the ps3 controller has no rumble= FAIL
360 controller is wired = FAIL
these Madcatz peripherals suck
and as for the throat communicator
if you think u wont hear ppl breathing into the mic think again
this one still uses a hanging mic and is nothing like the real thing
Bottomline
MADCATZ=FAIL
stick to your regular stuff
@NerissaElectryon: Well to be fair, the majority of competitive players (those who actually play games for a living) use wired controllers. So...maybe they were trying to go for the whole hardcore crowd with these things? But then again, competitive gamers don't use madcatz....
@NerissaElectryon: I don't see a standard mic, could you point it out? This would have been an automatic buy for me if it was just the military throat mic.
I think I can heartily agree with you, Fahey. I am really not looking forward to hearing 'OH MAI GAAAAAAAAD YOU GUYS!!!' from an American tween in a startling military-precision clarity.
@Kapwan: Something on my throat would bother the heck out of me, and really how much more clear do you need the audio to be for in game chat? The PS3 BT headset works more than good enough for me, clarity wise and the fact that you can barely tell its on your ear.
@shredmanifesto: I probably just have shitty headset then. I wouldn't get the throat mike until I've tried it or viewed a live demo, but I like the concept.
@Kapwan: Ya man, if you havnt checked it out, check out the official Sony Bluetooth set. Its really nice and handy. Everything is automatic including recognization by the PS3, feedback, background noise, and echo canceler. Well worth it if you ask me.
I'm kind of unsure about the location of the extra buttons on the rear of the controller (360 version). I'm probably one of a minority who holds the controller with my index fingers on the shoulder buttons and my middle fingers on the triggers. Having only my ring and little fingers to both totally support the controller and press those buttons.. I'm skeptical.
@Pretty Sneaky Sis: They definitely have a bad history/reputation. However if the recent SF4 sticks are anything to go by the quality of their products is much better these days than it used to be.
That's what I hear -- still, I'm a bit wary. Trauma from Gameboy Pocket days where their accessories would burn out more often than Chris Brown hits Rhianna.
@Omnimon: I was actually talking about the TE sticks, since they're the only ones I have first-hand experience with. Sorry I should have been more precise.
While I'd heard about the SE version having a few problems I thought the general consensus was that overall it was a pretty decent product, and I haven't really heard anything specifically bad about the pads.
At least I'm pretty sure my original point still stands in that their newer products are far superior to the old tripe they used to release not all that long ago.
@funcmode: Well, you can go over to the forums (TechTalk) at SRK and see that your perception is pretty far off from reality in regards to the pads. Pretty much all of the pads are breaking over time.
Also, the SE is a horrible product out of the box, with an over 50% rate of having a washer on the stick out of position, and it eventually results in a grinding down (destruction) of the PCB. If you were unfortunate enough to buy one of those sticks, you have two choices: send it in for warranty repair (3-6 weeks to get it back), or void the warranty by opening it yourself.
The second option is actually where the value of this stick is at... since you just open it, save the PCBs and the wire harness, and replace the buttons and the stick with high-quality parts. It'll run you about the same as a TE to do all of that, but when stock on the TE was low, it was the best option. Now I'm stuck modding a bunch of SEs because I like them and I've got my friends stuck on the size compared to the fatter TE. :p
@Omnimon: Fair enough, I read plenty of reviews of all the products when they first came out so I knew already of the washer problem with the SE sticks. Although I didn't think it was as widespread as you say, and I kind of have my doubt's regarding 50%+ having issues. I doubt all the owners out there that have no problems are going to come to SRK just to report that their stick is fine - whereas it's far more likely for people to report on faults etc, blowing things out of proportion some what.
While I do frequent SRK I don't check the TechTalk section all that much so I had no idea that the pad's had such a limited lifespan if what you're saying is true. Though again, I'd be tempted to believe it's not as bad as you think. I'm sure tens of thousands of fightpads have been sold, are there tens of thousands of reports on SRK of them dieing? If not then there's hardly any proof that "all of the pads are breaking over time".
@funcmode: Yeah, it's the problem with numbers, without someone citing them and agreeing to them, you can be called out on them.
Which is why... I actually used a very low percentage compared to what I believe to be the actual problem. I don't expect MarkMan to comment, but he is aware of both of these issues, and of how widespread they are.
I'll put it to you this way, I've bought 4 SE sticks for modding purposes, and each of them had the washer issue out of the box. Even at a 50% rate of failure, the odds of those 4 incidents happening in a row is 1/16. I doubt that I was this unlucky, and that the rate of 'washer incidents' is significantly higher than 50%.
Another reason you don't see many people complaining about the SE and its issues is that in the majority of cases it was bought for modding purposes anyway. I never complained about it, I was modding each and every one of those sticks anyway.
