The Final Say! Design 7.5 Useability 7.5 Installation 10.0 Value 7.5  360 Modena Programmable Gamepad - reviewed by Tory Favro Review Date: 08 October 2002 Review Score: 7.5/10  Distributed By: Thrustmaster

Officially licensed by Ferrari, the Modena gamepad is a bit of an enigma. To the touch it actually feels a bit like an oversized PS2 controller with an XBox interface. To this end, it makes it quite comfortable to hold.   For the most part the button and stick layout is very closely matching that of the official stick and I didn't have too much trouble reaching and accessing everything on the gamepad.   One thing to note is that is that the buttons are spread apart differently from the standard official controller and the placement is also different. Until you are used to this, there will be moments that mistakes are made.   The cord is of a decent length and the general design. To appeal to the fans of Ferrari the controller incorporates 5 printed dials from the Modena dashboard and also has the following features:

5 printed dials from the 360 Modena’s dashboard
2 built-in motors for optimised vibrating sensations
2 analog ministicks for progressive control
8 analog action buttons
8 way analog Dpad
Star, Select, Slow, Turbo and Turbo Reset buttons
Rubber texture on the bottom part (TBC)

The controller is easy to program with those hard to do combos for DOA and other fighting games and the rubber grips ensures that even during intense gameplay, the controller won't slip in sweaty palms.

I would guess that my main complaint about the controller is that it is just a bit too large. For gamers such as myself with big hands, it won't really present a problem, but for children, they will have trouble reaching everything. It's this and slight button placement issues that relegate the controller to the one that my mate gets to use when he comes over. Don't get me wrong, this is still a good quality controller just a bit too big for general consumption. If this controller was a touch smaller it would rule, especially with the uber comfortable Dual Shock-like moulding.

- Tory Favro