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GAME VOICE REVIEW

Platform: PC
Manufacturer: Microsoft

INTRODUCTION:

In the gamer's quest for realism and, maybe an advantage, we are constantly searching for products to make this quest successful. How many times has it been necessary to avert you eyes from the screen to use the keyboard, to type a command or message, only to have missed a turn or get killed by an adversary? Wouldn't it be great if there was a product that takes that variable out of the equation? One such product is the Microsoft Sidewinder Game Voice. The Game Voice is the complete package for online gaming. No matter what game you indulge in, the Game Voice will cure your communication woes. You will have complete voice communication and speech recognition capability. Not only do you get a great headset with microphone, you get the "Control Pad" which allows the user to select whom to communicate with.

First lets check your system requirements:

  • Pentium 233 or higher CPU with MMX
  • 64 MB Ram
  • 45 MB available hard disk space
  • Quad speed CD- ROM drive
  • 256 color display mode (16-bit display mode recommended), super VGA
  • An available USB port
  • Sound card with full-duplex chip set and functional Line Out/ Microphone jacks PC
  • TCP/IP LAN or Internet connection
  • MSN Messenger Service software required for connection management features
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or later browser software recommended
  • DirectX 7.0 or later (DirectX 8 API or later required for some games
  • Microsoft Mouse or IntelliMouse® or compatible pointing device recommended

The Game Voice Manual is well written and the installation a snap. It very clearly describes how, what, and when to install each component. The first step in the process is to install the included Game Voice Software. This requires only that you insert the Game Voice CD into your CD-ROM drive and wait for the Setup program to walk you through the install. The second step is to install the hardware, in the sequence described in the manual:

  • Pull your speaker cables out of your soundcard and connect them to the speaker jack on the cable-hub.
  • Connect the headset to the Control Pad
  • Connect the Control Pad to your soundcard. Insert the pink (Microphone) plug into the Microphone jack and the green (Line Out) plug into the Line Out jack.
  • While your computer is running, plug the USB connector into your USB port, and the hardware is recognized. You should then restart your computer.
  • The third step, after you restart your computer, is to start the Game Voice Software from your Programs menu.

On the initial start-up the program will show how to position the headset and microphone. You will then be prompted to run the "Sound Hardware Test Wizard". This checks to see if your system is communicating correctly with the Game Voice hardware. It will take you through the setup and adjustment of the microphone and headset volumes. MSN Instant Messenger is installed along with the Game Voice Software and you will be prompted to create a MSN Instant Messenger account.

The features of the Game Voice Control Pad are as many and varied as the option checklist on a new Cadillac. There are eight buttons and one switch on the Control Pad. These buttons and the switch allow the user to select whom they want to hear and talk to with just a tap of the appropriate button. The buttons marked with the numbers 1-4 can be programmed for four different players in the game you are playing. Each button can be pressed to talk to each player programmed to that button. You have the option of pressing all or any combination of any of those buttons. The control panel contains an "All-button" and a "Team-button". Using the "All-button" allows full chat, for use in the chat-room before your game begins. The "Team-button" will allow only your teammates to hear of your upcoming strategy. Imagine being in a race at Talledega and communicating exclusively to your teammates to pass in the draft or to pit at the same time. No more fumbling with the private chat function or trying to type while driving. I know this feature will help me to maintain solid focus. There is a "Mute-button" centrally located on the Control Pad should you need to mute the microphone while you admonish the guy who just wrecked you. The switch on the Control Pad allows you to hear voice or game sounds through your speakers or the Game Voice headset.

Microsoft has also included their state-of-the-art Voice-Recognition software. This is where the "Command" button comes into play. Using the Voice-Recognition software, in conjunction with the Command button, allows you to have preprogrammed commands for any game. There are a number of game specific profiles included in the software, but here again, Microsoft has given you all of the options to create your own.

Most of my experience with Game Voice revolves around Sim-racing. The Game Voice has helped to make my Sim-racing experience more comfortable. The racing experience is much more realistic when you are able to communicate with team members via the headset. It gives one the opportunity to feel more like a real life racer with the ability to talk on the radio instead of typing communications while driving. The Game Voice has taken communication far beyond what is the excepted level. Typing your way through a race or a battle has, for the majority of us, been our only option in the past. Game Voice takes you to the next level by giving the user true real-time communication. Microsoft has given us a tool that will be invaluable in our pursuit of the perfect race, the highest score, or just chatting with friends. The ease with which you will use this new tool will astound you. The Microsoft Sidewinder Game Voice is a must have for the serious gamer.

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