Why I Avoid Rating Game Accessibility

Posted on by

 

Picture of an "A+" written on notebook paper helping to describing why I avoid rating game accessibility.

 

Why I Avoid Rating Game Accessibility

Here at Ability Powered you see the typical gaming content. Sometimes I find articles to share, make first impressions, and create gameplay videos. I also try to post tips or guides for any that have disability or accessibility issues. There’s one thing you might notice is missing though… rating game accessibility.

 

Why Do I Avoid This?

Don’t get me wrong, if you watch my videos you’ll definitely pickup if I’m having fun, getting frustrated, or if I’m just getting bored. I can definitely be transparent with reactions. Those kind of opinions I don’t mind sharing. I love the game Don’t Starve, but dislike the game Chicken Shoot. If my site wasn’t for a more focused purpose I would definitely share my thoughts in a review format. Let’s face it though that’s not why you’re visiting Ability Powered. You want to know about accessibility and that’s something I can’t rate with scores or stars.

 

Accessibility Ratings & Why Not

I’m sure by now you’re wondering, “But Short, why not give out accessibility ratings to games?” One of your first videos did!” To that I say,” I’m sorry, and it was a mistake.” It’s a mistake to assume my experience can be the same as yours. The world of disabled gamers is so diverse. Even if you and I both share the exact same disease, the progression can make us 100% different. You might can click fast while I click slow. It’s a mistake to say “I can’t play this so you can’t!” It’s a mistake to say “This is THE MOST ACCESSIBLE GAME EVER! Buy it for all your disabled friends this holiday season!” I admit being the gamer that bought an “Accessible Indie Game of the Year” before and paid my monthly fun money budget for a horrible experience. I opened it with my headset on, alone, late at night, and for 30 minutes sat stuck in a game I couldn’t play or exit until help arrived.

 

Why Accessibility Ratings Bring Us Down

It’s not just that side of rating games that worries me. I never want there to be a game you’re really excited about, and me shoot it down based on a few hours of playing. In games that I struggle with, I don’t give up. If something isn’t ideal accessibility, I look for ways to change that and try to find alternative ways so I CAN play. So YOU can play.  The Binding of Isaac is a prime example. Was it frustrating as a mouse-only gamer? YES! Would different input options have helped? Absolutely! Who finished the first section using on-screen keyboard regardless? This girl, that’s who.

 

Ratings with Experience

Now imagine if I had to score it based on my experience for a generalized mobility challenged gamers’ group. I’d say 2 out of 5 stars, because I only play with a mouse! But wait, what about the mobility challenged gamer that can only use a keyboard? That game rating wouldn’t be true for them. I refuse to be that gamer that doesn’t understand we’re all different. Different diseases. Different conditions. Different situations.

 

How I Support Accessibility

If I won’t rate a game, how can I help? That’s an easy one:

  • I promise to show people accessibility options in-game for games.
  • I promise to explain how I play.
  • I promise to share what I struggle with and what works well for me. This way not only will you get a heads up, but should a developer see it maybe they’ll listen and change how their games operate.
  • I promise to point out issues that might be a victory/problem for others even if they’re not for me.
  • I promise to share information and corrections to anything I get wrong. I will get things wrong and I will fix those mistakes, even trivial errors are important if it can help only one gamer.
  • I promise when problems arise that I’ll try to find ways to make them a little better, so someone CAN play the game they want. I won’t give up easily.
  • I promise to always share solutions to any hard mechanics that I can find or that others find. Just because it might not change my experience, it might change someone else’s.
  • I promise to try to find answers when people have accessibility questions.
  • I promise to try my best to show and share everything I can, so YOU can decide if a game is right for you.

 

Game Accessibility Ratings & You

Short seen sitting in her custom World of Warcraft wheelchair discussing why she avoids rating game accessibility.We are all completely different even though we share so much together. I understand that. But don’t take my word for it…  no, really… don’t just take my word for it. Let me show you!

 

Share with me your thoughts on game accessibility ratings in the comments below. You can find more of my beliefs on our Opinion column.

 

 

Two by Sea – The Quest

Posted on by

 

This week’s The Quest written World of Warcraft quest summary for the hearing impaired is brought to you by @iBlueFoxxy! Everyone stop by Foxxy’s twitter feed and give them a big /hug for volunteering to summarize this article!

