is what we will be playing with today.
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Rumblin' on the PS2
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86
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| First Impression |
If you have read my previous review on the PX5000 from Saitek, you might have picked up on the slight hint dropped about the PX4500. This controller is just what I expected it would be when I saw it in the clear plastic package. It is just as impressive as the PX4000 and PX5000, so Robsta will give up 9 points to the PX4500 - giving it the same start as it's cousins. |
9.0
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| Game(s) Included |
The PX4500 does not come with a game, so 5 points is the maximum Robsta will hand out for this category. |
5.0
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| Looks |
The PX4500 has a great look all of its own. While maintaining the traditional PX/PS2 appearance, the PX4500 flares out where the R1 and R2 buttons are, and has a cool robotic looking top piece where the cord comes out of the gamepad. The silver axis lock dials look fantastic against the all black controller. As Robsta sits in his favorite chair, he will simply gaze at 8 points floating up onto the scoreboard for the PX4500. |
8.0
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| Comfort |
This category is one of my favorites along with playability, because I must game until my eyes get blurry and my legs are numb from sitting down for so long just to get a complete feel for the controller that I am testing. That is exactly what I did with the PX4500, and it did not let me down. Robsta will easily hand 9 points over to the PX4500, now I can stand up and finally stretch my legs… oof! |
9.0
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| Construction |
When I am playing a video game I am looking for lots of action and excitement and realism. The Saitek PX4500 gamepad has twin motors integrated into both sides of it, so any game that is Doubleshock 2 compatible will be able to give you the full force jolt that you are looking for. Whether you are doing a sixty foot grind or diving back to second base, this controller will let you know that you are in the game. Robsta will generate 13 big points for the PX4500 continuing to build good numbers for their total score. |
13.0
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| Playability |
The PX4500 is loaded with features: four analog buttons, and analog D-pad, four analog triggers, and two analog mini joysticks. I remember when the word analog did not exist in my vocabulary… now you almost need it for everything you play to get a realistic feel for the game that you are playing. Along with the two speed turbo mode and the dual axis lock, this controller is complete for almost every gaming condition imaginable. The ten foot cord is a feature that other gamepads need to have, but many do not. The four analog action buttons are very responsive, and spaced apart enough to hit each one individually as you need to.
The D-pad impressed me immensely during a game of SPEC-OPS: STEALTH PATROL. I don't recall the level, but the scenario will stay in my mind forever. I was running for cover from a sniper that I could not see. The snow was making things very difficult, but I was able to dive behind a military truck and roll onto my stomach. I crawled on the ground beside the truck to find a safer area to get a shot off. I peered through my scope to locate the dude that has killed me too many times to count. I noticed that one of the trees in the forest had a different looking trunk than the rest. When I put my crosshair on the shadow I noticed an enemy leaning against the tree that I was looking at. My only choice was to take him out before he got me again, so I gently squeezed the X button and fired at him. I heard a thud then a moan, and watched his shadow fall to the ground. Then there was silence. I stood up, walked out into the clear, and enjoyed a little dance for Robsta has finally defeated the unseen sniper. After that brief moment of glory, I continued on to finish the level that I had been stuck on for days.
While viewing targets through the scope, and movement up, down, left, or right is magnified tremendously. The PX4500 was the controller that got me through my tough video time of need, and I am sure that it will do the same for you. Robsta will shoot 14 points up on the scoreboard to the PX4500 for playability… way to go! |
14.0
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| Value (price for what you get) |
Saitek has pulled another rabbit out of their hat. One more gamepad that is affordable and gives you a full plate of functions at your disposal. With many PS and PS2 games available to buy or rent, the PX4500 gives you everything you need to have hours of video game fun for about $25. Robsta is happy to announce that he has spent 14 points on the PX4500, and still has points left over to buy dinner. |
14.0
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| Recommend to Others |
The gameroom has had a lot of traffic through it lately. Since most of my friends know that I spend quite a few hours a week playing video games, it is not to hard to get a second player to come over and game with me. It is a nice to give the competition a selection of different controllers to choose from so they can do their best to beat the HomeTeam. I have seen consistency over the past few weeks in which gamepad my guests have been choosing. Each time it has been one from Saitek. If there is such a thing as a gamepad trifecta, then Saitek must be leading that race. The PX4500 seems to recommend itself to others, so Robsta will make sure that 14 more points are collected to add to the final score. |
14.0
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RECOMMENDATIONS to the Vendor
ROBSTA
The PX4500 is a great gamepad as well as the PX4000 and PX5000. The one thing I would like to see if possible might be an accessory like a slide-on no-slip material that will cover the handles, so it won't be so slippery once my hands begin to sweat. This just might take the controller to the next level. There are many controllers out there without this feature, and many more gamers who would like to see this more often become available to the consumer.
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