Spectravideo / Logic 3's
TopDrive
Reactor
Overall
Rating
92%
Type
of
Hardware
Digital /
Analog
Controller with Steering Control in R/C Car
Layout
"
Now, I haven't had a lot of experience with R/C car controllers, but I HAVE
used a lot of driving controllers. The learning curve on the TopDrive
Reactor may be a bit steep, but the features make up for it!
"
Control
It
takes a bit of practice to learn where all of the controls are, but they're
all there. You've got the D-pad, the four action buttons, L1, L2, L3, R1,
R2, R3, Select, Start, two analog triggers (for gas and brake), and a
steering wheel which looks quite a bit like a car wheel with a cool rim. The
layout of the steering mechanism and the dual triggers is extremely
ergonomic and intuitive. The rest of the layout is not as intuitive. On most
games, this is not a problem... if you've got gas, brake and steering
handled, you can play most racing games. (Some people never touch the brake,
for that matter...) For more demanding games, such as 'DRIVER', the game I
use to test pure control of a controller, this can lower the score a
bit. Even so, the Logic 3 TopDrive Reactor scored pretty well, while
showing
a trend to increase in score with practice... (To check out
the results, check my 'Control Freaks'
feature...) One feature that greatly enhances the gameplay actually works
against 'control', to enhance realism. The TopDrive Reactor is
equipped
with a 'Jog-Con' compatible jolt feature instead of just a vibration effect.
While this makes steering through rough terrain and maintaining control
after a collision more realistic, it also makes it more difficult.
In addition to the standard controls, the TopDrive Reactor has
several
switches to allow for configuration. These include a 5 position steering
sensitivity adjustment, Jogging force control (Hi, Lo, or Centering only), a
'SET' button for reassigning button functions, and a 6 position 'Mode'
switch.
Learning
Curve
The TopDrive Reactor is
not necessarily the kind of controller you can just sit down and do well
with. It takes some practice to learn to use it well and to get used to the
'Active Feedback'. The learning curve is very steady, however. You are
likely to have each try better than the last (well, often anyway). The grip
takes getting used to (unless you're familiar with R/C car controllers (the
expensive types). Also - there's several modes to learn and trimming
controls
that can help tailor the performance of the Reactor to fit your
needs. In short, the Reactor takes some practice, but seems to be
well worth it. Especially if you love racing games and can't drag a steering
wheel controller with you everywhere you go...
Playability
The
TopDrive Reactor is a lightweight Digital / Analog controller which
supports a host of modes. The grip takes some getting used to, but its
weight is light enough to allow for hours on end of enjoyment. Its 'Active
Feedback' feature makes even losing fun, since you can 'feel' the road. With
the Reactor's learning curve, this is probably a good thing. If you
really want to do some serious driving, but you find yourself REALLY on the
road quite a bit, the Reactor provides a nice (fun) portable
replacement for a (bulky) steering wheel..
Features
- Dual Shock Digital Mode
- Dual Shock Analog Mode
- Namco JogCon Digital Mode
- Namco JogCon Analog Mode
- Namco NegCon Vibration Mode
- Namco NegCon Non-Vibration Mode
- Built in (Digital / Analog) Steering Wheel
- Re-Mappable Button Functions
- Trigger Style (R/C) Controller
- Steering Sensitivity Adjustment
- Jogging Force Control
- Dual Trigger Design (Gas/Brake)
- Light Weight
- 6' Cord
Drawbacks &
Problems
Learning Curve. Period. If you
are familiar with Trigger Style R/C Car controllers (or you're willing to
spend the time necessary to build proficiency with it), the TopDrive
Reactor is an EXCELLENT choice. Were it easier to jump in and do well
with it, the score would have been a 100%. (And a little longer cord would
have been nice...)