Logitech Driving Force GT

One rather cool new addition is the 24-position adjustment dial. Located within easy reach of your right thumb, true racing sim aficionados can make real-time tweaks on the fly to traction control, spring rates, damper settings, brake bias and the like. Configurable to control whatever you decide, it's certainly a sign of just who this wheel is aimed at. It's a long way from Pole Position.

As has been the case for a long time now, the actual in-game feel of the Logitech wheel is unsurpassed. Every subtle change of surface transmits itself brilliantly, and the feeling of resistance transforms even the dullest practice session into something exciting. You'll find yourself driving the race with a great deal more care than usual, and the ability to make much finer adjustments than on a joypad is immediately apparent.

Over time, there's no doubting that, in the right hands, using a wheel would make you a much more proficient driver - and possibly make the game more fun in the process. Feedback levels can be varied accordingly to taste, from mild to almost pneumatic drill levels. The strange noises of the motors inside the unit are a little off-putting, but it's a small negative on an otherwise-impressive driving experience.

Elsewhere, Logitech's fond of mentioning the addition of full 900-degree rotation, so we will too for the benefit of those who like spinning the wheel around two and a half times before they hit lock in either direction. Apparently there are a fair few cars in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue that take full advantage of this feature, although for the purposes of an everyday spin in the game it's probably overkill.

On the downside, the lack of feedback in the pedal base feels like an oversight these days. In some respects, it feels like you're only getting a portion of the driving experience, and it's arguable that full hand and feet feedback would go a long way to delivering a much more complete feeling of being behind the wheel. That said, the cost would undoubtedly shoot up, so it's easy to see why they don't bother. Big tick, though, for including a retractable carpet-gripper on the base. For once you can rely on it not slipping at a crucial moment.

Overall I enjoyed going for a spin with the Logitech Driving Force GT, and with GT5 Prologue already demonstrating its prowess, there's a good reason to go and get it already. With the full GT5 to follow, as well as obvious candidates like Codemasters' new Formula 1 title in the pipeline, this is definitely worth checking out.