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   PlanetDreamcast | Hardware | Reviews | Interact Astropad
    Interact Astropad
What you see is what you get with this controller. - Review By Accelerator

Interact Astropad

With a rather large variety of Dreamcast controllers available, the Astropad Dreamcast controller offers a few advantages over some of the others, but then again, there are also some disadvantages. Of course, all controllers have both pros and cons, but the main question is whether or not the pros outweigh the cons enough to make it worthy of one's hard-earned money. That's what we're here to find out...

  • The Good

    For adults seeking a larger controller than the one Sega has included with the system, the Astropad suffices nicely. I can guarantee you that you will not get "gamer's claw" with this pad! It's huge, and actually quite a bit heavier than the one made by Sega.

    The contours of the controller allow one to hold it comfortably, but it feels somewhat bulky -- or maybe I should use the word "clunky." With some adapting, it's a controller that may end up being a favorite for some, but maybe not for others.

    One of the features that I really like about Sega's Dreamcast controller is the fact that the analog thumbstick offers a good amount of tension, and the Astropad is pretty comparable in this regard (though slightly looser). When playing games like Sega Rally 2 or Metropolis Street Racer, you want a controller that allows you to make fine steering adjustments. The Astropad comes pretty close to the Sega pad in this category, and that's saying something. If you're a stickler about stick tension, the Astropad performs acceptably.

    One "extra" that Interact built in to the Astropad is the autofire feature for those of you who are into shooters. For some, this feature alone will make the controller worth purchasing.

    One of the features many may like about the Astropad is that fact that it comes in a variety of eye-catching colors (lime-green anyone?), as well as translucents. For those of you who are aesthetically-challenged this isn't gonna make any difference, but for those of you who crave a vibrant palette of joyful hues (you know who you are) this controller could make your day.

  • The Bad

    The D-pad isn't much of an improvement over Sega's cross D-pad. The cross may be desirable to some, but sharp edges can really bite into the fingers when furiously playing a fighting game using either Sega's or Interact's controller. I am inclined to actually prefer the Sega controller's D-pad because, on the Astropad, it just feels somewhat cheap.

    A couple other negatives worth mentioning: this controller doesn't offer any extra face buttons for you fighting game fans (there's just four), and there's no button remapping capability. It also tends to look and feel like a Fisher Price toy (I think just about any baby would love sinking its gums into this colorful hunk of plastic)!

    Though it's not a big deal, I will note here that the L and R triggers are actually push-in buttons. Some may not like Interact's decision to use buttons instead of triggers on the Astropad, but I have not found it to be a significant problem.

  • The Final Word
    Interact has made a large controller for adult hands, but many will probably find it to be awkward at first. If you can adapt to its unique feel, it's a satisfactory controller that -- while clunky -- may be worth adding to your collection if you're seeking a spare controller.

    Manufacturer: Interact
    Retail Price: $19.99

    Highs: Pretty good analog stick, benefits from an autofire feature, adult hands aren't going to cramp up thanks to it's size and shape, unique appearance makes it memorable.

    Lows: The D-pad isn't exactly top quality, it's a little sparse on extra features, the feel of the Astropad could take some getting used to.

    Final Score:

    (out of a possible 10)

    Go To Our Dreamcast Controllers Page

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