A Blast from the Past: The QuickShot II Joystick Review
In a world where technology advances at lightning speed, it's fascinating to see how the gaming industry embraces nostalgia. Just like cinema and music, gaming, the most tech-obsessed art form, has a soft spot for its roots. And today, we're revisiting a legend, the QuickShot II, a joystick that defined an era.
The Legend Returns
The QuickShot II, a plastic joystick from the early 1980s, is back with a bang. While it may not have been the best joystick then, it certainly had its charm. It offered a unique experience, allowing gamers to feel like pilots with its multiple fire buttons and ergonomic design. Imagine pretending to be in the cockpit of Star Wars or Airwolf! And let's not forget the suckers on its base, a feature that added to the immersion.
A Faithful Replica with Modern Twists
The new QuickShot II, a collaboration between Retro Games and Plaion Replai, is an almost perfect replica of the original. You can relive the past by grasping it firmly and feeling the satisfying click of its large red buttons. The auto-fire switch, a nod to the past, is still there for those nostalgic moments. But this time, the designers have added a modern touch, allowing you to configure the fire buttons separately. This feature, a dream come true for Commodore 64 enthusiasts, lets you control your weapons independently, just like in Skramble.
A Journey Through Gaming History
With its six base buttons aligning with standard joypad layouts, the QuickShot II is versatile. Connect it to your PC or any of Retro Games' modern remakes, like the C64 or Spectrum, and you're in for a treat. I tested it with the Spectrum and found myself immersed in classics like Ant Attack, Pheenix, and Head over Heels. It's like stepping back in time, but with a few modern conveniences.
Quality and Nostalgia
In terms of build quality, the QuickShot II strikes a balance between necessary updates and preserving the original experience. The stick's travel distance is just right, bringing back memories of the famous joystick-waggling titles like Daley Thompson's Decathlon. The addition of microswitches adds a satisfying click, but the soft click of the fire buttons remains, evoking a warm sense of nostalgia. The sound and feel of those buttons are deeply ingrained in our memories, just like the smell of school dinners or the sound of the ocean.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
I tried the QuickShot II with Steam, and it worked seamlessly after some calibration. Playing the Steam version of Truxton with this joystick was a trip down memory lane, reminding me of arcade days in Blackpool. It's incredible how a simple piece of plastic can bring back such vivid memories. The auto-fire feature, though, could use some work, but that's a small price to pay for the overall experience.
Not for the Serious Gamer, But...
If you're seeking a top-of-the-line modern joystick, the QuickShot II might not be your first choice. It's budget-friendly and has its quirks. Despite my efforts, I couldn't get it to work with RetroArch, but that's part of its charm. The QuickShot II wasn't about being the best; it was about being accessible and cool. And that's exactly what the remake captures.
A Nostalgic Journey Worth Taking
I respect the remake for staying true to the spirit of the original. It's affordable and has its compromises, but that's what makes it special. For those who owned one back in the day, it's a delightful trip down memory lane. The fourth star in my review is for the sheer nostalgia it evokes. Seeing it beside my modern PC and HD monitor brings a smile to my face. Welcome back, old friend, with all your quirks and charm.
