2002 · Namco · Puzzle

Mr. Driller A

Nintendo console exclusive

2002 video game

Released: 2002
Platforms: Game Boy Advance Mobile Wii U
Genres: Puzzle
Developers: Namco
Publishers: Namco
Perspective: Side view
Age ratings: CERO A
Languages: Japanese

About

Mr. Driller A is a 2002 puzzle video game developed and published in Japan by Namco for the Game Boy Advance. The fourth installment in its Mr. Driller series, players control one of seven characters and must make it to the bottom of the level by destroying colorful formations of blocks. A adds several new mechanics to the gameplay of its predecessors, such as a virtual pet named the "Pacteria" that players can grow and care for.

Created by series producer Hideo Yoshizawa and Namco's Contents & Technology Creator Group, A was developed as part of a partnership between Namco and Nintendo where the former would create a GameCube game that made use of the GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable. The game was in development alongside its GameCube counterpart Mr. Driller Drill Land, allowing A to borrow several of Drill Land's concepts and ideas. Though it was well-received for its gameplay and additions to the Mr.

Keywords

wii u virtual console

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

Mr. Driller A is a puzzle game similar to Puyo Puyo (1991) and the classic arcade game Dig Dug (1982). Players choose from one of seven characters to play as: Susumu Hori, the protagonist; Ataru Hori, Susumi's self-contained older brother; Taizo Hori, the protagonist of Dig Dug; Puchi, Susumu's dog; Anna Hottenmeyer, a rival driller from Germany; and Holinger-Z, a drilling robot. In each level, players must make it to the bottom of a well by destroying, or "drilling", colorful formations of blocks.

Destroying blocks results in those above it falling and connecting with similarly-colored ones; should four or more matching blocks connect, they will be destroyed, which is useful for creating chain reactions. Blocks will also fall if there is nothing underneath to support them, which can crush players that are underneath them. Players will need to manage their constantly-depleting oxygen, which acts as both a health bar and a timer. Oxygen is replenished by collecting blue air capsules, while oxygen is lost by destroying brown X-marked blocks.

Development

Mr. Driller A was created by Mr. Driller series producer Hideo Yoshizawa and Namco's Contents & Technology Creator Group (Project Driller). The project came into fruition when Namco was approached by Nintendo to create a new Mr.

Driller game for its newly-unveiled GameCube, specifically one that took advantage of the GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable peripheral. As A was in development alongside its GameCube counterpart, Mr. Driller Drill Land, it borrows several of Drill Land's concepts and mechanics, as well as those from the PlayStation version of Mr. Driller G.

Reception

During its first week of release, Mr. Driller A sold 9,189 copies and received the "Gold Hall of Fame" award from Famitsu. By the end of 2002, it sold 14,799 copies and was ranked in Japan's list top 350 best-selling games of the year. The game has since been considered a commercial failure.

Reception for A, both at release and retrospectively, have been positive. Famitsu staff focused largely on the Pacteria raising and RPG-esc game mode; one wrote they complimented each other well and added to the game's replay value. Another enjoyed the number of game modes for having their own playstyles and difficulty options. Colin Tabi of Nintendo World Report stated A "carries the torch well for the series", and enjoyed its addictive quality and simplicity.