Drag x Drive: More of a Drag Than a Drive

In gaming, finding enjoyment is often overshadowed by unresponsive gameplay, insufficient accessibility options, and physical discomfort.

Initial Expectations and Reality

When Nintendo revealed Drag x Drive, a wheelchair sports title for the Switch 2 that uses Joy-Con motion controls, I was genuinely intrigued. Although sports video games typically overlook disability representation, I appreciated the developers' attempt to break new ground. Yet, after experiencing the game firsthand, I was left not just puzzled but in pain.

Gameplay Dynamics

In Drag x Drive, you assume the role of a 'driver' — a type of wheeled robot — to play three-on-three wheelchair basketball games. You interact by sliding the Joy-Cons across surfaces, similar to moving a wheelchair, and combine this with button inputs to maneuver, stop, pass, and shoot.

Controls and Responsiveness

Initially, the controls seem straightforward, with satisfying vibrations during motion. Yet, my journey involved battling to make the Joy-Cons work consistently on various surfaces like tables, floors, or even my bed. Frequently, I lost control and ended up taking numerous unintentional screenshots since the home button is mercifully inactive while the mouse is moving. Comically yet aptly, my driver often released both grips on its wheels without my input.

The game's tutorial encourages moving the Joy-Cons in long strokes on flat or leg surfaces. Unfortunately, even suggested placements offer little to resolve the unresponsiveness, making control tedious. Any minor surface imperfection, such as a table's unevenness or clothing folds, drastically affects how well these movements reflect in-game.

Navigating Inadequate Controls

My best consistency came from managing small movements on my bed, much to the detriment of my back, or on my legs, which were slightly better. A particularly odd experiment—using the Joy-Cons on my bare thighs—yielded the most reliable, if still frustrating, results due to the soft, malleable surface.

The Physical Challenge

Playing the game is physically demanding, unexpectedly so for players with disabilities. The necessary hand configuration to hold the Joy-Cons was painful, complicating any extended play sessions.

Accessibility Issues

Controller support for Drag x Drive is notably absent. The developers leaned heavily into utilizing Joy-Con motion controls, leaving no clear intention for additional support, even with adaptive controllers. Nintendo indicated that general system-level accessibility settings are to be used instead of in-game features.

From Nintendo's comments, it's unclear what features they refer to, and the lack of integrated game options suggests a worrying trend of defaulting to system-level solutions.

Gameplay Experience

In matches, games proceed slowly and predictably. Loading times are long, particularly when accessing 'Parks' online, which leads to further delays. The repetitive nature of gameplay—one team rolling up the court and shooting, followed by the other team—highlights the lack of dynamic action. Tackling must be executed head-on, and even then control issues often thwart attempts. Achieving consistent shooting is similarly tedious, usually resulting in the unintentional tactic of riding the court's edges to score.

Limited, Yet Potentially Rewarding

Despite its flaws, Drag x Drive isn't devoid of highlights. Shooting can be enjoyable with its tactile wrist-flick motion. Some match diversions, like pursuing a bouncing ball, offer brief fun, but these become stale quickly. Obstacle courses, another minigame included, only added to my frustration.

The game demonstrates a platform for wheelchair sports, which could be compelling under the right circumstances. Nonetheless, those searching for a thrilling or representative wheelchair basketball experience might find it lacking.