3D Controller Shoot-Out part 2

Microsoft Sidewinder Dual Strike** (read the full review)

The Dual Strike is Microsoft's first attempt at a 3D controller. As pointed out in the full review of the controller it takes some tweaking and practice to "get" this controller. Once mastered it's a highly effective controller. The function of the controller lies in its ability to emulate the keyboard and mouse. The D-pad and other buttons function as keyboard presses and the twisting of the two pieces of the controller function as the mouse.

The Dual Strike operates using profiles. The profile determines how the different control surfaces are used. I prefer to have the mouse functions maxed out in sensitivity while using a default keyset for the d-pad and buttons. This allows me to use the same profile for each game I play. Otherwise you'll need to manually switch the profiles when switching games.

The Dual Strike allows the user to create profiles for new games. Creating a profile is a fairly simple task. Profiles can be saved and moved to different machines also. The Dual Strike is a USB only device and it loads a few virtual devices into your system properties. Early durability questions seem unwarranted- I've dropped, stepped on and generally abused my Dual Control without incident.

Performance-

The Dual Strike excels as a controller for first-person-shooters. In Quake II, Q3 test, Unreal Tournament, Sin, Half-Life, Blood II and the like the Dual Control offers good control of your character. For profiles I use a single profile for all of the first-person-shooters. Based on the Unreal profile that ships with the Dual Strike, I made a few modifications to the profile. I turned up the sensitivities of the mouse functions near the high extremes. I find it much easier to learn to control the small movements than strengthen my hands to play the mode needing more movement.

From within each game I assured the mouse look or free look option was enabled. I then programmed the button functions. I used the d-pad positions like a keyboard user would use the arrow keys. The trigger buttons were typically used for primary and secondary fire (if available). The 4 buttons on the right of the controller were used for jump, crouch, change weapon and use item. The 3 buttons on the left of the controller are essentially useless since you need to un-hand the d-pad to use them.

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