Everyone who plays games on their computer reaches a point where the combination of keyboard and mouse just doesn't cut it. At that point you begin to look at joysticks, but quickly come to the conclusion that the market is flooded. What to choose? In my experience, you can't go wrong with CH Products line of joysticks.
I looked at several models, all with the same reliability and durability. Th nice thing about CH Products is their focus: make good products at a good price. I don't want to gush, but you can't go wrong. Here's what I looked at: CH Combat Stick, CH Pro Throttle , CH Pro Pedals, CH Racing System, and the CH Force FX. I looked at two genres of joysticks: flying and racing. For action or sports, there are game pads available, but that's another story. That doesn't mean you're limited with what games you can play with what joystick, but they are made with specific roles in mind.
The CH Combat Stick and Force FX use the same design, with one difference I'll get to momentarily. A large molded grip with 5 buttons, trigger, 2 directional switches ( in my day we called them "coolie hats", until it became politically incorrect to do so ), and a rotary throttle. I find the stick comfortable and sturdy, with all buttons easy to reach. My only complaint is that the stick doesn't offer enough resistance. The Force FX takes the Combat Stick and adds force feedback support: the stick moves in response to what's happening in the game. Two examples: you're flying and the engine gets hit; now the stick is hard to control and jerking all over. Or you fire at the enemy, and the stick jerks in your hand as the recoil rocks the plane. This is accomplished by motors in the base of the joystick, and requires that power be connected. The effect is quite good, although it gives your wrist a bit of a workout.
The CH Pro Throttle and Pro Pedals are additions to the above to make your flight simulator experience more realistic and engrossing. The Pro Throttle adds throttle control, 4 buttons, 4 directional switches, and the ability to not only program these buttons, but program any joystick connected to the throttle. When I hook my Combat Stick up to the Pro Throttle , I'm able to program all the buttons and switches, over 400 commands total. Definitely a nice feature, but it takes a lot of getting used to working the joystick, throttle and remembering what you programmed on which button. Software is provided for Windows and DOS, and allows you to set different layouts for your various games. The Pro Pedals add rudder control to flight games, or gas and brake pedals to racing sims. With all equipment in place, you feel like you're in the cockpit. An immersive experience.
The CH Racing System comes with a steering wheel and pedals to create a PC driving experience. The two piece system is nicely configured with the wheel clamping onto the desk, with four buttons mounted on the steering wheel: two on the front and two on the back. This is a comfortable way to shift gears, but the lack of a gearshift is sorely noted. The pedals felt good, not too hard. All in all a nice system. If you already own pedals, you can just buy the wheel: another example of CH Products trying to give the customer the biggest bang for the buck.
Don't take my word for it: go to your local computer dealer and test out these products, or go to www.chproducts.com to take a look.
Blizzard entertainment, famous for it's real time strategy games, Warcraft I and II, have another hit on their hands with Starcraft. This time out you're in the deepest reaches of space, controlling one of three races. This game is quite addictive: I've spent far too many nights playing against other over Battle.net, Blizzard's free online gaming service. Choose Terran, Zerg or Protoss and begin building your forces, harvesting resources and plotting your next move. Grab a demo at www.blizzard.com for a taste of what PC action should be.
On a final note, Windows 98 has been released from Microsoft. There has been tons of press on the subject, all centering over whether you really need to upgrade. Here's my advice: if you've purchased a computer in the last year, or your computer has USB connectors, grab a copy. It's better than Windows 95, and is in my humble opinion a must have. Microsoft Plus! 98, that's another story.
by Scott VanderPloeg
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