[Product] - FPS Freek Review / TD Freek Review

[pwnophobia]

Title: Kontrol Freek (FPS Freek)
Platform: Xbox 360 / PS3
Platform Reviewed: Xbox 360 / PS3
Developer: Kontrol Freek (www.kontrolfreek.com)
MSRP: $9.99
Writer: Adam 'pwnophobia' Cogswell

FPS Freek Review

Set Skepticism Aside, These Are The Real Deal

Every one of us wants some kind of edge when we play a competitive video game. Some resort to a form of cheating like a wall or map hack, others take the "higher" route and get a modded controller. But what if you could add something to your controller that requires no modification and guarantees a performance boost? Something that is guaranteed to increase your accuracy in any console FPS or give you the performance edge when playing a fighting game? That is exactly what Kontrol Freek's FPS Freek modifier do for the XBOX 360 and Playstation 3 gamer.

http://evavhost.com/i/press/fpsfreek-2.jpg

Snapping firmly onto the top of your existing joysticks the FPS Freek will not budge, slip or fall off while playing. If you've put any sort of time into your 360 you'll know that the 4 nubs that were designed to keep your fingers ON the joystick rub off very easily, the FPS Freek combats this by adding 12 nubs to its face. Now if I need to use the edge of the joystick to make a precise movement my finger no longer slips off causing me to fumble potentially losing a key kill. The natural range of movement for your thumb is either fully extended or curved to grip an object and the extenders capitalize on this fact allowing your thumbs to fit more comfortably on the controls. No longer are you forced to keep your thumbs straight but now you can use the knuckle to move the joystick the way your thumb was intended to move, this allows for slower movements completely by passing the joysticks tendency to over compensate on movement.

http://evavhost.com/i/press/fpsfreek-3.jpg

According to the Kontrol Freek website (http://www.kontrolfreek.com/Game-Controller-Accessories/KontrolFreek-FPS-Freek.asp) the FPS Freek joystick modifiers add "40% more linear distance from full stop to stop." In order to test the full stop to stop motion of my now lengthy joysticks I fired up Modern Warfare 2 and jumped right into a death match. It only took a few moments to get adjusted, because the FPS Freek adds more distance between "slow" and "SUPER TO THE MAX" speed on the controller and I was able to move my cross hairs around the screen with increased accuracy. No longer was I having issues whipping around to shoot the enemy or meleeing someone in a close fight. Quickly switching to Battlefield Bad Company 2 I jumped in as the recon class and made it a point to make fine tuned adjustments, looking for only headshots. The extenders worked even better when using a sniper rifle and I saw a distinct difference in my accurate movements. Over the 5 days that I played with the FPS Freek's my accuracy went up nearly 20% a game using everything from assault rifles to pistols.

http://evavhost.com/i/press/fpsfreek-1.jpg

I don't honestly think I can really explain how the FPS Freek modifiers work without sitting you down and forcing you to use them. I was extremely skeptical when I first snapped them onto my Xbox 360's joystick but after 5 days of FPS play I noticed the difference. Everything from my accuracy, reaction and timing have increased because of a small, inexpensive, addon to my controller. If anything you need to give them a try, they made my hands fit more naturally along the controller and most noticeable changed how well I can follow a target around the screen. When you play with them you finally experience that feeling of control that you may have lost without a mouse, I can't recommend this product enough.

Score: 5 out of 5
http://evavhost.com/public/5.gif

The Good
Increased accuracy and precise movement control.
Made my thumbs feel more comfortable on the 360's controller.

The Bad
Zilch, nadda, nothing.

The Ugly
White Freek's on a black controller.

[pwnophobia]

Title: TD Freeks
Platform: Xbox 360/PS3
Platform Reviewed: Xbox 360
Developer: Kontrol Freek (http://www.kontrolfreek.com/)
MSRP: $9.99
Writer: Andy "Hornetajc" Carson

TD Freek Review

Great, natural feel added to help your Madden game

If you’re like me, you would be skeptical that a tiny plastic snap-on would make a big difference in your football game play. Kontrol Freek promises that the TD Freeks will give you better precision and control while playing Madden or NCAA Football games. Well, I was pleasantly surprised at the improved feel and comfort that theTD Freeks provided.

