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MadCatz Fantastic Four Controller Review
Everybody has their preference when it comes to controllers. With such a huge list to choose from the possibilities are numerous. There are S-Controllers, Mad Catz, Logitech (wireless I might add) and all of these come in different colors. To add to this companies are now releasing skins that can be applied to controllers to personalize them even more. Some companies even offer customized skins (you send the graphic they make the skin). Controllers have even fallen into the marketing scheme of major movie productions. Today we are going to look at one of these controllers. The Mad Catz Fantastic Four controller for the Xbox.
Finally The Right Size
When you first grab hold of this controller the first noticeable difference will be the size. Mad Catz took notice of how popular the S-Controllers were and wisely scaled down their controller to about the same size. This is a nice change from the overly big original Mad Catz controllers or the way too small micro ones. This size just feels right. On the sides are two areas of rubber grips for the palms of hands. It makes holding the controller slightly easier while at the same time not letting it slip if for some reason too much sweat accumulates during intense Halo 2 matches. I know personally I have never dropped a controller during a match (you’re usually holding it tight from nerves) so the rubber could be more of a show aspect than actually helpful. The standard X, B, A, Y buttons are where they should be and feel and look quite similar to the S-Controller (I’m sensing a trend here).
Don’t Play Fighting Games With This
The first problem I ran into when using this controller was the D-Pad. It feels cheap and it’s hard for the thumb to truly get a feel for it. Older Mad Catz had a much stiffer D-Pad that worked much better. This D-Pad is almost too lose and sits too low in the controller itself. I personally would have liked to see the D-Pad from older Mad Catz controllers or maybe even a version of the S-Controller’s. This D-Pad just does not cut it. On that note the analog sticks are a little too small for my fingers. The indentation within the middle of the analog stick is also too shallow. When I play fast games I need an analog stick big enough be able to effectively manipulate what it happening on the screen (Halo 2 for example). One of the nicest things about the S-Controller was how deep the indentation was in its analog sticks. When the Fantastic Four controller is compared it’s really hard to see why they choose to keep it so shallow.
So Yellow and Even Yeah More Yellow
Finally, there is the design of this controller, visually. Covering most of the front is a huge graphic of the Human Torch (the only cool Fantastic Four member). He’s situated in the center and unleashing his powerful flames which cover the entire front face of the controller. On both sides are two graphics showing that it is a Fantastic Four controller. The rest of the controller is yellow to go along with the “flames” theme. The analog sticks, D-Pad, Back and Start Buttons as well as the Left and Right Triggers are also yellow. From a design standpoint it’s really gimmicky. It’s obvious that this was slapped together to bank on the Fantastic Four movie buzz and nothing more.
The Verdict
Overall, I’m giving this controller a 7.5 out of ten. The analog sticks and D-Pad just don’t feel good enough for me to give it a higher score. Also the overall general design of this controller really isn’t that attractive. Hardcore gamers like me are not going to be going out to buy this controller. We like our S-Controllers, our Logitechs, putting the Human Torch on the front of the controller is not going to make us go and buy it. If you’re a casual gamer and want something to add a little color to your gaming area go right ahead and get this game. Besides that just avoid this controller and buy the superior S-Controller.
 Final Rating: 8 out of 10.
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