Ever since I got my Playstation 2, I have been dying to try new accessories that will enhance the experience. So, I have been browing many game magazine websites. One of the magazine highly recommended this InterAct Blue Thunder Racing Wheel. So, with confidence, I placed an order for one. (A lot of online stores will not have this in stock - not sure why)

The box I received was huge. This racing was unlike some other products I have tried before. There was definitely realistic feel to it. Soft rubber wheels, nice looking shifter (nice click sound when u shift), and soft rubber surface on foot pedals. It seemed like this was what I have been looking for.

Before I go any further, I just want to say Gran Turismo is the greatest racing game. So, one and only reason for this purchase is for playing Gran Turismo.

Hooking up is very straight forward. Just hook up power adapter and footpadal to the main wheel. Customizing was also easy. All buttons can be rearranged without special setup. The process of customizing buttons is almost like programming remote control. There is four settings for steering. High, Low, Medium, and Custom. This prod seem to give a lot of options to users.

As soon as I start playing the gane, I had problem. No steering adjustment was possible. There is no tilt or telescoping options were available. So, if you have very low table, U wouldn't be able to adjust it. Another thing is steering. Even with many settings for the steering wheel, this prod doesn't seem to have gradual turning. What I mean is that when u turn a steering wheel 5 degrees, then u will expect the car to turn 5 degrees or proportionally. But this wheel doesn't seem to have that functions. It suddenly turns after I turn about 15 degrees or something. So, Before 15 degrees, there is no turning. I have tried all four ways to adjust. It didn't help at all. After that 15 degrees, it will lose handling again. So, no matter how much u turn, it won't make any difference.

So, there are only two angles that will control the wheel. 15 degrees to the right and left. No control in between and pass that angle. so, It's so hard just driving straight. When I tried to turn, car will turn either sharply to the right or left.

I have been playing Gran Turismo since the first game came out. I have Gran Turismo one and two. So, I know at least how to work the game, but with this wheel, it was impossible, so i decided to return it on the same day I received the wheel.

By the way, I haven't tried this wheel with Gran Turismo 2000.

Maybe I am having problem because I am tring PSX one games. But, I doubt that was the problem. It could be defective, but it's also very doubtful that it is since it has Quality Control sticker under the steerting wheel, so somebody checked it before they packed it in a box.

If you are a fan of Gran Turismo, just wait. I have heard that people who developed Gran Turismo is also developing a wheel that will go with the game.

http://www.dailyradar.com/hardware/hardware_review_672.html
This is the magazine website. It's reviwing Logitech wheel which they believe will be the wheel for GT3.

Anyway, for now, don't buy it, or try it but keep everything after you open the box. You might want to return it.

Recommended: No