The
Logitech Wingman Interceptor: A Controller For All Occasions
This
is an all digital joystick, which doesn’t require any sort of calibration. As
a result, no misalignments, jerks, or other abnormalities can arise when fragging
your favorite opponent. The name is slightly misleading because just one model
below this one is Logitech’s very own Wingman Digital Exxtreme, which has the
word "digital" in its title but alas, it is of the analog genre and
requires periodic calibration. The Interceptor is a rather significant, sizeable
piece, but not so large as the motorized joysticks. This is my new favorite gaming
controller and I use it about 10-15 hours a week instead of hassling with a mouse.
Specifications
Logitech
recommends a Pentium 166 or better, Win95 or 98 and 16MB of RAM as minimum requirements.
If you’re a serious gamer, these specs should present no problem as prices fall
on the Athlon/Coppermine/GeForce systems. It goes without saying that you also
need a joystick port, which is usually found on most sound cards. Logitech
offers a one-year warranty.
Setup
And Calibration
The
procedure is simple; however, I recommend that you visit Logitech’s website and
download the latest online drivers. As of this writing, the current file was WS330ENU.EXE,
but check periodically for newer versions. This file size is about 5.65MB and
includes drivers for all of Logitech’s joysticks (which is terribly convenient)
Download
the file and run it. Partway through the process it will search for your joystick
so at this point, plug it in. After the installation
process completes, you’re done. Remember, since
this is a true digital stick, no calibration is required. This is not to say that
the Interceptor isn’t configurable to your tastes-quite the contrary in fact.
Below is a screenshot of all the goodies you
can mess with to your heart’s content.
How I Use The Interceptor
I’m
keenly aware that many people choose to use a mouse (preferably 3-button) and
a keyboard to play Q2, Half-Life, Unreal, etc. However, I’ve also noticed that
these games include a feature to make aiming easier and as a result, having to
look up or down becomes unnecessary. That’s the kiddie way to play in my opinion.
:-) A real gamer moves and aims in all three dimensions just like he/she would
have to in real life. Yes, it’s much
harder. But, you should see how this joystick can help you precisely aim and run
(a lot of running) around the game maps.
It
all started in Quake 2, when the A and Z were the default commands
to look up and down. It just didn’t make sense to mess with a mouse, wheel or
no wheel, for general movements. Now, for all the 3D games I play, I have the
joystick set up to move left, right, forward, backward and fire. With this configuration,
I rarely need to strafe because I can move so incredibly freely and quickly. The
keyboard changes weapons, looks up or down as well as other, lesser used commands.
If you haven’t tried this config, give it a whirl. You just might like it!
Of
course, two years ago, when Q2 was new, the Interceptor wasn’t out. I began on
a cheap Gravis stick, then graduated to Logitech’s own Digital Exxtreme. That
move alone made my wrist at least 50% less stiff after playing for 3 hours straight.
While cruising around a Best Buy here in Columbus, I inadvertently grabbed a hold
of the Interceptor’s handle and pushed it around. WOW! Precision, and a light
touch (and it wasn’t $120 like the motorized ones were)-I knew I had to have one.
So, I ordered one online of course (no offense to Best Buy but I got it for $39).
Final
Remarks
If you are into joysticks
and can appreciate their finer qualities, you will dearly love this one. After
several 5-hour non-stop gaming sessions with no wrist crashes (lockups?), I can
heartily report that this stick isn’t going anywhere soon. Throw out your old
analog stick and grab the Interceptor. Your wrist will thank you.
