US Boxart:
The single player mode in Mr. Driller DS is divided into three parts; Mission Driller, Time Attack, and Pressure Driller.
Mission Driller: Mission Driller is a mode where you try and dig down to a certain deph by drilling colored blocks. The hard part is, the blocks can connect to each other and dissapear making it so that other blocks can fall and crush you. In Each game(without items) you begin with three lives, every once and a while an Undergrounder, which is a creature that lives underground, will give you a 1up, but that is rare. While you are digging, avoiding blocks, and trying to create point combos, you have to collect air capsules. If you don't collect air capsules, you suffucate and die, which as we all know, isn't a good thing.
Every 100 meters is a checkpoint. This means that all the blocks above you dissapear, which is a relief.
As far as difficulty is concerned, I would have to say this isn't a walk in the park. It requires you to be on your toes watching for falling blocks. There is a way to make it easier, however. As you progress you get milege points which can be used to buy items such as extra lives and more air from air capsules.
Pressure Driller: Pressure Driller has the same gamplay mechanics as Mission Driller, but with a few tweaks. You are still trying to collect air capsules and avoid falling blocks, but a giant robot is chasing after you. You have to collect ammo capsules in order to destroy it. Once you gather enough you can fire a fire ball at it's weak spots and destroy it.
The robot's health is measure in tons. I believe 200 tons is the easiest, and 800 tons is the hardest.
This is my favorite of the three modes.
Time Attack: Normally, I find time attack to be boring in a game, but Mr. Driller is an exception. Time Attack in Mr. Driller requires precision, and timing.
Your objective is to simply get to the bottom before the time runs out, but it isn't as easy as it seems. For example, each level has it's own set of obstacles, such as block "elavators" and switches that flip the playing field.
You can also collect time capsules that take time off your score, these are vital in order to complete a level.
The graphics in Mr. Driller are nice. There are vibrant colors that really catch your eye. Everything runs smooth, and I don't really have any complaints.
You must keep in mind that it is a puzzle game, and puzzle games usually don't have extrodinary graphics.
Mr. Driller is a fun, challenging game for the DS. Definately a must-have for puzzle fanatics. I found that it took me a couple weeks to complete the main modes, and it is still fun to play every once and a while when you are bored.
My score:
Gameplay 9/10
Graphics 8/10
Lasting Appeal 7/10
Overall 8.5/10 (Please note, this is note an avarage)
Sorry if this is a bit rushed, I have alot of homework to do. :) I tried my best to make it quality. Please note that I haven't play mulitplayer, so that isn't avaraged into my overall score.
Hope you enjoyed my Review!
--MM--