Stick it to them
MadCatz’s Tournament Edition 2+ FightStick is built like a tank and works like a dream with Street Fighter V.
EVERY warrior has a weapon of choice. Jedis have lightsabers. Soldiers of modern warfare have sophisticated rifles. For many Street Fighter V players, arcade sticks are the controllers of choice.
These beefy pieces of gear are meant to mimic the experience of a bygone videogame era. They feature the familiar joystick and a layout with six to eight buttons.
In many ways, they represent a simpler way of gaming, one that hardcore fans of fighting games grew up with in the arcades.
With the release of Street Fighter V, Capcom’s latest fighting game, MadCatz launched a new Tournament Edition 2+ FightStick.
It’s what I use to play the new Capcom game, and it replaces the old MadCatz Tournament Edition FightStick I used with Street Fighter IV.
In terms of construction, the TE2+ has the same level of quality as previous MadCatz controllers. These heavy- duty behemoths will stand up to a lot of punishment.
Frustrated players can slam the controller. Clumsy visitors may knock it over off a couch or coffee table. Despite such abuse, the TE2+ will still come through like a dream during play.
Although built like a tank, the controller responds beautifully to the finesse and precision of the player. Its Sanwa parts are renowned for sensitivity, response and durability.
Players should have no problem pulling off Ryu’s hadokens or Ken’s dragon punch. The controller captures every button press and joystick input accurately.
The company has made improvements that make using the FightStick easier – players can now open the controller’s hood to adjust the buttons and stick. ( That’s an idea lifted from Performance Designed Product’s Mortal Kombat Fight Stick.)
Players can also use space under the hood to stow away tools, games and the removable cord when the controller is not in use.
For those who want to modify the controller, MadCatz includes tools that permit an easy change of the art on the face of the TE2+, and you also can switch out the buttons.
The improvements on the TE2+ also provide full PlayStation 4 ( and PlayStation 3) functionality. This controller can be used between the two consoles, and it supports all the buttons on each.
If you play an arcade classic or another fighting game, the TE2+ can handle it without difficulty.
The only issue with the TE2+ is the price. At US$ 229 ( RM950), it’s an expensive item. But for those who live and breathe fighting games, the Tournament Edition 2+ FightStick is worth the cost and it’s built to last. – San Jose Mercury News/ Tribune News Service