In 2009, Nintendo introduced the Nintendo DSi, a handheld gaming console that promised a range of new features and capabilities. While the DSi offered exciting advancements, it also presented challenges for physically disabled gamers, with many feeling like they couldn’t play a lot of games fully.
In this blog, I’ll be telling you about a few more games I’ve tried on the customised DSi console I’ve been trialing, explaining how they are made easier on a customised DSi.
Atari greatest hits
A compilation of classic Atari games, that is rated 7+ and that allows for 1-2 players, ‘Atari Greatest Hits’ for the Nintendo DS includes classic games such as Asteroids, Pong and Battlezone. By releasing onto the Nintendo DS, Atari aimed on introducing their classic brand to a new era, while blending with the Nintendo DS’s software as well.
So does it work and can someone who is physically disabled use it?
Unfortunately the short answer is no, but the answer does get more interesting than a one word answer.
As detailed in the first lines of this blog, the DS I’ve been trying to play games on is the DSi. But despite the switch port interface which has 3.5mm jack ports in it that act as the L and R buttons, I found the game extremely difficult to play and I don’t think I was able to play anything in it.
For that reason, I think I’m better not saying anything else about it until I track down a version for my Xbox. It probably isn’t a surprise that I traded it in shortly after attempting to play it.
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies
A Square Enix and Level-5 game for the Nintendo DS, ‘Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies’ was released in Europe on the 23rd of July 2010.
You play as a member of an angelic race known as Celestrians who you can create and customise, but who after being assigned to the human village, Angel Falls, under the stewardship of Aquila, is soon knocked unconscious and awakes as a mortal, but one that is still able to see Celestrians and the spirits of the dead.
Throughout the rest of the game, you’ll have to continue collecting benevolence in order to return to the realm of the gods, whilst also battling forces threatening to stop you from completing quests.
You can complete the game by mainly using the touch screen, which makes the game accessible for physically disabled gamers who want to play through and complete the game. However, you do also have the option of using buttons, and if you want to use buttons, those controls include:
- A as your action button, which you can use as a button to control your choices in battle, to open your menu and to talk to NPCs etc.
- B as your back button, but if you hold B and the D-Pad, you’ll also be able to perform a party trick (WARNING: SEVERELY PHYSICALLY DISABLED GAMERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DO THIS).
- Y acts as your button to bring up your story consensus.
- X acts as the button that will bring up your menu.
- D-Pad acts as a way to move your character around.
- L/R act as the buttons you need to press to rotate the camera around.
So although I haven’t played a lot of it, the customised DSi does help me play the game a lot easier than I was able to play it previously, thanks to the external switch interface, and I’m looking forward to getting back to it.
Donkey Kong Jungle Climber
Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games
The second title in the ‘Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games’ series, Mario and Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games was released in 2009.
It includes a large selection of new sports, including:
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Skating
- Bobsleighing
- Ice Hockey
- Curling
- Biathlon, and;
- Luge
But from how much I’ve played it, the game is far more accessible than the previous Mario & Sonic game I’ve played on the DS, and although you have to press buttons during some sports more than others, it’s easier to play than others.
Looney Tunes: Duck Amuck
An Adventure game by Warner Bros and rated 3+, ‘Looney Tunes: Duck Amuck’ is a game that is completely controlled with the stylus.
There really isn’t a plot to the game, but one of the things the gamer will have to do is to annoy the infamously irritable Daffy Duck, as you guide him through a series of mini-games from across a range of different game genres, including retro inspired favourites.
This of course means the game is accessible enough for people who are physically disabled to enjoy, but it can get incredibly infuriating at times, so although some may like it, it won’t be for everyone.
Phoebs Lyle Tech Reviews 