My Kung Fu is better than your Kung Fu. Actually, my controller is. As far as I'm concerned, I could throw every other controller I've bought out the window. The video game controller I'm talking about is the new Gravis X-terminator. What a work of modern machinery! It has a good mix between analog and digital with features I've yet to see on any controller. This analog controller, which has become a favorite commodity nowadays on console games like N64 and Playstation, is a lot smoother and precise than any other I've tried. It is very comfortable with a small profile that rests your thumb nicely.
Features
One of the neat analog features of the X-terminator is the "flippers" on
the handles. These are pressure sensitive and give unbelievable control
in driving games and flight simulators. The rest of the buttons are digital. There are six primary thumb buttons, two trigger buttons on the handle, and a "S"(special) combo button at your disposal. As if that wasn't enough, Gravis has thrown in a accelerator control and a digital pad for fighting games. It all seems a bit overwhelming, but it's definitely worth not having to hunt and peck to find the keyboard button. You don't even have to take your hands off the controller!
Wait! There's more! Because the makers knew you'd want to customize to your delight, Gravis made powerful, customizing software that comes with the controller. It takes a bit of work, but it's really cool. The software has some popular game configurations preset for you. I however, found it better to work them out on your own. The program loads profiles for game when you start them up, so you don't have to manually change them every time you start a different game.
As far as button assignment goes, Gravis is really great. It counts every
movement that the digital part of the joystick makes as an option button.
This gives an EXTREME amount of power, especially in button-hungry games like X-wing vs. Tie-Fighter and Quake 2. The profiles will save buttons as three types. The first is regular push type, where it records every keystroke you set when the button is pushed. The second will allow you to actually have the button push another key when you let the game pad button go..! Weird but very cool. The third type is reserved for the "S" button I mentioned earlier. The special button can function like a regular button, or it can be set to multiple keystrokes. What this means is you can put your favorite combos on one button and presto! Instant fatality with out all the effort.
One last feature I'd like to mention, is Gravis' ability to "daisy chain." It makes Street Fighter a lot easier. It also means you can leave your old controller there and let you neighbor or little brother use it. This way they won't touch your brand new X-terminator!
Pentium 60MHz or compatible with 16 MB RAM
640 x 480 SVGA monitor
Standard PC game port
Windows 95 and 98 (also compatible with GrIP - supporting DOS games)
Hard drive with 12 MB free
2X or faster CD ROM drive
Mouse
Windows compatible sound card recommended
Other Information
Gravis X-terminator Digital Game Controller - $59.95
Where to Buy: Mail Order or call 1-800-8 65-2283, Distributors, Retailers
Three Year Warranty!
What do you think? Leave your feedback below.
By clicking on "Submit," you assert that you are who you represent to be and your
comments abide by section 20 of Radford's Student Handbook (for RU students), and by the Virginia State and Federal laws including but not limited to libel, copyright law, and invasion of privacy. The comments posted on this site are not necessarily representative of the views of Radford University, its
administration, faculty, staff or all of its students. For more information, read our policy on feedback fora.
