Eclipse
Score: 75% Developer: Pelican
Function: Whenever I recommend a third-party controller to one of my friends, the reaction usually isn't all that good. Based on previous experiences, third-party controllers have gained certain stigma that roughly translates to 'third party controller equals crap'. Having reviewed my fair share of controllers -- I half-heartedly agree with the general sentiment, but at the same time also see a massive improvement taking place. One of the companies that seems to be at the forefront of this movement is Pelican, who have punched out at least two outstanding controllers, the Predator Wireless (PS2) and Chameleon (PS2), in the past two months. This new mark in quality is now finding its way over to the Xbox camp with the release of the Eclipse.
Performance: Overall, the Eclipse is a solid controller. It's far from perfect, but does its job. The design of the control is clearly modeled after Microsoft's own Controller-S, which is a very, very good thing. The controller's layout is also very similar with only a few minor spacing differences. One of the additions to the controller is a rubber grip on the handles. I've never seen much of a use for them, but I guess if you have wet-works for hands, it's helpful. The actual handling of the controller is great. The D-Pad is responsive and is one of the best areas of the controller. The action buttons also perform well. One of the more interesting aspects of the layout is the inclusion of extra Black and White buttons near the triggers. It's certainly something that takes getting used to, but it really helps during some games, such as Morrowind. The analog triggers are also very well done and are probably the controller's best feature, behind the excellent D-pad.
Features: Additional Set of Black and White buttons Rubber Grip Handles 10-foot Cord Controller-S Design
Drawbacks & Problems:: Chief among the Eclipse's problems is the rather cheap, flimsy feel of the controller. The Xbox controller, like the system, has never had the reputation of being the most svelte or lightweight in design. The Xbox is a big, bulky piece of machinery and the controller matches it perfectly. The Eclipse just doesn't feel like it has the same solid, sturdy feel. If this were for the GameCube, the feel might be a little more acceptable (since the system and its controllers are a tad light in the loafers), but the Eclipse feels like a piece of molded plastic filled with air. The previously mentioned additional shoulder buttons also feel like they were tacked on as an afterthought rather than crafted into the model. Analog control is all right, but lacks the good, stiff rebound of other controllers. Trying to carefully navigate the jeep in Halo is a real chore with the Eclipse. When it comes to a recommendation, it's hard to call. Yes, the Eclipse is a good controller - especially when you consider the usual path of most third-party controllers. However, the flimsy quality of craftsmanship the controller exhibits gives me a very uneasy feeling. Yes, it's a rather inexpensive controller, but the price comes at a sacrifice. The Eclipse is a good purchase if you just need an additional third or fourth controller, or are on a budget. But if you can spare to drop the extra change, then you may want to look at some of the other offerings before settling on this one.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
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