Barracuda 2 Score: 98% Developer: Interact Device Type: Controller

Function: InterAct?s Barracuda 2 controller has a nice feel to it. The controls are very similar to the Sony Dual Shock controller, and has good tactile response. The design of the Barracuda 2 is unique, however, offering larger L2 and R2 buttons. This design makes L2 and R2 both easier to distinguish from L1 and R1 and easier to hit L2 and R2 in the heat of battle. The Barracuda 2 also has a unique ?axis switch? feature, which allows you to use the Left Analog stick as the Right Analog stick and vice versa. I found that this allows for a strange, cramped, yet surprisingly useful setup for driving (tested with Need for Speed: High Stakes), where the right hand uses the buttons as normal, while the left hand ?cups? the right hand, and the left thumb is used for steering with the Right Analog stick. This (strange) position feels much like holding a sword or (so I?ve been told) a golf club. There?s not much room for the right thumb, but I?ve gotten great results with this setup.

Performance: As a Standard Dual Vibration Analog controller, the Barracuda 2 is comfortable enough for hours of gameplay. The bells and whistles included give more experienced gamers new ways to customize the fun. To simply use the Barracuda 2 is easy. Even the programmable function is simple to use. The only thing that has a learning curve is playing with the features (mainly the axis switch to develop new and useful ways of playing your game. The Barracuda 2 is an excellent controller for video gaming enthusiasts.

Features: Dual analog control Dual vibration Mode switch (digital gamepad, analog joystick, analog gamepad) Programmable D-pad Ten programmable action buttons Auto-Fire Unique ?Axis Swap? switch 8? cord

Drawbacks & Problems:: The Barracuda 2 a very well designed controller. It has some unique features and an unusual design. If you can get used to the features and the feel of it, it?s a superior controller.

-Geck0, GameVortex Communications AKA Robert Perkins