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FPS Freek CQC
Score: 92%
Developer: KontrolFreek
Device Type: Accessory
Compatible With:


Function:

With the recently released FPS games that are the new hotness, a lot of gamers will be looking to claim their place on the leaderboards and find other ways to get an edge on their friends. KontrolFreek's thumb enhancements offer just such an edge for console gamers.

The CQC stands for "Close Quarters Combat," and that's what these are designed for, but it really comes down to a matter of gameplay style, comfort and preference as to what type you prefer.


Performance:

Like all of the KontrolFreeks I've tried so far, they fit snugly on the analog sticks of the OEM PS3 and Xbox 360 controllers (as well as many others), and increase the stick's height (which increases the accuracy as well as the overall stick throw distance) as well as allowing customization of the texture and shape of the top of the stick.

While the CQC is an add-on analog stick extension and, based on that, raises the height of the analog stick, it should be noted that the CQC's are low-profile, adding about half of the amount of the other currently available FPS Freeks. The primary features of the CQC are the thumb surface and texture, with only a slightly increased height.

The CQC FPS Freeks feature a concave thumb surface, that is cupped so that your finger can rest in it, providing a medium grip on the stick, but also features a grip pattern of raise dots, to increase the friction to let you keep control of the stick.


Features:
  • Concave Thumb Surface
  • Raised Dots Grip Pattern
  • Medium Grey Top / Black Bottom
  • Slightly Increases your Accuracy in FPS Games
  • Gives More Leverage Without Disturbing Natural Gaming Feel
  • Easy Install
  • Minimal Learning Curve

Drawbacks & Problems::

The FPS Freek CQC enhances your analog sticks and stays snugly in place. The design of the CQC is such that it is half the height of other FPS Freeks, so the increase in accuracy is less than some of the other Freeks, and the total throw is not increased by much... but accuracy might not be as important if you're in close quarters combat.

The only two possible problems I can think of with any of the FPS Freeks are issues with them fitting some controllers (although they fit a good many) and storing them safely, if you tend to take them off of the controller when not in use. Mind you, there's not necessarily a need to remove them from the controller when not playing, but if there are small children or animals who may attempt to eat them, for example, you'd want to put them up for safe keeping. Sadly, no storage case is provided and these things are about the size of a bottlecap, so fairly easy to loose.

At around $10 USD, these may seem pricey, at first... especially since you can find controllers starting at around that price (well, not the sturdiest of controllers, but they're out there). The thing to keep in mind, however, is that your KontrolFreeks can be used on different controllers... even for different systems. That's something that you can't do with a cheap controller. Plus, if only one stick needs enhancement, you can use a single pair of KontrolFreeks on two different controllers, for example, you could use your CQCs on the Left Analog Stick of two different PS3 controllers - or even a PS3 controller and an Xbox 360 controller, so you're ready to play regardless of which system you jump onto.

If you're looking for better grip and a slight increase in accuracy and you can keep your toys out of the hands - and mouths - of the wee ones, then the FPS Freek CQC might be just right for you.


-Geck0, GameVortex Communications
AKA Robert Perkins

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