Who wants to play robot wheelchair skatepark basketball?
This is the question you’ll find yourself asking your friends and loved ones if you pick up the newest release for the Nintendo Switch 2, Drag x Drive.
Unlike most system exclusives, which, at least theoretically, could be played in other gaming environments, Drag x Drive is console-restricted for a reason; its dual Joy-Con 2 mouse controls are the kind of thing that can only be pulled off on the Switch 2. This unique feature both provides the title’s quirky charm and could likely be its biggest stumbling block for some players.
Limited to TV and tabletop play—on account of the Joy-Con 2-specific interface—Drag x Drive is an action sports game that’s firmly in the arcade vein. Its core content is an off-kilter brand of three-on-three basketball with a twist. Players are represented by wheeled characters (called drivers) in fast-paced motion gaming mayhem.
While the controls can be difficult to master, they are wonderfully easy to grasp. On your lap or coffee table, you push forward on both Joy-Con 2 controllers to roll ahead, pull back to reverse, slide one Joy-Con 2 forward to turn, and use ZL/ZR to brake. The L+R buttons are used to pass the ball, and you simply raise one hand and flick your wrist to shoot.
The basics are perfectly intuitive, and I found the game’s tutorial to be nicely forgiving. However, things do tend to get intense rather quickly as soon as a proper match starts.
Gameplay takes place in a skatepark-style arena known as the Park, with both public and friends-only parks available in the quick menu mapped to the X button on the right Joy-Con 2. From there you can also set your pregame preferences—whether you want to jump in immediately or sit out upcoming matches/minigames—as well as customize your driver by choosing one of three types (the speedy guard, the strong center, or the all-arounder known as the forward) and changing up your helmet style, gear color, and player number.
While dominated by two play courts, one red and the other blue, the Park is otherwise encircled by a track boasting additional fun diversions. These minigame activities—from obstacles and sprints to a vert pipe and jump rope competition—each help players hone their skills and master the various movement types and tricks needed to excel at Drag x Drive. There are also dedicated spectating areas, for when you’d rather watch the action, and an offline bot game option in case your park isn’t exactly hopping at the moment.
Match play is a frantic three-minute, three-on-three affair with a tense 14-second shot clock. Baskets scored from within the zone earn two points, with three-pointers available if you manage to sink it from outside the line. In addition to speed indicators, the back of your driver’s chassis also includes a lighted shot indicator to give you an idea of the odds of success while shooting from a given area.
While defending, slam headlong into an opponent to knock the ball from their grasp. If they lose possession, just drive over the ball to pick it up. You can raise your hands to try and block shots, tilt to one wheel for some added height, or bunny hop to really get in their way.
As if this wasn’t already an odd enough take on basketball, eagle-eyed players will notice that Drag x Drive‘s scoreboard includes numbers to the first decimal place. This is because additional fractions of a point can be earned by trick shots like slam dunks and backflips.
It’s important to note that, as of launch, Drag x Drive is limited to one player per system with no option for couch co-op. However, as both public and friends-only parks can accommodate up to a dozen players at a time, online play is where its real value lies. This also makes it an ideal title for the Switch 2’s GameChat feature, where you can talk shop (or talk smack) with your teammates in real time.
While a little light on content, Drag x Drive is big on panache. It’s a funny, flashy experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Think of it less as a capital “S” Sports game, like a Madden or even a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, and more of a lower-case “s” sports game like the Jam, Blitz, or Mutant League franchises.
In strictly Nintendo terms, I would put Drag x Drive close to the original Switch’s Arms, in spirit if not gameplay. While certainly not for everyone, it’s sure to find a dedicated competitive audience looking for their next Rocket League-like experience. Best of all, its $19.99 price tag means you can take it for a spin to see if it’s your thing without breaking the bank.
Drag x Drive is available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 this Thursday, August 14, via the Nintendo eShop.
Review and promotional materials provided by Nintendo of America. This post contains affiliate links. I still can’t manage to pull off a backflip consistently.
Fonte: GeekDad - Leia mais