Nostromo n45 Dual Analog USB GamePad
 - reviewed by Andrew B
Review Date: 29th July 2002
Review Score: 8.5/10 
Distributor: Belkin

This is what the PC Gaming world has been waiting for, a USB GamePad that almost rivals the controllers of the console world.

Based on the PlayStation Nostromo p45, this controller is almost identical to that version but with a few exceptions. Located where the Select and Start buttons should be are three new buttons on the PC version which are ESC, Mouse and Enter. These buttons are extremely handy when playing games as you don't have to fiddle with the keyboard. This controller can also be used to navigate the Windows Operating System.

Features of the n45 Dual Analog USB GamePad 

• Action Stabilizer (Allows for balanced gameplay)
• Mouse Mode that lets you navigate the Windows Operating System Family
• Thirteen Action Buttons
• Four Trigger Buttons
• Enter and ESC Buttons
• Highly Accurate and Smooth Directional Pad
• Program up to 70 different functions
• Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP & Apple Mac OS 9 Compatible
• High Speed USB Connectivity
• Comfortable and Ergonomic Design
• Lifetime Warranty

The n45 was tested under Windows XP and was automatically recognised by the operating system without the need of the installation disc. The CD contains the drivers needed for Windows 98, 2000 & ME and also contains the excellent Nostromo Array Programming software that lets you set up certain configurations and macros for a wide variety of games.

The n45 also uses USB connectivity that guarantees extremely smooth gameplay and accuracy because of the high speed performance of USB. The controller was tested on a number of PC Games such as racing games and arcade games. The n45 performed extremely well under V8 Racing Challenge, one of the latest car games available in Australia. The two dual analog sticks on the n45 were brilliant in controlling the car as it gave you full control over your steering and your acceleration. Even the old arcade favourite Croc 2 performed extremely well with the controller and played as good as the PlayStation version. The controller also performed flawlessly with the latest Duke Nukem game, Duke Nukem Manhattan Project and helped give the game a true arcade console feel to it.
 

Unlike console games that work automatically with any controller, the n45 did need some tweaking and configuration in a few games because there is no standard GamePad controller among the PC gaming world. 

The n45 did seem a little large compared to other controllers on the market and the action stabilizer bar served no real purpose. Apparently it is used to stabilize your gameplay but I found no advantage of having this at the bottom of the controller. However, it makes a great handle for moving your controller around. 

If you're in the market for an affordable controller to enhance your PC gaming environment, then I suggest that you check out this awesome device from Belkin.

- Andrew B

Copyright ©2002 www.impulsegamer.com