NASCAR Charger Score: 90% Developer: Thrustmaster Device Type: Controller

Function: My first impression of the Thrustmaster NASCAR Charger was that it was small. The wheel itself is not that small, measuring 9.5 inches in diameter. The rest of the thing is about that same size. The footprint is only 13x8.5 inches, and is very slim-line at that. The design of the wheel?s base has a bit of a lip to it, so it actually fits on the top and around the edge of a table/computer desk. Once I tried it out, however, I was happily surprised at its performance. The steering is very nice, allowing for fairly minute control with a steady output, and the NASCAR Charger has a very nice centering action, allowing you to center the wheel quickly and accurately when needed.

Performance: The NASCAR Charger is designed to work with optional pedals, and the unit I received had a special promotion in which the pedals were packed in with the wheel. The pedals that work with the NASCAR Charger have a small (7x7 inches) footprint, but are relatively heavy and have rubber feet. This design helps keep them from sliding all over the place as you play. I still prefer the larger ?ain?t no way on earth it?s gonna move accidentally? pedals that come with the Act Labs RS more for a stationary setup, but the Thrustmaster NASCAR Charger looks like it would be much more portable, with it?s smaller design. For that matter, it would be easier to store if you?re not the kind of person to play every day of your life. The steering wheel itself has a hard plastic wheel and some easily reached F1 style shifters on the steering column. This hard plastic steering wheel is not as comfortable to hold as a padded surface, but is shaped well, allowing for a comfortable grip over extended gaming sessions. The installation software that comes with the Thrustmaster NASCAR Charger does an excellent job of ?stepping you through? the installation, even telling you exactly when to plug in the wheel. This is done with the computer on. The software then auto detects it and handles setting the Charger as your primary joystick. All it leaves for you is to verify that everything is working properly, and then play your games. I didn?t even have to reboot my PC to finish the installation. Sweet!

Features: Built-in clamping mechanism (nice design) Very nice, yet small pedal cluster (sometimes sold separately) Ergonomic wheel grip Very nice installation software Built-in F1-style shift gear shifters Game port connection Fairly portable design Thrustmaster quality

Drawbacks & Problems:: Force feedback isn?t in there. That?s no surprise when you look at the NASCAR Charger. I couldn?t begin to guess where they could fit force feedback into the steering wheel?s base. If you are looking for a nice steering wheel with great handling and a relatively small size great for packing around with you, or for merely storing it between uses, the Thrustmaster NASCAR Charger is an excellent choice.

-Geck0, GameVortex Communications AKA Robert Perkins

Minimum System Requirements: IBM compatible PC, Game/Joystick Port, DOS or Win 95/98, 486/66 MHz or better processor, CD-ROM, 1 MB free HD Space   Test System: AMD K6 II 400 MHz, Windows 98, DirectX 6.1, 64MB Ram, Voodoo 3 2000 video card, 56k V90 modem