Slalom, The Videogame

Published by: Bill (R&D, SpecialEffect) on 25th Oct 2011 | View all blogs by Bill (R&D, SpecialEffect)

PC (can be opened in a separate window) - The Game Kitchen/ AccessAble Games

Slalom, The Videogame is a virtual version of 'Wheelchair Slalom,' a sport in which wheelchair users compete by completing courses which test their handling of their chair. The gameplay requires a high level of skill and control to move your character successfully around the courses.

Developers The Game Kitchen and AccessAble Games have included a wide range of accessibility settings, including:

- Adjustable Game Speed
- Adjustable Wheelchair Speed
- Hint Lines (show course route)
- 3 choices of control (joystick/keyboard, mouse and one button mode)
- Control sensitivity for x and y axis
- Closed Captions

The one switch mode has highly adjustable speed settings for the control interface. The one switch mode uses the space bar and only applies to the game itself (not the menu's etc). A mouse is used to navigate the menu's.

The Keyboard controls are the cursor keys i.e. 'up' to go forwards, 'down' to go backwards and 'left' and 'right' to steer. A Joystick set to replicate the cursor keys can also be used. Again the joystick/keyboard controls only apply in-game.

The Mouse control uses cursor movements on screen to move your character e.g. more the cursor towards the top of the screen to move forwards and towards the bottom to go backwards. Moving it around the sides will turn your character varying degrees. This control method works well with many types of mouse control including head control and eye-control. Due to the accuracy required for the gameplay and the necessary use of peripheral vision for some parts, eye-control will require some practice.

Gameplay consists of either a timed event, which can be played 'fixed' or as a 'variable' course with 27 different layouts, or a qualifying event which can be played against the CPU or another player. Tutorials are available for both obstacles and events and should be watched before playing.

Slalom, The Videogame is a highly skilled and challenging virtual sport for anyone to play, whether they are interested in playing the real version or not. The wide range of input methods supported and control options ensures that many people will be able to do so.

Download Slalom, The Videogame for free and find out more about the game here: http://www.accessablegames.com/projects/slalom.html