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Review of Mr. Driller G on PlayStation

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Nov 2001
Cover image of Mr. Driller G on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 8
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 22 Nov 2001
Genre: Puzzle
Developer: Namco (Project Driller)
Publisher: Namco

Introduction

Welcome to the wonderfully chaotic world of Mr. Driller G, where drilling and colorful blocks collide in an explosion of puzzling hilarity! If you've ever looked at a wall of blocks and thought, 'You know what? I think it's time to make these things disappear,' then congratulations! This is the game for you. Mr. Driller G takes the classic formula of block demolition and turbo-charges it with characters, a storyline, and all the drills you could ever desire-just be careful not to end up underground with no oxygen, because that can really cramp your style.

Gameplay

The crux of Mr. Driller G's charming yet slightly chaotic gameplay revolves around Susumu Hori, our intrepid hero (who you may affectionately think of as a more enthusiastic Bob the Builder). Players embark on an epic quest to drill to the bottom of various wells, creating a plethora of colorful explosions along the way. To succeed, you'll need to use your quick wits and reflexes to destroy blocks while managing your oxygen levels. Blocks love to fall, and if they crush you, let's just say, you'll be seeing some very unhappy game overs. With characters like Ataru Hori (the brooding older brother who probably listens to too much emo music) and Taizo Hori (the retro hero from Dig Dug), you get a fabulous cast of personalities to choose from. Each character has its own unique attributes, adding depth to the gameplay as you navigate through a perverse playground of gravity-defying blocks. And don't forget the power-ups! Collecting blue air capsules is your lifeline-literally-giving you sweet, sweet oxygen to keep you going, while dodging the dastardly brown X-marked blocks that will suck the air right out of your lungs, leaving you gasping for a restart. In the Scenario Driller mode, you're treated to a more in-depth story. Anime cutscenes provide context, all while Dr. Manhole and his Ankoku Drillers bring a villainous twist to the plot. As you progress through levels, characters band together, creating a camaraderie worthy of any buddy cop movie. The Puchi Dog is included, and trust me, having a doggo by your side makes everything better.

Graphics

Visually, Mr. Driller G is like stepping into a hyperactive candy store. With vibrant colors and slick, playful animations, the graphics pop in a way that may leave you temporarily blinded if you're not careful. The well designs are varied and filled with personality, making your drilling escapades feel less like a chore and more like a colorful romp through a child's daydream. The menu interfaces are well-designed, showcasing the artistic talents of the team behind the game. The game flows smoothly, with characters bouncing across the screen in a style that winks at the goofiness of its concept, reflecting the fun that awaits beneath the surface. The soundtrack - oh boy - if you find the right groove, you'll be drilling through levels just to keep the catchy tunes pumping through your ears. This is an acid house and J-Pop lovechild that is sure to stick in your head, urging you to drill your way to the next level buckle after buckle.

Conclusion

Mr. Driller G is not just a game; it's an experience wrapped in a colorful comedy that begs you to dive headfirst into the depths of pure puzzling bliss. The charming characters, whimsical cutscenes, and frantic gameplay create a delightful cocktail of tension and fun. Sure, it might not be the game that saves the world, but it definitely provides an escape from reality-much like drilling through a million blocks. Plus, who wouldn't want to join a band of eccentric characters in a hapless struggle against an evil villain with nothing but their drill and plenty of sass? So, grab your controller, take a deep breath (don't worry, there's plenty of oxygen available), and let's "drill" this game into your playlist of must-play classics. After all, we could all use a little more 'G' in our gaming diet!

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