 

 

Two by Sea, One by Air

Hello, Ability Powered gamers! Today on The Quest we are at the worgen starting area. Lord Godfrey is asking us for help. He needs us to launch ourselves onto Forsaken ships using catapults and slay two captains:

 

The Forsaken catapults are kicking the snot out of us, <name>. And even if we do take care of them, they’ve two ships with rows of cannons at the ready. I’ve a plan to kill two birds with one stone. You’re the stone in this plan. Take out the machinists manning the catapults. After this, use the catapults to launch yourself aboard the Forsaken ships. If your aim isn’t terrible, you should be able to land safely. Once onboard, go below decks and take care of each ship’s captain. Good luck.

 

Two Birds, One Sea

Once you accept the quest you should head outside and start walking down the stone path to the catapults. On your way you will most likely encounter Forsaken, but it‘s okay, since you also got another quest which requires you to kill eight of those. Two birds with one stone! When you see the catapults all you need to do is kill the Forsaken around them (sometimes there’s a Forsaken already in it, so target it and kill it) and walk up to the vehicle and right click to get in.

 

Fly High, Seagull

The catapult controls are the same as all vehicles. You will see an arch, which you can aim. It shows where the catapult will launch you when you hit the launch button. You can‘t launch yourself anywhere, unless you‘re aiming for the Forsaken ships. When you‘re in the catapult try your best to aim at the ship and press launch, if it says “I have to aim for the Forsaken ships.“ Try to change the position you‘re aiming, you might be overshooting or undershooting the ship.

 

A Right Bloody Mess

Once you’re on the ship, head to the door which leads to the ship’s captain who is below the main floor of the ship. Kill all mobs that stand in your way, then kill the first captain. Get off the ship and find yourself another catapult. Get in a new catapult and aim for the second ship. Do the same as you did for the first ship.

Tips:

  • Aim for the doors, you can spot them while you‘re still in the catapult!
  • There are two doors, go to the one where there‘s a instant path down, no extra rooms.
  • There‘s no way to get on the ship without a catapult, so don‘t waste time.
  • The catapults are driveable, so you can aim better or use them to get back to the quest giver faster.

 

Two by Sea, All to Thee

And you‘re done! The captains aren’t hard to kill, but getting to them may be more challenging to some. But don’t take my word for it, check out the worgen starting zone today and give us your tips for completing this quest! You can even find more of The Quest here!

 

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots

Posted on by

 

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 1

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 1

 

As I adventure through Warlords of Draenor (WoD), I’m constantly seeing things that make me giggle or that have me in awe. I want to share these moments with you guys here. I start off The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Pictures series with the one and only… Rulkster.

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 2

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 2

 

The planets in the sky look amazing. Short likes to relax and admire how pretty they are with her spectral tiger, Gogh. She’s never going to want to give that tiger up after WoD Beta.

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 3

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 3

 

I’m not entirely sure what this guy is up to. Whatever it is, it made Short stop and wonder… “Is the Wind Rider afraid of the dark?”, “Is Ja’kana begging for him to wake up before a customer or his boss comes along?”, “Please, mon, wake up! It still be Alpha, mon. No one be permanent!” I have no idea. What do you guys think is happening here?

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 4

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 4

 

I’m not sure if it was intentional but this rock looks so much like a wolf’s head. Maybe I just have the new Frostwolf Pups on the brain.

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 5

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 5

 

I’m pretty sure the new Blackfathom Deeps address is on Wallaby Way. The murloc models definitely reminded me Finding Nemo’s “Fish are friends. Not food” quote. What do you guys think?

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 6

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 6

 

An amazing eruption lights up across the sky. Nature’s fireworks give a beautiful break from the snow that surrounds you throughout the zone.

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 7

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 7

 

These mobs are just terrifying. They leap around like World War Z zombies. Definitely faces only their mothers could love.

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 8

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 8

 

So lazy. Where’s our Booterang when we need it? Actually, I’m not sure if this guy is lazy or injured since I haven’t progressed to this quest hub yet, but I love the models here.

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 9

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 9

 

I’m not sure why I like this spot so much, but I do. Am I the only one who hopes the Horde hang Winter’s Veil lights across those vines? It would definitely make the bones more festive!

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 10

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 10

 

Oh, Blizzard! It’s not a real expansion until there’s poop! Make sure you have your sound on for this one, guys!

