Freedom V Wireless Guitar Controller

Freedom V Wireless

When it comes to pure entertainment, few games can deliver like Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero II. The guitar controller and choice licks really let you cut loose and live like a rock star: strut, grind, set the couch on fire… the regular rules don't apply, it's all about the music! That is until you reach the end of the chord, then you discover that you're just a dog on a leash and your rock n' roll empire is limited to a seven foot radius from your TV. Realizing that rock isn't about boundaries, those sultans of strum over at TheAntComandos.com have you covered with their Freedom V Wireless Guitar Controller, the first wireless guitar rig for use with Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero II. The big idea: Use 2.4 GHz technology to give you a one hundred foot range to rock out without your DualShock out.

Sounds great, but can it play? I firmly believe that if Jimmy Hendrix had to perform with a two-foot plastic axe, he'd use the Freedom V Wireless. We tested one and were well satisfied with the performance. Modeled to match the general feel of the original Guitar Hero controller, the Freedom V Wireless requires no getting use to if you've ever played before. The fret buttons, strum bar and whammy bar have familiar placement and smooth action. Activating your Star Power is just as easy with the Freedom V Wireless as with the original controller; you can still either tilt the rig or click select and watch the crowd go wild. Also, in an act of divine inspiration, the "Start" button on the Freedom V Wireless has been recessed so that there are no more accidental pauses when you really get to throwing down.

The 2.4 GHz interface is simple to use; just plug the wireless dongle into the player 1 or player 2 port in your PS2, pop four AA batteries into the back of the guitar and flip the switch to "On'. Distance doesn't seem to be an issue for the Freedom V Wireless, we were too far away to see the notes on the screen before we got out of range of the receiver.

But don't think that the Freedom V Wireless has sacrificed form for function. The body style is heavily influenced by Gibson's classic Flying V and comes in cool electric blue or candy apple red with white highlights. Need something even more radical? You can personalize your Freedom V Wireless even further with a wide assortment of face plates available at TheAntCommandos.com. Ranging from skulls to flames to tribals, you are sure to find something that appeals to you personal sensibilities.

As much as I'd love to say that the Freedom V Wireless performed flawlessly for hours on end, it was not without its glitches. Every once in a while, the signal from the guitar would simply drop out for a few seconds mid-song. And while it only happened a few times and only lasted about three or four seconds, it was quite frustrating to watch my character stand impotently before a booing crowd as the notes rolled by unanswered.

That aside, I would highly recommend the Freedom V Wireless Guitar Controller for anybody looking to get the most out of their Guitar Hero experience. It also makes a perfect gift for that special guitar hero (or heroine) in your life. For about sixty five dollars you get the Freedom V Wireless in blue or red, one receiver dongle, shoulder strap, small Phillips head screwdriver (for the battery cover) and a decal sheet to customize your rig. Grab one almost anywhere games are sold or order one online at www.TheAntCommandos.com. FreeBird!!!