Apr 13, 2017
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Review - Avenger Controller (Xbox 360 version)
DO: Prepare for an instant increase in reaction time, reflex and agility skills in games (especially shooters and racing games)
DO NOT: Try to use this product without watching the product's instructional videos and guide for adjusting and implementing product use
TRY: This exceptionally well made controller accessory. It's a pricey add-on but it's worth every penny for once you customize it to your preferences and see how fast and well it improves your gaming experience.
BREAKDOWN
The Avenger simply put is a snap on tool to enhance a gamer's controller experience by giving players access up to nine buttons simultaneously. It's built from high quality materials and is fully customizable to fit any gamer's needs.
On top are three levers that control access to X,Y and B buttons. On the bottom are two tension straps that help access to the two trigger buttons. By adjusting the Avenger to your comfort, players can easily engage controls without having to lift thumbs off of the analog sticks as often and helping extend your reach to other buttons like the top right shoulder button.
The Avenger works well but with the caveat that you have to take time to adjust it to your hands and your comfort. I admit, I was a bit put off until I watched the instructional video rather than just following the included instruction page and trying to wing it. For myself I adjusted the top arms to better fit my large hands and made the Avenger respond easier.
N-Control really took time to explain how the Avenger can improve your gaming while giving insight into how amazing this tool can change your gameplay experience. Plan to invest time in adjusting the Avenger, playing a game or two and readjusting to find that "sweet spot". When you do, you will find a zen like experience unlike anything you've known. Reaction times, reload time and even situational awareness all see impact and improvement once you hone in the Avenger.
The only downside to the Avenger I found personally is I make use of the Xbox 360 Chat Pad accessory. For me having to remove it to use the Avenger was a minor inconvenience. The space where that would normally sit is used instead for a bracing stand for added comfort. I'd gladly give that up for use of my chat pad in a future version of the Avenger.
GAMES TESTING
To test the Avenger out, I tried my hand using it with three games: Gotham City Impostors, Need for Speed: The Run and Asura's Wrath. I wanted to try my hand with a multiplayer shooter, a racing game and a brand new game to test learning curve.
Gotham City Impostors
With the Avenger, it made playing GCI a remarkable change of pace. I played in the beta back in December so my experience without the Avenger was still fairly fresh in mind. With it, I was able to raise my character levels much faster and was able to cross the maps with better ease and being more aware I was able to learn the new maps pretty fast. Reloading, using my support gadgets and switching weapons was much improved and faster.
Need for Speed: The Run
With the Avenger, playing The Run was even more thrilling. Having access to the buttons and controls with the Avenger gave my time runs some improvements. I shaved usually 15-20 seconds on average on some runs. One in particular I lowered my time by almost 35 seconds! The biggest difference was in the fluid control the Avenger gave me for tight turns and drifting skills. I felt the better handling and agility in the moment while using the Avenger and after playing Need for Speed: The Run with it I know it's comparative to using a racing wheel to give player better driving control.
Asura's Wrath
While I've only had a short time with Asura's Wrath, I wanted to test the learning curve factor with the Avenger. I found the quick time events in Asura's episodes were easier to anticipate and the combat sections were extremely manageable. Being able to focus on the events on screen made all the difference in learning this new game.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Avenger is a remarkable accessory that does exactly what it promises which can be rare in gaming accessories. If you plan on purchasing it, prepare to take the time to learn how to properly use it. It's a small learning period but completely necessary to fully get the Avenger benefits. It's priced perfectly for the hardcore gamers who want to step up their gameplay experience or for dedicated multiplayer fiends who are in need for that extra edge against the competition.
The Avenger is available for sale at Thinkgeek for $49.99 for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. This review is based on time spent playing various games with the Xbox 360 version of the Avenger controller accessory which was provided by Thinkgeek.
Ocean Marketing, the shit storm that just keeps raging..
...just when you thought it was over new details emerge which continue to boggle the mind.
The day started with The Escapist breaking the news that, forerunner for douchebag of the year, Paul Christoforo was still making waves in the not quite stagnant shit pool of Ocean Marketing. This time, rather than being abusive and insulting to customers, it was revealed that PR genius Paul had been holding N-Control's email and twitter accounts and details hostage; and trying to extort both continued pay and future profit sharing in exchange for their release. Full story here.
The new guy in charge of PR for N-Control, a gentleman called Moisés Chiullan, took to Reddit today for an AMA on the whole debacle to date and how he intends to guide the Avenger Controller through this whole horrible situation. You can read the full transcript of the entire AMA session by clicking here
The whole AMA session makes for some interesting, and at times curious reading. There's an admission that one of the positive reviews on Amazon for the Avenger was posted by it's creator, and that a few of the others were made by friends and family of those close to the controller. The conflict of interest is apparent, but perhaps understandable. Moisés has called for complete transparency from now on and threatened to walk away if such biasing tactics are used in the future. Perhaps out of this crisis N-Control might have actually stumbled upon someone who is able to take control of this situation and guide them safely through the shit storm.
The whole situation continued to get weirder though as the mighty Forbes got involved and printed an interview with Paul Christoforo giving him the chance to explain his side. The interview is here and there's even a blink and you'll miss it apology; although it is still mostly Paul putting across an over-inflated sense of his self worth and a still, breathtakingly staggering ignorance of the fact that people have actually read the e-mail conversation and are aware of who said what to who.
Anyways, that should just about catch people up on what's been happening with this story. Hopefully it will die down soon and N-Control can get on with the job of fulfilling the orders they have and continuing to develop what is a promising control interface.
Until next time, take care
Be Excellent to Each Other.
References:
The Escapist: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/114994-Ocean-Marketing-Attempts-To-Extort-Former-Client
Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnyegriffiths/2011/12/29/from-control-to-ko-paul-christoforo-interviewed/3/
Reddit: http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/nw1vm/ ama_the_guy_who_replaced_paul_christoforo_and_is/
N-Control Avenger for Xbox 360 is now shipping
N-Control Avenger is a special attachment created for your Xbox 360 controller. Showcase at this years CES, this attachment allows your reflex become even faster! The controller is designed for hard core gamers that want to take their gaming abilities to the next level. Read More