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Freedom V Wireless
Score: 88%
Developer: The Ant Commandos
Device Type: Controller


Function:

As perfect as the guitar controller that comes with Guitar Hero is, it has one minor flaw, a cord. Sure, the controller is great if you just want to strum along with the game but – and let’s be honest here – how many of us completely rock out while playing? And, the wilder you get, the more of a liability the cord becomes. Not only could you trip over the thing, but you also run the risk of pulling the controller out of the system and breaking that perfect note streak or causing the system to come crashing to the floor. Well rockers, The Ant Commandos have the answer to all of your problems – the Freedom V Wireless.

Performance:

The Freedom V performs as well as the stock controller, though it is not without its own unique learning curve.

The controller is about the same size as the stock guitar, though its slightly elongated body style makes it appear a little bigger. The elongated body actually helps to make the controller a little more ergonomic than the squat stock controller. The neck isn’t much longer, but the subtle length addition actually feels better since your arm doesn’t feel as cramped. After marathon sessions of Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero II using both guitars, my arm felt slightly better after using the Freedom V. The added weight of the battery pack (and wireless device) also gives the controller a nice heft.

One of the more useful additions the Freedom V brings to the table is an extra strap peg, which makes playing the controller easier for both lefties and righties. The peg placement also allows the guitar to sling a little lower, adding to the comfort factor.

The Freedom V’s button layout is exactly the same as the stock controller, though it does feature a few tweaks. The whammy bars feels and responds as well as the stock controller; however, the strum-bar and fret buttons feel much, much different. Rather than having the solid click of the stock controller, the buttons and strum bar are a little looser. While it isn’t as noticeable on the strum bar, the spongy feel of the fret buttons are something you’ll either love or hate.

The spongy feel means that you don’t have to press as hard to get a response, which can result in quicker chord switches, but only if you can break yourself of the habit of having to press the buttons hard. If you’re able to do this, you’ll probably like what the Freedom V has to offer; if not, you will dislike it.


Features:
  • Full Function Controller for use with Guitar Hero I & II
  • Wireless

Drawbacks & Problems::

One of the Freedom V’s design features is a slightly recessed Start button. In theory, it makes sense that the button is lower, though it doesn’t work all that well. Since the button is so much lower, it can get caught under the plastic molding. This isn’t a game breaker, though it can get annoying. I also had problems with the green button getting stuck under the molding, something that can become problematic during gameplay. It doesn’t happen all the time, but it still happens enough to be noticeable.

Another, slightly more troublesome aspect of the controller comes when activating Star Power. For whatever reason, the Freedom V takes a little longer to respond after holding the controller vertical. Sometimes I found myself having to tilt the controller more than once to get a response.

Aside from the spongy buttons, which are really a matter of personal taste, the Freedom V Wireless is a solid controller that should make any Guitar Hero enthusiast happy.


-Starscream, GameVortex Communications
AKA Ricky Tucker

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