The mouse and keyboard combo is indeed the best way to play a variety of games on the PC, and -regardless of platform- the only proper way to enjoy both RTS and FPS gaming. Now, even though admittedly a gaming focused mouse can be a thing of beauty (and great price), it’s the more extravagant, more specialized stuff I’m currently interested in. And no, I’m not talking about PC gamepads. After all, you can simply grab a PlayStation-PC converter, any console controller you fancy and have all the dual analog fun you care for. What I’m talking about is the impressive specialist stuff.

So, uhm, let’s start with the Logitech G25 racing wheel complete with all its weird paraphernalia, including the six-speed shifter and metal pedals. This rather beautiful set is fully compatible with a huge variety of PC racing games, though only a few (GTR2, Test Drive, RACE and rFactor) take full advantage of the shifter and the supported 900-degree (!) steering. Impress your friends, look utterly silly, wear your driving gloves and drive on! This will be as close as you’ll ever get to some proper rally action without actually harming the environment. Or yourselves.

Saitek’s Pro Yoke Flight system, on the other hand, seems to be definitely focused on improving your flight simulator abilities. Not that you couldn’t attempt driving a virtual car with the thing mind you, but you wouldn’t want to spoil that cherished geeky feeling, would you? Oh, and lots of steel bits, 14 buttons, 3 throttle levers and a variety of other pointless stuff will make sure you’ll never get bored of the latest MS Flight Simulator, while living the excitement any Airbus pilot feels while flying for 15 hours over the Pacific.

Then again, I would rather fly a simulated F-16 and shoot things with the help of the HOTAS Cougar Joystik by Guillemot/Hercules. It might be a more expensive option, but it’s sleek, extremely realistic, sturdy, shiny and absolutely perfect for flying into any sort of aerial combat. Apparently comes with a full-sized throttle too and should also do a fine controller for your average space sim.

Not that the vibrating MaxFighter F31-U joystick wouldn’t do for a session of Wing Commander or X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter. Should save you quite a bit of desk space and definitely some of your hard-earned cash. Looks nice too.

Admittedly though, Logitech’s slightly more expensive Force 3D Pro offering is definitely the more impressive offering. Probably more versatile too, as I’ve actually seen it being used for some above average FPS fragging. Yes, despite the built-in throttle thingy and an array of 12 buttons. Oh, and it does look like something that escaped the Star Trek universe.

Posted on February 29th, 2008 by konstantinos