AbleGamers' Web Game of the Week: Bullet Audyssey

AbleGamers' web game of the week is Bullet Audyssey from Newgrounds. Shoot-em-ups (shmups) are often terrible in every accessibility aspect, but Bullet Audyssey does a few things that make it a bit more accessible than the standard shmup fare.

Bullet Audyssey has one big different from other shmups: in order to shoot a bullet, you must first absorb it from the boss. This means that in order to beat a level you'll need to constantly be swerving in and out of the bullet patterns while staying close to the bullets in order to absorb them. This is one of the best examples of risk versus reward that I've seen in a while, considering the fact that it is required in order to complete each level and not just an option. The controls could probably be better since there are no mouse controls to be seen. Only the arrow keys or WASD control your movement so it plays a bit stiff for a shmup. You do also have the ability to slow down time with the Shift key, but it runs on a limited meter.

To be honest, this game will be very difficult if not impossible for a decent amount of gamers to play. Precision and movement impaired gamers will have a very hard time playing Bullet Audyssey because of how many bullets can flood the screen at once. The time slowing mechanic definitely helps, but you need to hold down shift to keep it activated and its use is limited. One-handed gamers will be able to play, but with some difficulties. Slowing down time by holding shift, moving, and shooting all at once with one hand is quite difficult. Heading-impaired gamers will be at a slight disadvantage since the audio ties in with the bullet patterns. If the sound is building up you can expect a large wave of bullets coming at you soon. It doesn't make the game unplayable as it is only a slight setback. Colorblind gamers will be able to play the game just fine since the bullets change from red to white to show that they've been absorbed and there are no other color issues. Low-vision gamers may have issues since precise avoidance is required to survive the levels.

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