Customer Reviews

Microsoft Sidewinder Strategic Commander

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I learned of this device from a friend, I had two questions: "Does it work with NovaLogic's "Black Hawk Down" game and "How much does it cost?" TO answer the first question, I contacted NovaLogic and asked them if this device would work with BHD - however, they informed me that BHD was not designed for 'game controllers'. Since this device is NOT a 'game controller (joystick, gamepad, etc) I concluded it would work fine (additionally, my friend also uses his for BHD as well). So I purchased it. As to the cost? Well, that is variable depending on where you get it.

It took me a couple of minutes to install the Commander on my XP system (USB), and I was programming the buttons shortly thereafter. Note: This does *not* replace your mouse or keyboard. It is a great addition to allow you to move your character around, perform things like crouch, jump, reload, lean, roll, hop, go prone, select weapon, emote, etc all from just 6 keys. It comes pre-programmed to allow you to move it forward and sideways to replace the keyboard directional keys (it does not "roll" on the desktop, rather, the top unit 'slides' (Forward, Backwards, Left, Right) on top of the stationary base. It also has a 'twist' function, if you desire that can be programmed as well.

Since it's designed for LEFT hand use, I found it took a short time to get used to it while mousing with my right hand (I keep the mouse for the LOOK functions and scope functions). It feels solid on my desktop and is easy to use. It does not slide around due to the rubber feet.

You can 'record' and program keyboard shortcuts on the fly (with the RECORD button), or you can use the interface program to program your buttons. Each button has a function along with three "shift" functions (the shift button is beneath your thumb). All told, it will handle up to 72 keyboard (macro) commands (arrows, scroll lock, etc) so you do not have to take your hand off the controller to do in-game functions. NOTE: This is not a "CHEAT" - it just allows you to move your hand faster and not lose your concentration. (You can also program multiple keyboard combinations as well as a one-button 'macro')

All in all, it's worth the money. You can switch from 3 profiles on the fly - and you can save and load mappings as well. For instance, you can have one profile as a gunner, one for a medic, one for a sniper, etc.

As it works well with BHD, I'd expect the same to be true for "Battlefield: 1942" and other 3D combat games. It comes with profiles for about 30 other games (2D strategy games like Ages of Empires, etc).

Retail price for this is about $60 (and I could never find one locally) but you can find it online for much less (probably less than half of the MSR price - I got mine for about $21 + shipping). I've been using mine for several days and I'm very happy with it. It definitely enhances the game.

I've been using it for about a year now and I can't imagine playing any FPS without it. I only use one of the available 3 profiles, since 18 keys more than enough for me. I haven't had any problems with it -- except that I can't put it down.

The problem for those of us who are keyboard challenged is that -- even if you optimize your keyboard binds for movement, weapon selection and chats -- you can never find the key you want fast enough. You have to stop playing and think about which key you want. In most FPS games, today that is longer than it takes to miss the opportunity and give your opponents the score.

This is the perfect human-machine interface. After you play with it for a while, you forget its there. You are totally submerged in the action and you never have think about the machine. It does take some time to choose your configuration and learn the shift-button combos, but after that it's entirely transparent. Put your most frequently used keystrokes on the first 6 buttons. You used your thumb on one of the three thumb-shift buttons to use keys 7-18. It's easy once you get the hang of it.

If you need a new bind during the game, you just turn on the record button and select the button you want to bind. That's it. Instant config change.

If you play several games with different key assignments, the profile switch allows you to toggle the configuration at will. I find that 18 programmable buttons more than sufficient on the first position, but you can program all 72. You'd want to group the buttons for each profile carefully though, because the profile selection button is a three-position slider which you wouldn't want to change a lot.

Another thing to consider: you use your arm to control your direction in the game, which is very different if your are used to using a keyboard to strafe and change direction quickly. It's not hard, it's just different.

The only draw back I can find is that I find it very difficult to adapt when I'm playing on someone elses machine, or at the office. Shhhhhhhhh!

I use a 3D Animation software and all the important commands fit in the 60 command slots of this device. It is too bad MS is not selling it anymore. If you are a programmer or use a lot of commands, this product is for you.

And if you're thinking about using the Nostromo Device, forget it... I tried it and gave it back. It is not half as ergonomic or usefull as the Sidewinder Strategic Commander...

This thing is so cool. It's like having a keyboard and a joystick and a mouse rolled into one. You don't have to search around for the menu to press. All you do is pess the button. You can create macros without any hassle. You can even create new ones during the game, without even pausing! It has 6 programmable buttos, 3 shift keys, and a 3-position switch. It also has a zoom and a record button.

I have been using the Commander for about 2 years to play Natural Born Fraggers XSIV Customs (12.146.78.17), and I have been telling anyone who will listen to get one. One of my on-line friends just informed me that Microsoft has discontinued manufacturing this product.

A quick Google search confirms that what he said is true.

