Logitech Netplay - MMORPG Necessity
Written: Jul 22 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Ergonmically Combines a PS2 Controller and USB Keyboard, Very Comfortable and Very Responsive
Cons: Price is High but Well Worth It, Keyboard Tends to Slide Out too Easily
The Bottom Line: I would recommend this device to anyone playing PS2 MMORPGs. The ergonomics of this device make it comfortable for many hours of gameplay, it's very responsive, and is very durable.
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| svt_amateur's Full Review: Logitech Playstation 2 Netplay Controller |
I first heard about this controller when I was looking into buying Final Fantasy XI for PS2. When I searched I couldn't find one less for $70 so I decided to not to get one. Well, after getting Final Fantasy XI and the Playstation 2 Hard Drive (they come bundled together and of course I got them the first day they were released) I realized my mistake. Setting Final Fantasy up via the controller input text mode took forever (I believe around 3 hours) while if I had a USB keyboard I could have saved at least 30 minutes. I then decided that I wasn't going to be happy with this game unless I bought this controller, and I have yet to regret that decision.
The Logitech Netplay is not just an ordinary keyboard, it is much more. It basically is a regular controller that is split in half and a shortened USB keyboard that goes in between the two halves. It has all the features of a regular analog controller: 8-way pressure-sensitive D-pad; pressure-sensitive circle, square, triangle and X buttons; L1, L2, R1, R2 trigger buttons; two clickable mini joysticks; Select; and Start. You can also feel all the action with dual vibration feedback motors. What I really enjoyed was the contoured shape of the Netplay that allows the controller/keyboard combo to sit on your lap and fit your hands comfortably. The keyboard is also detachable for chatting when you don't need the controller, but I never found this feature useful because when I'm chatting I'm also playing (I can multitask). The Netplay supports the adjustment of the joystick mode from digital to analog depending on the game you're playing, and you can use the Netplay from a decent range with the eight feet of cable included. The controller connects to PlayStation®2 via controller port while the keyboard connects via USB port.
I have used this controller for over 300 hours of gameplay and it works just as great as the day I bought it. Both the controller and keyboard are very responsive, and the unit isn't bulky like I expected it to be. When I sit the Netplay barely reaches over both sides of my legs, and again the countoured bottom allows the Netplay to sit on my legs very comfortably. I also enjoyed the actual joysticks, which are thinner and lighter than regular PS2 joysticks and were very responsive. This allowed for days when I could play this game for 8 hours and my hands still feel like I hadn't played a game at all (unlike when I played other games with my regular PS2 controller). But this best feature of this controller is of course the keyboard itself. Instead of using the cumbersome built-in menus available I was able to do commands with built-in shortcuts. This allowed me to be very responsive when in parties and also allowed me to travel and chat at the same time, something I wouldn't have been able to do if I had a regular controller. The only thing I didn't like about this controller is how easily the keyboard slides out of the controller. Sometimes when I would lean forward the keyboard would slide forward and fall on the floor. Thankfully the Netplay is very durable and it doesn't even show that it has fallen out, but I wish there was more friction or something to keep the keyboard in until you want it to come out.
Even though I have recently forever retired from MMORPG's (I couldn't play in moderation) and thus will have no use for the Netplay, it still will be my most favorite PS2 accessory. It took a controller and made it better, and then threw in a keyboard in the middle to make the ultimate MMORPG necessity. I will truly miss this wonderful accessory.
Recommended:
Yes
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