Freedom V Wireless Guitar Controller

If you're like me, you've wondered why RedOctane, the creators of Guitar Hero, didn't give gamers the option of buying a wireless guitar controller. The Freedom V Wireless Controller from The Ant Commandos (TAC) puts 2.4GHz of wireless technology between you and your PlayStation 2. The system consists of a V shaped guitar and a small receiver that plugs into the PS2 controller port. Once the guitar is connected, you're free to move anywhere within the controller's 100 foot play radius.

The Freedom V is similar to RedOctane's controller in many ways. It responds just like the standard Guitar Hero controller, without any noticeable lag or delay, and it's constructed from the same cheap plastic. But TAC's controller features several small improvements in an addition to its wireless features. The fret buttons, strum bar, and whammy bar all have more spring to them, which makes playing seem less mechanical and more natural. The guitar can also be played left-handed or right-handed thanks to an additional place for the strap to attach.

Unfortunately, it's difficult to keep the strap attached the guitar without the help of some tape. The weight of the guitar and what seems like a defect in the strap often causes the strap to fly off in the middle of a tough solo. The guitar will also trigger star power on its own if you're holding it at an angle above about 45 degrees.

Thanks to Gamer Graffix, the Freedom V is customizable with skins that are specially designed to match the shape of the guitar. But if you don't want to spend the money on a skin, you're still in luck. The controller ships with a sheet of stickers that should satisfy your creative side.

When you get down to it, the Freedom V Wireless Controller works well. It does what it says it will do without any complication. It also provides some minor, but welcome improvements to the standard controller. But basic problems with the guitar strap and star power cause frustration. Constructing the guitar with tougher plastics would have also been a great bonus. If you're willing to use tape to secure the strap to the guitar and you're playing style keeps the guitar relatively horizontal, the Freedom V is something to consider if you're looking to be freed from the tangle of cables. The Freedom V Wireless Controller is available now from www.theguitarmania.com for $54.99.