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Archived from The Control Center, 1999. Hardware, prices and links are historical.

CyberStuff Cyberstik

Originally published on joy-stick.net, 13 June 19992/5 sticks

Cyberstik (VR9000)

Manufactured By: CyberStuff

Retail Price: $29.99

Review Date: 06-13-99

CyberStuff is a small manufacturer specializing in cutting edge computer hardware. Sometimes being on the cutting edge means pushing ideas that are not quite ready for practical use. The idea of a motion sensing controller is a cutting edge idea. Until recently it has not been successfully implemented (Microsoft's Sidewinder Freestyle Pro).

CyberStuff made a great effort to successfully implement this technology in the Cyberstik but it doesn't make the grade. Although the stick is comfortable, offers decent features and is versatile its slow, inaccurate response makes it a poor choice for any game type.

Features 80%-

  • 4 buttons
  • Throttle
  • 4 way hat switch
  • Base or baseless operation
  • Digital and Analog
  • Adjustable sensitivity

Appropriate For-

  • Flight Sims (MS FlightSim 98, MS Combat Sim)
  • Space Sims (Mechwarrior III, Descent)
  • Racing games (Midtown Madness, Motocross Madness, Need for Speed III)

System Requirements-

IBM PC, 386DX or higher, standard gameport.

Price -

The MSRP of $29.99 is a few years old and the controller is no longer a production item. If you are interested in this unit you should be able to pick one up through a discount outlet for around $15.

Warranty-

1 Year.

Performance 62%-

The Cyberstik can be used on or off the base. Unfortunately, neither offers the accuracy of control needed to get through most games. Whether used for driving, flying or other games it was difficult to control anything with any type of accuracy. Using the controller on the base allowed a bit better control but you are sublet to random movement because the controller does not calibrate steadily in setup. When moving it seems the only options are approximate center (because of the jitter) and the extremes of the x and y axis's.

The throttle control is poorly placed and implemented. it is a rectangle shaped button that can be pushed up or down. The throttle has 9 positions from one extreme to the other making precise throttle control impossible. the placement of the throttle button is atop the hatswitch extension. There is no way to reach the throttle control without seriously repositioning your hand or using your other hand to control it.

The hat switch and buttons are better placed and seem to be the only functional features of the controller. The controller has 2 trigger switches and buttons 3 and 4 are on the face of the joystick. The 3 and 4 buttons are duplicated on either side of the symmetrical controller so they are accessible for either right or left handed users.

I was unable to complete any races in top positions. I was unable to land any aircraft in flightsims and could not complete any missions in other games. In short, I did not have control with this controller.

Setup 65% -

Setup of the Cyberstik under Windows 95/98 is simple. There are no special drivers that need to be installed and the device sets up as a CH Flightstick Pro (4 buttons, hat switch and throttle). Plug the stick into your gameport, start the system and enter the game controller setup. Select a CH Flightstick Pro and take the necessary steps to calibrate the controller.

Note- It is virtually impossible to calibrate the Cyberstik unless it is setup on the base. Even then the controller does not hold its center very well. The centering crosshair bounces and jitters quite a bit with the joystick setting untouched on the base.

**Software NA%-

** No software is provided or necessary with the Cyberstik.

Documentation 78% -

The manual for the Cyberstik is a brief pamphlet describing the features, set-up and basic trouble-shooting of the controller. The manual is nothing special but it will get you up and running.

The CyberStuff website is mentioned in the manual a few times. It reefers you to the site for additional information and a FAQ. The CyberStuff site has not been updated in quite some time and offers very little information on the controller.

Overall Rating 69% -

The feature set and fair manual carry the Cyberstik. Unfortunately, neither will help you play. The features are difficult to access, poorly implemented and simply don't work well. Even though the Cyberstik's overall score is "near passing" you have to remember its still a failure. The "stik" is not recommended and just marginally functional.

Pros-

  • Decent feature set.

Cons-

  • Poor control.
  • Poor placement of throttle.

Similar to-**

Review date as printed on the original page. Images from the original page are not reproduced.