Review: Mr. Driller: Drill Spirits (NDS)

The Mr Driller games have always split reviewers - there are those that hate the series and don't connect with it at all, and there are those that adore the purity of the gameplay and the hi-score table approach to extended play. DSNews is happy to fall into the latter - we've always been great fans of Namco's distinct little puzzle/platformer, and this latest version is everything we've come to expect, and more.

Although the US releases have been few and far between, the various GBA versions have all been fairly import-friendly and besides, there are less excuses for European gamers to be unfamiliar with the gameplay mechanics as more games have been released over here. The ultimate version has to be the PAL Dreamcast iteration with the official Sega arcade stick, but that's another story.

So what does the DS version bring to the table? Well, essentially it's exactly the same game it's always been - start at the surface of each progressively longer level, and drill down to reach the goal, all the while avoiding falling blocks triggered by your drilling, and keeping your air supply topped along the way. However, the most obvious new addition is the use of both screens, which keeps the main character on the lower screen whilst enabling you to see what's above you far more than you've ever been able to.

Mr Driller: Drill Spirits also makes use of the touch screen. Because the main action happens on the lower display, you can drag the character left and right with the stylus, and a quick tap on a block will initiate a drill in that direction; it's not perfect, but much like Namco's other launch game, Ridge Racer DS, at least the option is there should you want it. Naturally, D-Pad control is also present, and makes for a much quicker and intuitive control method. All the menus can be controlled with either system, but the touch screen relies a little too much on dragging the stylus around the options, rather than tapping them, which can lead to a few accidently started games, especially on the World select screen which is far too fiddly.

The main game modes are the Mission mode (travel the World, drilling deeper at each location and unlocking other characters), Time Trial mode (pre-set levels that must be completed in some very demanding times) and the all new Pressure mode. Pressure mode involves a huge drill constantly scrolling down the level towards you, and rather than reaching the bottom of the level, you're charged with collecting POW capsules which you can then shoot upwards at key points to try to destroy your approaching enemy - it's a fun new mode and it certainly creates the required tension.

Sadly, the US version is missing one mode that was present in the Japanese version, but worst still the multiplayer options have been severly crippled. Instead of allowing single-cart download play (as with the Eastern release) the US import forces you and your friends to have one copy of the game each before multiplayer is activated. The reasons behind this aren't clear, and it's a real shame as obviously the whole thing worked in the Japanese version.

Niggles aside, though, Drill Spirits is excellent fun. It's addictive as hell and if you've got friends with the game, or at least people willing to challenge your high scores, there's almost limitless fun to be had. The presentation is wonderful throughout the game, with gorgeous menus, and the music and sound is top-notch. It's a shame there are no minigame distractions (which helped Mario 64 DS massively) but the little store is a nice touch enabling you to save up for extra lives and quicker drilling. All in all, a great little game and one that can be found relatively cheap online - especially if you're happy with a Japanese import.

Rating: 8 / 10

Words by Alex Carroll