It should be noted that the Speed Force is the only officially licensed wheel for the GameCube. Logitech really bled that as much as they could; Nintendo logos are all over the place. The lengthy approval process is part of the reason you didn't see the wheel earlier - not that there were any games use it with. Eventually, Logitech got Nintendo's full blessing.
It should also be noted that the Speed Force is actually the wheel itself. The specs to the right report two different prices. The wheel alone will set you back $49.95. The Speed Force Accessory Package will set you back another $29.95 and includes the pedals and the lap adapter. I think that any serious racing fan will opt for the complete package, as a wheel without pedals is like? well, it's like a wheel without pedals.
Let's start with the basics. As the Speed Force has the golden touch of Nintendo, you'll find official controls on the face of the wheel. On the left you have the now familiar D-pad and a circular Z trigger above it. Unlike the official pad, this Z button is actually in a useable position. Over on the right you have the main action buttons. The X and Y kidney beans are in tact. The layout is like the originally turned counterclockwise by 90-degrees. This puts three of the buttons within thumb's reach. If Logitech had used the original's layout you'd have to reach for the Y and the B buttons. The F1-style paddle shifters act as the left and right triggers.
Strangely, the controls are set very low on the wheel. This was a problem with the InterAct wheel as well and I don't understand the reasoning behind the design. When you use a steering wheel your hands should be at the two and ten o'clock positions, just like they would in a real car. If anything, your hands are more comfortable higher on the wheel. However, in order to use the buttons your hands have to be much lower, more like eight and three o'clock, so your thumbs can hit the buttons. Luckily, in most racing games you don't need constant action to the main buttons, but it makes specific commands somewhat tricky. On many steering wheels the controls are set on little platforms between the center section and the rim, which puts them in easy reach at all times.
The pedal platform connects to the wheel with a serial-type jack. The pedals are well spaced and have different resistances. The break pedal harder to push than the gas pedal - just like a real car. It's this kind of detail that makes the Speed Force what it is.
Like most Logitech products, and especially their steering wheels, the Speed Force is built like tank. Everything feels solid as hell and the buttons are very well set. The only beef I have with the physical quality is the bottom of the pedal base. The base can slide around too easily on smooth floors. My mansion has hardwood floors and I had to reposition the base frequently. If you do have slick floors, then I suggest buying some little non-slip rubber patches and sticking them on the bottom.
Keep in mind that in order to enjoy the force feedback to the fullest the game has to be specifically programmed. You'll always get some rumble, but not real force feedback. I don't have a complete list from Logitech, but so far these are the only titles I am sure support force feedback: Hot Wheels: Velocity X, 4 X 4 Evo 2, Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2, and Pro Rally 2002. More are on the way, but specific announcements haven't been made.
For the review I played some Hot Pursuit 2, but mostly stuck with Pro Rally 2002. It's far from a true rally game, but it offers plenty of different surfaces and environments. This variety makes for a good test of the force feedback technology.
Overall, the Speed Force performed extremely well. The wheel is very comfortable and handling feels very natural. The wheel rotates just past the 90-degree mark and is nice and deep. The textured plastic initially felt slippery, but proved very effective in action. The sensitivity cannot be adjusted in the hardware, which is a drag considering that even InterAct's budget wheel has this feature, but Logitech calibrated the wheel very carefully. Like the Nintendo analog sticks, the Speed Force is extremely responsive throughout the entire rotation. You can snap around hairpins or take long, soft turns with the same ease and predictability.
The pedals exhibit the same sensitivity as the rest of the package. When playing Pro Rally they felt very "digital," but then I popped in Hot Pursuit 2. It was very easy to regulate both the gas and the brake. It takes practice if you're used to a controller, but once you get the hang of using your feet you'll appreciate the smooth analog action.
This is the first force feedback wheel for the GameCube and it quickly sets a high standard for future wheels. The feedback is natural and fast. Once you get used to true force feedback the rumble effect no longer cuts it. And this wheel spoiled the hell out of me. I would have preferred stronger resistance, but this is a relatively minor beef. You still feel the Gs in turns, the planks in wooden bridges, the loose grip on ice - all of it.
Lastly, Logitech throws three center plugs in the box. In the picture above I had the spice plug in the center of the wheel. Nintendo purple and black are also included. A small compartment in the top of the wheel can hold a memory card.
What didn't I like about the Speed Force? The biggest problem is the odd location of the controls. They simply sit too low. You get used to after a while, but they should be higher. The lap adapter is also ineffective. The plastic is very slippery and it slides against most material. I tried to play it with jeans on and it moved around like crazy. I would wager that the next generation will have a rougher plastic for the lap adapter.
Conclusion
If you're not sure a racing wheel is for you, I would start with something cheaper. The Speed Force is serious business and you pay for it. $80.00 is a lot to drop on a controller of any kind. However, I am not saying the wheel is overpriced. Force feedback is somewhat expensive technology and the wheel is extremely very built. If you're a race fan and have used wheel in the past, then the Speed Force deserves serious consideration. It's hands down the best wheel for the GCN and I wouldn't expect competition any time soon.
Highly recommended.
