When it comes to driving games, control is a very important issue. After all, if a driving game doesn't control well then, really, what is the point? Fortunately, Sony's Gran Turismo series, under the watchful eye of Polyphony Digital, has become a racing brand known for its unmatched control schemes no matter what car you drive. The developers realized this through a balance of sharpened physics that made each car feel as it should, as well as handling that made the player feel like they were really taking control.

But have you noticed there's only so much you can do with a control pad? The folks at Logitech have, and with each new advance in the Gran Turismo series on the PlayStation 2 they've managed to release a peripheral that brings the driving experience one step closer to being that much more realistic. Say hello to the Driving Force wheels from Logitech.

Let's take a look at the original Driving Force wheel peripheral that was released on the PS2 at the same time as Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec. Costing a hefty penny (around $110 at the time) and featuring a slick blue design all across the wheel, the peripheral features fully balanced control that was right at home with GT3, and surprisingly, only GT3. It also came with a separate foot pedal set-up, featuring two pedals (one for brake, and one for gas), as well as button configurations on the wheel for those times when you need to change camera perspectives. At the time, this wheel was really unmatched, particularly with the feedback that one felt through the wheel during a collision or a slick turn. For its price, it really provided the experience that few products could match.

Competitors did actually attempt to knock Logitech from its perch. There was the Thrustmaster Enzo Ferrari 2-In-1, which had some decent design and a reasonable price but didn't offer Logitech's details, and Mad Catz also tried their luck with the Universal MC2 Racing Wheel, which looked fantastic with its yellow and black design, but failed to come through in terms of precise handling. It just felt too adrift when it came to racing games, particularly Gran Turismo 3.

No, the only way that the Driving Force could really be outdone is if Logitech did it themselves, and so they did. Shortly after Polyphony's Gran Turismo 4 was released, Logitech upped the ante with the Driving Force Pro, another peripheral that lacks the funky blue finish of the original wheel but improves upon the feedback and the features. Not a bad idea, considering that the asking price has been bumped up to around $150 (although some places sell it for less than that).

The wheel reacts better on this model, and the foot pedals seem to be a bit more comfortable this time around. Sometimes the brake pedal has a bad habit of sticking a little bit, but it's never to the point of overkill (although, if you don't adjust it, your car will be braking unnecessarily). Whether playing automatic or manual, the set-up just seems to have an overall better feel and reaction time, making the handling around turns smooth (unless, of course, you're a total klutz).

Let's face it, if anyone seems to have peripherals dialed in for the PS2 it's Logitech. After all, these guys crafted a wireless controller that ended up being the only one in the bunch fully licensed by Sony for the PS2, due to its excellent reaction time and durability. Both the Driving Force and the Driving Force Pro are recommended, although the Pro is worth plunking down the extra cash for if you're up for it. The only problem you're likely to face with either of these wheels is finding yourself a comfortable set-up with a kitchen table or a TV tray so you don't feel like a schmuck trying to sit it in your lap. The pedals need to be firmly set as well, or else you run the risk of kicking them all over the floor...especially if you have husky legs.

So go get yourself a wheel and take a spin, folks!