Viper 2 Score: 99% Developer: Nyko Device Type: Controller

Function: When you see the ?2? in the name of Nyko?s Viper 2, you probably assume that there was a Viper 1. Well, there was. In fact, the original Nyko Viper was (is) an excellent controller. (Check out the review here.) So, what does the Viper 2 improve? Not much. But then again, there really wasn?t anything to complain about with the first one. There are really two main differences between the original and the Viper 2. The first difference is the fact that the Viper 2 is officially licensed by Sony PlayStation. The Viper wasn?t. A lot of controllers aren?t. Why does it matter? Officially licensed controllers work. They work per PlayStation and PS2 specs. There have been some issues with third party controllers not working properly with some of the newer PlayStation games. Officially licensed products will work. They are designed to. The second thing that?s been changed is the retail price: releasing at $24.99 USD retail, the Viper 2 is retailing for $5 USD less than the original Viper did. (And that?s always a plus.)

Performance: The controls are very responsive without being over sensitive. The Nyko Viper 2 has three selectable modes: Analog, Digital, and simulated Steering Wheel. There is an LED indicator on the controller which shows which mode the Viper 2 is in currently. With a nice D-pad design, independent turbo button, push-down buttons (in the analog sticks), and those funky translucent colors, the Viper 2 not only plays well, but looks cool at the same time. Familiar with the PlayStation Dual Shock controller? Nyko?s Viper 2 has a very similar feel. The Viper 2 is a little bit larger, giving you a slight ?grip? advantage, but the layout is functionally about the same. The turbo button is placed within easy reach, but out of the way of the other buttons. Basically, there?s not much of a learning curve if you?ve been using another Dual Shock compatible PS2 controller. Furthermore, if you?ve ever used Nyko?s Viper controller, the only difference you?re likely to notice is a $5 drop in price. If you?ve never tried the Nyko Viper contoller, then you?ll be impressed with the Viper 2. If you are familiar with the original Viper controller, you may wonder what the difference is. The stick feels the same, looks the same (with the exception of the snazzy ?2? on the front of the controller)... even Nyko?s site has nearly identical feature lists for the Viper and the Viper 2. Just like the Viper, the controller is incredibly nice for playing with and allows for hours of comfortable, accurate gameplay. Only the Viper 2 retails for $5 USD less than the Viper did. That?s an upgrade, right?

Features: Licensed by Sony PlayStation Built-in force feedback (Dual Shock compatible) Analog, Digital or Steering Wheel Simulation play mode selector with LED indicator Dual analog with push-down buttons Independent turbo button with LED indicator Raised eight-way D-Pad Available in five assorted translucent colors Compatible with PSOne Six foot cord

Drawbacks & Problems:: No real problems to speak of. The Nyko Viper 2 PS2 is well-designed. It seems this time Nyko concentrated on making the most of the conventional by enhancing the look and features... without starting the design from square one. If anything, a cord length of a little more than six feet may have been nice, but that?s a minor point. (Very minor.)

-Geck0, GameVortex Communications AKA Robert Perkins