Name:  - Firestorm Dual Power Gamepad
Thrustmaster Description:
With the FireStorm Dual Power Gamepad in the palm of your hands, your PC’s game library is sure to increase. After all, with force feedback flowing through your hands, 360-degree movement via the 2 analog controllers, and rubber-textured grip, playing sports, action, and even racing games take on a new meaning.
Don’t forget the 13 quick-action programmable buttons with keyboard emulation putting the most important moves right at your fingertips.
And this baby is just Plug and Play – USB connection and Thrustmapper 3 programming software to customize to your heart’s desire. Both digital and analog modes to give you the precision you seek. However don’t expect us to include batteries – ‘cause you won’t need them. All this power comes without extra power sources.
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2/27/2001 - When I'm not racing on the PC with my wheel, I can usually be found not leaving 'well enough' alone tweaking something under the hood of my PC!-I know, I know, I'll go back and finish writing 'I will not tweak my PC any further' 500 times!
So when I was handed this rumblin' gamepad to review I really wasn't quite sure I could get into the whole idea of the 'rumble gamepad' thing. Oh sure I've used those types of gamepads before but only of the console type: Nintendo 64 etc.. Could this be the beginning of a new way of gaming for the Kap'n? hmmmm...
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KOGGS Review Breakdown
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92.3
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| First Impression |
Pretty kewl looking controller, a long enough cord, and USB :) Basically A solid yet soft feeling controller -literally! It feels soft to the touch. And not at all heavy as one might think considering the dual force feedback motors.
Lots-o-buttons. All programmable.
Two analog controllers for the complete control freak in all of us. -Now all I need is a little coordination! 8p
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9.5
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| Software Installation |
You'll need no super human efforts to install this baby. Just install the Thrustmapper utility, -CD provided- plug the thing in, follow the on-screen prompts and you'll be ready to go! As mentioned before, all buttons are programmable so if ya feel the need to tweak, tweak to your tweakin hearts content. hey isn't that a song? Your Tweakin Heart...!
sorry, I'm better now!
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10.0
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| Software Controller Interface |
First things first, let's check out the force feedback! By right clicking on the Thrustmapper 3 Taskbar Utility I was able to go directly into the properties section of the controller where I could then test the controllers force capabilities. -You know, maybe it's just me, but after testing out the force feedback I found myself flashing back to the days of Nintendo (no, not that --AHHHHHHHHHHH!) using their rumble pak's. Granted this gamepad is way better than any rumble pak I've ever used but I still felt a lil ookey. -Okay, back to the review.
Mapping key functions to each button was a cinch. However, having done this before gives me a clear advantage. So, if you’re a first time re-mapper, you should read the instructions.
If you're like me and don't want to even think about reading them, then follow these easy instructions and in no time you'll be an expert! right click T-Mapper icon, select Thrustmapper 3, choose your gaming profile, mouse click to highlight the button you want to modify then push that button twice. A window pops up where you can then map a new key function. Click OK and your done See, piece of cake!
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9.0
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| Game Included |
Game? What game? Not even a demo! no soup for T-master! |
5.0
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| Help Instructions |
If you run into troubles you can always pull out the manual and find out what you did wrong! The manual takes you from start to finish and answers most questions one might have. Or, if you prefer, you may either view the readme.txt on the CD and/or visit their web site for the most up to date FAQ's and tech support.
The only thing they left out was the do-it-yourself video. 8-)
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9.8
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| Comfort |
Sweet thumb bliss! The FireStorm supports 'non-thumb' d-pad usage! Using the dual analog controllers, or as I call them 'mini-sticks' was a nice change of pace indeedy! I will never EVER use the ol' d-pad again. :-) I spent too many evenings over at LAZ's house doing those 'd-pad till your thumb falls off' baseball marathons! I remember my thumb being sore for a couple of days after one of those!
The FireStorm is light weight, cushy to the touch, and fits in your hands like it was made for them. All the buttons were strategically placed allowing for easy finger to button access. The dual force motors provide a wide range of force effects and the light weight design -no batteries or power brick needed- won't leave your hands or arms screaming for the Ben Gay after extended long periods of use!
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10.0
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| Construction (Quality) |
Sturdy durable rubber coated plastic, no batteries or power brick to weigh you down, buttons that don't rattle or feel cheezy, and analog controllers for your thumbs! these analog controllers are actually buttons too! To use them, just push down on them as you would any other button Add all this up and it spells Q-U-A-L-I-T-Y. The FireStorm is simply a well thought out and constructed product.
Listen, I'm trying to knock this thing but it's tough. If you read my review it sounds like I'm totally Schmoozin Thrustmaster! Okay, so I do need a new wheel, and my flight stick is a wreck. SO WHAT!! You try and knock this gamepad! YOU CAN'T! Seriously, as far as gamepads are concerned -and I'm really not a gamepad guy- I find it very difficult to criticize this one. E-mail me. Let me know what, if any, evilness I have overlooked! ...that's what I thought, you can't. It's just that good.
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10.0
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| Looks |
Looks like a gamepad! As far as a score is concerned? Well, 5 is avg. so add the dual force motors, the dual analog controllers, and the four (as opposed to two) index finger buttons, and you have a score of-------> |
9.0
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| Value (price for what you get) |
At $29.99 it's an excellent value for what you get. Not to mention what you don't get: no need for batteries, no power brick, and no installation headaches! If you head on over to Thrustmaster's web site you can pick up this gamepad AND the recently reviewed Top Gun Fox 2 Pro, both for $59.99.
What are you waiting for? Trust me on this one. This controller is well worth thirty bucks.
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10.0
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| Recommend to Others |
After just a short amount of time using this gamepad, it wasn't tough for me to figure out that I was going to have a hard time trying to knock it. To say that "this should be different" or "that could be a bit better" would be a stretch at best. As far as gamepads go, this one has all the functionablility as well as the easy finger access to hold it's own among the competition. Throw in the dual force motors and now all of a sudden it stands alone at the top.
If your looking for a force feedback gamepad then look no further than this one. Considering everything, I can't think of a reason why you shouldn't own one of these.
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10.0
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RECOMMENDATIONS to the Vendor
KOGGS
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Toss in a game or demo that accentuates FireStorms strengths.
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Add a bit of cosmetic flash in the form of lights on the face of the gamepad. All gamepads are looking alike these days.
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