xlr8yourmac.com - VOrb Game Controller Review

To keep the main review page from being too image heavy I decided to have a separate page on the SpaceOrb controller. Since the first time I picked up the SpaceOrb years ago I've been impressed with the design - it just feels right. However it does take a lot of practice to get familiar with it.

The rubber coated ball that is the main control takes practice initially to get oriented with how it affects movement. I found it best to think of it as my player's head. You can twist it, push it down, lift it up, and many combinations of these simultaneously. This makes it possible to perform moves that would be impossible with other controllers like joysticks and gamepads.

The shape of the controller, location of buttons, etc. are all very well done. It just feels right. It will take quite a bit of practice to get used to the ball control head and all the potential movements, but if you can master it, the results are very satisfying. I know friends on the PC that wail in games after they became accustomed and proficient with the SpaceOrb. I can't think of any controller that can do the moves this one can.

Below are some pictures of the SpaceOrb controller showing the locations of buttons and controls. Clicking on the first image will load a view of the rear of the controller where the 'zero' (reset) button is located. If you feel your character 'drifting' with no pressure on the ball in games then pressing this button will recalibrate the null point of the controller ball. Sort of a center calibration you do with a joystick. I did that once when first using the controller in Unreal and have not had to do so again.

As you can see - even Kay's tiny hands were not a handicap to using the SpaceOrb. Note the locations of the finger and thumb on the control ball - this is the preferred way to grip it for maximum control in all axes. The supplied manual and disk are made for the PC but the tips it offers on getting used to the control are very well done. My manual is a about two years old but I assume they still have the same instructions, in fact they may be even better now.

If you've got the free time, are frustrated by the limits of other controllers and are trying to find a really innovative controller that allows almost 'hands off the keyboard' control and lots of customization take a good look at the SpaceOrb/VOrb combo. There is nothing else like it and unlike many other gamepad/joystick replacements that have come and gone on the PC, the SpaceOrb remains a favorite of those that take the time to master its capabilities.

Don't take my word for it - check out the other SpaceOrb Reviews. Boot Magazine said it can make you so good in games that 'everyone will hate you'. The SpaceOrb site has a demo download page that allows you to see the SpaceOrb in action via recorded demo files in Quake, Duke3D and Descent.