Cyborg 3D Force Stick Score: 90% Developer: Saitek

Function: For discriminating players of any type of game that can utilize a joystick peripheral, the Cyborg 3D Force Stick should be at the top of their lists. It is suitable for either left or right handed gamers because of its symmetry, including the throttle levers. On top of that, 8 fully programmable buttons and force feedback justify the relatively high price tag.

Performance: The Cyborg has a small base, allowing it great maneuverability around the desktop. Rough gamers rejoice, as it is durable, and can take a relatively severe pounding. It also offers a simple plug and play USB connection, which will have you firing away at bogies or bandits or whatever you're going to have to fire at in no time. Apart from the 8 fully programmable buttons are an 8-way hat switch and a rapid-fire trigger that lets you shoot as fast as your mortal fingers can move. You'd have to be hopped up on a lot of caffeine to catch this trigger off guard. An item of equal importance included in this mega package is a third axis, which helps greatly and not just in the flight sim genre.

Features: 8 fully programmable buttons Rapid Fire Trigger Dual handle throttle 8-way hat switch 3D rudder twist Plug and Play USB connection

Drawbacks & Problems:: There are only two major drawbacks to the Cyborg. One is that in its being symmetrical, the idea of ergonomics was basically thrown out the window. The 4 buttons on the base of the stick sometimes get in the way of your grip, making you accidentally press buttons you don't want to. The other drawback is the stick's 'loose' calibration. When calibrating it from the desk top, it will take you a little extra effort to get it right. And when you get into the game, the center of calibration will tend to move slightly from time to time. Don't let these drawbacks mar your opinion too much of the Cyborg. These are but small obstacles that are easily overcome, and in a short time they will only be in the back of your mind. The rest of the stick is absolutely flawless, and any PC gamer would do well to own this bit of hardware.

-Snow Chainz, GameVortex Communications AKA Andrew Horwitz

Minimum System Requirements: PC Pentium 133MHz or higher with USB port / Microsoft Windows 98, Me and 2000 (XP compatible via download from website) / DirectX 7.0 compatible.   Test System: Windows 98, 1.4GHz AMD Athlon, GeForce 2 mx 32MB video card, 40 gig hard drive, 56x CD-ROM, 256MB DDR Ram, Sound Blaster Live! sound card, T1 Internet connection