MC2
Score: 90% Developer: MadCatz
Function: Needless to say, the MC2 Racing Wheel's function is to bring the feeling of driving into your own home. It does this, and some. Investing in this high performance piece of hardware will go a long way, no matter what type of driving game you have. Given the nature of driving, the only position suitable for using this wheel is in the sitting position. The bottom of the base is contoured to fit your legs, and the addition of retractable leg supports on either side keeps the unit snug on your lap. A gas and brake unit is included, and attaches to the main unit with a detachable cord. The Wheel unit is adorned with every button found on the regular controller, including the d-pad and two butterfly pedals behind the wheel that you can use if you don't like the foot pedals. All of the buttons are analog, so theoretically you could use this wheel with any XBox title.
Performance: All of the features of the MC2 add up to one hell of a ride. The wheel is molded to accompany the vibration feature, giving a uniform vibration throughout the wheel. The sensitivity can also be customized using the Accudrive system, an easily implemented option that takes but a second to configure. The placement of the buttons on the face of the wheel are well placed to guide you through an options menu, but in times of need during the rush of a race, they can become a bit of a chore to reach. If the game allows you to remap the keys, everything should be fine, but if you're forced to use a certain button and you can't change it, it may get a little annoying. The gas and brake unit is well set up for anyone to use, and the vertical vector design means that when you throttle up, the pedals won't take off.
Features: Adjustable wheel sensitivity Racing stick shift for manual overdrive 10 analog buttons Rubber coated wheel Retractable leg supports Vertical vector design on the pedals to keep from sliding
Drawbacks & Problems:: There really isn't any drawback at all to this wheel's design. The button placement can be fixed by fiddling with the game's control options, and though the pedal unit is a bit light in weight, it will only move around if you have a very heavy lead foot. For racing buffs, this is a must buy. For those of you who have just one or two racing games you like, getting the MC2 will create a virtually new gaming experience for you.
-Snow Chainz, GameVortex Communications AKA Andrew Horwitz
R80 GBA SP Magnifier (MagLENS)