For the final piece of hardware in the SplitFish's overview we have the SplitFish Edge FX Controller which is basically a mouse and d-pad controller configuration. The Edge FX is set to appeal to PC gamers who haven’t really grasped the dual analog controls of a consoles controller. It also leads into the argument that will never be solved, what is more responsive or better for getting the most frags, controller or mouse and keys. I believe the tilt still leans over to the PC side, but times could be changing with new devices like the Edge FX. If you’re an old school PC gamer like me then you will immediately gravitate towards the Edge FX. The Edge FX is an affordable adapter that easily works with the PS2 console.

The Console Version of Mouse and Keys

Since I've been running with the under praised Reservoir Dogs from Eidos, I decided to try it out again with the Edge FX, along with the third person shooter SOCOM II and just for fun Kingdom Hearts. After a few moments to get adjusted I started to get into the grove of the Edge FX. I would give the average gamer about a half hour to start to get the hang gaming with two hands, and maybe less if you have a PC background. The mouse has all the face buttons of the PS2 controller on the side to work with your thumb and the mouse controls an analog stick. The attachment which is kind of like the Wii nunchuck has the other analog stick and D-pad attached for quick access. The EdgeFx mouse also has a rumble feature which was a new experience for me. I still don’t know what to make of it, its interesting at the least. If you’re a fan, or not, it can easily be toggled on or off.

I didn’t notice any lag within the mouse or keypad is very important and the more I got rolling the more I realized this experience like a cross between PC gaming and using the Wii nunchuck. Red Steel and Call of Duty 3 immediately comes to mind. It’s too bad I didn’t have FPS shooters left in my PS2 collection because I would have loved to give one a shot. I believe FPS are most practically played with a set up like this, or with the mouse and keyboard. If you can adjust to have two hands working independently then you might com to love the EdgeFX. One thing that is a minor concern to gamers who are thinking of the EdgeFX should be how you play your games. If you’re a lounger or a constant mover the EdgeFX might drive you crazy. With the design of the controller, mainly the flat mouse surface you will need to be upright and ready for action. No slouchers or loungers allowed.

The Edge FX is the most impressive product from SplitFish Gameware out off all three entries. The Edge FX Controller is right on the money and a great substitute for regular Playstation 2 controller. If you're one of those PC veterans that have been looking for a console equivalent to your mouse and keys, this might be your best bet. Even if you're not from the PC gaming world the Edge FX might be worth a look, it might just give you the edge you need to online.