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Mr. Driller

Score: 90%
ESRB: Everyone
Publisher: Namco
Developer: Namco
Media: CD/1
Players: 1 - 2
Genre: Puzzle

Graphics & Sound:

The graphics in Mr. Driller are very bright and colorful, but don't expect to be blown away by 3D knock-your-socks-off graphics. This is a puzzle game at its heart and as such, graphics are strictly second fiddle to the awesome gameplay. But they get the job done and get it done well.

The sound effects found in Mr. Driller are appropriately Japanese and work perfectly with the feel of the game. Mr. Driller's background music is kind of wacky, but definitely enjoyable.


Gameplay:

Now, here is where Mr. Driller really shines. This game is so addictive, I was strongly reminded of those old days of Tetris - where I was driven to play and couldn't stop no matter how much I wanted to. Mr. Driller has very nearly the same effect. You play as Mr. Driller, chosen hero to rid Downtown of the menacing blocks that have covered the city. Who really cares, right? Drill through blocks. That's the premise. And at maddening speeds, all the while trying to avoid being crushed by what falls from above. When blocks of the same color touch one another, they disappear, which causes blocks around them to fall. Look out below. Mr. Driller has a limited air supply, so he must drill to designated depths, picking up air capsules along the way. If you run out of air, you die. Good, addictive fun.

There are three modes of play in Mr. Driller: Arcade, Time Attack and Survival. In Arcade Mode, you can choose to either tackle the 2500 feet or 5000 feet depth. You have three lives, so drill to that depth and you win. Easy to understand, not so easy to do. In Time Attack, its you against the clock. Drill as much as you can in the given time. Survival Mode? You guessed it. One life. Survive as long as you can. Arcade was the most fun for me, although I found myself compelled to go back to Time Attack Mode time and again (no pun intended). Suffice it to say that I have played this game until 6:00 A.M. and came out of the experience with a bruised thumb. And was happy about it. Nuff said.


Difficulty:

The level of difficulty in Mr. Driller was perfect. As you drill through certain depths, the look of the blocks will change and things will get a bit harder. Never such that its frustrating, though. Yes, Time Attack and Survival are maddeningly hard, but that is part of why you'll keep coming back for more. Good stuff.

Game Mechanics:

Easy to learn, hard to master. Oh, but what a ride. Mr. Driller took the simplistic approach when it comes to button configuration. All four buttons do the same thing - drill. No complicated combos here, but that is part of the beauty of it all. Pop this GD-Rom in and you'll be hooked. Puzzle fans definitely need to add this one to their collection. Keep in mind that it is identical to its PSX counterpart, so you don't need them both, but if you want a kick ass puzzle title for your DC, Mr. Driller is it.

-Psibabe, GameVortex Communications
AKA Ashley Perkins

Sega Dreamcast Incoming Sega Dreamcast Rayman 2

 
Game Vortex :: PSIllustrated