PC Game Controller Definition

A PC game controller can have many names, so let's just get a few of those out of the way first.  They can be called input devices, joysticks, joystiks, game pad, joypad, mice, steering wheels, paddle, trackball, plunger, footpad, the list goes on.  Basically a game controller is an input device that is used to control an object within a game environement that is being ran by a computing device or computer.  There are a wide variety of controllers, controller configurations and controller types and brands.  You can use the keyboard you already have as a pc game controller, as mentioned before, you can have a steering wheel, a light gun, even a replica of an aircraft cockpit, a throttle quadrant, a balance board, guitars, drums, how about a set of pedals to go with your steering wheel or a racing seat with wheel, pedals and shifter built in. The possiblities are endless.  Let's look at some of the major manufacturers.

Who Makes Game Controllers

Ok, first off let's consider that most if not all game controllers are manufactured in China or Japan by companies who's brand you will not recongnize.  So, we will not boil it all the way down to where the plastic in the controller actually comes from so to speak, so we'll just stick on major retail brands you will see at your local store.   Actually, let's skip this part of the conversation, you'll see the brands at the store anyway, which brings me to my next point.

Where Can You Buy Game Controllers

When some people think about purchasing game controllers one thing that comes to mind is where can I buy them?  I always reply with this, at the store.  Which brings me to my next point.  Actually, that was an incomplete answer.  There are a lot of big box stores out there that sell game contollers.  Some places that come to mind are Best Buy, Circuit City, Frye's, Wal-Mart etc.  However, if you want to get what you really need, you'll want to go to a shop that is more gamer focused.  Think Gamestop or Gamecrazy and if huge national chains aren't your thing, check around your township for a mom and pop video game shop, sometimes these mom and pops will even consult with you on what you want and special order it from one of thier distributors, nice!  Then there is an even more specialized place than that.  If you're into flight simulators, a lot of times, a good hobby shop will have what you need.  Like a place that sells a bunch of RC cars and planes, stuff like that.  These guys a lot of the time will also have that yolk you've been looking for or that throttle quadrant you've been dreaming about.

Then of course you can always shop online, which brings me to my next point.  No matter what controller you get, you're going to want to get your hands on a tube of GhostGrip if you want to unleash it's full potential.  Well, I mean, if you don't like playing with sweaty hands, unleashing the controller's true potential in entirely up to you young Skywalker.  

Highly Anticipated Sequal to Mass Effect Will Not Disappoint

The moment you fire this game up you will be hooked.  The opening of this game is something you would expect to see out of a highly successful t.v. drama or even a Hollywood block buster.  The opening sequence sets the tone of the game nicely.  I have seen some games that have had tremendous opening sequences only to fall flat on thier faces once you actually get into the game play, but this one does not disappoint.  

So You've Played Mass Effect, Even Better

I really can't think of too many games that let you do this if any, but, Mass Effect 2 let's you take that character you've so lovengly raised in the first one, holding it's hand along the way and teaching it everything you know in hopes that it would one day have a better life and opportunities than yourself and import that into the sequal.  Yep, maintaining it's appearance, class, history, and tendancies.  Take this even further, make your character look like yourself of anyone else you choose with the character customisation features of Mass Effect 2. 

Let's Get On To Gameplay

A lot of you may be asking yourself, what's the major differences between Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 gameplay wise and I don't blame you.  Actually, that's the first question I always have when considering a sequal, is, how have they improved the actual gameplay?  Well, there are several major differences, the top two being combat and role playing elements.  While the first one may have been a little more RPG in a way, this one makes up for it by refining the finer things in a game, like, uhh, action and shooting stuff.  No need to worry about managing inventory and mixing this weapon with that and this sheild with this trinket, etc.  Use the left bumper to pull up the weopons menu, pick what's best for you and your team (this pauses the game, which is nice because you won't be getting pwwned while selecting your weapons), and release; your team takes the necessary action and you're ready for combat!  Wait, situation has changed, use the D pad to issue on the fly commands to your AI teammates.  

Not to worry though, it's not all run and gun.  Mass Effect 2 still uses character developement and backstory to draw you into the game.  There is strategy and dialogue involved just like the first one, the combat is just more evolved and smooth, let's put it that way.  It's the best of both worlds.   In Mass Effect 2, one thing I noticed is that you can actually utilize the variety of weapons to great effect and it's fun to do so.  There are a lot of titles out there that have variety but for some reason a shotgun and a melay attack are all that's needed to effectively navigate the campaign.  Not so in Mass Effect 2, you'll want to make use of your armament buffet.  The combat in Mass Effect 2 can be intense, look to products like GhostGrip Sweat Controller to help eleviate any sweaty hands issues you may have during intense gameplay.  

Traveling Mini-Games

Instead of instantly transporting by pressing A you have to now navigate the Normandy around the galaxy map, watch your fuel, and scavange for resources.  Kind of tedious and time consuming, but, whatever, some people might like it, me, not so much.

With it's extraordinary replay value and vast landscape and excellent gameplay, Mass Effect 2 is a keeper not a renter and will definately have a spot in my collection.