Spacetec SpaceOrb 360

Spacetec SpaceOrb 360**

SpaceOrb 360

**Manufactured By: Spacetec IMC Corp

Retail Price: $30-70 **

Review Date:9-25-98

Updated: 10/1/98

The first comment I usually hear when someone sees "the Orb" for the first time is, "What the hell is that?". I’m here to tell you what I’ve told every single one of them- "Its one of the most spectacular controllers ever created!"

The SpaceOrb 360, referred to a plainly "the Orb" by its users allows the user to control 6 axis at the same time! Circle strafing (spinning around your target while maintaining your aim on him) is easily ! It also has 6 well placed buttons. It uses digital technology plugging into a free serial port.

I must confess I am a dedicated Orb user and my Quake II, Forsaken, Descent II, Sin, and Unreal frag counts are greatly improved because of it. I must also confess I nearly threw the Orb across the room while learning to use it because of previous controller habits I had.. On the other hand, my girlfriend picked up the Orb and began playing like a pro in no time. She had no "bad" habits from other controllers because she had never bothered with computer games until she met me. Now she is an Orb master.

Features -

• 6 buttons
• Serial port interface (digital)
• programmability
• full axis control

System Requirements-

486 DX, CD-ROM drive, Windows 95 or higher, free serial port.

Price -

The price and availability of the Orb varies. It can be Obtained directly from Spacetec IMC Corporation for $59 + shipping. Their site also list many direct order sources.

Performance -

The Orb is considered on of the best performing controllers for 3D shooters. Although profiles are available for racing games the Orb is not up to par for controlling cars or motorcycles. Likewise, flight sims support the Orbs many axis but control is awkward.

The Orb shines when it comes to controlling games like: Duke Nukem, Quake I/II, Descent I/II, Forsaken, Hexen I/II, Unreal, Sin, Turok, MDK, etc.

Setup -

Setup of the Orb can be tricky if your serial ports are not free or setup wrong. Otherwise, using the "SpaceWare" 4.81 setup and management software is strait-forward and easy to use. The Orb is auto-detected and an icon is added to your system tray for easy access. The Orb also requires that you have a properly configured gameport although it does not physically use it.

The Orb has 3 setting (Basic, Full Freedom and Game Master) and allows customization for the individual axis and button settings. I find the Game Master setting the least taxing on my hands after continual play. the Orb has a re-calibration button on the bottom of the controller. You will have to recalibrate the unit if you change the position of the unit when the sensitivity of the axis's are maxed out!

Most of the popular games (about 70 in all) are supported and the Orb can also be used as a standard 2 axis controller in most other games. Some games require you to restart them before the profile becomes active for the first time after installing the Orb. DirectInput will expand its usability in many future games.

Rumors of a USB version of the Orb have circulated have not been confirmed.

Software -

The setup and management software "SpaceWare 4.81" is greatly improved over earlier versions. A CD also has with a tutorial that teaches you the operation and capabilities of the Orb. An adapter and software package has been made available by a 3rd party so the Orb can be used on a MAC, go here for details.

Documentation -

The Orb comes with a very nice manual that will provides even the novice computer user with all the required information on setup and use. Also included, but outdated is a guide for specific game controls. However, the control customizer describes any important information necessary.

Overall Rating -

The Orb is a high quality, well designed controller. If 3D shooters are your interest I highly recommend adding an Orb to your controller. arsenal, I did.