Gamepad
We usually assess gaming machine based on
their performances – frame rates, benchmarks, etc. With Razer Edge, we have to
get rid of our usual approach, as it does not follow the traditional input
methods. No keyboard, no trackpad and there is no easy way to save the
proverbial princess – at least not if there is just Edge only. Most of gamers
ask for a diversity way of input than only touch, although there are indeed
exceptions. For example, Civilization V provides a controlling plan only for
touchscreen, and point-and-click adventure games like back to the Future: The
Game that obeys the control of well-placed fingers. Unfortunately, not all cursor-control
games are the same: The Sim 3 and XCOM: Enemy Unknown can all be managed by the
Edge’s display, but the received experience is so uncomfortable, disappointing
and just not worth the effort. As an independent tablet – the powerful Edge is
just not enough to transform into a sufficient gaming device.
We
usually assess gaming machine based on their performances – frame rates,
benchmarks, etc.
To be fair, the Edge has never meant to
stand alone – the original introduced version of the product, the Project
Fiona, has two handlebar controllers which is directly attached to its frame,
creating a modular machine which has an available option of becoming a gaming
device. Those who follow that way will think that it is kind of expensive: the
gamepad attachment of Razer costs about $250, equivalent to a quarter of the
tablet’s price. Shocked? You should not have been, because Razer’s style is to
provide expensive toys. What they offer their customers is an exceptional
experience, not an ideal bargain. If you do have money, you will find the
Edge’s accessories are worth such claims, at least.
A
closer look at the gamepad
The Edge is just perfectly fitted into the
aluminum frame of the gamepad, secured by a Sprind-loaded mechanism on the
bottom side of the device. There is a pass-through port lying below the spring
and two flanking release tabs. On the top, you will find two plastic ports
which are used for accessing the USB and audio ports. Power button, volume, keyboard
and lock of the tablet are also copied here, which ensures that there would be
not control missing during the process of turning the tablet into “game mode”.
Behind the tablet, two rubber springs going from the cradle’s backplate,
providing a cushion for the backside of the Edge which is made of aluminum, and
they are also for the purpose of scratch-proof during the installation process.
Therefore it is rather costly, right, but obviously well considered.
The details about the game controls also
draw our attention. Going out of the tablet’s side like the PlayStation Move’s
pair of wands, the gamepad owns a super- standard array of console toggles:
d-pad on the left and the X, Y, A and B button on the right. Each button
records Razor’s experience in building the Xbox 369 controllers: solid, but
elastic enough to respond with a sound pop. The navigating buttons are also
worth positions in the best class, mimicking the aesthetic design principle of
Razer’s Sabertooth gamepad compared to the PS3’s island-style d-pad. There is a
Thumbstick in each grip, two shoulder buttons, the start/select switch and a
trigger, which have two more buttons compared to the two-button layout gamepad
in general. Finally, the controller is the where the extended battery pack locates,
promising the users more than 8 hours of normal use and 2 hours of merely
playing games.
The
purpose of the over-sized cradle is to give the Edge the outlook of a mobile
game console.
The purpose of the over-sized cradle is to
give the Edge the outlook of a mobile game console, and once the setup are
finished and the game is on the run, it does a good job. The tablet brings us
the feeling as if it belonged to the accessories, which feels just right in the
hands of users. The quality of the hardware gives you a strong belief in
experience, and that is a good experience. However, just like everything else,
the gamepad is not flawless. Nearly 2 pounds heavy, it almost doubles the
device’s weight, which increase our worries mentioned in the beginning. Its
large size is also an inconvenience when it is not in use. We feel shame for
any fool that choose to pack all of these things in a domestic flight.
