Accessory Review: dreamGear i.Glow PS2 controller with 5 LED Lights

I don't normally buy third party controllers for my game systems, mainly because I've had bad luck with them (particularly MadCatz brand). But after seeing this nifty controller online, I was tempted to try it out (plus it was $10 cheaper than Sony brand).

It's the dreamGear i.Glow PS2 controller with 5 LED Lights . The controller comes in two styles: blue with textured black designs, or textured white designs. I personally think the blue and black version is the best looking.

I've used it for 4 months and here is my critique:

PROS:

Box: The box it comes in makes you feel like you purchased a pricey controller. It comes in a gift box, with a flap and a window. So its like a self esteem boost, or makes a nice impression as a gift. Design: The overall design of the controller itself is triangular versus the rectangular construction of the original Sony controller. The trianglular construction, which is similar to the PS3 controller, is more confortable and relaxed, which prevents thumb strain and cramping. The textured paint creates a nice grip. Buttons: The biggest difference between the action buttons on the original Sony controller and the Dreamgear, aside from the minor design differences is the height. The Sony buttons are wide and flat, while the Dreamgear buttons are slightly smaller but are more raised, so you don't have to worry about pushing them inside the controller. Turbo Button: Very useful for certain games, like Normal and Hard modes of Devil May Cry. Instead of hitting the same button over and over, push the turbo button and just hold the desired button. This reduces some wear on the buttons. Lights: The 5 LED lights are the bonus of this controller. This is especially nice for night-time gameplay, or playing in a dark room.

CONS:

Wire: The wire is a little shorter than the Sony controller, so you can't go as far away from the system, but still a good length. Lights: Contrary to the instructions, there doesn't seem to be a toggle on/off switch for the lights. So they are on all the time. It can be annoying during daytime gameplay. Also after the first three months of use, the middle light flickered out. So only four of the five lights are working now. Rumble: There is no rumble on this controller, but the lights are the trade-off.

Overall, this is a nice novelty controller that would make a great gift for an avid gamer. I would recommend this as a nice and inexpensice replacement for the Sony controller.

Own one? Leave a comment sharing your experience.

DMC 5: The Rise of Emo Dante

When I heard there was going to be a new Devil May Cry game, I was estatic. I love Dante and his attitude and style. I love the gameplay, the battle system, and story. When I heard that an early trailer was out for DMC 5, I immediatly logged online to check it out.

At first I was amazed, the graphics were stunning, it reminded me of a cross between a punk rock music video and a high action horror movie. Yes, I was amazed... until I saw the "new" Dante. D8

I couldn't believe what I saw. I though that this was some kind of weird joke being pulled by Capcom, but no, this was real... Devil May Cry, it sure made me cry. After viewing the trailer, I had a few questions:

Why alter the character design to the point where he is completely unrecognizable? Take a look to see what I mean: old Dante vs. new Dante.

I can understand updating his some of his looks. But from what I saw, they stripped Dante of some of his most iconic features. The developers from Ninja Theory, who are handling the project instead of Capcom, had not only changed his hair color (from white to black) but they even went and changed his facial structure.

Why black hair? Its the most common color after brunette. I don't have a problem with the hair style (although I think it should be a little longer, but that's just my opinion) but why not leave his hair white, or at least silver? It was always part of his persona, his image. Instead of being unique and different, he looks like your average emo.

Actually its worse than that, he looks like the director, now we see where the real "inspiration" came from. Check out the interview with the developers

But despite this, I can't bash this game completely, mostly because of the fact its still in development. Were this a game in and of itself without any affiliation with the Devil May Cry franchise, or a separate story with a different character linked to DMC, I would be itching to play it. But as it stands right now, I don't think I can play this game without dying a little inside.

But don't take my word for it, watch the trailer yourself and compare it to the past DMC games.

What do you think of the new Dante and the new direction the franchise is going? Comment about it.