Double Force Controller 2 Score: 88% Developer: Sunflex

Function: I liked Sunflex's first Double Force controller for balancing originality with tradition. Most people seem to like Sony's controllers, and the Double Force didn't change the basic feel of either the Sony body or buttons. Cool additions like clear-plastic casing, color choices and flashing lights synched up with vibration made Double Force a lot of fun. Now, to complement Sony's new console, Sunflex's Double Force Controller 2 is as much bigger and badder than its predecessor as PS2 is to its little brother. Most of the changes were good, but at least a few were steps backward.

Performance: Turbo and Slow buttons stayed around from the original, but for some reason got arranged differently. It is really confusing at first, because there are 6 features printed on the controller, but only 5 buttons. Huh? Eventually, I realized that the 'Set' and 'Clear' features work from a single button, but why the strange layout? The clear case is gone, replaced by a shiny black plastic case that looks and feels like rubber. It matches the PS2 nicely. Shoulder buttons are smaller - more like Nyko's controller - and the top buttons are spaced closer together than the Double Force which really makes a positive difference. Plus, all but the Select, Start, Turbo and Slow buttons are analog to match Sony's new Dual Shock PS2 controller! The more analog the better, right? The analog sticks changed, but not for the better. Instead of being rubber-coated and shaped like a mushroom, each stick is concave on top and feels more like plastic. I can only guess, but the idea seems to have been that you'd stick your finger in the depression on a stick. It really doesn't work for me. The Double Force Controller 2 is massive when stacked against the original Sunflex controller. I'm a big guy with big hands, so I loved this. But, smaller hands will definitely find that having a hold on more than a few buttons will mean some stretching. Instead of buttons, the D-Pad matches the analog sticks, and is a concave circle in clear plastic. The design of the Double Force Controller 2 is great, visually.

Features: Compatible with PlayStation and PlayStation 2 Special buttons for Turbo and Slow All action buttons support analog control for PS2 Extra large design Cool designer look

Drawbacks & Problems:: I love the fact that Sunflex moved the top buttons closer together, and having a bigger controller is always a good thing in my book. But, those analog sticks have got to go! Especially because the controller is harder for small hands to get a grip on, changing the feel of the analog sticks will not be a popular feature for some folks. Also, while the concave D-Pad looks nice, it also makes for tricky control if your fingers are already stretching. The whole 'analog stick' issue is a shame, because Sunflex tightened up the sticks to a point that they definitely could be contenders. Apart from the size and shape concerns, the only possible problem with my unit was an analog button that didn't seem connected to anything. There's a little light on the face of the Double Force Controller 2 to show analog or digital, but no amount of button pressing would turn mine off. So, I guess you'll go analog and like it! In my day, we had to go digital both ways in the rain barefoot and without any fancy-shmancy controllers! You kids have it easy!

-Fridtjof, GameVortex Communications AKA Matt Paddock