I have no first-hand experience with the pad. Just the interwebs talk.
My recommendation is to be very weary of these products, especially of the voice chat mechanism. MadCatz didn't prove anything to me with their SFIV line of products other than that a known quality parts producer produces quality parts (Sanwa).
Do they acknowledge who is behind the parts involved in the production of these items? If not, I would guess their usual low quality, cheap, inexpensive suppliers.
Edited by Gantz: Your Trusted Friend in Science. at 09/10/09 11:35 AM
Gantz: Your Trusted Friend in Science. was starred
Gantz: Your Trusted Friend in Science. was unstarred
@Gantz: Your Trusted Friend in Science.: I don't think that's MadCatz's fault, more due to Sony and licensing. Have there been any non-Sony controllers that don't have a dongle?
@Guy LeDouche: True but the response time is so small that it won't make all that much of a difference online, especially considering most people have the same response lag.
@Skyllus: That's the thing though, in competition, it will make a difference or say on PC between a wireless or wired mouse, it would make a difference but online on the 360, it doesn't make such a difference because most people have wireless and have that lag. I'm not saying it doesn't improve your game though, I'd prefer wired to wireless any day but if you can't take advantage of the game with wireless, having a wired controller won't be a miracle for you.
Since I've been duct taping the broken off mic from my Microsoft headset to the outside of my Sennheisers for the better part of two years, I think I'm 100% sold on the throat communicator.
1) What's the point of the throat communicator thing? Are there any situations where gamers find themselves NEEDING to talk as quiet as possible so that their squad can make it out? Because that's the logical use of these things. I can just picture a bunch of fools getting this thing and then sounding even more garbled than usual because they wear it wrong or start shouting. It's going to be a huge headache.
2) Do people feel more badass playing a game with this stuff? Cause it seems to me you could use standard equipment (for the most part a mouse is a mouse, some specialty mice are worthwhile, but not necessary ever) and save some money and buy more games down the line. I guess I'm just a fool.
@jargy1: 1) So I can hear my D**k in your mouth when I T-bag you in MW23) Imo, you've not played with gamer gear if you can honestly say that a mouse is a mouse. There are differences, some small, some big. If you get a higher DPI lazer mouse as opposed to an old school ball and chain mouse, youll get two different outcomes. I mean skill is not something you can buy, so don't think getting this gear will automatically pump you full of win; but, I have had my game improved by upgrading my keyboard, mouse, and screen from a 17" laptop w/ travel sized optical mouse to a light-weight Razer keyboard, Logitech MX Revolution mouse and a Gateway 24" screen.
EDIT: Ergonomics is more for comfort, and, as a side note, I think changing weights on your mouse is going past the point of worth it (talking about chrome and other mouse-weight brands).
@Th12eat: Changing the weights definitely helps to make the mouse feel more comfortable on a person by person basis.
For instance, I have the Logitech G5, the weights I have in it are the heaviest - 8x4.5g. Without the weights, the mouse feels too light and slippery for me but with the weights, it feels alot sturdier and steadier to me. I know some people who prefer having half the weight I use in the mouse, or no weights at all.
Either way, I don't think it's going over board at all. What I do think is going overboard however is the ever increasing dpi range. 3200dpi is more than you'll ever need and I'd call that the limit of what should be in a mouse. The G5 goes up to 2000dpi and the only time that ever gets used is flying gunships or jets in the Battlefield series, for anything else, it's just too fast....at least at 1680x1050, but I imagine it isn't much slower on a biger screen.
I really like the 360 controller, subtle and sleak. No god awful art or stupid crap. Buttons on the back is also nice.
I just may grab one of those. The rest is meh, and I don't even know what #4 is... throat communicator sounds lame, but it actually might be a lot more comfortable and practical than the current headset. Mine doesn't seem to fit my head right. Too much brain, probably.
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360 controller is wired = FAIL
these Madcatz peripherals suck
and as for the throat communicator
if you think u wont hear ppl breathing into the mic think again
this one still uses a hanging mic and is nothing like the real thing
Bottomline
MADCATZ=FAIL
stick to your regular stuff
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except for the hundreds of competitive street fighter players who use the mad catz sticks.
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[gear.ign.com]
I wish they would make the throat mike for PS3. When I use a bluetooth it feels like people cant hear me sometimes.
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That's what I hear -- still, I'm a bit wary. Trauma from Gameboy Pocket days where their accessories would burn out more often than Chris Brown hits Rhianna.
09/10/09
09/10/09
While I'd heard about the SE version having a few problems I thought the general consensus was that overall it was a pretty decent product, and I haven't really heard anything specifically bad about the pads.
