A ho-hum b-ball game that isn’t as fun as its concept
From Wii Sports to Arms, Nintendo has a long history of releasing offbeat sports games to spotlight new console features. Drag x Drive ($19.99) is an arcade take on wheelchair basketball that leverages the Switch 2’s innovative dual-mouse controls. It’s a fascinating idea with a deceptively high skill ceiling thanks to a neat trick system. But a successful experiment doesn’t always equal fun gameplay. On top of that, the game’s lackluster presentation and annoying limitations make Drag x Drive feel more like a fleeting tech demo than your next multiplayer obsession.Mouse-Based Controls: The Only Way to Play
Drag x Drive is a 3v3, Rocket League-esque sports game. Whereas Rocket League is about cars playing soccer, Drag x Drive is a riff on the real sport of wheelchair basketball. You still pass, shoot, and shove opponents like in traditional basketball. However, you move around the court by using your hands to spin your wheels in the proper direction. You do this by physically dragging both Joy-Con mice independently across a flat surface. Motion controls are a must; you can’t play Drag x Drive in typical controller fashion.
How much you enjoy Drag x Drive will come down to how much you enjoy this design decision. Developers have tapped single mouse controls for decades (especially in the shooter and strategy genres), but using two mice to simulate wheelchair controls is genuinely inspired. And the concept is technically functional. The controls are accurate, allowing you to adjust your speed and turns with satisfyingly analog finesse. The rumble feels great, too. This is the first time I’ve opted to use the Joy-Con mice on my lap, since the game doesn’t require pointer precision.
