Name:  - FireStorm Upad
Thrustmaster Description:
U-topia in the palm of your hands
PlayStation gaming will never be the same... at least not after you grab hold of the FireStorm Upad controller. Designed to offer the most comfortable and precise handling for all your gaming adventures, the all-analog Upad comes equipped with 2 built-in motors, 2 mini-sticks, 8-way D-pad, and 8 action buttons... packaged in a rubber-textured, sleek skin. This controller is made for the Gamer who not only plays, but plays with passion and long-term commitment.
Get realistic vibration effects, precise 360-degree movement, and a multitude of firing and action options with the Upad... but most of all, get improved game play for any FPS, sport, or racing game.
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12/18/2001 - Welcome back to the GameRoom. Robsta would like to throw out a big thanks to LAZ, KOGGS, and LEW for an outstanding night of gaming at joystickreview Central. It really felt good knowing that I was still a contender when the fearsome foursome got together again to battle with and against each other. I'm sure more stories will appear about that night on other reviews, so check out what the others have to say. Now it is time for business… there is this new controller staring at me from Thrustmaster, so 'Let the Games Begin'!
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87
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| First Impression |
The gamepad that I got to review is unlike most controllers. Thrustmaster has designed the Firestorm Upad. It reminds me of a steering wheel that is in an airplane, only it has a D-pad and joysticks on the handles. I was very excited to use a gamepad that is shaped different than the usual controller. As soon as I saw the rubber textured handles, I was ready for some non-slip, push button, leg kickin', chair crackin', forehead sweatin' video games. Robsta gives a Huge 10 points to the Firestorm making this the best start possible. |
10.0
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| Game(s) Included |
Robsta will give the Firestorm 5 points which is the most possible for a controller that does not come with a game. |
5.0
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| Looks |
You might have guessed by now that Robsta is impressed with the design of the Firestorm Upad. The rubber textured handles add oodles of color to the rest of the sweet looking silver based gamepad. When the PS or PS2 is turned on, the turbo and analog buttons light up red or green depending on the mode. That's just like icing on the cake. Robsta will stare at 9 points for the Firestorm… the Upad is doing great with a long way to go. |
9.0
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| Comfort |
I knew that this would be the big question going into this test. The Firestorm Upad was used intensely throughout the entire test period, so I could try a variety of games. Since the handles are more of a vertical position as compared to the diagonal design of the PS and PS2 standard controller, I wanted to make sure there were a lot of different moves that I had to endure for hours on end. The Upad as well as my hands, wrists, arms, elbows, and eyes made it through without a glitch. Robsta will be glad to announce that the Firestorm has just scored 9 more points. |
9.0
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| Construction |
Now it is time to discuss the durability of the Upad. After some serious hours of intense game time, the Upad was as good as it was when I opened the box.
And then there's the RUMBLE of the two integrated, independent motors this baby carries inside!! This gamepad rumbles stronger, heavier, and louder than others that are also 100% dual shock and dual shock 2 compatible. You had better have things nailed down securely when you fire up the Upad, because it will rock your room too!
I also noticed that the cord comes out of the Upad at an angle, making it a straighter and less stressful drop to the floor… another good idea from Thrustmaster!
Robsta has bolted together 14 points to extend the score of the Upad even higher.
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14.0
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| Playability |
This of course is my favorite category because it means that I 'have to game'! The Upad was a fun pad to test because is shaped unlike the usual standard controller, and playing with something different is always more fun than using the same thing over and over if you know what I mean.
The handles are rubber textured for a Great feel! Even the sticks have a scuffed feel for a good grip with your thumbs. The position of the 'select' and 'start' buttons are very easy to nail during intense game play… you know when you need to take a timeout, or the phone rings, or the microwave popcorn stops popping and you have to run out the gameroom door, down the hallway, over the dog, sliding across the linoleum floor in your socks - just to get to the door before your corn catches on fire!
This gamepad has digital, analog and Negcom modes as well as a turbo button. It looks like every button on this baby can be switched to digital or analog. I have checked every game package that is in the gameroom for a Negcom label, and did not find one. When I finally find a game, I will try to return to this category and update the review.
Robsta will play with 13 points for the Upad, and having a lot of fun on the way.
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13.0
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| Value (price for what you get) |
There is no way you can go wrong when you buy Thrustmaster's Upad. For about twenty five bucks, this controller is a steal… which reminds me - you had better keep an eye on this Upad so it doesn't come up missing from your gameroom. Robsta has 13 points in his pocket set aside for the Upad, adding to the bounty of points accumulated so far. |
13.0
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| Recommend to Others |
Thrustmaster has made this a 'no-brainer'. I think if you have a PS or PS2 system, then you need to have this controller to game with. When I pulled the Upad out of my game bag, all my gamin' pals were ready to use it, but they didn't know that I wasn't going to let them. The video game rule is, 'you play with what ya brung'. Sorry guys!!
When the evening was done, the Upad recommended itself to all who were in the room and heard the Dual Shock rumble action 'going off'! There is nothing like being the only one in the room with a gamepad that everyone else wants. That is what this Upad will do for you. Robsta stacks up 14 more points for the Upad, making the total an outstanding 87 points.
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14.0
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RECOMMENDATIONS to the Vendor
ROBSTA
This gamepad seems to feel larger in size than the standard PS/PS2 controller. Myself, I have big hands, so it was easy to just grab and play this Upad. Someone with small hands might have to get used to it… maybe it could be possible for different sized and colored rubber pieces on the handles. For most people, I think they will find that it is AWESOME right out of the box!!
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