Zeus
10-17-2009, 10:20 PM
Product: Bannco FRAGnSTEIN for PS3 and PC
Official Website: <a href="http://www.bannco.com" target="_Blank">Bannco.com</a> Official Distributor: <A href="http://www.supremefactory.com" target="_blank">Supremefactory.com</a>.
RRP: $79.99
Introduction
By now, we’re considerably some way into the potential life-cycle of the PS3. And it’s unsurprising to see that in that time the PS3 has been subject to some pretty top notch shooting titles including multi-platform titles such as Call of Duty: World at War and none other than the exclusive Resistance 2 and Uncharted 2. While these titles are arguably breathtaking in terms of their overall quality, some gamers and in particular fans of first and third person shooters will and still questioning the effectiveness of the PS3 controller on such titles.
<center><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/fragnsteinmain.jpg"></center></a>
In recognition of the need to cater for those who wish to play such games with a mouse and keyboard style, we’ve seen a number of products hit the market including the XCM rate up adapter and the more innovative FragFX. But the latest product in the respective genre to hit the market is the FRAGnSTEIN developed by Bannco. Following a similar concept to the FragFX, the FRAGnSTEIN provides gamers with a PS3 and PC compatible mouse complete with a left-handed nunchuk. However Bannco has managed to hit the mass market FIRST with a completely wireless device, and arguably just at the perfect time with the upcoming launch of Modern Warfare 2 and the recent launch of Uncharted 2.
As the introduction is out of the way, we now move on to discuss the FRAGnSTEIN in greater detail. The whole product consists of a 2K CPI invisible laser, a wireless USB adapter (which stores all the configurations of your FRAGnSTEIN and allows you to use it on a PS3/PS3) and a nun-chuck which basically completely mimics the left hand side of the Playstation 3 controller. Referring back specifically to the mouse, it is really well designed with all FOUR playstation buttons appearing on the left-hand side and within perfect reach of your thumb. This is a true PLUG and PLAY device, you can easily navigate through all menu’s and do NOT need the assistance of any controller to get started.
The following section of the review will discuss various peripheral related criteria in relation to the FRAGnSTEIN:
Packaging and Presentation: Let’s be frank here, the product arrives in a decently packaged box and looks respectably professional. Although it really is ‘lacking’ some branding and marketing prowess. However with that said, the product should reach any customer in decent order as the item is solidly packed. Moving on more specifically to the mouse and nunchuk attachments.
<center><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/fragcon3.jpg"></center></a>
Both of the devices sport a somewhat dull grey and black color scheme with the dubious FRAGnSTEIN logo written upon them – 7.5
Build Quality: Bannco may be something an un-known brand but do not let that fool you. Both the mouse and nunchuk feel strong and seem as if they will last for quite some time. Even though the artistic designs of the attachments aren’t exuberant, the build quality is near top notch – 9.
Features and Functionality: First off, let’s get some of the basic facts out of the way on this device. It is completely wireless and works on any PS3 and PC simply by plugging in the USB adapter. The device supports ALL PS3 games even non shooting games, features a range of up to 30 feet, supports SIXAXIS motion control, the mouse features a highly precise 2K CPI laser, and it’s all COMPLETELY WIRELESS. But the fun doesn’t end there because the whole product is upgradable.
Now this product might have all the right features and specifications on paper but how does it perform might one ask? And we have to admit it performs fantastically well. The FRAGnSTEIN was mostly tested on first person shooters as well as Uncharted 2 and even other non shooter games and the device was compatible with EVERYTHING. It handles incredibly well, we can safely say that the device does make shooting more accurate and it is possible for more FINITE shots to be conducted which will come in handy particularly for those who like to sniper. The device is smooth, we detected no visible lag and the whole combination of left nunchuk and mouse works incredibly well out of the box. The only ‘nag’ we had with this device and will be relevant to any game using a mouse, is that it can sometimes get a bit frustrating to do a FULL 360 degree turn quickly in comparison to using a PS3 controller. But it’s certainly manageable with the FRAGnSTEIN, we just find it that bit easier with a controller in hand. For those who want a mouse and keyboard style set-up on their PS3, we highly doubt that things can get anymore perfect than what the FRAGnSTEIN provides (the nunchuk idea is much better than having a keyboard as you get the best of both worlds).
