Introduction

Not just keyboard+mouse

Who needs extra game controllers? You can play most games with just the input devices you already have, right? You could also log off the Internet right now and wait for those messenger pigeons to bring you the news. Games have continually increased in visual complexity, but we are only beginning to experience the improvements in tactile feel of today's games. Force feedback technology is not new, but games are beginning to do more than just jolt the controller. The new force feedback circuitry in modern steering wheels lets you feel the level of grip you have going into the turn, and will also let you know when your wheels have locked you into a spin.

In this roundup, we look at a few of the more popular force feedback steering wheels of 2001 and see how they perform on the PC and on Gran Turismo 3 on the PS2. These devices range from under $100 to over $250. The wheels for this roundup include the Logitech Driving Force, a PS2 version of the Formula Force GP, the Thrustmaster Nascar Pro Force Feedback, the Act-Labs Force RS system, and the Logitech MOMO Force.

The Fast and the Furious

Cordless would help

Platform Compatibility

All but one of the wheels in this roundup will work on the Sony PlayStation 2 as well as on the PC. The reason why we mention the PS2 compatibility? Three words: Gran Turismo 3. No other driving game on any platform can currently compare with GT3 in realism of the force feedback effect, and general driving experience. Comparable games on the PC may have higher resolutions, but the gameplay certainly isn't up to par.

Rotational Range

Step on it!

The individuality of these wheels affect how they are attached to the table, their range of rotation, turning stiffness, force feedback implementation, and the feel of the pedals.