ProgramPad Score: 98% Developer: Interact Device Type: Controller

Function: The InterAct ProgramPad controller is a really neat looking controller. The grips feel very good as well. Unfortunately, the layout of the action buttons is a little different than the standard Sony controller (to make room for two additional programmable buttons), causing the circle button to be a little too far off to the right. The buttons seem to form more of a Saturn-esque ?fighter pad? style six-button layout, and is more comfortable when treated as such. In fact, as a fighter pad, it is well designed. I suppose ?fighter? and ?programmable? could be considered synonymous, but it seems that with a controller so well suited for fighting games, InterAct would have stressed this more. The buttons are all programmable. The shoulder buttons, the action buttons, including the additional two, and the D-pad directions can all be programmed to any combination of button presses, including sequences of presses. The addition of the Auto-Fire button can lead to a furious flurry of attacks. The ProgramPad also has a built in piezo speaker which audibly beeps to let you know when your button presses have been accepted (during programming).

Performance: The InterAct ProgramPad is quite possibly the easiest controller to program yet. The programming method is straight forward, and the built-in speaker verifies when your data is entered. (There is also an LED which visually verifies the status of your programming.) The button layout makes this controller well suited for fighter games, but somewhat awkward for other games. I wouldn?t suggest this controller as the only one you purchase, but if you play a LOT of fighting games (wrestling games, Tekkens, MKs, etc.), then you might want to pick one of these up and tear a friend apart. The ProgramPad is comfortable to hold and is excellent for use with fighter games. With the Auto-Fire switch on, I have easily landed three attacks after a knockout on Tekken 3. When you finally get tired of playing (or more likely have to stop to eat), you can turn your PlayStation off and return later and your controller will still remain programmed to the moves you programmed into it. All programmable controllers from this point forward should have this feature. If it?s possible to retain the programming without power or batteries, why would anyone NOT do this?

Features: All buttons are programmable Transparent housing Program button with LED and speaker Dynamic memory retains programming without power Requires NO batteries Auto-Fire switch Slow Motion switch 8? cord

Drawbacks & Problems:: The placement of the action buttons makes the ProgramPad awkward as a primary controller. However, it?s easy to use, highly flexible with its programmability, and its Auto-Fire feature make it an excellent controller for use with fighter games.

-Geck0, GameVortex Communications AKA Robert Perkins