<center><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/fragconfo.jpg"></center></a>
While the FRAGnSTEIN works perfectly fine on most FPS’s out of the box, it is inevitable that you may want to tweak the button configuration and sensitivity of the device and you can easily do that. All you have to do to update the device is take the USB dongle plug it into your PC, sync up the mouse and run the configuration program. Upon entering the program, you simply select whether you wish to define PS3 or PC settings and from there on in you can just drag and drop your button configurations as well as increase the sensitivity and even adjust the firing speed! On a personal note we prefer to play on the sensitivity set to high on the mouse and high in the game in which we play, but things can get a bit too over-sensitive, it all comes down to personal performance. But overall the device boasts and delivers on its impressive functions and offers a smooth and flawless experience – 9.5.
Ease of Use and other: As we’ve stated numerous times already, to use the device you can just simply plug it into your PS3 and away you go. You can even use the mouse on your PC by downloading the correct firmware and it works just fine. It really is totally plug and play and configuration of the device is a breeze. During our testing we encountered NO issues with the device – 9.5
Bottom Line
Bannco may have appeared out of nowhere with the FRAGnSTEIN but the product delivers a near impeccable experience and is currently the only device currently on the market to be complete wireless (beating Splitfish’s FragFX with months to spare). Any PS3 gamers still on the quest for a perfect PC-esque first person shooter experience on their PS3, then the FRAGnSTEIN delivers it. The device is of high quality, is compatible with every PS3 game, integrates a comprehensive set of features and finally provides the ultimate solution for nunchuk and mouse gaming on the PS3.
The Good: Provides an excellent PC FPS style experience on PS3, is smooth, responsive and of high quality, is easily fully updateable and configurable, works on both PS3 and PS3, it’s completely WIRELESS!
The Bad: Presentation isn’t quite up to scratch. And more generally the debate will inevitably continue as to whether a mouse or a controller is better for shooting games on the PS3.
Overall score (not an average):
<img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/ninteypercc_copy1.jpg"></a>
P.S We’d like to thank <a href="http://www.gamesbasement.co.uk" target="_blank">Gamesbasment.co.uk</a> for providing a variety of PS3 titles to fully test this device out on!
Official Website: <a href="http://www.bannco.com" target="_Blank">Bannco.com</a> Official Distributor: <A href="http://www.supremefactory.com" target="_blank">Supremefactory.com</a>.
RRP: $79.99
Introduction
By now, we’re considerably some way into the potential life-cycle of the PS3. And it’s unsurprising to see that in that time the PS3 has been subject to some pretty top notch shooting titles including multi-platform titles such as Call of Duty: World at War and none other than the exclusive Resistance 2 and Uncharted 2. While these titles are arguably breathtaking in terms of their overall quality, some gamers and in particular fans of first and third person shooters will and still questioning the effectiveness of the PS3 controller on such titles.
<center><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/fragnsteinmain.jpg"></center></a>
In recognition of the need to cater for those who wish to play such games with a mouse and keyboard style, we’ve seen a number of products hit the market including the XCM rate up adapter and the more innovative FragFX. But the latest product in the respective genre to hit the market is the FRAGnSTEIN developed by Bannco. Following a similar concept to the FragFX, the FRAGnSTEIN provides gamers with a PS3 and PC compatible mouse complete with a left-handed nunchuk. However Bannco has managed to hit the mass market FIRST with a completely wireless device, and arguably just at the perfect time with the upcoming launch of Modern Warfare 2 and the recent launch of Uncharted 2.
As the introduction is out of the way, we now move on to discuss the FRAGnSTEIN in greater detail. The whole product consists of a 2K CPI invisible laser, a wireless USB adapter (which stores all the configurations of your FRAGnSTEIN and allows you to use it on a PS3/PS3) and a nun-chuck which basically completely mimics the left hand side of the Playstation 3 controller. Referring back specifically to the mouse, it is really well designed with all FOUR playstation buttons appearing on the left-hand side and within perfect reach of your thumb. This is a true PLUG and PLAY device, you can easily navigate through all menu’s and do NOT need the assistance of any controller to get started.
