damn i wanted one of these to play descent when i was like 14

I love the jazz music you use on your intros 👍

🤣🤣🤣

I'd like to see someone try an immersive sim game like Thief or System Shock with this controller. The whole "imagine the ball as your head" thing seems like a perfect fit.

You aren't holding this right

Ascii made Kingsfield. It makes so much sense now, I was meant to use this controller with the game!

I just... don't understand... why try to replace the widespread use of great controllers basic functionality/feel/looks with something that quirky, ugly, hard to manoeuvre? Who thought it would sell? I'm sure it can be useful for some applications, but surely not for gaming... the idiocy...

This would probably be better with an ambidextrous reversible/modular version, but I can't help but feel this is probably a lot like a steam controller in it's nicheness. If it had paddles or dualball inputs, it would probably be a lot easier for people to learn how to use. But some of that shape defiantly needs to change. Though it looks appealing just aesthetically on it's own. They should have built it tanky enough, if it's gonna hold up to the experience. With the shape, they could also potentially fit microswitches like the omron switches in a silent jlf. Since it looks like it has a generous amount of depth and girth. The main reason for reversible-ambidextrous or dual, is because some people will probably have an easier time getting the articulation down, if you had your dominant hand fingers' manipulating the ball instead. Because moving purely horizontally, means you have to carefully spin it or shift left and right to not subconsciously tilt it, everytime you go to move the thing. It may be redundant of an idea to have dual inputs, not unalike the two analog thumbsticks on a console controller. However, it would be more lenient on the learning curve, if it offered something potentially familar to the user as an option. And if it's built heavy enough and you can manipulate the ball with heavy intent, then holding the ball into a hard spot or hard into a spot, should be easier to do without it being too clunky I hope. I think that would make it a step up from just a regular controller. But, it needs to be smooth and rugged to take a heavy grip with, in the first place. As in, internally it has to be structurally supportive and resilient, but not in a way that it impedes too much on the user, to get it into a new spot and be dynamic with their input. In a mechanical sense, it needs to be built for precision. And with a consistently intentional amount of tension and resistance, it should be encouraging of precise control by design. Oh and the reason for paddles, is that it would make it so that you can have inputs in the back, hopefully that you can use simultaneously while aiming and moving. The layout, button placement, button feel and form factor will be very important to implement if it's to be used in unison with the balls, since they are unwieldy monsters, may be hard to contend with on attention span in the beginning. Best to have inputs that work together in harmony. And, because the thumbs are mostly going to be occupied for stability when manipulating the skewered input balls, with two of them up front, I don't think there is going to be any room to have proper face buttons. Also with the balls being where the triggers and bumpers would be on a regular controller. For a pc controller, the most amount of button inputs you'd otherwise need is around 10 since mouse key inputs usually stop counting after 9 or so, or with 0 being the last I think. I think left and right click is independent on the mouse, with forward and back, commonly being mouse 1 and 2 input, and mouse 3 as the scroll wheel click even tho it's it's own input as well to scroll. If rear paddles or buttons are in a set quantity, the last few button inputs could be something like a joystick found on a monitor for settings control. But really not meant for analog control, only meant to differentiate inputs in a few direction deadzones, depending on the amount of inputs mapped to it. It can sort of be like a hub set to the middle to be used by either of your middle/ring/pinky fingers. (I think) idk so much with the pinky. Ideally the thing on it isn't a thumbstick but more of a pad you find on a psp, an analog disc i suppose. And that, could go off quickly in a short distance to one of 4 or 5 at the most, of directions for inputs. I don't know how the disc would be segmented to be able to tell or lean into directions specifically. Especially, if you wanted it to be modular in a sense that you could adjust it to your preference, by rotating it for different games ofc, while having it be encouraging of or intuitive to know the boundaries of which to nudge into when you're using it. How would it divide the circular space with specific target deadzones in mind. Having the platform as flat and decently wide for a sort of wobble to controlling it on a disc-circle. Or just make it a saucer design while on the theme of space orbs. it should certainly be a lot more wider than a trackpoint, and just enough wider than a thumbstick, should make it an easy input to just fat finger off into directions even when things get chaotic/hectic. Especially, with a hefty controller that you may end up gripping furiously to stay in control. Everything should in turn just be dialed in with resistance and weight for control. Although, for a modern iteration, it would make sense to make as versitile as possible in offering options not just a disc by default for it. And maybe not just paddles but also back buttons found on other controllers, that are two button ovals (im maybe generalizing). Maybe as a controller, it has two left and right clicks on the front of it, in emulation of menu start and select buttons on all controllers. maybe a revolving scroll wheel that can be locked into place when not in use as the middle button. esc. optionally or by default as the scroll click if it would have that.

