Score:
9
/10
Company of Origin:
Saitek
Type of Device:
Flight Stick
Minimum System Requirements:
Windows 98/Me/2000/XP; 166 MHz processor with 32 MB
RAM and SUB Ports
Test System:
Windows 98; 1.2 MHz Celeron Processor; 256 MB RAM;
DirectX 8.1; 3dfx Vodoo 3; 24X CD-ROM.
Toshiba Satellite series laptop; Windows XP Home Ed.;
512 MB RAM; 24X DVD/CD ROM.
Function:
I haven't always been into flight sims or combat sims, but after reviewing
the Saitek ST90, I attribute this mostly to the fact that I have
never really tried them with a joystick. In the past, I have played games
like Star Wars Rebel Assault I and II and the Wing Commander
series with the keyboard and mouse, but after the experience I had with the
ST90, I don't think I will ever be able to go back to the old way.
The ST90 is a good joystick to use with any flight or combat sim and
is great for any beginner who hopes to delve into the genre more (but
doesn't have the big bucks or skill to buy the larger controllers).
Performance:
All in all, I'd say that the Saitek ST90 is a good, solid joystick.
It wasn't hard to get used to the buttons or control setup of the joystick
and the placement of the buttons felt really natural.
I thought the ability to unlock and fold the tripod legs up for storage was
a nice feature that made this product more than just another joystick.
The ST90's digital throttle was another good and very noticeable
feature. The plus and minus throttle buttons are arranged just above the
thumb and are good for when you need to speed up in a hurry. The throttle
has 5 positions and clicking the plus button raises the throttle to the next
position (indicated by 4 green LED's above the throttle), or you can hold it
down to increase the throttle at a slower (though constant) rate.
I picked up a few sims when Psibabe handed me the ST90 to review. I
figured I had better try this joystick out on some of the more modern games
out there. I found its response was good for games like Microsoft Flight
Simulator 2002, Jet Fighter III and IV and even made a game like
Hot Wheels Jets (one that I found to be a bear to control with the
keyboard) easier to tolerate.
Features:
-
Fast-Action Trigger
-
2 Fire Buttons
-
Digital Throttle
-
Ideal for left- and right-handed gamers
-
Retractable Tripod Legs for maximum stability and easy
storage
Drawbacks & Problems:
There isn't much to say in the way of drawbacks with the Saitek ST90.
The only thing I can really think of is that the performance of the joystick
would be better if the throttle was analog and allowed you a little more
control over your speed.
The ST90 is a good controller for any flight (or combat) sim
beginner, but if you are a veteran of the genre, you might want to look for
something a little more comprehensive. Basically, this isn't the controller
you want if you are one of those people who are planning on getting their
FAA license by mastering MS Flight Sim, but it is fine for the
general gamer.
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