REVIEW

Gear Review: TAC Freedom V Wireless Guitar Controller

Written by Ken Edwards
Published December 10, 2006

Let's face it, wired controllers suck. No one wants to be tethered to their console anymore.

This is especially the case while playing Guitar Hero II. It doesn't take much to yank the SG Guitar out of the controller port, and that sure can be a buzz kill in the middle of Free Bird, or whatever you happen to be shreddin' to.

The Ant Commandos (TAC) have the answer, with a number of wireless controllers that will let you be the rock star that you know you are. You want to dance around your living room floor, and jump on the couch - and now you can.

Plus, TAC are giving us a Flying V designed controller, something every Guitar Hero rocker secretly wants.

The Freedom V Wireless Guitar Controller is a 2.4 GHz wireless guitar that works with both Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero II (as long as you ordered your controller after Oct. 1, it works with GH2).

Although inconsequential to the performance of the product, it does come with some way cool stickers, much better than those in the Guitar Hero II box.

The Freedom V is well constructed. After trying out a number of third-party GH controllers, its nice to feel a sturdy one.

This controller takes four AA batteries (included) that should last 800 hours, according to TAC. Just remember to switch the guitar to "off" when you are done.

The Freedom V is proportioned to feel like the original Gibson SG controller. The buttons are in the same spot, the strum bar feels the same, too. The Whammy Bar and the feel of the buttons take some getting used to, though.

The buttons rise higher off the neck of the guitar. In testing, it takes a little more pressure to push the Fret Buttons. It isn't much different, but it is enough to throw you off, especially after so many hours with the first-party controller.

In time though, you get used to the Fret Buttons on the Freedom V. The Whammy Bar, however, I am still getting used to. I can't put my finger on it, but it just feels different. It isn't a hindrance, it is just different.

My favorite feature, besides being wireless of course, is the bidirectional accelerator sensor that makes activating Star Power quite easy. It may feel a little touchy to some, but I prefer it this way.

Connecting the guitar to the PS2 is as easy as turning it on before you power on the PS2, then you are off and running. It just works great.

The no lag wireless, and the improved Star Power sensor negate the small quibble about the Fret Buttons. The Freedom V Wireless Guitar Controller costs $49.99 and comes highly recommended.

Ken Edwards is the Gaming Editor at Blogcritics, and calls Breaking Windows home. Ken works part time for Student Publications at BGSU as the Webmaster and System Administrator. He is also a freelance web developer.

Keep reading for information and comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own!
Gear Review: TAC Freedom V Wireless Guitar Controller
Published: December 10, 2006
Type: Review
Section: Gaming
Filed Under: Gaming: Gear
Writer: Ken Edwards
Ken Edwards's BC Writer page
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