I remember getting one of these FREE with either a copy of unreal tournament or a voodoo graphics card from the local electronics boutique (UK). Me and my brother were so excited to try it out, needless to say... We were a tad disappointed, I remember my dad even tried playing DOOM on it. Makes me laugh seeing it again, I was beginning to think I was making it up and it never actually existed. Here is the proof, thankyou for bringing back some great memories of that time, and my earliest PC gaming experiences.

You can choke the chicken by squezing the ball. **Wheeze**

Pure Life Advice: don't twist the ball

That controller is fucking awesome !... I love it ! :O

Alternate title:ballpad

I'm using tilt controls!

That thing is friggen nuts for the age. Especially the game setting defaults. A lot of work went into that, from what I can tell.

TBH I would love to try one of these, But the prices they pull are OUTRAGEOUS

Compatible with all 95 games, eh? Try playing a full round of YDKJ.

The software reminds me of 360ce

this cosy intro!

i want one of these things.

Looks like a piece of junk.

This controller was amazing for Descent. My friend would destroy me all the time with it.

09:40 This demo actually still comes with the 3DConnexion SpaceMouse nowadays.

I remember Spacetec’s office was upstairs from the computer lab at my university in the 90s-U Mass Lowell. They used to send people into the lab and survey us about this thing.

I mean, it does what it says on the box. What it says on the box is just not very good in practice.

I miss the good old times where shit like this actually came out and I probably even went out to buy it cuz it looks cool!

press the 8 button for a jojo reference

I do like the ship from descent on it

I was in the Descent gaming scene back then and at first everybody didn't like players in multiplayer mode that used the SpaceOrb, they were considered cheaters, because at first it allowed the player to instantly turn 180°, which no other controller allowed and gave an unfair advantage. It was fixed later so that you could not turn faster than players with any other controller.

Drink every time he chuckles to himself.

I remember a friend had that. He wouldn't let anybody touch it🤣

Quit playing with your balls, Clint.

maybe more!

I feel like I have seen these multiple times at my local thrift store for 1 dollar. I wonder if they worked

A 25 minute episode? Shit let me go to the bathroom and get comfy

Have you ever tried the Thrustmaster Frag Master? That was one wierd FPS joystick...

idk seems like he's bad at it, perhaps it's muscle memory from using an analog stick, he seems to want to really wrench that ball around, but you have you treat the ball gently, only twist the ball a little, or it's certain to cause pain

Torc Handsomeson

2 maanden geleden

for real tho it's like someone trying to paint by smooshing the brush as hard as possible into the canvas and wondering why it's hurting his hand, and the brush is creaking, and he can't move the brush very well..

Your hand is crying out for you to stop because your not used to it. I'm sure if you used it for a few days you'd be perfectly comfortable.

Definitely lamer than WASD + mouse.

Achievement Unlocked: Strafe Master

I never used one of these, but I do swear by my Spacepilot Pro, which uses the same technology.

That sure was one Ballin' controller.. :D

Does anyone know if there's a modern equivalent to these? Even just the 3d joytick itself. I'm working on a personal robotics project, and figuring out the best way to do 6DOF controls naturally is being a challenge.

Graylord

2 maanden geleden

@Torc Handsomeson Thanks! I honestly wasn't expecting a response, I'll definitely check it out!

Torc Handsomeson

2 maanden geleden

people in the comments mention something called a 3DConnexion SpaceMouse

The proto-prototype of the steam controller

BALL FONDLERS!

This controller had a steep learning curve, but once you were used to it, you could do some amazing things with it. I just wish they had been a bit more durable. Even while handling it with care, the lifespan of any given sensor seemed to be roughly eight months. I was on my third replacement unit by the time the company stopped honoring the warranty and ceased production.

That is the most 90s packaging ever

"What could be a more explicit euphemism than 'Play with your jotstick?' " "Play with your balls?" "Get it made!"

I still have mine and managed to get a special adapter from birdman to convert it to usb/directinput. Its working flawlessly with Overload, the new modern Descent game. There is nothing like this on the planet. No controller/gamepad even comes close to what this does for natural movement.

This trainer program gives me feedback that reminds me of my childhood

It seems like everything you test hurts you... I think it may be time to regrow your beard and lions mane!!!

Would there be a way to use some form of converter to use this in a USB slot? I'm wondering if you could use Joy2Key to try to play modern games with this thing.

I'd like to see someone using this to play Tie Fighter.

I feel like if this was a desktop thing like a joystick or trackball it would have worked a lot better. More comfortable at the very least.

Get yer pocket knife out Clint, I wanna see WHATS IN THE BALL???

The 3DConexxion spaceexplorer 3D mouse nowadays is actually really good for 3d software

I REMEMBER THESE GARBAGE PILES! I think a homie got one for his birthday and immediately asked for it to be returned.

