Computer Games Software for Handicapped Players

Brickout is a "Bricks and Bat Game" with special access features to ensure it can be played by players with almost any age or ability. Unlike the original "Breakout" arcade games, Brickout is uniquely flexible so it can be played by almost anyone. The speed of the player’s bat, and the ball can be adjusted through a wide range. The number of lives and the time available to complete each level can also be adjusted. In the full (registered) version, the layout of each game screen can be designed by using the "Level Designer" to create custom screens to play.

The game can be played by keyboard, joystick, mouse, expanded keyboard (eg. Intellikeys), or switch (scanning). Potentially the game could also be played using Speech Recognition.

Playing the Game

From the Brickout Title screen, click on anywhere (except the menu line) or press the ENTER or SPACEBAR key. The aim of the game is clear the screen of brick. Each brick destroyed gives you points. When all the bricks have been destroyed the game will move to the next level. If it is the last level you will see a rotating star. When the ball hits the star, bonus points are awarded and the game is over. A life can be lost if the ball gets past the bat at the bottom of the screen.

While playing, the speed of the bat can be temporarily adjusted by pressing the number keys 1-5. The speed of the ball can be temporarily adjusted by pressing keys 1-5 on the numeric keypad. The width of the bat can be temporarily adjusted by pressing the Function keys F5-F8. To make a more permanent adjustments go to the main menu and access the OPTIONS screen.

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