Thrustmaster Firestorm: Review
By: Ben
The Thrustmaster Firestorm is not only a well built controller, it is also a prime alternative to the official pad.
At first when I saw the pad, I had my doubts about the feel of it. It looked even bigger than the official pad. Never judge a book by its cover. As soon as I got it out of the package, I out it in my hands. It felt perfect. It was so much nicer than I though it would be. This is not your conventional third party controller. This one is good. It is easy to hold. It isn’t too big, and isn’t too small. If you hate the standard official pad, and think controller s is too small, Firestorm is the pad for you.
The Buttons: The buttons are plotted very similarly to the official pad, except slightly modified for the better. The black and white buttons are now easier to press, and are much closer the where your thumb will rest. All of the buttons are farther apart, which makes accidental button pushes much less likely. The digital pad is great. It is more precise than any controller I have used before. There are grooved for your thumb in every direction that you would want to press. Very comfortable. The only problem I could find with the button layout is that the start and back button are HARDER to reach than on the official pad. Because these are rarely used anyways, it doesn’t really matter.
The Analogue Sticks: The Analogue sticks are very similar to the official pad, except the surface. It is a rounded outwards surface which allows for more maneuverability. It seems much easier to move around in games with it.
The Extras: The thing I really like about Firestorm is the program button. Have you ever played a game where you have to move your hands to the terrible pre programmed control scheme? I have. Thrustmaster has implicated a function in the controller that allows you to change the buttons functions. For example, if the white button is jump, you can program the controller so it is changed to the “a” button. This can make some games a lot easier.
Unfortunately there is only one expansion slot on the controller. These are used for memory cards, and in the future, the Xbox communicator. This is no big deal right now, but you might want to keep a spare official pad on hand just incase they make more expansion devices.
With The Games: I tried the controller out on three different games. Tony Hawk 3, Dead or Alive 3, and Halo. I was very comfortable when using it. It was not one of those third party controllers where you have to look down every 10 seconds. It was quick and responsive, and easy to use. At some points, I forgot that I was even using a controller.
The Triggers: On the standard Xbox controller, the triggers can be stiff, and eventually can lead to hand pain. On the Firestorm pad, they are simple to move, with just enough spring to push back on you. They are a bit smaller, so you don’t have to pull in as far. A huge improvement.
The bottom line is Thrustmaster has made a GREAT controller at a reasonable price. This is a great secondary controller, and I recommend that you all go out and buy one.
Score: 9/10
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