At least I'm pretty sure my original point still stands in that their newer products are far superior to the old tripe they used to release not all that long ago.
09/10/09
Also, the SE is a horrible product out of the box, with an over 50% rate of having a washer on the stick out of position, and it eventually results in a grinding down (destruction) of the PCB. If you were unfortunate enough to buy one of those sticks, you have two choices: send it in for warranty repair (3-6 weeks to get it back), or void the warranty by opening it yourself.
The second option is actually where the value of this stick is at... since you just open it, save the PCBs and the wire harness, and replace the buttons and the stick with high-quality parts. It'll run you about the same as a TE to do all of that, but when stock on the TE was low, it was the best option. Now I'm stuck modding a bunch of SEs because I like them and I've got my friends stuck on the size compared to the fatter TE. :p
09/10/09
While I do frequent SRK I don't check the TechTalk section all that much so I had no idea that the pad's had such a limited lifespan if what you're saying is true. Though again, I'd be tempted to believe it's not as bad as you think. I'm sure tens of thousands of fightpads have been sold, are there tens of thousands of reports on SRK of them dieing? If not then there's hardly any proof that "all of the pads are breaking over time".
09/10/09
Which is why... I actually used a very low percentage compared to what I believe to be the actual problem. I don't expect MarkMan to comment, but he is aware of both of these issues, and of how widespread they are.
I'll put it to you this way, I've bought 4 SE sticks for modding purposes, and each of them had the washer issue out of the box. Even at a 50% rate of failure, the odds of those 4 incidents happening in a row is 1/16. I doubt that I was this unlucky, and that the rate of 'washer incidents' is significantly higher than 50%.
Another reason you don't see many people complaining about the SE and its issues is that in the majority of cases it was bought for modding purposes anyway. I never complained about it, I was modding each and every one of those sticks anyway.
I have no first-hand experience with the pad. Just the interwebs talk.
My recommendation is to be very weary of these products, especially of the voice chat mechanism. MadCatz didn't prove anything to me with their SFIV line of products other than that a known quality parts producer produces quality parts (Sanwa).
Do they acknowledge who is behind the parts involved in the production of these items? If not, I would guess their usual low quality, cheap, inexpensive suppliers.
09/10/09
YOU CANT HEAR PEOPLE BREATHING INTO THE MIC!!!!!!
Come on, how many times a night on live do you hear some kid or fat ass blowing his nose juic into the mic or huffing and puffing.
You cant hear breth through your throat
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What if you're one of those chronic smokers with a throat hole?
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This isn't the year 2000 Mad Catz, you idiots.
Also, it doesn't seem like Fahey is a big fan of voice chat.
Or are you?
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[www.gamecyte.com]
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But the biggest thing for us is that most LAN competitions don't let you use Wireless (due to hundreds of xbox's in same place).
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1) What's the point of the throat communicator thing? Are there any situations where gamers find themselves NEEDING to talk as quiet as possible so that their squad can make it out? Because that's the logical use of these things. I can just picture a bunch of fools getting this thing and then sounding even more garbled than usual because they wear it wrong or start shouting. It's going to be a huge headache.
2) Do people feel more badass playing a game with this stuff? Cause it seems to me you could use standard equipment (for the most part a mouse is a mouse, some specialty mice are worthwhile, but not necessary ever) and save some money and buy more games down the line. I guess I'm just a fool.
09/10/09
i am hard of hearing and i find that the Throat Communicator could be ideal for me,not for talking but hearing i mean
i do have trouble hearing with the Xbox Live headset,although its a decent headset
09/10/09
EDIT: Ergonomics is more for comfort, and, as a side note, I think changing weights on your mouse is going past the point of worth it (talking about chrome and other mouse-weight brands).
09/10/09
For instance, I have the Logitech G5, the weights I have in it are the heaviest - 8x4.5g. Without the weights, the mouse feels too light and slippery for me but with the weights, it feels alot sturdier and steadier to me. I know some people who prefer having half the weight I use in the mouse, or no weights at all.
Either way, I don't think it's going over board at all. What I do think is going overboard however is the ever increasing dpi range. 3200dpi is more than you'll ever need and I'd call that the limit of what should be in a mouse. The G5 goes up to 2000dpi and the only time that ever gets used is flying gunships or jets in the Battlefield series, for anything else, it's just too fast....at least at 1680x1050, but I imagine it isn't much slower on a biger screen.
09/10/09
I just may grab one of those. The rest is meh, and I don't even know what #4 is... throat communicator sounds lame, but it actually might be a lot more comfortable and practical than the current headset. Mine doesn't seem to fit my head right. Too much brain, probably.
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#4 is a bluetooth headset. It's what you use on a PS3