Interact V4 Force Feedback Wheel

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Review: InterAct V4 Force Feedback Wheel

The V4 features 13 configurable buttons, a HAT switch, and industrial-strength metallic flippers on the underside for shifting action. You have the option of using the suction cups or attaching the included metal clamps to a desk. The thick base comes with large-size pedals and software that can set FF even for non-FF games, but the most interesting feature of the V4 is the adjustable tilt. It actually has two: The first sets the wheel at either 50 degrees or 100 degrees (approximately), while the second fine-tunes the angle of the steering wheel itself.

At first look this tilt feature came across as very useful. That is, until we realized how limiting it really was. As mentioned, the first tilt adjustment only allowed two positions, so you'll either set it at 50 or 100 degrees. The only rationale we can think of for setting it at 100 degrees is to simulate a bus-driver position (straddling the unit between your legs while sitting), but then again I haven't seen any copies of Need for Bus-Driving IV on store shelves. You can use the second tilt feature to angle it toward you for a more realistic driving angle. But even so, straddling the unit makes it very awkward when reaching for the pedals. So we suspect that gamers will be leaving this unit in the 50 degree angle most of the time on a table.

The second tilt feature is a bit more practical, but not by much. It angles the wheel itself in six different positions, but you'll find it more useful on the rare occasion when using the 100 degree angle previously described. At 50 degrees we found only two positions on the secondary-tilt feature that actually simulates driving conditions. Anything beyond these two positions would angle the wheel at the floor, since it can only be tilted down.

And those flippers...oh boy. We like it that they're made of metal and seemed durable and solidly connected to the wheel. The problem is that they're placed so close to the wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions that when you grip the wheel there they get in the way, and it's almost impossible not to scrape your fingers on the edges. Connecting the clamps to the unit was no piece of cake, either; whoever designed them probably has very small hands with some really buff fingers. We found it awkward and difficult to slip in to tighten the teeny-tiny screws connecting the clamp to the unit, but once connected they held the unit solidly.

Well, after all that ruckus we were less-than-jazzed about this unit, but we were willing to forgive if the unit performed well. It didn't. While the V4 produced some strong FF, we just couldn't put up with the rattling and moaning coming from this unit. Step on the gas without holding the wheel and the casing rattles. Strange groans and "beeps" occurred sometimes when the FF kicked in. Then, mysteriously, the wheel would get really "tight" and difficult to turn, even though we were on a smooth road. Then the effect would go away. At first we thought we had a defective product on our hands, but the second wheel we received yielded the same results. On the plus side, the non-slip grip is first-class, the pedals performed well, and the base didn't skid around much. Uh, that's about it.

The pricing is low, but if you're looking for a high-quality FF wheel, our recommendation is to stay away from this one, folks. If you do get the V4, that "V" may stand for "victim."-- Danny W. Lam / GamePro