Must...keep...drilling ! (Mr. Driller (DC))

Member Name: Raging Speedhorn

Product:	Mr. Driller (DC)
Date:	02/07/02 (28 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: addictive

Disadvantages: dont know really

Before anyone accuses me of plagiarism, this review can also be found at
http://includes.reserve.co.uk/reviews/review.p hp?index=999107736&custid=TRUE
where it is also my own work. Thankyou.

The town is being overrun by coloured blocks!Everyone is in a panic! Quick, call Mr Driller! The blocks are coming from deep underground - drill as fast as you can! Hmm... That kind of opening sequence would normally be enough to put anybody off playing a game, especially with those oh-so-bright-and-happy animations.

But luckily, Mr Driller is one of those game that doesn't need an amazing storyline (or indeed, opening sequence) to work. Using the same concept as Namco's old Dig Dug, you have to drill downwards through blocks as fast as you can and for as long as you can. To make this more difficult, you must avoid falling blocks, collect air capsules to provide Mr Driller with an air supply and you must not drill through the brown boxes - unless you want to lose 20% of your air supply of course. A very simple yet very addictive formula.

The game has 3 modes of play - Arcade, Survival and Time Attack. Arcade mode is split into two sub-categories, which are the 500m and 1000m challenges. In each, you must drill down for the specified distance and reach your goal before you run out of lives. In Survial Mode, you must drill as far as possible through an endless onslaught of blocks without running out of air, or getting yourself crushed. Finally, Time Attack is made up of a series of 100m courses that must be completed within a certain time limit before you can unlock the next set.

The main problem with this game is a lack of modes. As addictive as the game may be, you can't help feeling that the game needs a little more variety. For example, a multiplayer head-to-head type mode would have been good. The only other thing wrong is that when you eventually become pretty good at the game and the challenges seem easy, it can quick
ly get boring. But that'll take a while. Overall, Mr Driller is an addictive game that is easy to pick up and difficult to master.

Graphics - 6/10 (like good graphics are needed in this game...)
Sound - 5/10 (like it matters...)
Lastability - 9/10 (takes a long time to get bored)
Gameplay - 7/10 (needs more modes - multiplayer anyone?)

Summary: