Performance

To test the wheel we take something old and something modern. The first is Need for Speed Pro Street. Using the steering wheel works flawlessly after making sure that the menu of Pro Street was usable with the wheel and setting up the controls within the application.

Using the wheel on your lap works perfectly fine, but the force feedback engine is so strong that it will rip the base of the wheel off your lap when you are holding the steering wheel firmly. I would suggest using the table to secure the unit. The wheel differenciates between driving on the clean road and offroad. When you are on track, the wheel vibrates more or less, according as to how far the gas pedal is stepped on. If you go off the road, the force feedback kicks in as well, rumbling the steering wheel strongly. This gives a whole new dimensions to the racing game and works right out of the box.

Shifting with the sequencial box is quite easy and works well, but shifting with the 6 gear addition is a bit harder. Turns out that the box is quite stiff at first, but seems to loosen up quite a bit after some use. Putting in each gear feels good after that and works quite well. The only worry I have is the feel of the plastic of the gear boxes. I am always worried to break the stick off. It would have been nice to see some metal used instead. This would give the user some peace of mind and should be a nice addition, as the wheel should be considered the most elaborate unit out there.


The second game is Need for Speed Porsche Unleashed. This game, along with the steering wheel gives you the complete Porsche feeling. The graphics may not be the best, as the game is a few years old, but driving a Porsche 911 Turbo with the wheel into the sunset is simply awesome.

The combination is a must for any Porsche fan, that's for sure. Controlling the car in this game is much easier as it is the case with Pro Street and is loads of fun, even for a casual racing gamer like me. Steering is accurate, the gas pedal works flawlessly and the break works perfectly as well.