Installation
The installation of the Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 was very simple and very straight forward. MS makes it very clear that the software needs to be installed first before connecting the unit to the PC by placing large decals all over the place and placing large printed bold text in the manual. Obviously this is fairly important for a successful install. After inserting the CD ROM the install wizard comes up and takes you through the install process step by step insuring success. A complete fool could install this thing without a hitch so any of you not so PC literates out there will have no problem (you won’t even need your kids help). The wizard will not only install the software but will also prompt you to install the hardware and even test it out for you. One thing to note; If you use a MS operating system other than WinXP and you have a VIA chipset in your system you’ll need a patch in order for the Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 to work.

 

Software
Using the software might seem a little bit daunting at first but MS provides all kinds of help via the users guide to get you through setting up your hardware and getting you started. Through Sidewinder Central, the software used as kind of a portal, you can access the OS’s game controller control panel, Sidewinder on the web, the user’s guide, compatibility information, and even a link to MS’s Gaming Zone. The one of any real significance however, is the control panel. This is where you will be able to configure your controller with what is called a profile. Profiles are custom configurations you set up for each game you play using the Sidewinder Force Feedback 2. You can customize buttons, adjust the level of feedback (or force) to use, record macros (keyboard button combinations programmed into one button on the controller), and of course test the controllers functions. Overall the software is easy to use and if you ever get into trouble MS has placed an easy access button to the users guide on each of the properties tabs/folders.

 

Hardware
The first thing I noticed about the controller that really stood out was its weight. When I first took it out of the box I was actually a little bit surprised but after using it for a while I’ve discovered just how important the weight can be. When using the Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 in games those forces can really shake the stick up and without a good solid base to hold it down the thing would probably vibrate right off the desk top.

Overall the controller has quite good ergonomics. Buttons are well positioned and the grip fits my hand nicely. Although I do think someone with a slightly smaller hand (mine would probably be considered slightly above normal size) will find it just a little easier to use the top buttons as my thumb seems to overextend the secondary fire button just a tad. Also worth mentioning, all you lefties out there, sorry. Apparently MS has forgotten about you. Not only will you not be able to use this controller with your left hand but they don’t offer a left handed version either. I do think however, (and apparently so does MS) that with enough practice you could get used to (and good at) using the Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 with your right hand.

A new rudder control is a nice improvement over the first FF. Instead of a dial/wheel that you turned they have gone to little paddle that you move forward and back 180 degrees for better control over speeds in your games. The controller also sports rudder control by twisting the stick as well as having 8 fully programmable buttons (4 on the stick and 4 on the base) and an 8 way hat switch which is also programmable.

Overall fit and finish of the product is beautiful. The plastic MS used has a mat finish to not only provide a better gripping surface but will also help in keeping the unit looking good for a long time. The controller has a cool looking green light on it to indicate power to the unit and there are many little rubber feet on the bottom to help keep the unit in place. My one gripe with the fit and finish is the gap down the middle of the stick. Not only does it not look very good but it ends up being a big dirt collector which you’ll be cleaning out from time to time.

I was really surprised by how strong the force feedback motors are in the controller. With the forces adjusted to full in the control panel it takes a good amount of strength to counteract the motors. At first I thought I might want to turn down the amount of force used in games because I thought it would be distracting but as it turned out it was quite the opposite. The level of interaction and enjoyment is increased so significantly I found myself wanting more feedback instead of less.

 

Conclusion
I really like this product. Not only has MS built a very good quality unit but the fun this thing adds to gaming is enormous. It really does take gaming to a new level when adding feedback to your controller. I played many different games with the Sidewinder Force Feedback 2, all of which I had already played using a regular (non FF) flight stick and there is just no comparison. Whether I was piloting a ship through space or controlling a battlemech on the ground the feedback forces feel, quite surprisingly, realistic. So is MS’s Sidewinder FF2 worth the extra dollars over a regular flight stick? That’s without question. Is MS’s FF2 worth the few extra dollars over the competitions force feedback sticks? Well that one is a little tougher to answer but let me tell you this; MS definitely has a few advantages over the competition, such as the greatest compatibility (hey who doesn’t use Windows?), great support (especially with the new online tech support features in Windows XP), and easy to use fully featured software. Not to mention MS’s reputation for building good quality long lasting peripherals (not just for gaming). That being said, the MS Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 gets our recommendation. So if you’re into any type of games that involve using a flight stick then do yourself a huge favor a pick up a Force Feedback flight stick.

Highs

• A whole new level of immersion in gaming
• Adds new life to old games
• Very well constructed
• Good software
• Fully customizable buttons
• And yes it does look pretty damn cool

Lows

• Not the greatest for left handers
• Costs more than the competition
• The gap down the center of the stick
• Larger hands will have a little trouble with the one button
  (secondary fire)
  
  
  

	86

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