PlayCube
Score: 85% Developer: Nyko
Function: If you're like me, then you have probably spent the last few years using the DualShock for all of your game controlling needs. When Sony decided to use the DualShock for the PS2, it gained more than a few dirty looks from some people (you know who you are). But if you think about it - why not use it again since the DS is arguably one of the best controllers on the market, if not the best (send all flames, responses, Anthrax to StarScream@gamevortex.com). So, of course, Nintendo has to come along with their new system, and of course I have to go and buy it (damn Rogue Leader). Now, instead of just playing with my familiar, comfortable DualShock2, I have to get used to the Cube controller as well. Now don't get me wrong - Nintendo's is an excellent controller, but like all good humans, I'm resistant to change, so going from the DS2 to this one is a bit of a leap (must be that big green button that's throwing me off). Until now...
Performance: Thanks to the PlayCube adapter, players can use the DualShock 2 with the GameCube (how cool is that?). The adapter is easy to use, just plug one end (it should be obvious which end goes where) in to the DS2, and the other into the GC - simple huh? Getting accustomed to the button layout is really quite simple; the d-pad and left analog stick mirror those on the GC, and the right analog is the C button; the L2 and R2 buttons work as shoulder buttons, and the L1 and R1 act as a Z-trigger (effectively giving you two); X acts as A, Square is B, Triangle is X and Circle is Y. Except for the shoulder buttons not having a good 'digital click', the adapter worked quite well, especially with the stock DS2 - results will vary depending on the controller you are using, so check them out before blaming the adapter. For those who just can't live without the rumble feature, the PlayCube offers full rumble support as well.
Features: Play GameCube games with the PS2 Controller Full 'Rumble' support Works with any PS2 controller
Drawbacks & Problems:: As I mentioned before, I only found one drawback to the PlayCube - but it's a big one that will affect some games in a big way. When using the GC controller, pressing the shoulder buttons down all the way results in a 'click'. When playing with the controller, it's easy not to notice this - but it does matter. The problem with using the DS2 is that it doesn't have that 'click' unless you really jam the button down - so games that require this 'click' suffer. For example, in Rogue Leader the shoulder buttons control the thrust and brakes on your ship - slowly holding down the button makes your ship slowly speed up or down, and pushing the button results in a quick thrust (closing your S-foils). The problem with the PlayCube is that you can't do the quick thrust all the time in Rogue Leader, which - for missions such as Strike and the Core and the Trench Run can be a problem - sometimes meaning life or death, or at least hindering your medal times. Except for this problem, I really liked the PlayCube. As long as the game isn't too dependent on the 'click' in the shoulder buttons, it's a very good solution for multi-console owners who don't have the money to buy multiple controllers and should come in handy once some fighting games (Soul Calibur 2 for example) start coming out.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
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