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 11

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 11

 

Signs of a growing steroid problem plaguing Draenor. I love the way these guys look. They’re really detailed and only had a few seconds of fame. Yes, they are in a cutscene, but it’s a really short one. That’s something else I’m enjoying in WoD Beta. There’s a lot of short cutscenes that seem to immerse me in the storyline a bit more.

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 12

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 12

 

Good news, guys! There’s going to be an awesome in-game event! Like Totally! Seriously though, I wonder what treats Blizzard has up their sleeve on this one.

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 13

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 13

 

I love the land jetting up with the planets in the sky. Lava flowing gives a welcome change to the snowy landscape. I’m not the only one who loves this spot… unless they’re just hungry… /hides.

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 14

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 14

 

Non Player Characters (NPCs) are happy to be in the Alpha too! You’ll find them out in the world, showing off their mid-drift, shaking what their mom… errrrrrrrr… developer gave them.

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 15

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 15

 

The most beautiful sky in the new Shadowmoon Valley. Couldn’t you just stargaze forever here? Short certainly could!

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 16

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 16

 

“Whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil is rightwise king, born of.” … of… Gnomeregan? Stormwind? I’m not sure. Not sure why it’s here either. I was riding around taking in the scenery and thought “WOAH! What was that?!?” I hope to find out about it through questing, but until then Short just wants to yank it out and become queen.

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 17

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 17

 

Initially I was making a picture of these stones, but after reevaluating LOOK AT THOSE CLOUDS! They look so fluffy and defined. On the dark sky they just jump out at you. Shadowmoon Valley skies are wonderful. Oh and um, check out these stones!

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 18

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 18

 

Shadowmoon Valley: where Enchanted Fey Dragons roam free! That’s right! This pretty little dragon has no player strapped to its back. It’s free and wild. They are color changing just like their tamed brothers. They are quite spectacular to wonder up on while questing.

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 19

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 19

 

A whole new wooooooorld…! With Warlords of Draenor Beta opening more to see and explore, Short grabbed her camera and hit the road running. This is is what you see as you cross into Terokkar or…errr.. the zone formally known as Terokkar Forrest. Talador seems much brighter so far!

 

Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta – No. 20

The Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta in 20 Screenshots No. 20

 

Sometimes my characters aren’t just cleverly named. There’s always a little truth in the advertising.

 

What a Draenish Adventure!

That concludes our Beauty and Awesomeness of Warlords of Draenor Alpha/Beta journey… for now? It was an absolute blast to have the opportunity to take part in the preparation of the coming World of Warcraft expansion! If you enjoyed this adventure through WoD Alpha/Beta then check out our other Warcraft Alpha/Beta content!

 

Chicken Shoot 2 – Accessibility First Look

Posted on by

 

 

Chicken Shoot 2 First Look!

Hello Ability Powered, gamers! We recently checked out a game on Steam called Chicken Shoot 2. Now I have mixed reviews on this one. I started having issues with the Steam version as soon as I launched the game. Why? Due to the game staritng in fullscreen mode and asking for your product code. Without access to your Windows on-screen keyboard entering this code was impossible without help. To make things worse it asks for your code EVERY TIME you launch the game.

 

Chicken Shotty Options

Options don’t help with this problem as there’s no windowed mode included. As a matter of fact, there are very few options included at all. There are difficulty options, resolution settings, volume controls, and keybindings. There are quite a few options in the keybinding menu, but without access I was unable to test them.

 

Chicken Running & Gunning

Gameplay itself was doable with only a mouse, although, you are still at a disadvantage. For instance, you can aim; shoot a standard gun; and reload with only your mouse. You can also scroll the screen area by mousing over the edge of your screen. The disadvantage comes with the inability to use guns other than default rifles you get since equipping them requires a keyboard key to be pressed.

 

Chicken Fluke 2

Short seen in her custom World of Warcraft wheelchair as she accesses Chicken Shoot 2 and its accessibility options.While game play is fun, if you have help to get it started, the lack of windowed mode makes on-screen keyboard inaccessible. Coupled with the constant need to enter your product code makes this a game one that will only collect dust in my Steam library. But if you’re still brave enough, don’t take my word for it check out on Steam and let me know what you think! Find our other First Looks and more here!

 

 

 

Blackfathom Deeps – Warcraft Dungeon Mobility

Posted on by

 




 

Descent into Blackfathom Deeps

Blackfathom Deeps is a World of Warcraft dungeon located in Ashenvale. You can queue with the Dungeon Finder tool at levels 20 and above. It is accessible to both factions of Horde and Alliance, however, some bosses and quests do change depending on which faction you are. This dungeon run was filmed as Alliance characters.

