Reviews / previews
Since the PC is arguably the most versatile gaming machine, hard-core gamers can have a hard time selecting a controller. Not everyone can afford the best gamepad, steering wheel, and joystick to match the demands on each gaming genre.
Enter Interact's Hammerhead FX gamepad. This controller sports dual analog controllers, a digital D-pad, 10 buttons and force feedback to boot - all for a street price of around $40 (a little more if you want the optional AC adapter).
Using the Hammerhead's simple, flexible profiler software, you can use one of four controller pre-sets, or program the controller for specific keyboard/joystick functions yourself, to suit virtually any game. Force feedback effects can also be assigned to the buttons, allowing effects to be added even to games that don't support them, like LucasArts' Racer.
Though it takes a little time getting used to the dual analog controllers, the five-level bundled version Descent 3 played very well. Racer, not bundled, was also a pleasure.
The D-Pad can be used as a joystick hat for flying games, the controllers as joysticks, and the buttons for almost anything. Toss in modest force feedback, and what more could you ask?
Not much. USB support would have been nice, and the controller's profiler software did occasionally exhibit a few minor problems in Windows, such as not recognizing the controller at startup. But overall the Hammerhead's flexibility, modest price and comfortable feel make this controller well worth the money.-- P. Bryan Edge-Salois / GamePro
Got an opinion about Hammerhead FX Gamepad? Or maybe know a good cheat or strategy? Share it with the world!