It could be
stated that a game is only as good as the controllers allow it to be.
Case in point:
Harmonix and MTV Games put out the title Rock Band, and it was a bit of a
revolution in terms of musically-based gaming. But a little more than two
months after its release and near-constant playing, sync issues started to crop
up and finally the game’s guitar died. The strummer didn’t work on the down
stroke and the whole guitar element became almost unplayable.
Seven months
after the release of the game, though, The Ant Commandos (TAC) has tossed its
peripheral hat into the ring and introduced the Double Range Guitar. Ok, let’s
get this over with right now – where has this controller been all my life!
It is, without
a doubt, one sweet piece of peripheral controller device that embraces and
shreds through Rock Band without sync issues (meaning that the problems
encountered before were not in the game, not in the PS3 and not between the PS3
and Bravia HDTV) but can also be used in Guitar Hero. Which GH? Try all of them.
This is a wireless controller that has a USB port to hook into your PS3, but if
you only have a PS2, don’t worry, there is a splitter on the control link device
that will also attach it to the PS2.
‘No way, dude …
a wireless controller that works on the PS2?!?’
Yep, it does.
You can now run through all those tunes on the original GH or GH2 courtesy TAC
and the Double Range Guitar. Look ma, no cables attached!
Here is a list
of the features of the guitar (gleaned from the TAC
homepage):
-
PowerThief
Power Saving Mode – Automatically powers the controller off when the unit
senses inactivity to squeeze every last drop of power out of battery packs! -
AutoSense
2.4GHz Wireless – Unlike infrared systems on other controllers that require a
direct line of sight to the console, it automatically detects available single
or multi-user RF channels to provide a 30 foot radius of 2.4GHz wireless
connectivity! -
360FLY
Function – Special clip allow the controller to attach to belt clip with a
single pivot point, which allows players to spin the controllers wildly,
paying homage to flashy acrobatic visual effects made famous by ZZ Top, Cheap
Trick and others! See http://www.youtube.com/theantcommandos. -
Xtended Fret
Button Array – A second set of FeatherTouch fret buttons high on the neck
enables players to jam like the pros by jumping to the higher set of fret
buttons for world-class solos—and return to the lower set to rock out rhythm
parts! -
Low Battery
Indicator – When the battery is low, the Red light will blink. No more
guessing! -
Patented
Button Cluster – Specially designed button cluster features a recessed Start
button that prevents players from accidentally pausing the game in the middle
of a blistering jams! -
Super Whammy
System – Finely tuned with a high density precision coil spring assembly, it
provides reliable operation for many years of extreme abuse from rock ‘n’ roll
animals! -
ComfortNeck –
Exciting new neck dimensions and a specially designed contoured edge provides
a more comfortable grip on the neck, which reduces finger fatigue even after
many hours of play! -
TickleTilt
Sensor – The smart TickleTilt Sensor incorporates two separate sensitive
sensors so players can activate Star Power by lightly tilting the controller -
Whammy-wah
food Pedal Connection – Expansion port for future connection to Whammy-Wah
foot pedal for Star Power and whammy. -
PlayStation®
3 D-Pad & Home Button Support – Designed and built-in for your navigational
convenient when not playing the game.
Is it as
impressive as it sounds? Yes.
The connecting
receiver (the part that plugs into the console) has a switch array on the side
that enables players to pick PS II, PS3 GH or PS3 RB. Set it for the right game
and you are good to go.
The frets on
the neck are a tad wider than what you would find on either of the peripherals
that came with GH3 or RB. And, in fairness, the plastic connectors for the strap
might not stand up to a lot of abuse. But it’s the guitar that’s the thing and
this controller is incredibly responsive. The body is the V shape popular many,
many years ago by some of the top rock acts, and the controller GZ received was
red with a white strum guard.
The whammy bar
actually produces a very noticeable detune when you use it and the selector
switch on the body above the strum bar will enable effects like wah-wah, flanger,
chorus, sustain or none. Activate overdrive or star power, or hit those solos,
and you have a selection of sound effects to make the work seem like your own.
It is so
wonderful to have a controller that allows the joy of a game to shine through
and that’s precisely what TAC has done here.
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Pros:
Responsive, built-in effects, comfort … well, just about everything about this
controller is a ‘pro.’
Cons:
The strap might not hold up to a lot of wear and tear, but that’s easily
replaced. That’s a picky thing just to mention something in this category.
Overall: 9.5
A joy to play! This controller, because of its multi-game capabilities should be
owned by any GH or Rock Band fan. It would be a great second guitar or even a
primary instrument. Responsive, with built-in effects, this wireless controller
brings entertainment value with it.
