Logic3 TopDrive Roadster

TopDrive Roadster **

Price: $49.99 (US)

Manufacturer: Logic3

Review Date: 02-20-00

Features:

• Six compatible modes
• Vibration effect
• Analog accelerator and brake pedals
• 3 adjustable tilt and height settings
• Desktop or lap base
• Dynamic driving control with adjustable sensitivity
• Button relocation feature
• Optional external gear shift

Overall

The Logic3 Roaster is a very nice wheel. From its versatile base allowing desktop or lap use to its numerous button and mode features the Roaster is one of the best PlayStation wheels you can get your hands on.

The Roadster 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 Roadster 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.

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 R1, L1 and two shift levers are on the back of the wheel. The front of the wheel has the directional pad located in an off-set position on the wheel center and the 8 remaining buttons located on the spokes of the wheel. The re-location feature allows you to easily relocate them at will. The mode select switch is located on the back of the wheel pedestal.

The wheel itself is nice and large. The grips are padded for a better hold. The wheel is actually quite nice looking. Adjustments to the wheel height are made via a turn screw under the wheel. A quarter turn unlocks the wheel and allows you to raise or lower it in relation to the base. The other possible adjustment is the wheel tilt. The angle necessary for desktop use is different that when used in your lap. By turning the unlock lever you can adjust the tilt from full upright to a good angle for desktop use.

The pedals of the Roadster are light but a nice size. I added a few strips of Velcro to the base to give them better hold on the carpet. Both pedals have good tension with the brake pedal having a bit more resistance than the gas.

The Roadster has support for Nintendo 64 systems too. It has a N64 compatible plug, N64 mode selections and a slot for a rumble pack and memory card.

The Logic3 Roadster is a great PlayStation wheel. Where most wheels seem to designed haphazardly, the Roadster is well laid out and feature packed. The Roadster feels and plays like a champ.

Highly Recommended!