INTRODUCTION

    As I grow older and thus have far less free time to enjoy playing my favorite games on the PC (that's less of a problem nowadays since good titles are few and far in between) i tend to look for gaming accessories which will allow me to experience the maximum possible immersion. Grabbing a VR system, a controller (racing wheel or HOTAS/HOSAS joysticks) and even a cockpit is probably the optimal way of doing that if you're seriously into racing and flight/space simulators but thanks to haptic feedback technology we can actually squeeze even more realism from such games. Next Level Racing last year unveiled their HF8 Haptic Feedback Gaming Pad and well even though it did take me quite a while today's review is all about it.

    Founded in 2009, Next Level Racing® has revolutionized the simulation industry with its unwavering commitment to innovation and unique design. As a multiple award-winning company, we have always aimed to provide our customers with the most realistic and immersive racing and flight simulation experiences. Next Level Racing® is recognized as a leading manufacturer of racing and flight simulator cockpits, with a whole ecosystem of cockpits, seats, monitor and wheel stands and more. Next Level Racing® already has licensed rigs from Boeing, Ferrari, as well as collaborations with Thrustmaster, VCO, iRacing, G2 ESports, and other well-known brands.

    The HF8 haptic feedback gaming pad by Next Level Racing is basically an PU leather seat cover (universal compatibility with seats of all types - gaming ones primarily) that supports people who weigh up to 150Kg/330lbs (cold molded foam interior) and sports a total of 8 individual vibration motors (4 on the upper and lower back and 4 on the seat - no individual adjustment by the end user) the intensity of which you can control both via the HFS software and an in-line controller. The technology is pretty much identical to that used with the Woojer Vest Edge which i reviewed a while back, main difference is that the HF8 focuses on your back and is of course not worn by the end user. Aside being compatible with many of the leading racing and flight simulators out there for the PC (no space simulators so far - Next Level Racing however keeps updating their list) the HF8 is also compatible with devices that output audio via an 3.5mm port, including of course consoles (this basically means you can use it with just about anything, even while watching movies or listening to music on your PC). So, let's see if the HF8 is a must not only for simulator fans but gamers in general.