There have been a lot of really bizarre or surprisingNintendofirst-party games, especially towards the start of a console’s life. For example, with the Switch, Nintendo experimented with the fun yet unfortunately forgottenArms, a fighting game where each character had springs for arms. It was a novel concept, one that I actually rather enjoyed, but one that, understandably, never quite took off in the way Nintendo likely hoped.
Well, Nintendo is back at it again, this time with a uniquefirst-party Switch 2 gamethat I was, admittedly, not initially sold on. However, since new information about it has come to light,I find myself becoming more and more compelled by it, its interesting gameplay mechanics, and its potential future. While I’m almost certain it’ll have a similar fate toArms, I’m intrigued to see how it fares when it releases very soon.
Drag X Drive Is A Gamble
It Is Relying On Players Enjoying Mouse Controls
Drag x Drivewas announced during thespectacularly disappointing Switch 2 Direct, and I suspect it fell under the radar for many. I initially wrote it off, in large part because of its unique control scheme. As much as I appreciated the fact that it is a great representation of wheelchair sports and a much-needed Switch 2 exclusive,I found myself put off by its use of the brand-new and frankly annoying mouse controls.
I understand that there is a place for theSwitch 2’s flawed mouse controls, but I can’t imagine myself using them as a primary method of playing something, especially in the wayDrag x Drivewants you to.To move, you need to slide the Joy-Cons up and down your trouser legs or table, something that I suspect will not only get exhausting after a while - I have weak arms - but also make strategic plays a little challenging.
That focus on utilizing the mouse controls is what makesDrag x Drivesuch a gamble for Nintendo. Of course, it is highly unlikely it’s banking on it being a huge success, but it is nevertheless something that could turn a lot of players away.That barrier to entry could be enough to sink it, much like what happened withArms. After all, I was going to writeDrag x Driveoff before I saw its recent gameplay showcase.
Drag X Drive’s Offline Mode Excites Me
It’s Great For Game Preservation
Nintendo has slowly been showing more and more off aboutDrag x Drive, including its various minigames that players partake in between missions, the map you’ll duke it out in, and the different cosmetic options.It is all a lot more inspiring thanDrag x Drive’sfirst trailer, which did little to sell people on its intriguing premise. Nintendo is absolutely on to something with its arcadey format, and it could prove to be one of the better multiplayer titles on the Switch 2.
However, what immediately drew me to it - in conjunction with the aforementioned, of course - was the fact thatDrag x Drivehas an offline mode. you may play against bots at any time, which not only helps preserve the game long after the servers are shut down, but also gives me a way to get used to the potentially awkward controls before battling real people. It is a smart move, one I suspect may draw others toDrag x Driveas well, and keep people returning to thisSwitch 2exclusive for many years to come.
