Thrustmaster Firestorm Dual Power 3
 - reviewed by Andrew B
Review Date: 13 October 2002
Review Score: 9.5/10 
Distributor: Guillemot

PC Gaming has never been better but when it comes to arcade, racing and flight games, something is missing. The keyboard is great for first person shooters but when it comes to other games, it doesn't stand up against the world of console controllers. Fortunately for us, Thrustmaster has released the Firestorm Dual Power 3 that not only supports USB but also Force Feedback. The gamepad is also very similar to the Sony PlayStation controller and also feels very comfortable to use. 

Features of the Firestorm Dual Power 3

• 2 built-in motors for optimised force feedback sensations
• 2 analog controllers that enable you to control 4 separate axis
• 8 way D-Pad + 12 programmable quick action buttons
• Digital and Analog modes for peak performance
• Rubber texture for maximum comfort
• 2 years warranty

Contents of the Firestorm Dual Power 3

• 1 x Controller
• 1 x User Manual
• 1 x Installation CD 

The Firestorm Dual Power 3 was tested under Windows XP and was automatically recognised by the system when it was connected to the USB port. The installation CD was needed for Windows XP to install the correct drivers but this took under a minute to install. The software also installs an applet into the control panel that lets you tweak the controller to your personal preference. The installation CD also comes with an additional program called Thrustmapper that lets you assign keyboard and mouse actions to the controller itself that is great for certain games. The Thrustmaster web site (www.thrustmaster.com) also features additional FAQ's, news, utilities and drivers for the Firestorm Dual Power 3. 

Testing

The Firestorm Dual Power 3 is a native USB controller and means that you will receive the best response times when using the controller. The controller was tested under a variety of different games that included Microsoft Motocross Madness 2, V8 Racing Challenge, Duke Nukem Manhattan Project and my all time favourite Croc 2. Motocross Madness 2 performed amazingly well and the controller had a great feel to it when you needed to pull off the right stunts. The force feedback on the controller was great and was very similar to the PlayStation Dual-Shock with the right amount of feedback. The analog stick was perfect for controlling the bike and I used the D-Pad to perform the stunts of the game. The controller needed to be reassigned under V8 Racing Challenge but once it was setup, it was amazingly accurate. The controller is also great for games like Croc and Tomb Raider that lets you use the right analog stick to look around while the left analog stick can control the character. It should also be noted that when using both analog sticks at the same time, your thumbs don't knock together like some of the cheaper USB gamepads. All other games performed exceptionally well under the control of the Firestorm Dual Power 3.
 

Unlike some of the gamepads on the market these days, the Firestorm Dual Power 3 had a really good feel to it and fitted comfortable in your hands. It was not bulky or too heavy and is also made from a comfortable rubber texture that doesn't feel cheap and nasty. 

Thrustmaster has always been one of the top companies in creating gaming accessories for the PC and the Firestorm Dual Power 3 is no exception to that rule, a great controller with all the features of a dual shock console controller. I would highly recommend this controller to anyone who enjoys racing games, arcade games, adventure games and various flight simulators who want their gaming experience enhanced.

- Andrew B

Copyright ©2002 www.impulsegamer.com