Just when you thought that you had it all.....You've got the wheel....the hotas....3 joysticks....one with force feed back....two gamepads.....a wireless mouse....What else could you be lacking? Try on the UltraRacer PC by InterAct....The computer gaming equivalent of a remote control car controller. Don't stop reading. This thing's worth a look.
First of all, it will only set you back thirty bucks ($30.) That's right, no refinancing the house. Second, it has no drivers...set it up in Windows 95 just like you would a 2 axis four button joystick....an easy calibration awaits you.
Features What is this thing? Well, take a look at the picture. The foam padded wheel atop it is a mini steering wheel that self centers....It feels great. The four buttons behave just like your gamepad's buttons. As for the two red ones....Auto A and Auto B....they fire buttons A and B repeatedly when held down....(not sure you need em, but anyway, they're there and work) Maybe a game like Interstate 76 could use them ; a drive and shoot sim.
The UltraRacer also features a mode switch that is designed to let you use it with older games that have a different throttle configuration. I haven't needed it just yet. A trim control is also provided for both the X and Y axis.
On the underside of the stick is a rubber trigger that acts as a cool analogue throttle....Move your finger down to accelerate.....push it up to brake....works great.
Why do I Need IT??? So far I've used the UltraRacer PC with MotoRacer, Need For Speed II, Race Pro demo by Microprose and F1RS. All four games picked it up and allowed easy control assignment of the wheel, throttle and buttons. No qualifying comments here....It works exactly like you'd expect it to. You can now sit back in your chair and achieve smooth control with a hand held "mini" steering wheel. Gamepads do not do this well and joysticks mean you need to sit up to the surface that the stick rests on...even so, you don't have an appropriate analogue throttle....Now you can have it all in one little package.
Construction and Feel..... Briefly, the UltraRacer PC looks and feels like a lot more than $29.95...It exudes quality. InterAct always seems to do a quality product....They are better known in the console market....Sony Playstation, N64.
Should I buy? The UltraRacer PC will not replace your Thrustmaster wheel but it will throw some variety into your gaming life. It is best suited for arcade style racers but will work admirably with the big boys (still need to try Nascar 2 with it). It's made well and won't set you back much....The only possible downside is holding the trigger for prolonged periods of time could conjure up a bit of tendonitis....This is a new muscle move for your left hand (If you're a righty) . Be aware of this but don't let it stop you from getting one. You'll have a blast with it. So far I've only seen it in Computer City....EB and CompUSA have never heard of it.....go figure....Keep an eye out for it. Good gizzmos usually find their way to the masses.........happy gaming.