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Since the
Xbox 360 release, complaints flooded in not long after Street
Fighter II' Hyper Fighting was released. Not because of the
game itself, but because of Microsoft's approach to the hardware's
stock controller. You can tell that a lot of R&D went
into it because of how ergonomically comfortable it is. The
ergonomic design and careful placement of the analog and digital
controls didn't leave you cramped like the PlayStation 3 stock
controller, and the buttons were generally firm. The LB and
RB placement, however, were two buttons that were capable
of inducing unpleasant strain. There were some good things
about it, and some bad, but overall, you could tell that Microsoft
put a lot into the controller. It's likely they took to the
streets and Internet to see not just how people felt about
the original Xbox controller, but what serious players considered
the best controllers in game history. Though it didn't have
six buttons on the face, the Xbox 360 controller was essentially
a synthesis of the most favored, successful controller designs.
The most recognizable features were the brilliant, instantly-appealing
colored face buttons (SNES, N64, DC), short/stubby analog
sticks (PS, PS2), ergonomics (DC), and triggers (DC). The
digital pad, however, was a different story.
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(Mis)Taken
As Gospel
Microsoft may have listened too intently and taken the guided voice
of the scene as gospel. By the looks of its webbed-cross disc design,
it seems Microsoft was pressured to take inspiration from the worst
possible of candidates; the Genesis and Saturn controllers. I've
always felt they were some of the worst, most difficult controllers
to use (PurpGuy's gonna kill me for this). I can hear the roars
of "blasphemy" already, but I say this for very specific
reasons. Back in the day, almost anyone into Sega, Capcom, or SNK
fighters insisted that the Saturn pad was the only way to play,
and that the (pre-Dual Shock) PlayStation controller was completely
unintended for them. Coming from the SNES, I never really became
completely accustomed to the the Saturn pad.
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Even now (after
the hardware's prime), I'm still not as good with the Saturn controller
as the others. I'd say it's about the same for the Genesis pad,
as well; I always had a hard time with the disc-shaped, webbed-cross
on Sega controls. I had always heard so much about them having better
control for fighting games, yet I had consistent problems blocking
low, randomly jumping, and getting moves out. This was especially
apparent in any of Capcom's CPS-II titles; Special Moves and Super
Moves came out fine in the PlayStation DarkStalkers, but only jumps
and erratic normal attacks came out when I tried to do them in the
Saturn's Night Warriors sequel. The same can be said for X-MEN -
Children of the Atom and Marvel Super Heroes. True, the Saturn had
the six-button face, but its digital-pad wasn't worth the headaches.
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History repeats
itself, however, and that same problematic digital-pad design has
given many a headache with the Xbox 360 controller. Like Sega when
they went against their previous designs with a non-webbed, raised
cross design for the DreamCast controller, Microsoft has quietly
went and did the same with their Xbox 360 controller. Some don't
consider it to be a wholehearted effort (because the better design
has been released individually as "Special Edition" rather
than stock), but at least an attempt was made. The controller seems
like fan-service from Microsoft to those who stayed loyal while
patiently waiting for the PAL-exclusive controller with the improved
digital pad that never made it Stateside. Or, maybe they read the
article we did on their defective "new" stock controllers.
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At Long Last?
Either
way, it's apparent in several areas that thought was put into not
just the controller (even its packaging). So, how does this new,
classy-looking silver Xbox 360 controller actually work? Well, the
answer to they actually work. Unlike Microsoft's current
stock XB360 pads, these "Limited Edition" silver ones
aren't defective right out the box. Not only does everything on
them actually work, but better. The functionality has been improved
overall with the advertised, improved digital-pad, response, and
redesigned analog-sticks. It also includes a bonus charge-cord,
and it's all included in safer packaging that doesn't require the
sacrifice of fresh blood to open. But the improved digital-pad is
the main concern of most serious players...
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...and it seems
that Microsoft has finally succeeded in making it as functional
as it should have been from the start. Some claim no difference
in functionality and/or response, but I noticed greater sensitivity;
I was able to pull-off moves, cancels, and combos in fighters, on
que. It could take a while to see how time affects its performance,
but it's pretty good for first impressions. I say this pad is the
best you can get for titles without custom pads. Sure, there have
been fighter pads, but what about the other fighters (or non-fighters,
for that matter)? You'll need a pad for those, too, in order to
preserve more rare pads for their respective titles. Street Fighter
IV pads for Street Fighter IV, and "Limited Edition" silver
Microsoft controllers for everything else.
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Baffling
The Mind
After playing with this controller for a day, however, there is one
recurring question that consumes your thoughts. You really wonder
why they couldn't have just included this new and improved Xbox 360
"Special Edition" controller with the newest, redesigned
console. I recall something about improved functionality on Xbox 360
console redesign, so it's hard to see why they wouldn't include
the improved controller with it (if that was the case). Wouldn't it
have made more sense? Even the color schemes match! Hopefully in the
future they'll either package working products, or package working
products together... |
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BADCP
2011 All Rights Reserved. |
