{"id":163,"date":"2007-01-30T21:34:49","date_gmt":"2007-01-31T02:34:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/unitstep.net\/blog\/2007\/01\/30\/xbox-360-controller-review\/"},"modified":"2007-07-25T01:00:10","modified_gmt":"2007-07-25T06:00:10","slug":"xbox-360-controller-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unitstep.net\/blog\/2007\/01\/30\/xbox-360-controller-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Xbox 360 Controller Review"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/a><\/p>\n If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, well-designed and functional PC gamepad that works well across many games, the Xbox 360 Controller is a good choice. Besides fitting well in your hands, and offering the standard feature set, it’s got the backing of Microsoft, ensuring that it’ll work well in all of the games that come out with the new Games for Windows<\/a><\/cite> branding. Quality is top-notch, (as expected, since the controller is in wide use with the Xbox 360 system), and it’s available in both a wireless and wired version. I decided to buy the wired version over Christmas, and here’s my quick review on how it’s been since then. Let’s face it – not all PC games work well with just the defacto keyboard and mouse combination. Don’t get me wrong – the vast majority do, and for these, the keyboard and mouse is more than enough. In fact, PC gamers have always looked at consoles with disdain because of a lack of control options. Many of us (myself included) could not imagine playing an FPS<\/abbr> on a console because of the lack of keyboard and mouse control. However, there are certain game types that do work better with a gamepad, and when a good one comes along, you don’t want to be stuck fiddling with your mouse and keyboard in a vain attempt to enjoy the game.<\/p>\n For me, this moment came when I got Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy<\/a><\/cite>. Admittedly, this game could’ve been designed to work better with a keyboard and mouse, but the way it was made just made it damn near impossible to play without a gamepad. So, I decided to get an Xbox 360 Wired Controller to improve the experience. <\/p>\n But why wired? Clearly wireless is better, is it not? Well it depends on your needs. I knew I wouldn’t be using the gamepad all the time, but only occasionally. Thus, the benefit of going wireless for me didn’t outweigh the additional cost, and additional trouble of having to use batteries. Also, to use the wireless Xbox 360 controller with a PC, you must buy a separate wireless receiver that plugs into your PC – adding another dongle to the mix. For me, it didn’t make sense for something that wouldn’t be used that often – however, if you are going to be using it constantly, wireless is definitely the way to go. And, of course, if you have an Xbox 360, either one of these controllers will also work with it – consider it an added bonus.<\/p>\n The gamepad itself is pretty much standard as far as PC gamepads go. There are two analog sticks, one in the top left corner and the other just right of the bottom center. Both can also be pressed\/clicked for another button function. The standard four-button group of thumb-buttons is unchanged from the original Xbox controller. However, the black\/white buttons have been redesigned as left\/right buttons above the front analog triggers, so your index fingers have a little more work to do. This is a better setup, as it reduces the number of buttons your thumb has to work. Lastly, there’s also the start and select buttons, which are in the top center, just around the Xbox “ring of light”. While the “ring of light” button is useful when used with an Xbox 360, it’s less so on the PC, unless used with titles with the Games for Windows<\/cite> branding. <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n I have been using this gamepad for several weeks now, mostly with the previously mentioned Lego Star Wars II<\/cite>, and with Need for Speed: Most Wanted<\/a><\/cite>. These are ideal games for gamepads. I’ve also tried in a little bit of Flight Simulator X<\/a><\/cite>, but that’s more of a joystick game and it wouldn’t go well with any gamepad. <\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\nIntroduction<\/h3>\n
How it plays<\/h3>\n