QuickShot II Retro Joystick Review: A Nostalgic Return to 80s Gaming
Nostalgia holds a powerful sway in the contemporary games industry. It is a striking irony that this most technologically driven art form shares the same sentimental yearning for the past as cinema and music. Demonstrating this trend is the newly released version of the legendary QuickShot II, a plasticky joystick from the early 1980s that was not particularly exceptional even in its original incarnation.
Faithful Recreation with Modern Touches
The original QuickShot II was celebrated for its affordability and its design, which mimicked a fighter plane control stick with multiple fire buttons and an ergonomic shaft. While enthusiasts seeking rugged precision often opted for the Competition Pro, that model lacked the imaginative appeal of pretending to pilot spacecraft from Star Wars or Airwolf. A distinctive feature was the suckers on its base, allowing it to adhere securely to surfaces like a cockpit panel or, more practically, an MDF computer table.
The new QuickShot II, developed by Retro Games and Plaion Replai, is an almost exact replica in terms of dimensions. Users can grasp it firmly, with thumbs and forefingers naturally wrapping around its large red buttons. The designers have thoughtfully included the original auto-fire switch at the rear, catering to players who preferred not to repeatedly tap the fire button during intense sessions of games like Green Beret.
Thoughtful Updates for Enhanced Gameplay
This remake incorporates tasteful modernisations. The two fire buttons on the stick can now be separately configured, a feature long desired by fans of classics like Skramble on the Commodore 64, enabling independent control of lasers and bombs. Additionally, six buttons on the base align with standard joypad layouts, and a USB cable facilitates connectivity with PCs or modern computer remakes such as the C64 or Spectrum from Retro Games.
In testing, the joystick performed admirably with titles like Ant Attack, Pheenix, and Head over Heels, offering hours of immersive retro gameplay. The build quality strikes a careful balance between necessary updates and respectful preservation. The stick retains considerable travel, requiring a substantial push to register movement, which authentically replicates the original experience.
Charming Flaws and Nostalgic Sounds
This characteristic made the QuickShot notoriously unsuitable for joystick-waggling games such as Daley Thompson’s Decathlon, often leading to wear and user frustration. However, designers have now integrated microswitches, providing a satisfying click with each movement. The fire buttons maintain their soft click, with the sound and tactile feedback evoking warm nostalgia, reminiscent of teenage gaming marathons.
Compatibility with Steam was seamless after basic calibration, though the auto-fire function presented some issues. Playing the Steam version of the classic shooter Truxton with this stick revived memories of arcade visits in Blackpool, transforming a computer desk into a personal arcade cabinet. Such emotions, though often dormant, can resurface vividly with a simple piece of plastic.
Affordable Charm Over Modern Precision
For those seeking a high-performance modern joystick, the QuickShot II may fall short. It remains low-budget and somewhat awkward, with challenges noted in configuring it for PC emulation platforms like RetroArch. Yet, this aligns with its original ethos: it was never the best joystick, but the one that was accessible and stylish.
The remake honours this spirit by being affordable and slightly compromised. For former owners, it is a delightful collectible, earning a four-star rating largely for its potent nostalgia. Each sight of it beside a high-tech PC and HD monitor brings a smile, celebrating its return with all its inherent flaws. The QuickShot II is now available for £30.95, inviting gamers to reconnect with a cherished piece of gaming history.
