power gig's airstrike drum is either a terrific idea with terrible execution ... or just a bad idea. seven45's drum kit takes a very different approach from the game's defining pas-faux guitar. in fact, the team has done a complete 180, going as far away from a ''''''realistic'''''' approach as possible.

the name does a good job of explaining how this peripheral works. instead of hitting a toy-like facsimile of a drum, you are ''''''hitting'''''' air. the simon-esque drum pad is equipped with sensors that detect when the specially-designed drum sticks are swung above. it's certainly a novel idea, one that has some immediate benefits: without the need for replica cymbals, this device is incredibly small. for those struggling with plastic instrument clutter, this is a rather clever solution. (bonus: the airstrike is also compatible with current rock band and guitar hero games.) another perk of the device: it's quiet. your roommates won't be bothered by the loud sounds of plastic tapping.

while the airstrike offers some improvements over previous drum peripherals, it's significantly more difficult to use. with a physical object to hit, it's easy to determine what's wrong. here, as i kept on missing a string of notes, i couldn't help but wonder what was at fault: the game, the drums or me.
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hands-on: power gig's airstrike drum originally appeared on joystiq on tue, 08 jun 2010 23:10:00 est. please see our terms for use of feeds.




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