IGN FPS Freek Prototype Hands-On Options

[Xbox-Scene]

IGN FPS Freek Prototype Hands-On Posted by XanTium | February 9 19:34 EST | News Category: Xbox360

From gear.ign.com: [QUOTE] Dubbed the FPS Freek, the new add-ons apply a similar concept of extending a standard control pad's analog sticks, though unlike the driving oriented speedfreek's "U" shaped sides, the FPS Freek goes vertical rather than horizontal. The concept immediately reminded us of one of the very first third-party controllers for the Xbox 360, the MadCatz GamePad Pro we reviewed in late 2005. The initial run of the controllers were equipped with analog sticks on extremely long and narrow stalks, a manufacturing error that was later corrected. In reviewing the initial run, however, we noticed that the long analog sticks had a pretty unique feel, in some ways more precise than standard stubby analog sticks. Depressing the MadCatz GamePad Pro's sticks for the R3 and L3 buttons was extremely difficult due to their narrow stalks however, so in the end we didn't keep them around very long. kontrolfreek's FPS Freek, however, seems to succeed where the MadCatz controller failed. The prototype add-ons snap onto the standard 360 controller analog sticks, making them roughly half an inch taller. Because they still ride on the 360 controller's wide analog stalks however, depressing the sticks for R3 and L3 is easy and accurate. Immediately glad that the FPS Freeks didn't suffer the same big drawbacks as the GamePad Pro, we went to work to see if the longer analog sticks really did offer an advantage in FPS titles. After a few rounds in CoD4 adapting to this new feel, we realized we rather enjoyed it. The biggest benefit, in our hands, was the ability to make very small aiming adjustments without overshooting the motion. Instead of spraying bullets at people back and forth, the precision of the longer analog sticks made it much easier to draw a bead on running players and input just enough on the analog sticks to keep it on them without leading increasingly too far ahead. Fighting barrel-rise in light machine guns was also easier, as we could maintain a constant down force on the stick at roughly 40% of its throw, just enough to stay on target without overshooting and aiming at the ground. [/QUOTE] Full Story: gear.ign.com

[gg22mm]

What about Halo 3 and the melee button? Wouldn't it have a negattive effect on your game since your finger would be farther away from it? I get that it improves your aiming, but what about the efect on the other buttons?

[scuba156]

these along with with auto-fire buttons are the worst thing for online console gaming. one major thing about console gaming online is that everyone is equal in terms of controls. you dont have to worry about your mouses DPI or anything like that. this just gives people an advantage

[Devedander]

While I share a dislike for hardware based advantages, I would caution you should take care assuming everyone is equal with the stock equipment...

In fact very rarely would I think two people have the same experience with the same controller... hand size, musculater and bone structure all make stock controllers effectively "different" for differnet people... so someone with smaller hands may already have a disadvantage or vice versa.

[scuba156]

but thats not something they can change, thats just due there there hand size etc. where as a hardware modification is something they specifically put in to give themselves an advantage. so in that point, the hardware is giving them the advantage, just like with good K/M setups on PC.

so stock controllers give it an all-round equalism (not even a word but meh)

[Knasen]

The mouse/keyboard adapter has been available for a long time now so another peripheral isn't really going to change anything. People that want to "cheat" will buy theese gadgets, while us others just don't care and play on as normal.

It's not really possible to stop people from tinkering with their HW to get an advantage in one way or another.

[TheIrishLad]

Cheat? Wow wow wow...in no way is this peripheral allowing the user to "cheat". Skill is in the player not the controller. If your bad at FPS games, having these FPS Freeks wont suddenly turn you into a pro.

Quick movements will create an increased amount of effort, and melee attacks using the A, X, B, or Y will be slower. These add-ons give you benefits but they also give you some negative factors.

A mouse and keyboard is cheating, but this 1/4" extended stick is definitely not.

This post has been edited by TheIrishLad: Feb 11 2008, 02:21 AM

[cent]

I just extended my controllers right analogstick in my workshop. After playing COD4 for few hours, I can tell that the aiming is smoother and the accuracy is better. It makes using a melee button ( B ) a bit slower but overall I can use buttons as usual. In the games I used it, I didn´t rank any higher than I usually do...

This post has been edited by cent: Feb 11 2008, 04:22 AM

[Claka]

these along with with auto-fire buttons are the worst thing for online console gaming. one major thing about console gaming online is that everyone is equal in terms of controls. you dont have to worry about your mouses DPI or anything like that. this just gives people an advantage

Olympic sprinters should run bare foot.
Pool players should use a wal-mart broom handle.
Cyclists should run, Bare foot.

[iwanttheagrocrag]

Dang i didn't know the 360 L3 and R3 oh yea it doesn't. its some loser who likes a system that has horrible shading effects, slows down and almost locks on a launch title like sonic. And you gotta love the extra long load times on damn near every game.

PS. if you don't believe me bust out a stopwatch on that far superior machine and the watch don't lie.
PPS. while your at it clean the grease tray on it and scrape the hamburger out the grill.