Big wheel keep on turnin'...
When it comes to the total gaming experience, home systems are just can't compare
to the big, geeky arcade units. So when a hot title like
Gran
Turismo 3 is released, how are gamers supposed to experience the "real driving
simulator" while steering a control pad? This time the answer is simple: The Logitech
GT Force wheel. As the
official wheel for
Gran Turismo 3,
the
GT Force is the most obvious pick for the full-on driving experience.
But it is worth the price? The answer is a definite… maybe.
On the outside, the GT Force is definitely a winner. Its sleek design
is much more aesthetically pleasing than any other PS2 wheel on the market.
Blue rubber grips against the black unit look almost like a smaller version
of a real aftermarket steering wheel. This is a much better change of pace from
the assortment of goofy looking wheels we usually see for consoles.
The main unit locks down to your favorite TV tray with not one, but two solid
clamps for extra support. Not once did I have a problem with the wheel coming
loose. Unfortunately, there's no lap compatibility (unlike the Blue
Thunder wheel), so make sure you have a nice-sized coffee table
As one of the leaders in force feedback technology, Logitech has put together
the most immersive wheel I've ever seen for a home console. Cruising around
in GT3 is a totally different experience. You'll actually feel
the virtual road beneath your tires. The sensitivity of the force feedback is
top of the line and running over various surfaces will yield different feelings.
Let's hear it for TouchSense technology!
You can easily tell the GT Force is an above-average wheel just by
its weight and feel. One experience and you'll know for sure that this isn't
some cheaply made piece of plastic that used to be an old toilet seat.
Now for the bad news: the wheel's USB cord is a little on the short side.
Sitting about five feet away from the PS2 was apparently too much - the cord
was taut and I needed to pull the PS2 out in order to make things comfortable.
If the GT Force had the PS2 controller's standard six-foot length, there
wouldn't have been any problems. The same goes for the power cord, but at least
you can grab an extension for that.
Another thing you'll notice is that the footpad is too narrow. There's really
no way you can anchor the pad with your left foot without it getting in the
way of the right. I guess that means you have to get used to driving with your
left on the brake and right on the gas. Not hard at all, but how many of us
do that in real life?
While the cords and the footpad are minor inconveniences, there's one major
bump in the road that will affect us all: the price. The GT Force is
indeed a high quality wheel, so naturally it is followed by the high quality
price tag of $99.95. That means your GT3 experience will cost you a total
of $150! That will definitely lighten your piggy bank. Ouch.
In any case, the GT Force is the cream of the crop for the PS2. The
"real" driving experience is enhanced by leaps and bounds, but you'll be paying
top dollar for this ride.
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