Logic 3 PC Hurricane Joystick

PC Hurricane Joystick

Manufactured By: Logic 3 (SpectraVideo)

Retail Price: $29.99

Review Date:12-5-99

Logic 3, also know as SpectraVideo has been in the game controller and accessory business for many years but they only recently has started to distribute their products in the USA. Prior to their shipping products to the US they were concentrated in European sales. A few large US retailers such as Electronics Boutique now carry PC and console (hey, they even make Amiga stuff) controller and accessories from Logic 3. The entire line is low priced and from what I've seen so far, well built.

The US line consists of 2 wheels, 4 different joysticks, 4 gamepads and various console devices. The CC's first look at Logic 3 products is a peek at the PC Hurricane Joystick- the higher end joystick from their line.

Features 85%-

• 4 way hat switch
• 8 buttons
• variable speed auto-fire
• Turbo and hat on/off switches and turbo speed switch
• Trim controls

Appropriate For-

• Racing Games (Need For Speed, Powerslide, Midtown Madness, Star Wars: Racer, etc.)
• Flight Sims (MS FlightSim 2000, MS Combat Sim, Flight Unlimited III, etc.)
• Mech Games and Space Sims (Mechwarrior III, Star Wars Alliance, Descent FreeSpace, etc.)

System Requirements-

Gameport, DOS, Windows 95/98, DirectX 5 or higher (for use in Windows)

Price-

The PC Hurricane is a good buy at its MSRP of $29.99. Its a great entry level stick that can later be expanded to include a setup with an external throttle and rudder controls.

Warranty-

1 year limited.

Performance 89%-

The PC Hurricane Joystick has a great feel to it. It comes with suction cups to hold it to the desk but I found the rubber feet and base weight sufficient to keep it in place. Placement of buttons and the hat switch are convenient and practical. The 4 base buttons are large and spaced far enough apart so they are easily used and distinguished from each other.

For testing I ran the PC Hurricane in its full blown mode, that is with the 4 way hat and all 8 buttons active. I used the drivers available on the disk opposed to the custom setup option available. However, I did setup using the custom setup to assure its function. The stick calibrated solid and held its calibration throughout its use. Just be sure the trim controls are centered before you set it up.

I tested the stick with a variety of sims and games. Remembering that this is an entry level stick, you may find yourself short on buttons and in need of at least a throttle control for some games. I used the numeric keys on the keyboard to adjust the throttle for flight sims and had no need for rudder controls since I activated coordinated rudder where available. A rudder control would be the first upgrade I would add to the stick if used primarily for flight sims.

I also played racing games with the Hurricane. In most cases the stick was sufficient for control. The 8 buttons and 4 way hat switch allowed be to program every game function to the stick and the keyboard was left alone for my racing sessions. Turning was controlled with the stick as was acceleration. I put braking on the trigger button for easier access.

The other games on the list (Mechwarrior III, Descent Freespace, etc.) all needed more features than the stick offered alone. Again, this being an entry level stick, it was expected. Still a throttle and even rudder control would have allowed much better control.

For the final part of testing I paired the stick with an external throttle and rudder. For a throttle I used a CH Products Throttle. The rudder pedals were the Simped-vario pedals from Hoffman. The complete setup was great with flightsims, racing games and other types of games. The potential of the PC Hurricane as the centerpiece of a full setup is great.

Setup 85% -

You can either setup the Hurricane using the included floppy disk (required for the mapping utility) or you can create a custom configuration that suits the controller just fine. I initially used the custom configuration but later installed the driver to test the mapping function.

To install the controller using a custom install simply follow the instructions in the manual. The manual does a great job describing the process. Depending on your version of DirectX the setup can vary slightly. Once complete- calibrate and play.

** Software 89%-

**The Hurricane ships with a floppy disk holding drivers and a mapping utility. The mapping utility is accessible through the "properties" button when the game controller applet has the Hurricane as the active controller (must install drivers from disk).

The mapping utility really is not necessary since most games/sims allow you to assign the different functions through in-game options. However, its a nice function to have.

Documentation 85%-

The Hurricane comes with a 18 page manual (in 6 languages). The manual describes setup of the controller both using the enclosed disk and without it. The manual also details the features of the controller, the mapping function and offers some troubleshooting tips.

The SpectraVideo website has little information on this or any of its controllers. All of its extensive line is covered but only product features are listed alongside a photo of the device. On line purchases can be made through the website and it features a site specific to controllers available in the USA.

Overall Rating 87.4%-

The PC Hurricane is an affordable, well made entry-level stick. What it lacks in features it makes up for in quality and performance. Since it is a full analog stick it easily accepts the addition of expansion components such as throttles and rudder pedals.

The Control Center recommends the PC Hurricane Joystick to anyone looking to start their gaming setup with a well built stick.

Pros-

• Great entry level stick
• Button mapping

Cons-

• Missing features found on similar priced sticks

Similar to-**

• AVB Top Shot
• Suncom SFS