http://evavhost.com/i/press/td-1.jpg

After taking a quick minute to install the them, it took an extra few minutes to adjust to the usual placement of my thumbs. I started my All-Pro level, Madden 11, franchise game with the San Francisco 49ers. You can imagine my delight when I controlled running back Frank Gore 65 yards for a touchdown on the third play of the game. Instead of missing the running lane and trying to run over the linebacker, I hit it perfectly and cut past two defenders down the sideline. I actually made the moves I pictured in my mind and that’s when my skepticism started turning to belief.

http://evavhost.com/i/press/td-2.jpg

It’s also surprising just how comfortable the TD Freeks are once you play a couple of games with them. As long as your hands aren’t small, your thumbs should rest easy with plenty of grip on the football seem. While I understand they wanted football seems to match the football theme, I would have preferred a cross grip seem to cover the button. As it was, I just rotated the joystick to match the 45 degree angle my thumbs rested at.

As I played more games, I took note of four situations where the TD Freeks made a difference: Controlling your receiver after he catches a pass, leading your receiver in an option pass play, making moves to go around blocks and moving your players either through an opening on offense or covering an opening on defense. The only complaint I could possibly have is trying to control the direction of punts and kicks, but honestly, I don’t play Madden to worry about that.

http://evavhost.com/i/press/td-3.jpg

The added precision of the TD Freeks made a strikingly noticeable difference throughout the game. Matter of fact, I have yet to lose since attaching them, both against the CPU or online. I’ll likely keep the TD Freeks attached to my controller for every sports game I play.

Score: 5 out of 5
http://evavhost.com/public/5.gif

The Good

Quick and easy to install
Thumbs rest and fell comfortable on the 360's controller.
Improved precision for almost all aspects of football gameplay
The Bad

Single seem grip could be more
The Ugly

Leather color just doesn’t match any 360 controller.

[modeps]

How easy are they to remove and re-attach?

[pwnophobia]

How easy are they to remove and re-attach?

When I removed them, to make sure they were the real deal, they took just a bit of prying from the bottom with my fingers. They snap around the joystick head, but you're not going to feel right taking them off anyway. Once you start using them you can't go back!

[gzsfrk]

"capatalize" = spelleenk lols. :p

Other than that, great review. I may have to pick a set of these up, as my pathetic CoD:MW2 game needs all the help it can get.

[pwnophobia]

"capatalize" = spelleenk lols. :p


The red wavy lines have failed me!

Thanks for the words! This is a product, kind of like Hydrophobia, that you need to use to appreciate. And they are only $10!

[gzsfrk]

Also, you didn't touch in this review on how the control impacted your fighting game play, although you did talk about it in the last podcast a bit. Do you think these are a reasonable option as a more affordable alternative for the Street Fighter fan who can't afford a Hori (or other) stick?

[Phokal]

I've got these and like them. Plus, the controller looks ridiculous/awesome when you have the chatpad on there as well.

Overall, it allows you to gain a larger area of movement, so if you then turn up the sensitivity you can have dull movement in the center with precision, and high turning speeds if you throw it all the way to the edge. Biggest problem I've found is with the 360 controller's thumbsticks, which eventually lose springyness in the center, and that they aren't comfortable for platformers (like Prince of Persia) since you are always holding forward, and you are forced to hold it further than normal.

[pwnophobia]

Also, you didn't touch in this review on how the control impacted your fighting game play, although you did talk about it in the last podcast a bit. Do you think these are a reasonable option as a more affordable alternative for the Street Fighter fan who can't afford a Hori (or other) stick?

I can't accurately answer that question because I haven't used a fight stick extensively. I did notice that I was able to pull off moves easier but it's entirely possible that I had gained muscle memory between the last time I played and when I snapped them on. Though I did mention in the podcast that I thought they helped, I still say $10 for something that can help in other games is an extremely inexpensive addon to just TRY!

[Demo_Boy]

I had an intuition these would be good from the moment I saw them.

Protip:
Some ppl are installing them only on the Right Joystick since thats where you need the accuracy in shooting games.

Protip 2:
Since your range of motion is higher, you can increase your sensitivity. Using fake math I calculate you can get 20% faster turning and _still_ have 20% more accuracy than before.

If there are cons, this is what I've been able to find by lurking their forums:

The claws on the addon can mar your controller joysticks (ie. if you are still ham fisted with them when you are pressing them full in a direction). You have 40% more leverage on the joystick so it makes sense the claw could leave a mark on the Joystick top.

Some really crappy delivery delays to Canada. US customers aren't having any problems but Canadian users are indicating multiple week delays. (Incidentally, I haven't seen any stores carrying them at retail in Toronto.)

So... anyone in Toronto buying a bunch? I'll give you some bonus $$ for a f2f exchange.

