Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2

Reviews: Peripherals

Accessories | Gaming Devices | Keyboards / Mice | Printers

Author:
Editor:
Sponsor:
Published:

Bradford Day
Kurtis
Logitech
Feb. 3, 2005

<< Previous

Next >>

Installation & Testing

Like most PC/Mac gaming input devices, drivers are required. The included CD contains both the device drivers and programming software. Installation is easy with the typical click-through menus. Included on the installation disc are several bonus software options such as the Roger Wilco VoIP application, GameSpy Arcade and the WildTangent Game channel software. I found it a little strange that the WildTangent software was included as my ad-ware apps usually treat WildTangent components as malicious.

Once the drivers and programming software are installed, you can get set to start playing your favorite games. The custom programming software, or Logitech Profiler as it is called, allows specific aspects of the pad to be customized to your liking. Each button can be assigned to any keyboard stoke. Axes can be defined as well and custom fit for each game. For example, I set the left-hand stick as my movement control in Call of Duty: United Offensive. With the profiler, I was able to set the up position to walk forward, the down position as walk backwards and left and right positions as strafe.

The Logitech Profiler can be set to recognize when a specific game is launched. It will then automatically load the appropriate game profile. Some games will require that you customize your Rumblepad using the Profiler while others will recognize the buttons with no problems.

For my first test, I used Madden NFL 2004 to administer the Rumblepad's first whoopin'. Sports games are pretty much made for console-style controllers. Madden 2004 instantly recognized the controller and I was able to play immediately. But, little did I know, none of the Madden line of games supports force feedback. Bummer. Despite that, I was able to attempt to play a little football. Much like a console game, the response was predictable and comfortable. Too bad I hate football. But, I can't hold my dislike of football against the Rumblepad; it performed perfectly. This is controller is an excellent choice if you are into PC sports game.

Call of Duty: United Offensive required use of the Logitech Profiler to meet my preferences for game settings. Not that I would ever use a game pad for a first person shooter normally, but for the sake of testing the controller I set it up anyway. I was able to get the controller to perform quite well. However, I did have a problem with the force feedback not working in-game. Even with the newest patch release, CoD did not want to feedback. After consulting Logitech's website, I found that only games with the Iforce-2 instruction set work with the controller's force feedback. But, despite Logitech's own warnings in the readme file contained on the driver CD that most first person shooters will not work with a game pad, I was able to get the controller to work using the profiler software. That said, I personally would not recommend game pads for use in any FPS game.

Disheartened by the lack of force feedback, I turned to Need for Speed Underground 2. Thank the video game gods. Finally I was able to get the rumble in the Rumblepad to come alive. I absolutely loved this controller for NFSU2! The stick controls are a perfect match for this driving game and the input coding seems as though it was written specifically for the Rumblepad. The force feedback was a little weak, but at least it worked. I feel this is more of a programming problem rather than a hardware issue. The controller was instantly recognized and I was navigating menus long before I ever got to the controls set-up screen. Honestly I wasn't expecting to like using this console-type input device, but NFSU2 changed my mind. If you are looking for a good controller to use in conjunction with this game, but don't want to spend the money on a wheel/pedal combo, check out the Rumblepad. And for no real reason at all, check out my sweet Peugeot 206.

Now, I won't say that this controller is an excellent choice for all driving games. After one run through the rally course in Richard Burn's Rally, I was quite annoyed. This game is not well suited for a game pad. While the controller was recognized natively, it just didn't steer the car with any precision and I spent more time in the ditch or upside-down than anywhere else. Some driving games are best left to wheels and pedals I guess.

As far as "cordlessness" goes, I couldn't be more pleased with the Rumblepad 2's performance. I never experience a skip, dropped signal or glitch of any kind. Even in the next room with the door closed, the controller did its job. (Kurtis' Note: Can you really be sure? I mean, if the door was closed! Bah, nevermind.) No one should be left wanting better wireless performance from the Rumblepad 2.

<< Previous

Page 3 of 4

Next >>

Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: First Looks
Page 3: Installation & Testing
Page 4: Conclusion

Subscribe to Gaming Devices [more info]

View All

Related Reviews

Razer Arctosa Gaming Keyboard

Gaming Devices July 17, 2009

Microsoft Sidewinder Gaming Mouse

Gaming Devices February 11, 2009

Razer Tarantula Gaming Keyboard

Gaming Devices December 19, 2006

Laser Mouse Roundup

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.