|
Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2
First Looks
Well, what can I say? At first glance the Rumblepad 2 looks like a console controller. Although, Logitech has mad a few subtle changes to the basic PS2-style game pad. Most noticeable are the button labels. Since they can't get away with using Sony's iconic triangle, square, circle, X denotations, Logitech simply numbers the buttons in white. There are a couple rearrangements in the typical select/pause button area including the addition of two small useable and programmable buttons as well as vibration control and mode select buttons. I'll discuss these in further detail later.     The remaining 8 buttons are essentially your run of the mill console layout with 4 right hand side primary thumb buttons and 4 front mounted finger buttons. A directional pad adorns the left hand side, but it is slightly different from the PS2 version as it looks less like four buttons and more like a solid directional pad...similar to the D-pad on the Xbox controller. The 2 axis sticks on the posterior end of the pad are not unlike their Sony cousins and can also act as buttons if pressed downwards. The mode select button will allow the user to swap the left hand side axis controller and the D-pad functions. Logitech calls this a sport mode, meaning that when the mode button is pressed and the red LED lit, the D-pad will control action and the left stick will dictate point of view. For some games it is useful, others not so much. I think it will depend on what you prefer. The vibration button simply turns the vibration on or off. The reverse of this mode is the default, or what Logitech calls the flight mode.    The Rumblepad is a touch on the heavy side, no doubt due to the fact that it has force feedback motors and 2xAA batteries tucked away inside its belly. Overall the game pad is sleeker and more rounded than a stock Sony pad. I think it is slightly more comfortable too. The casing is ever so slightly textured and very easy on the hands. Button play is firm and the axis and D-pad movement precise and resilient. Typically I don't care for console-type controllers. However, if I were forced to choose between the PS2 and Logitech's controller, I would choose the latter.     Included in the easy to open (yay!) package are a set of installation instructions, a safety sheet warning you not to play video games for too long lest you loose the feeling in your fingers, a driver CD, USB wireless signal receiver, 2xAA batteries and the controller. Slip the battery access panel off the bottom of the controller, insert the batteries and you are pretty much ready to rock...after you install the drivers that is.   
Related Reviews Gaming Devices July 17, 2009
Gaming Devices February 11, 2009
Gaming Devices December 19, 2006
Gaming Devices April 30, 2006
Add Comment
7 User Comments 1 - Posted by
J2T
on February 3, 2005 - 3:24 pm I've been eyeing one of these to replace my M$ Sidewinder, just gotta convince the wife. :D
2 - Posted by
Guest
on February 22, 2005 - 3:20 am The wired version has Feedback, too. I have bought it a few days ago at the german Amazon homepage (http://www.amazon.de) and fully agree with the review: The controller is absolutely accurate, well-manufactured and with the profiler easy to use. For sports games like the Fifa series (very famous soccer simulation in Europe) there exists no better gamepad. P.S.: The wired version is even a bit lighter in weight, than the cordless version because of the lack of batteries. 3 - Posted by
Guest
on September 4, 2007 - 3:30 pm I'm very please with the wired version I have, the only fault is more games should make use of it.
4 - Posted by
lechuckgl
on October 22, 2008 - 9:46 am Great hoystick, specially for PES games ! I am playing PES 2009 with this baby and it work incredibly GREAT. Drivers re not needed, Windows recognized it the moment I pluged the receptor. This is a must-have ! PS: of course I wouldt recomend ANY joystick for a FPS game....mouse+keybord still rule that world ! 5 - Posted by
Chad
on July 3, 2009 - 11:44 pm I've had this gamepad for 3 or 4 years. It's comfy, and works well. It's survived drops, spills from water to orange juice to 10 floavours of tea, and yet it still keeps going. The batteries last for months too. I'm not sure if these are still sold, but if you see one in the store or on Ebay, grab it. 6 - Posted by
Uvall
on January 19, 2010 - 1:32 pm I've had mine almost two years now(wireless version), and I also have to agree with this review. I actually prefer the weight of it compared to lighter gamepads though. I've owned a couple over the years, ancient apple joysticks back in the 80's all the way up till now(consoles included) and this controller seems to be built better than any. I's probably the most comfortable controller I've ever used, along with giving some of the best precision around. lechuckgl has it right though, mouse+keyboard is the only way to go for a FPS. For Sports and various other action games, this is definately a must have.
7 - Posted by
Uvall
on January 19, 2010 - 1:44 pm Also I'd like to say, the Force Feedback works great. Every game I've expected to have it work in, it's worked. So I'm assuming the I-force 2 feedback instruction he was refering to in the review is supported by everything now-a-days....
Add Comment To add a comment without being a member, you may omit the password field, but you must enter your name (or nickname) along with your comment. * Denotes required fields. |
Recent Articles Editorials March 15, 2010
Editorials August 27, 2009
Editorials August 18, 2009
Editorials March 17, 2009
Recent News Good Old Games Mar. 21, 2010 - 12:43 pm
Jason Bradbury Mar. 19, 2010 - 10:52 pm
Rock Paper Shotgun Mar. 19, 2010 - 10:44 pm
joystiq Mar. 19, 2010 - 6:58 pm
Tom's Hardware Mar. 19, 2010 - 4:42 pm
Rock Paper Shotgun Mar. 18, 2010 - 11:58 pm
Fudzilla Mar. 18, 2010 - 11:57 pm
|
|||||||||||||||