[gzsfrk]

I can't accurately answer that question because I haven't used a fight stick extensively. I did notice that I was able to pull off moves easier but it's entirely possible that I had gained muscle memory between the last time I played and when I snapped them on. Though I did mention in the podcast that I thought they helped, I still say $10 for something that can help in other games is an extremely inexpensive addon to just TRY!

Lordy, STILL? Are we going to have to pass the hat to get you the $79 you need to order the collector's edition of Tekken 6 off Amazon that I sent you the link for? :)

[SwitchBlade_Jax]

Damn, what a stupidly smart idea. I could of made millions if I only remembered more physics, stupid physics.

[Sarconix]

Get a mouse and keyboard, you hippies! :p

[Orphiuchus]

Just placed my order.

[pwnophobia]

Just placed my order.

Give them a day or two and let us know what you think, I hope I'm not crazy :p.

[Emabulator]

Sounds like it would work good with racing games too. (I use a 360 controller for games like DiRT 2 and Grid on my PC.)

Just looking at them I can see how the extra length on the stick would be easier on the thumbs and more precise like you mentioned in the second paragraph.

My hands cramp up after using the controller for a while. Hopefully these little guys will help in that department.

[Pluvious]

Awesome.. great heads up and review. I didn't even know about these. I ordered a set as soon as I finished reading your review. Thanks. Now if they only came in black.. hehe...

[Demo_Boy]

Sounds like it would work good with racing games too.

Theres a version specifically for racing games which has flanges on either side which prevent your thumb from slipping off.

[pwnophobia]

Sounds like it would work good with racing games too. (I use a 360 controller for games like DiRT 2 and Grid on my PC.)


Theres a version specifically for racing games which has flanges on either side which prevent your thumb from slipping off.


http://www.totallygn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/speedfreek-300x300.jpg

Exactly as Demo_Boy said, they are called "Speed Freeks". We will have a review coming up on those but I had to send them off to a friend that races because I don't even own a racing game.

That'll be up in a week or so, they've gotta make it to Louisiana. :p

[Pluvious]

There is a special offer at the official website to get BOTH of the styles for $17.99

http://www.kontrolfreek.com/Game-Controller-Accessories/KontrolFreek-FPS-Freek-SpeedFreek-Combo.asp

[Emabulator]

That'll be up in a week or so, they've gotta make it to Louisiana. :pI can wait a week. Thanks for the tip guys. :)

[Orphiuchus]

Give them a day or two and let us know what you think, I hope I'm not crazy :p.

I purchased the combo pack for 17.99, I'll post my impressions of the both of them when they get here.

[lockwoodx]

Using a mouse works much better. Someday they will learn.

[senorduck]

I purchased the combo pack for 17.99, I'll post my impressions of the both of them when they get here.

Yeah, I think that is a con and at least one avatar off out of the five. I am having a hard time coughing up eighteen bones for what amounts to sixty cents worth of plastic.

[reborn2603]

Thanks for the awesome review. I'll buy them first thing tomorrow.

[Johan]

Made in China - ONE DOLLAR! :D

* Not gonna buy it.

[Major Scud]

I ordered some, I hope they work as well as advertised.

[Thin_J]

I ordered a pair. For $10, why not.

[Bneezy]

Have them and love them. Ordered two more for a friend and one for my 360 pad for PC.

[lockwoodx]

Made in China - ONE DOLLAR! :D

* Not gonna buy it.

I know seriously.... has Evil Avatar sold out?

I see advertisements about these things for well over 2 months on the web site yet I don't own an Xbox 360 and the advertisements are suppose use cookies to know what I like but instead they are full of suck.

Then I see a 5 Evil Star review of these cheap pieces of plastic gouging poor console tards and I know there must be some connection.

I'm on to you jerks and your little dog too. /tinfoilhat

[Anenome]

I can see how these would help. Increase the length, give you finer movement control thereby, etc. Very smart idea. I would be surprised if MS doesn't make a longer length standard on the next controller hereby.

On the other hand, that speed-freak thing doesn't increase the length of the stick and therefore shouldn't have as much effect.

[lockwoodx]

I can see how these would help. Increase the length, give you finer movement control thereby, etc. Very smart idea. I would be surprised if MS doesn't make a longer length standard on the next controller hereby.

On the other hand, that speed-freak thing doesn't increase the length of the stick and therefore shouldn't have as much effect.

Must resist penis joke.....

