Platform: PS2
Manufacturer: Logitech
Release Date: February 22, 2005

Buy 'LOGITECH DRIVING FORCE PRO': PlayStation 2

We've come a long way in the realm of specialized video game controllers. There have been hits (the NES Zapper), misses (the Sega Activator), and some in-betweens (Steel Battalion's 40-button monstrosity). Logitech recently released the Driving Force Pro steering wheel, which aims to fall into the "hit" category. It boasts significant features over its predecessor, and if you're willing to shell out the $150, you're in for a distinctly fun and seamless driving experience.

Probably the most touted feature of the Driving Force Pro is the wheel's ability to turn 900 degrees. That's a lot of degrees. At this point in time, not too many games support the feature. Only seven compatible games are listed on Logitech's site, including Gran Turismo 4, Need for Speed Underground 2, and TOCA Race Driver 2. This doesn't mean that there are only seven games that you can use this wheel with; rather, there are only a few games that support the 900-degree feature. When you use the Driving Force Pro with non-900 degree games, the wheel automatically configures itself, and locks the rotation at 200 degrees.

The ability to turn the wheel a full two-and-half rotations may seem like overkill. Unless a new parallel-parking simulation comes out, you'll never crank the wheel that far. Regardless, it's better to have too much rotation than too little, and it adds realism that no other wheel can deliver.

The wheel itself is very solid. Rubberized texturing covers the entire wheel, giving your hands the traction they need when fighting the strong force feedback. The d-pad and action buttons have moved from the old Driving Force's 10 and 2 o'clock positions to the spokes of the wheel, which keeps you from accidentally pressing them while driving. On the backside of the wheel are buttons that act as paddle shifters, so you can switch gears without letting go of the wheel. They have a nice feel, and have a definite "click" when you use them. Directly to the right of the wheel is a sequential shifter. Most people will opt for the more convenient paddle shifters when using a manual transmission, but it's good to have the stick option. Hopefully, Logitech will be able to figure out how to implement a shifting system with actual gates, so you don't have to cycle through every gear in sequence.

The package includes a floor unit, which houses braking and acceleration pedals. If you're using them on carpet, you can flip out a strip of small plastic spikes that hold the pedals in place with surprising tenacity. The pedals get the job done, but the construction and functionality of the feature-rich steering unit is better than that of the pedal unit. More resistance in the pedals, or even force feedback, would make the driving experience more convincing. Also, there is still no clutch pedal.

The force feedback on the Driving Force Pro is outstanding. It's more than just a rumbling effect; the wheel has a motor that actually fights you, depending on your driving situation. Games like GT4 allow you to adjust the strength of the feedback in case you're afraid of being thrown from your family room. Okay, it might that strong, but its power does compare favorably with steering wheels found in arcade driving cabinets. Although it is capable of delivering a good amount of resistance, it is also capable of slight feedback to translate the nuances of racing conditions.

Setting up the wheel is easy, but the most challenging part may be finding a table to attach it to. If your TV or monitor is on a desk with enough space to spare, you shouldn't have a problem. However, if your TV is in an entertainment center like most people, you'll have to get creative with your steering wheel-mounting skills. The clamps you use to secure the wheel are made of heavy, reinforced plastic, and can accommodate fairly thick tabletops. Once you have the wheel secured, you just plug it into the wall, plug the floor unit into the steering unit, and of course, plug into your PS2's USB ports. It only takes a couple of minutes.

None of these features matter if the actual gaming experience is subpar. Fortunately, the Driving Force Pro works great with compatible games. The wheel feels like it was designed with GT4 in mind, but it also adds a lot of character to other big name racers like Burnout 3: Takedown and GT3. These two games don't support the wheel's 900-degree rotation feature, but the experience is still accentuated considerably by this wheel and pedal setup.

The Driving Force Pro is definitely a hit, and hardcore racing game fanatics should bite the bullet and purchase this peripheral. It's no exaggeration that this wheel will make you love racing games even more. Sure, Logitech could have made some improvements to the pedal unit and shifter, but the setup wouldn't be nearly as cost effective. The force feedback has a wide range, from subtle to harsh. Finally, the wheel works with both 900 degree and 200-degree games, without a hitch. This is how racing games were meant to be played.

Score: 9.5/10