Glove
Score: 95% Developer: Reality Quest Device Type: Controller
Function: Remember the Power Glove for the Nintendo system of old? It wasn't quite what it should have been. Actually, that really should not come as a surprise, considering the technology behind that glove was a failed attempt at a flexible circuit board... but, I digress. The Reality Quest Glove is a more reasonable approach to the problem of achieving genuine "one-ness" with a PlayStation game controller. It fits on the player?s right hand (like a glove) and snugs up using Velcro straps. The player then controls vertical and horizontal motion (D-pad controls) by using pivoting wrist motions. The four primary action buttons (normally on the right hand cluster) and the L1 and R1 buttons are set directly under three fingers of the right hand. This configuration is ideal, allowing easy access to a much wider variety of move combinations. All four shoulder buttons are located on a round button cluster that the player's thumb rests on (yes, the R1 and L1 buttons are duplicated). Due to the rarity of heavy usage of the lower shoulder buttons (R2 and L2), the thumb pad is often not necessary, and the thumb can be tucked under the thumb pad for a firmer, more controlled grasp of the Glove. (Isn't it about time we get to give our thumbs a rest!?) According to the Reality Quest rep I spoke with at E3, the easiest PlayStation games to use it with will be driving simulations. This make sense, considering you really only have to control steering left and right, along with braking and accelerating. The next level up would be fighter games. The Glove allows easy access to combos, and allows the player to get more expressive. Finally, sports titles would be the most difficult to master using the Glove. Personally, I would not suggest using this controller for sports titles. It seems silly to use the Glove for a menu-based (play calling) game. However, I am sure that some people, once familiar with the Glove, will not want to give up the freedom (having one hand free) that the Glove allows.
Performance: Now, there are some special configuration settings which the player can easily set using a special "Reality Quest" button located next to the primary button cluster. These settings include up/down reversal (useful in flight games, as well as third-person adventure games and Doom-styled games) and sensitivity control. In addition, there is a three-position switch, allowing the controller to be set to True Analog, Simulated Analog, or Digital mode. Digital mode is the setting which is the same as a standard controller. Simulated Analog is a wonderful feature. In those PlayStation games that don't allow the use of an analog controller, but still require precise movements (lining up to make a jump, targeting an enemy/object, etc.), this feature can actually change the gameplay. Usually the player is required to "tap" quickly in the direction of the desired movement, and then tap the other direction if the movement overshoots the desired effect. Repeating this awkward process as many times as necessary to get "close enough" to the target to be satisfied than trying to do any better would be futile. NOW, by using the Glove in Simulated Analog mode, these fine refinements can easily be achieved -- changing the gameplay (without changing the game). In some extreme cases, it can seem like a new "move" is available. It initially takes some getting used to, and practice is necessary to really use the Glove controller well. But the Glove comes with a short instructional video, as well as a manual, making it much easier to adapt to using the Glove. (Maybe other PlayStation third-party developers should consider this as well...) This controller is good for most games (with practice), including fighting games, racing games, and adventure games. It is better with "fast and furious" types of games where its design gives the player an edge, and is not very well suited for use with puzzle games (at least not Intelligence Qube (DON'T TRY THIS! Sheesh!). However, in some cases, the Glove actually enhances the gameplay, allowing a before unimagined level of precision (Tomb Raider for instance) with the implementation of its Simulated Analog mode. If you are right-handed and play any games that require precision, but don't support analog controllers... or if you'd just like to give your left hand (and your right thumb) a break... Reality Quest's Glove controller is a "must have."
Features: One-handed control Three modes of operation: Digital (normal) Simulated Analog True Analog Sensitivity controls (three settings) Up/Down reversal option Plastic, Neoprene, and Velcro construction Instructional video included 7' cord
Drawbacks & Problems:: There is one all-or-nothing problem: you have to use your right hand. If you're right-handed, that's great. If you're not... forget it. Psibabe (who's a lefty) couldn't do much at all with the Glove, while I personally was very impressed with it and took to it quite nicely. The construction is sturdy and the design is sound. The only thing I ever had problems with is trying to go left and up at the same time... which was easily fixed by adjusting the fit of the Glove on my hand and changing the sensitivity settings. It takes a little practice, but the average (right-handed) player should be able to pull a good deal of refined control out of Reality Quest's Glove. EDITOR'S NOTE: The Reality Quest Glove is no longer available. If you are looking for one, I suggest you try Ebay. However, we are always on the lookout for another glove controller as I get many requests from people in search of this product or something similar. Please feel free to send an email to glove@gamevortex.com if you would like for me to notify you if and when we find a suitable replacement. Update: I recommend checking out The Peregrine, a glove controller shown at E3 2010.
-Geck0, GameVortex Communications AKA Robert Perkins
Tilt Force 2 PX2500