 

Boundless Blackfathom

This is a long dungeon. It took my group 30 minutes to complete in total. There are a lot of things in this dungeon that can cause problems for some gamers. First off, parts of the dungeon require swimming which means you’re navigating various planes in addition to various distances. Another issue is the length of the dungeon itself. It is a long run if you’re easily fatigued. The biggest problem I have with Blackfathom Deeps is its jumps.

 

Screenshot of Blackfathom Deep's jumps discussed in today's World of Warcraft Dungeon Mobility Guides.

 

Jumping Puzzles??

That’s right Ability Powered gamers, you have to jump to progress through this dungeon. It’s not just one jump, it’s four and they are unavoidable. However, making the jumps is doable with these tips:

  • Use Click to Walk and jump with Move Pad or Windows‘ on-screen keyboard.
  • Use Move Pad to walk and jump with Move Pad or on-screen keyboard.
  • Autofollow a party member and jump with Move Pad or on-screen keyboard.

If you miss a jump just swim to the beginning and retry it! Although it is frustrating, it isn’t impossible.

 

Deep in Trash

There are a few things you need to watch for with trash mobs in Blackfathom Deeps. Naga mobs freeze you in place. This wouldn’t be an issue except that it can happen under water, so don’t let your character’s breathing bar get too low while under water. Another thing to be aware of are stealth mobs. Stay near your tank! My final tip on trash is beware the murloc area near Gelihast. These murlocs run away when low on health and often pull more or even the boss if not contained.

 

Screenshot of Blackfathom Deeps showing the dangerous murloc placement within

 

Blackfathom Bosses

While the instance has lots of areas of concern, surprisingly the bosses themselves weren’t too bad.

  • Ghamoo-Ra – Does Trample to all enemies with 0 yards. This spell is unavoidable.
  • Lady Sarevess – She has three abilities including a Slow which reduces your movement speed. The only avoidable ability is Forked Lightning which deals Nature damage to all players in a cone in front of her. Stay behind her to avoid being hit. Keep an eye open because this spell is interruptable.
  • Gelihast – He nets people in place. It is unavoidable. After you kill him, click the alter behind him for a hefty player buff.
  • Lorgus Jett – He is a quest objective for the Horde and a rare boss for the Alliance. He has multiple spawn points, so his location changes. None of his abilities are avoidable.
  • Baron Aquanis – This boss is Horde only. He has two abilities Frost Nova and Frost Bolt. Neither should be a concern.
  • Twilight Lord Kelris – Lord Kelris will not attack your group until your group attacks him, so clearing the room is easy. Once engaged he has two abilities, but only one is avoidable for range DPS (Damage Per Second) or Healers. Sleep which puts all players within five yards to sleep for six seconds. Stay at max range unless you’re melee or the tank.
  • Aku’mai – To get to this boss you need to use the candles around Lord Kelris’ altar. Each candle summons a group of enemies. Beware of lighting all four at once as you may be overrun! Once the candles are used, the room to Aku’mai opens. This boss has an enrage and an ability called Poison Cloud which inflicts Nature damage to all players within eight yards every three seconds for 15 seconds. Stay out of range if you’re a DPS or a healer.
  • Old Serra’kis – This boss is overlooked by many groups. To get to him, dive into the water around the Sanctum and swim under the left side. He will be underwater. He has one ability of which healers should be aware of called Leech Pulse. This ability leeches health from all nearby players and inflicts Shadow damage. This Shadow damage also makes Serra’kisheal himself every four seconds.

 

Blackfathom Break Off

Short seen in her custom World of Warcraft wheelchair as she discusses the Dungeon Mobility Guide for Blackfathom Deeps.Blackfathom Deeps is my least favorite dungeon in Azeroth and, honestly, it’s one I frequently skip while leveling. I look at it like I would a triathlon. It’s long, your team will probably be rushing, and you have to swim; make jumps; and worry about lots of different mob abilities. As you can see, nothing is impossible, but the long list of challenges make it easy to pass for other more accessible dungeons. But don’t take my word for it, check out Blackfathom Deeps and let me know what you think! But don’t take my word for it check it out now! If you’re searching for more Warcraft Dungeon Mobility guides you can find them with Ability Powered!