Gravis Xterminator Force Gamepad

If you want to actually feel those violent punches, shooting recoils, missile attacks and explosions through a medium more than just visual, this gamepad from Gravis could be the thing for you. Connected by a USB cable into your computer, the pad is very easy to set up and also very easy to use once you have installed the drivers and software from the CDRom.

When this is done you can go to the control panel to configure the pad. You can alter the sensitivity of the controls and also test each different effect. With 10 different force-feedback actions the pad can simulate many different environments and sensations. The movements are simulated using mini-motors attached to the directional pad. These range from the basic gunshot recoil through to a bow and arrow, car crash and even an undulating open sea effect.

The pad is large and weighty, with 10 different control buttons which offer a whole range of different configurations and profiles suitable for different games. You can also set up profiles of the control method favoured for different games, using the Game Set software, which is handy for tailoring your perfect control system.

It works particularly well on driving games, giving the impression of crossing different terrain and smashing into trees quite violently. Some adventure games like Tomb Raider seem well suited to it. You can also use the Precision button in the centre when you need a more accurate directional control, ideal for use when jumping and landing in tight spaces.

The force-feedback technology contained inside this gamepad will only work with games that support it, but plenty of titles nowadays do. However, it is worth checking just how many of your games can take advantage of the facility before forking out, because our main gripe with this pad is the high cost. At £60 this is a real luxury purchase for many gamers.

Although Gravis claims that Xterminator Force is the first true force-feedback pad there are others on the market now. The Thrustmaster Firestorm boasts the same feedback technology by Immersion and only costs £25, which is considerably better value.

Specification:

• TouchSense force-feedback technology
• Plug-and-play USB connection
• 10 programmable buttons
• Precision mode £59.99 (inc VAT)

Contact: Gravis 0800 894383
www.gravis.com

See also:

Logitech Cordless Wingman Gamepad

A great gamepad at a good price.  20 Mar 2002

Seiko SmartPad 2e

A hi-tech folly that turns almost any pocket-sized PC into an expensive scribble pad.  20 Nov 2001

Nintendo Game Boy Advance

Nintendo's little boy becomes a man.  24 Jul 2001

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