PlanetDreamcast | Hardware | Reviews | Nyko Dream Master

Nyko Dream Master More going for it than against it. - Review By Accelerator Sega's pack in Dreamcast controller can be improved upon in a number of ways. Nyko must have compiled a list of improvements they could make to the design, and their final result happens to be the Dream Master. Their list must have looked something like this: There are only four face buttons (six would be ideal for certain fighting games). Adult hands tend to end up twisted inward while gripping the small Sega controller. Since the sides of the controller angle inward instead of outward, this can lead to discomfort during long play sessions. Sega's controller has no slow motion or turbo features. Sega used a cross D-pad instead of a disc style D-pad which can make performing certain fighting game combos rather uncomfortable and difficult. These problem areas have been addressed by Nyko, and what they have designed is a controller that offers significant improvements. The Good One feature I have really liked about the Sega DC controller is that the analog thumbstick offers just the right amount of tension. Moving the stick from center to edge has a quality feel to it that isn't too loose (ie. Sony Dual Shock) nor too firm (Nintendo's N64 controller). Most third party controllers tend to lean toward the loose side, but Nyko probably has come the closest (among the third parties) to getting the feel just right. And that's a good thing because in racing games like Vanishing Point, Sega GT, MSR, F355, and Sega Rally 2 a loose stick may not allow you to control your vehicle as well as one with higher tension. More resistance allows for finer tuning of steering adjustments needed in these driving games. The D-pad on the Nyko controller is a small disc with a cross on it. The edges of the cross are rounded off, so you won't have to worry about scraping up your fingers when pulling off various fighting game combos. This plastic D-pad -- despite its small size -- is quite effective for what it's supposed to do. The Dream Master offers six face buttons instead of four, and though they aren't lined up straight across (the first two buttons are offset from the other four), many will adapt to this nuance and find it to be acceptable. Anyway you slice it, six is better than four. Other extra features Nyko elected to provide include turbo and slow motion options. This controller, like Sega's, is quite compact and streamlined compared to some of the other third party controllers. Unlike the Sega controller, though, the sides of the Dream Master angle outward just enough to offer adult players a more comfortable holding position. You can rest assured that your wrists aren't going to have to twist inward when using Nyko's controller. It's got a very comfortable feel to it. The Bad Not all is well in the land of Nyko. A number of months ago I purchased their new revision of the Dream Master (it happened to be bright orange), and found it to have an analog stick that was stiff when moving left, but loose when moving right. On every original version Dream Master I've tried, though, the stick has not had this problem. Needless to say, I no longer own the orange one. So beware-- the purple translucent one is your best bet (it's the one that comes in a cardboard box, not packaged in transparent plastic packaging). Another problem that a number of people have with this controller is that the first two of the six face buttons are offset from the other four. This may not be a big deal for a gamer who's into racing simulations, but for a fighting game enthusiast it may not be ideal. If you don't think you're going to want to train yourself for these unique button positions, then you may want to steer clear. Another gripe I have with the controller is that you can't remap any of the buttons. This is a small gripe, but nonetheless it's a gripe. Speaking of small gripes, the triggers do not seem to move in as smoothly as with the Sega pad. From what I've seen, it does not affect gameplay in the slightest, but I thought it was worth mentioning. The Final Word If you are looking for a controller that's streamlined in appearance, comfortable to hold, and great for driving games, you will most likely be happy with your Dream Master purchase. It's one of the best third-party controllers available (provided that you aren't turned off by the unique face buttons setup or lack of button remapping). Manufacturer: Nyko Retail Price: $19.99 Highs: Comfortable to hold, has six face buttons, excellent analog thumbstick response, compact design, D-pad is an improvement over Sega's, turbo and slo mo features are present. Lows: The six face buttons aren't lined up straight across, the newer model's analog stick may be of lower quality than the original's, no button remapping feature, triggers do not glide inward as smoothly as do the ones on the Sega controller. Final Score: (out of a possible 10) Go To Our Dreamcast Controllers Page Previous Reviews Comments on this review? Mail Feedback.