The following section of the review will discuss various peripheral related criteria in relation to the FRAGnSTEIN:
Packaging and Presentation: Let’s be frank here, the product arrives in a decently packaged box and looks respectably professional. Although it really is ‘lacking’ some branding and marketing prowess. However with that said, the product should reach any customer in decent order as the item is solidly packed. Moving on more specifically to the mouse and nunchuk attachments.
<center><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/fragcon3.jpg"></center></a>
Both of the devices sport a somewhat dull grey and black color scheme with the dubious FRAGnSTEIN logo written upon them – 7.5
Build Quality: Bannco may be something an un-known brand but do not let that fool you. Both the mouse and nunchuk feel strong and seem as if they will last for quite some time. Even though the artistic designs of the attachments aren’t exuberant, the build quality is near top notch – 9.
Features and Functionality: First off, let’s get some of the basic facts out of the way on this device. It is completely wireless and works on any PS3 and PC simply by plugging in the USB adapter. The device supports ALL PS3 games even non shooting games, features a range of up to 30 feet, supports SIXAXIS motion control, the mouse features a highly precise 2K CPI laser, and it’s all COMPLETELY WIRELESS. But the fun doesn’t end there because the whole product is upgradable.
Now this product might have all the right features and specifications on paper but how does it perform might one ask? And we have to admit it performs fantastically well. The FRAGnSTEIN was mostly tested on first person shooters as well as Uncharted 2 and even other non shooter games and the device was compatible with EVERYTHING. It handles incredibly well, we can safely say that the device does make shooting more accurate and it is possible for more FINITE shots to be conducted which will come in handy particularly for those who like to sniper. The device is smooth, we detected no visible lag and the whole combination of left nunchuk and mouse works incredibly well out of the box. The only ‘nag’ we had with this device and will be relevant to any game using a mouse, is that it can sometimes get a bit frustrating to do a FULL 360 degree turn quickly in comparison to using a PS3 controller. But it’s certainly manageable with the FRAGnSTEIN, we just find it that bit easier with a controller in hand. For those who want a mouse and keyboard style set-up on their PS3, we highly doubt that things can get anymore perfect than what the FRAGnSTEIN provides (the nunchuk idea is much better than having a keyboard as you get the best of both worlds).
<center><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/fragconfo.jpg"></center></a>
While the FRAGnSTEIN works perfectly fine on most FPS’s out of the box, it is inevitable that you may want to tweak the button configuration and sensitivity of the device and you can easily do that. All you have to do to update the device is take the USB dongle plug it into your PC, sync up the mouse and run the configuration program. Upon entering the program, you simply select whether you wish to define PS3 or PC settings and from there on in you can just drag and drop your button configurations as well as increase the sensitivity and even adjust the firing speed! On a personal note we prefer to play on the sensitivity set to high on the mouse and high in the game in which we play, but things can get a bit too over-sensitive, it all comes down to personal performance. But overall the device boasts and delivers on its impressive functions and offers a smooth and flawless experience – 9.5.
Ease of Use and other: As we’ve stated numerous times already, to use the device you can just simply plug it into your PS3 and away you go. You can even use the mouse on your PC by downloading the correct firmware and it works just fine. It really is totally plug and play and configuration of the device is a breeze. During our testing we encountered NO issues with the device – 9.5
Bottom Line
Bannco may have appeared out of nowhere with the FRAGnSTEIN but the product delivers a near impeccable experience and is currently the only device currently on the market to be complete wireless (beating Splitfish’s FragFX with months to spare). Any PS3 gamers still on the quest for a perfect PC-esque first person shooter experience on their PS3, then the FRAGnSTEIN delivers it. The device is of high quality, is compatible with every PS3 game, integrates a comprehensive set of features and finally provides the ultimate solution for nunchuk and mouse gaming on the PS3.
The Good: Provides an excellent PC FPS style experience on PS3, is smooth, responsive and of high quality, is easily fully updateable and configurable, works on both PS3 and PS3, it’s completely WIRELESS!
The Bad: Presentation isn’t quite up to scratch. And more generally the debate will inevitably continue as to whether a mouse or a controller is better for shooting games on the PS3.
Overall score (not an average):
<img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/ninteypercc_copy1.jpg"></a>
P.S We’d like to thank <a href="http://www.gamesbasement.co.uk" target="_blank">Gamesbasment.co.uk</a> for providing a variety of PS3 titles to fully test this device out on!