GAMING DEVICES Sword controller adds edge to play

If you can keep the Soul Controller connected, it adds a dimension of fun.
By VICTOR GODINEZ
DALLAS MORNING NEWS
It's rare to find a gimmicky controller that's fun to use, but Hori's new Soul Controller sword for the PlayStation 2 is impressive.
The sword was released as an official tie-in for Capcom's recent "Onimusha 3: Demon Siege," a hack-and-slash game in which players eviscerate and decapitate Japanese monsters that have invaded France.
The sword uses an infrared receiver that is plugged into the controller port on the PS2. Users then select matching channels on the sword and receiver.
The control sticks, pads and buttons of a regular PS2 controller are on the sword's handle, so users can navigate in-game menus easily or even just use the sword as a wireless controller.
Once in the game, players can make the hero, Samanosuke, swing his sword by swinging their sword. Fortunately, the long plastic blade is detachable, so plants, lamps and pets are safe. It's surprisingly easy to control the character's movement, making him walk by using the analog stick on the handle and then swinging the sword to attack.
Pitfalls of device
It's a lot of fun to slash and hack in your living room while Samanosuke mimics you. The only problem is that you can attack much faster just hitting the attack button on the handle than by swinging the sword.
And sometimes the signal between the receiver and the sword gets lost, and your character stands in place getting chopped apart while you frantically point the sword at your console, trying to get the signal back.
Solve that problem by placing your PS2 on the floor in front of you while you play.
Of course, what the Soul Controller sword really needs is a first-person "Star Wars" game in which players can wield a light saber by swinging the sword.
This is a cool little toy, and if you can swallow the $99 price tag, the Soul Controller is worth a gander for "Onimusha" fans.