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ERGONOMICS: B+ (9) This controller is definitely for people with big hands. It has very long, wide grips that end at a point, rather than Sony's smaller grips. It fits perfectly on both hands and all the buttons have fast, easy access. The analog sticks are longer than those in Sony's Dual-Analog or Dual-Shock controllers (Dual-Analog is the same as Dual-Shock, except it doesn't have vibration functions), making them better suited for games such as Colony Wars. The problem with the ergonomics of this pad are its shoulder buttons, which feel very clicky and cheap, and can seriously hamper with gameplay. The D-pad has problems of its own. It is stiffer and not as comfortable to use as those of many other controllers. The Barracuda is better with certain games, but overall, not as comfortable as Sony's controllers. CONTROL: B (8.75) Using the shoulder buttons can be a hard task, as is using its D-pad. The analog sticks however, are very responsive, and are in some cases, better than Sony's own. Analog is a function that has recently been implemented into PlayStation games and is likely to be used very often in the future. This function processes every minute movement your thumb makes and gives the game a wider array of control, such as the speed a character runs by the angle of the stick. The action buttons are of good quality, but pale in comparison to Sony's controller buttons. If it weren't for the horrible shoulder buttons (which feel very comfortable until you actually play a game), perhaps the overall quality of the controller would have seemed better. SPECIAL FUNCTIONS: B+ (9) The main attraction to this controller is its analog support. When this controller came out, the only other alternative was Sony's Dual-Analog controller, and it was during this time that analog was first implemented into PlayStation games. The Barracuda has a feature that saves the custom-setup of all buttons, which you program, as long as the PlayStation's power is on. You can switch the control of the sticks (via a switch at the bottom of the pad) Left to Right and vice versa, so that control of the game is put into your desired thumb. This could make a world of difference if you're left handed (which I'm not). Also, two features that I never find useful and are always used, turbo fire and slow motion, are included in this controller. This controller has no vibration feature, which is a minus when compared to newer controllers.
COMPATIBILITY: A+ (10) The great thing about the barracuda is that using the mid-top switch, you can change the function of the analog sticks to one of three modes, analog, flight stick, or digital, and the latter works with all games. If you're playing a game that allows analog control, you're at an advantage if you use analog, because it allows far greater control. Flight stick mode works with games such as Ace Combat 2 or other flight simulators, that support a flight stick, and allows using both the sticks at the same time. Digital control can be used with the D-pad or the left stick (although you can switch the left stick with the right stick) and works just like any normal controller in digital mode. The Sony Dual-Analog controller did not have a function that allowed the analog sticks to be used in all games in digital mode, so in that respect this controller is better. WORTH BUYING: YES If you don't mind buying a controller other than a Sony one, then give this one a try. It is better with certain games that require a larger analog radius, and it supports all games in digital mode, in case you dislike using directional pads. The only things about the Barracuda that I really disliked were its crappy shoulder buttons. OVERALL QUALITY: B+ (9) To order the Barracuda Dual Analog controller,
click on the button
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