Retro Fighters Striker DC Color Variants Unboxing & Review
52In this video we unbox, check out, and test the Retro Fighters StrikerDC Color Variant controllers for the Sega Dreamcast.
I have made my dislike of the original Sega Dreamcast controller well known. Much like the controllers for the Xboxes, which I feel were inspired by the Dreamcast controllers, the controller was the primary reason why I didn't pick up a Dreamcast back in the day. Even going back now and trying to play Sega's last console, the controller is not a pleasant experience for me. Thankfully the folks at Retro Fighters have addressed my hang ups with the original controller with the StrikerDC.
The StrikerDC started out as a Kickstarter project in February 2019. I was lucky to be able to help provide some feedback regarding this controller, something that was very humbling to be a part of. From the first sample I saw to the production version, I was instantly in love with this controller. Everything I loved about Retro Fighter's controller for the N64, the Brawler 64, was here but optimized for the Dreamcast. As such, I've played more Dreamcast since the StrikerDC showed up in my life than I ever have before.
Fast forward several months and Retro Fighters announced a follow up to the StrikerDC in their color variants. Everything that made the Striker DC great is here, but now in 4 additional fun colors. Three out of the four feature a grey back and 10-foot long cord combined with a transparent red, green, and blue face. The fourth and final version I am calling the "Stealth" version, black on black with a black cord. Photos and videos don't do these colors justice, they look great in person! And one of the most fun touches with these is the inclusion of color-matched keychain 8-bit inspired figures. It's a great overall package.
Just like the original controller, the StrikerDC features 2 VMU ports and is compatible with just about every VMU-accessory you could throw at it. Memory cards, microphones, rumble packs, and of course VMUs all work with the StrikerDC. I felt like the front VMU tunnels were a little tighter across the board on all color variants than the rear tunnel. but it wasn't a death grip.
I started my testing with one of my favorite games for the Dreamcast, Star Wars: Episode I Racer. This is a game that, when run through VGA cables to my OSSC, it looks absolutely beautiful. The button mapping wasn't exactly what I'd prefer, as I'd like to use the analog triggers for throttle and brake, but the game doesn't let you do this. Even with the face buttons for this function, the controls were spot on. The D-Pad did feel a little less sensitive than the analog stick, and surprisingly felt better for this game. I felt this was also the case for Daytona USA, which is weird. I would have figured that the analog stick would have been the way to go but, verifying with an original controller, this is just how these games were designed.
Why it RoX:
- Amazing colors
- 10-foot long controller cable
- Compatible with VMUs and accessories
- Button aesthetics were spot on
- Analog and digital shoulder buttons
- Good analog stick performance
- Makes me want to play my Dreamcast more
- Included goodies are a nice touch
What Could Be Improved?
- Front VMU Port is a little tight
- More color options would be nice
- Transparent backs to match the front
Should you buy one?
If you own a Dreamcast, you should definitely consider the StrikerDC. The overall fit and feel of the StrikerDC is nothing short of amazing. Everything I love about the Brawer 64 is here but in a design compatible with the Dreamcast. The controller is amazingly well balanced, my hands just seem to conform to the grips naturally, it just feels right. Retro Fighters has hit a HUGE Homerun here, and I have never played the system as much as I have since the StrikerDC arrived. Now, the red variant is my go-to controller for the system, I just need to get a matching custom case for my Dreamcast to match! More mods and Dreamcast content will be coming!
#RetroFighters #StrikerDC #Dreamcast
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(Pub. L. 94–553, title I, § 101, Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2546; Pub. L. 101–650, title VI, § 607, Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5132; Pub. L. 102–492, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3145.)