The Mad Catz Fantastic Four Control Pad looks great, and is responsive, but may not be the controller of choice for serious PS2 gamers

There is the catch-phrase of a certain Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing. It is appropriate here, if for no other reason than the image of the quintessential tank graces the face of the Mad Catz controller. And besides, it is even on the left hand grip of the controller itself.

But, this is a time to refrain … and explain.

Mad Catz has the official license for the Fox motion picture/Activision videogame and is using it with the release of the Fantastic 4 Control Pad Pro for the PlayStation 2 console system. The colorful controller has a tight layout, solid plastic with a high sheen and (the version received) comes in orange and blue with The Thing’s image dead center. The look Ben is giving those using the pad seems to mean you had best live up to using this controller.

The pad is responsive, but does a few idiosyncrasies that prevent it from scoring in the upper echelon. What, you ask? Well, the Start and Select buttons are located on the top of the controller, on either side of the connecting chord and inside the shoulder buttons. At first glance, they appear as though they are merely indicators because gentle pressure does nothing to them. However, bear down on them and you will hear that click that means you just triggered those controls. The mode button is on the other end, in the recess created by the circular thumbstick slots, and is also clickable, but not exactly easily accessible if you have decent-sized hands.

The controller does have an extra-long connecting chord, and has vibration features. The top layout is tight and very accessible. The chord does not seem as sturdy as the Mad Catz Dual Force 2 Pro controller (my PS2 controller of choice). The vibration is solid, revealing that this controller is very well built.

There was no marked difference in the response time between the F4 device and the Dual Force 2 or Sony first-party controller, and the Fantastic 4 Control Pad Pro worked equally as well with other titles, though it seemed to be more appropriate when playing Fantastic 4, for some strange and totally nonsensical reason. 

The Mad Catz Fantastic 4 Control Pad Pro is destined to be a collector’s bit of hardware. It is a solid device, but those who spend a great deal of time with may wish for a controller that is not quite as slick feeling.

The Control Pad Pro does come in six designs – Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), The Thing (Ben Grimm), The Human Torch (Johnny Storm), The Invisible Woman (Sue Storm, a see-through controller that looks really nice), Dr. Doom, and a team F4 skin. The Thing was the device received for review.

Pros:
Rubberized pads on the outside of the handholds help maintain grips in tough gaming moments. The thumbsticks are responsive and the placement of the D-pad and hot keys are close to the thumbsticks for easy access. The cord connecting to the console is also longer by about 1 ½ to 2 feet.

Cons:
The handholds are a little short, and may be too small for larger hands. The select and start buttons flank the connection wire between the shoulder buttons. They are firm and require solid pressure to use.

Overall: 8.5
A solid controller with a very colorful look and nice layout. The highly gleam of the hard plastic is a little slick, but the device is responsive. But come on! – this is an F4 controller with The Thing on it. Everyone, say it together: “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME!”