This is a sad day for me! This is the best designed human-machine interface I have ever used, including the keyboard or any type of mouse!

Some of my sadness results I suppose from the slow realization that the market for improved computer interfaces is so small that innovators may not be able attract investment because of the lack of demand.

This technophile will never stop searching for newer and better interface designs, and I will always be loyal to any company no matter what size that provides what I want. Conversely my good will is hurt when the same company discontinues providing what I need. Welcome to the market I guess. But is life really just about the bottom line? I guess I haven't been doing a good job of marketing via P2P. Me Sad.

I've been using it for about a year now and I can't imagine playing any FPS without it. I only use one of the available 3 profiles, since 18 keys more than enough for me. I haven't had any problems with it -- except that I can't put it down.

The problem for those of us who are keyboard challenged is that -- even if you optimize your keyboard binds for movement, weapon selection and chats -- you can never find the key you want fast enough. You have to stop playing and think about which key you want. In most FPS games, today that is longer than it takes to miss the opportunity and give your opponents the score.

This is the perfect human-machine interface. After you play with it for a while, you forget its there. You are totally submerged in the action and you never have think about the machine. It does take some time to choose your configuration and learn the shift-button combos, but after that it's entirely transparent. Put your most frequently used keystrokes on the first 6 buttons. You used your thumb on one of the three thumb-shift buttons to use keys 7-18. It's easy once you get the hang of it.

If you need a new bind during the game, you just turn on the record button and select the button you want to bind. That's it. Instant mobility.

If you play several games with different key assignments, the profile switch allows you to toggle the configuration at will. I find that 18 programmable buttons more than sufficient on the first position, but you can program all 72. You'd want to group the buttons for each profile carefully, though because the profile selection button is a three-position slider which you wouldn't want to change a lot.

Another thing to consider: you use your arm to control your direction in the game, which is very different if your are used to using a keyboard to strafe and change direction quickly. It's not hard, it's just different.

The only draw back I can find is that I find it very difficult to adapt when I'm playing on someone elses machine, or at the office. Shhhhhhhhh!

I have found this particular device to be the most useful pc-gaming controller on the market. I've messed with a few gamepads and joysticks before, but none of them have the customizable features available on the sidewinder strategic commander.

It makes for a great companion to a mouse in just about any game. In an FPS, it allows for decent movement (and frees up your left hand's fingers for other functions than asdw). In an RTS, you can keep all of the quick-need commands within the reach of a few fingers, instead of all over the keyboard.

It's so versatile that one could even program it for menial tasks... like setting up a macro system for Microsoft Word (especially helpful when printing non-keyboard characters, like German umlauts or Spanish accented vowels).
It's easy to use, and it works well.

Great software interface for mapping keys. Enough buttons and combinations to satisfy almost any gamer. Lots of fun when I got used to the system.

2 problems:
1) The base slid all over my desktop. I ended up velcro-ing the darn thing to a spare mouse pad.
2) Buttons are too fragile. Broke 2 of these devices already. And I'm a small guy with little hands!

I've had mine for about 6 years or mor and it's awesome for almost any game. The buttons are fully customizable, they set up for almost any combination of key commands and have a selector switch for easy profile switching. It also has a 0n-the-fly record button. If you're into FPSs or RPGs this controller is almost a must. The only drawbacks I've had with it are a couple buttons breaking from continuous use and it's not compatible with XP 64bit yet.

I have to disagree with the previous reviewer who questioned the SC's usefulness for FPS games.

I bought my first StratCom in 2001, to use with strategy games. As I'm not a big fan of shortcuts, I rarely used it for those games, but I found it to be INVALUABLE for FPS games. The versatility and customization of programming, the ability to program in long sequences, and general intuitiveness of motion control have yet to be surpassed by the myriad of products now available for FPS control.

One small qualifier: the motion control sensitivity sometimes can't handle very twitchy vehicle driving, so I switch to the WSAD keyboard just for those moments, then back to the stratcom. It really depends on the game, vehicle, terrain, obstacles, etc.

When I show up at LANs and hook up my SC, people look at me like "what is that thing!?!" It's been around so long people actually think it's something NEW!!! But I continue to swear by it because it gets the job done!

I've had to replace my StratCom once, because I use it so often I actually broke the 1 key. That's the only problem I've found with them thus far -- having used it for so many games in the first 5+ years I finally wore it out! Also SAVE YOUR DRIVERS DISK!!! It is a royal pain trying to find drivers for this thing if you lose that disk (the sidewinder drivers are NOT enough to set up and program your hardware).

As for legacy issues, I was first running on ME, then XP and recently upgraded to Vista. the StratCom adapted to each new environment like a champ (had to select the correct drivers manually in Vista, but then everything worked fine). Lately I've been using it to play BF 2142 and CRYSIS.

That said, I should add I have NO problems using multiple buttons at once. I absolutely CAN run/jump and crouch/jump with no problem. If you can find one, I HIGHLY recommend giving the StratCom a try.