I think this would be BALLer in Rocket League

The Descent 2 soundtrack was great

The best part of Monster Truck Madness is when you run into a portapotty

Hm, there still are no much better options.. Anything invented is just a mere compromise for any kind of 3D movement. Dual Analog sticks being the standard, I really hate them for being extremely coarse and slow, especially when compared to Mouse+Keyboard. But Mouse+Keyboard are great for fps, but not so great for 360 games.. Analog Joysticks with throttle and such are good for 360 games, but terrible for anything else.. And all those modern VR input devices really are no serious choice, being to unprecise and unsteady.. SO there still is way of room for improvement.

**confused screaming**

They need to remake a gud version of this

LGR: The late 90's never change Mandela Effect: Hold my beer...

the fucking nostalgia man

kinda looks like an original xbox controller but just with a ball for joysticks lol

as I was watching I was hoping he'd demo using Descent, and he stepped up. well done sir though u didn't like it, many of the top players in Descent used this thing

imagine tripping balls, in a ballpit and playing some space game with the spaceball

I still have my SpaceOrb. Works fine on my retro built P-233MMX. It was THE way to play Descent. OMFG you could snap flip around faster than anyone could ever anticipate you to do in multiplayer.

"an adapter for adapting adaptations." - LGR 2019

Imagine being a CSGO pro using this masterpiece XD

Tales from Genesis Space, brought to you by Spacetec IMC

SpaceBalls: The GamePad!

This thing supports Sonic CD? That can't go well

I uswd the MS Sidewinder Dual Strike for some time and I very much liked the concept. But the build quality and the sensors were bad which caused it to never reach its potential.

6:16 Is that a space elevator music ? ^^

could you try playing some of the same games with a 3dconnexion space mouse? I doubt they're compatible (maybe possible on an emulator??) but I know the ergonomics are much better, wonder how much the new tech/design changes overall experience.

Give me dual joysticks for Descent anyday.

Hahaha weak hands work em out bubba love your stuff keep it up

4:50

CLINT "STRAFEMASTER" LGR

I wonder how well you could control a drone with this thing.

I pity any parents during those times whose child drove them mad until they bought him that useless gimmick of a device, with the child being adamant that it was the best thing ever and that he would use it forever... only for it to be shoved aside after a couple of days, pretty much never to be used again. $99 down the drain. Like with so many other such gimmicky peripherals of the 80's and 90's, when gaming consoles and PCs were such a new thing.

Awesome video. 😎👍 But I prefer the Playstation Controller Anytime. 😄✌

You have a radio worthy voice

Honestly, I think the lack of sales was because computer geeks were already picked on for "playing with their joystick" and were never going to deal with "playing with someone's squishy balls".

The wrist strain explains why the other samples you showed were desktop based and not handheld.

NinjaRunningWild

2 maanden geleden

He’s holding it wrong.

reminds me of the bandai pippin

9:21 rock and rule

*NO....* *YOU TWISTED THE BALL LEFT*

the bad design choices and stiffness and cheapness of the controller aside, can we all take a moment of reflection that not once did LGR even mention that it is effectively western-inverted/japanese-standard, back of the head camera controls that this emulates ("twisted the ball to the left" was right after he twitches his thumb too far to the *right*), which means they absolutely succeeded at the level of intuition they set out for with emulating controlling the back of the head? i literally never hear the end of people whining about my preference for 'back of the head' X/Y-axis camera controls and how it doesn't make sense, so that this is never even mentioned as an issue is incredibly impressive to me. ...or clint is a filthy inverted camera control diehard and didn't even notice to mention it, in which case, hell yea, m'dude! i only assumed because your history with games doesn't seem to include many japanese games, and inverted X-axis was quite rare in western games until more recently ime~

I still have my SpaceOrb (2 actually). I used it to basically school all of my friends in the original Descent. You simply couldn't move in 3D space with a mouse and WASD like you could with a spaceorb. Last time I used mine it had a horrible drift issue - but that may have been a stuck reset switch. It would be nice to see a revamp of this device, to be honest.

Omg, I remember Monster Truck Madness. Used to be my jam! Along with Bonzi Buddy and Windows Media Player lol

This was one of the best controllers once you became adjusted to it. I used to be able to blow my flatmates away who were all using mouse/kb using one of these when we would lan play. It softens up after a bit of use and you become accustomed to it. It's good.

Struggles walking left for a full minute "Ah, you must be the strafe master!"

Hehe spaceballs

Yooo what are those jackets called, the one he's wearing at the end of the video? Looking stylish my dude.

LGR: My hand is crying out for me to stop. My dirty mind: *activate me bish, activate me*

Hit white man plays with huge black balls

I remember seeing this thing as a kid and thought it had to be the coolest thing. I mean, my PC game controller was cheap. Certainly not a hundred dollars! It had to be really good!