Logic3 TopDrive GTO

TopDrive GTO**

Price: $29.99 (US)

Manufacturer: Logic3

Review Date: 02-20-00

Features:

• Six compatible modes
• Vibration effect
• Special analog accelerator and brake buttons (behind wheel)
• Dynamic driving control with adjustable sensitivity
• Button relocation feature
• "Sure - grip" suction feet with detachable table grip clamps
• Optional external gear shift and foot pedals available

Overall

The GTO supports six different control modes (every one out there!). Supported are:

Dual Shock Digital mode

Dual Shock Analog mode

Namco JogCon Digital mode

Namco JogCon Analog mode

Namco NegCon Vibration mode

Namco NegCon Non-Vibration mode

Another nifty feature is the button re-assignment option. For example, in its default configuration the GTO button layout for Twisted Metal III is OK but needs some adjustment for the most effective gameplay. The fire button is inconveniently located as well as other feature buttons. No worry though- press the button you wish to use while holding the SET button. Then press the "soon to be old" button and it is now assigned to where you wish.

Steering sensitivity can be adjusted with a switch similar to the mode selection button. The sensitivity has 5 levels of adjustment that can be selected. Depending on the game you may wish to use this handy little feature to give you the right level of control.

The GTO has the option to add foot pedals for gas and brake control and a shifter for manual transmission play. Neither were tested but are cool add-on features. Each cost about $10 and will bring the price up in the area of wheels that already have these features (such as the TopDrive Plus from Logic 3).

The one drawback (or plus depending on your needs) is the wheel size. The GTO wheel is small; measuring less than a foot across. However, it requires a surface to clamp it to making its space saving design kind of pointless. One way to solve this issue is to use a TopDrive Podium from Logic3. The podium allows you to mount the wheel on a stand that sets under your legs as you sit. Again, when you add the price of the add-on you enter the price range of a wheel already having this feature.

Button layout is good. The Start, Select and Mode buttons are on the bottom of the wheel center and easily accessible but out of the way. The gas, brake, R1, R3, L1 and L3 buttons are on the back of the wheel along with the mode selection switch. The front of the wheel has the directional pad located in an off-set position on the wheel center and the 6 remaining buttons located on the spokes of the wheel. The re-location feature allows you to easily relocate them at will.

Overall the TopDrive GTO wheel is nice but it does not compare to others in the Logic3 lineup. If your looking for a small, quality wheel that supports every mode out there the GTO is a good choice. But if your looking to expand the setup to include its many option you may be better waiting, saving a bit longer and getting one of the wheels having all the features you want.

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