[Anenome]

q3hn6fFTxeo

[gzsfrk]

I know seriously.... has Evil Avatar sold out?

I see no indication of anyone on the EvAv side having sold out. Unless you're suggesting that the product doesn't work as good as pwn's experience with it suggests it does. But with several people in this thread already committing to order their own set and report back on their personal experience, we should know soon enough if there was any fiscally motivated hyperbole involved.

As for the price, well seriously--$10? Yes, it's for two "small pieces of plastic", but they're specialty items. Cost of manufacturing has less to do with the setting of a price (especially for niche products) than expected consumer demand. If they prove AT ALL popular, the price will almost inevitably come down over time as the number of cheap Hong Kong knock-offs from sites like DealExtreme.com will likewise inevitably rise.

Welcome to the life of an early adopter. At least in this case, it's $10 for a gamepad add-on, rather than $600 for a contract-laden iPhone.

[pwnophobia]

I see no indication of anyone on the EvAv side having sold out. Unless you're suggesting that the product doesn't work as good as pwn's experience with it suggests it does. But with several people in this thread already committing to order their own set and report back on their personal experience, we should know soon enough if there was any fiscally motivated hyperbole involved.

I know lockwoodx was justing poking the fire but I will disclose that I was sent these without prior knowledge of the product. I was extremely skeptical, as indicated in my review, and have come out enjoying them. I fully expect some people to rate these a 4/5 because of the price, but I felt that $10 is a very small price to pay for something that increased my game experience so drastically.

I said near the same thing with the Street Fighter stick I just purchased; I can spend $40 on dinner and not bat an eyelash so why am I so hesitant to pull the trigger on a piece of equipment I can use more than once?

[TheBot]

I said near the same thing with the Street Fighter stick I just purchased; I can spend $40 on dinner and not bat an eyelash so why am I so hesitant to pull the trigger on a piece of equipment I can use more than once?

I know, what's wrong with our brains? I do the same thing.

[Pluvious]

I forgot to post my experience with mine after I got them. I've been using them since reading the excellent pwnophobia review. He is correct in everything he said about them. They do increase your aiming precision by quite a lot. It also allows you to max out the sensitivity on all games without it getting to wonky. You'll be able to whip around to check your "six" faster and have the added benefit of accurate re-sighting quickly with the longer stick. ( I still miss keyboard/mouse control and these seem to help enough to notice )

I recommend them for sure and for the cost of a couple of beers, it's worth checking out. IF it turns out you don't like them...you could sell them to a friend. Win win..

[Demo_Boy]

Yeah, I'll mention I have been using speed freaks and control freaks for a while now.
The Speed freaks are really good in all cases, all of my thumb control goes to left or right, none to keeping the stick under my thumb.

The control freeks I tested in BFBC2 and they were great.
I took them off for a bit and then put them back on for MNC. They arent as essential in MNC because of the third person and the low accuracy of the MNC guns.
THere was a couple of nights to adapt back to them, but now that my thumbs are used to the rise again, and I use level 3 accuracy boost, they are great.

So in total, it's totally worth the $1 of materials cost, and $9 of inspiration and execution per pair of add ons.

[n00bIEwaN007]

Awesome review. I've had them for a couple of months. I ordered the pair and other than just putting the Speed Freeks on to see how they feel, have used the Control Freeks exclusively. I had to cut back the sensitivity settings once I got used to playing with the Control Freeks in place. I see ordering another pair (not necessarily the Halo branded ones) for my other controler. Just for chit and giggles, I let the wife play with them on (she's not a gamer) and then off. She much preferred playing with the Control Freeks in place. She insisted that she had more control which pretty much sums it up, right? Up to that point, her console gaming consisted of Guitar Hero/Rock Band via the guitar controler. I do believe I have a gamer in the making. With technology, we can rebuild her. ;o)

For my .02, gamer approved. And I am on the casual side.

happy gaming

[pwnophobia]

TD Freek review added.

[Demo_Boy]

One note I don't really recommend taking them off, as the rubber cover on the original controller stick can get ripped up by the claws when you remove them.

I use two different controllers - one with speed freeks and the other with control freeks.

[Thin_J]

I eventually received my pair of these and hate using a controller without them now. Especially in shooters.

[lockwoodx]

I clicked on this link like a good little muppet.

[Syl]

I really gotta try these out, as my normal grip pads on my controllers are slowly dying out.

[ku1185]

Great reviews! I'm particularly interested in how the new TD Freek is going to help in Madden. Thanks for the review!