My past in gaming involved videogames, not computer games . In my younger days, I owned a ColecoVision and an Atari 2600, Atari 4800 and Atari 7800. I enjoyed playing games like Pac-Man and Centipede using a joystick or trackpad.
I never adapted very well to playing computer games in which I navigate with the keyboard. I also don’t enjoy playing some iOS games that involve swiping — I’m talking about you, Pac-Man.
Which is why I really like the US$19.99 Joystick for iPad from Logitech (http://www.logitech.com). It’s a thumb-stick style game controller that can be used with just about any game with an on-screen joystick or d-pad. The device attaches to your iPad with removable suction cups — and, not to worry, they don’t leave any marks on the tablet’s screen. The coiled spring provides force feedback that automatically returns the joystick to the center position.
Using the teeny joystick isn’t quite the same as a full-sized joystick, and it took me a while to adapt. But now that I have, I’m having a retro blast with games such as Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man. (You can find a list of many of the supported games at http://macte.ch/lyxDQ). And if you want to take your game on the road, the Joystick for iPad comes with a carrying pouch.
The Joystick for iPad is a retro thrill for old school gamers like myself. And perhaps for some of you “kids” out there, as well.
Now I need to find a good joystick for my Mac. Any recommendations?
Rating: 10 out of 10
— Dennis Sellers