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Configuring the wheel was also a breeze. Once you've installed the excellent Microsoft Controller Device Software (version 3) CD, the wheel automatically configures itself. There's no need to go chopping and changing. Although if you want to 'learn the ways of the force' as such, there's a nifty little utility in the control panel allowing you to test out each force. An in-game tip here is to start with all the controls at the halfway point and make adjustments from there. Handling can quickly get out of control if you just turn everything up full monty. You can also regulate the amount of feedback that the Wheel exerts. As with all other SideWinder devices, the Wheel also makes use of the SideWinder Profile Editor, which allows you to have a custom pre-set configuration for any game you like.
Rattle the box a little and other than the standard issue Microsoft Controller device software you'll also find a full version of Monster Truck Madness 2 and CART Precision Racing. These OEM deals were probably not too hard to strike up considering that Microsoft published both the aforementioned games this summer. Nevertheless, these two titles should at least keep you turning and 'burning' for a while. Monster Truck Madness 2 is actually useful, in that it shows off the full feature set of forces the wheel is capable of.
For obvious reasons the Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel only has ONE purpose- for use with driving games. And even though there are currently a plethora of driving games available, $199.99 might seem a little stiff for anyone less than an ardent driving game enthusiast. In addition, if you're looking for the wheel to support older favorites, such as Grand Prix 2, Screamer et .al, it doesn't. For that purpose you can just as easily get a wheel that doesn't support Force Feedback (and for a cheaper price at that). For a list of supported games take a look below and see how many of your favorites are there or not as the case maybe. This list is the most up to date so be sure to check for your favorites:
Andretti Racing
Burnout
CART Precision Racing
Daytona USA Deluxe
Drivers Education '98
F1 Racing Simulation
Micro Machines
Monster Truck Madness 2
Motocross Madness
Motorhead
Need For Speed 2SE
Need For Speed 3
Newman\Haas Racing
POD by UbiSoft
Power Slide
S.C.A.R.S.
Sega Rally Championship
Sega Touring Car Championship
SODA Off Road Racing
Speed Busters
Tank Racer
Test Drive Off-Road 2
TOCA Championship Racing
TOCA Touring Car Championship
Trans Am
Ultim@te Racing Pro
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