Suncom joysticks

Crash

Overall 1.5/5

Mark Caswell

Phil King

STICKS IN THE MUD Christmas time seems to have brought forward quite a few new joysticks, with the Navigator in particular being heavily-hyped. Most of them look really good, but how do they play? Two of the CRASH lads put them to the test, on all types of software ('cept word processors, of course!)... TAC 30 Suncom £13.99 MARK: While looking a little flimsy this has a full two-year guarantee (return either to dealer or MicroProse, NOT Suncom, USA). Another good point is the 'silent microswitches' feature which works. Unfortunately the price of this advantage is an exceptionally poor feel. All three fire buttons and the joystick's directional control feel very dead, requiring exaggerated movements to get a minimal of control. PHIL: The only sound with this is of plastic surfaces rubbing together, but responsiveness is terrible. It is extremely difficult to obtain vertical and horizontal directions, and while diagonals are easily accessed what use is that? That's all folks, remember that the opinions of the CRASH lads are only meant as a guide. There are many joysticks on the market, we've covered what we could get hold of (further updates when we receive any more - hint, hint). Opinions on joysticks are as individual as those on games - 'every hand is different' as Lloyd's granny says. Certainly you should ask to try one before buying it, and of course keep your receipt, especially for those with long guarantees. You should also bear in mind none of these joysticks, with the single exception of the Navigator, will work with the +2 or +3 joystick interfaces without a small converter, such as the Frei adaptor (£2.50 - see the CRASH Hypermarket, page 95). But whichever one you choose it's got to be better than the Sinclair SJS-1...!

Big K

WONDERFUL WIDGETS Some call them Peripherals (though not with their mouths full). Necessary bits - or just so much junk? Big K takes a wander down Bolt-On Boulevard and gives a few new products the once-over... BUT IF YOU LIKE VIDEO WRIST... Despite the trackballs, joy-sensors and other exotic controllers, most of us are still left with joysticks to fulfil our alienocidal fantasies. Here is an area where progress has been rapid. Many companies now market "gourmet" sticks for discerning alienocides. These are from Suncom (like the Joy-Sensor on the previous page) and fit Atari/Coleco/Commodore ports. The Tac-2 is the most expensive at £18.95, but you can slum it with a Slik-Stik for half the price, or even gerron yer bike and do a Tebbit with the Aerobics Stick.

Aerobics, girls? This little number attaches to the bars of you Anti-flab bicycle.

Left: the Suncom TAC-2 - a real gourmet stick. Right: the companion Slik-Stik employs minimum movement.