Susumu: “You’re finally making your GameCube debut, Puchi”. Puchi: “I’m so nervous”.
- JP release: 20th December 2002
- EU release: N/A
- NA release: N/A
- Developer: Project Driller
- Publisher: Namco
- NGC Magazine: N/A
- Mods Used: None


Mr. Driller is an incredibly fun arcade game Despite its popularity an how DrillLand is often said to be the best Mr. Driller game, it was wasn’t released outside of Japan (or another console) until 18 years later, where it got a HD edition on Switch, followed by PlayStation and Xbox. That’s a long time to be sitting on a game. Mr. Driller is a collection of games that use the Mr. Driller formula, but with its own twist.
Mr. Driller World Tour

This is the standard Mr. Driller mode. The object of the game is to drill downwards, breaking through blocks and causing matching colours to combine, which can end up making loads vanish at any one time. Your air ticks down every second, so you have to collect more as you go through. You have to try and reach a certain depth, which increased with each level. It’s simple, but incredibly good fun. Plus you can choose to play as a dog.
Star Driller

This one takes a sci-fi theme and is the closest to the standard mode. The main addition here power ups which can help or hinder Mr. Driller – or are capable of both, such as a black hole that can get rid of a bunch of blocks, but spells disaster if you get too close to it.
Drindy Adventure

Very clearly inspired by Raiders of the Lost Ark (Dr Indy, get it?). Not only do you have to reach a certain distance, but you also need to collect golden idols along the way. Also dotted about are boulders which will roll and damage you if it catches you. There’s no air, you you have time to think about your actions and plan, which is a great change of pace.
Horror Night House

Another one where you don’t have to worry about air. You can’t relax here, though, as ghosts are hunting you down. You’ll need to race to the next batch of holy water in order to spray a block containing a ghost to kill it and collect the stone it leaves behind. Stressful in the right way.
The Hole of Druaga

I think this one is the star attraction, based on the arcade game The Tower of Druaga. Here you aren’t just racing downwards, but also have to explore doors off to the side as you hunt for a key to reach the boss. Your HP starts at 100 and each dig you make reduces it by one – meaning you have to plan your moves very carefully. You can also collect gems which let you cast spells to restore health, change the colour of blocks or remove some. There are also enemies to evade or fight – a tough choice considering each attack you make costs health. A lovely version of the game.
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One complaint I do have is that you have to complete all the games on one level before you can unlock the next level of any, but this is a kind of game where I’m not very good at it despite enjoying it a lot. there are also cards and other collectables to buy to keep you coming back and one additional game mode where you spin the C-stick to watch a parade scroll past. You can alter the music with a GBA. Still, this is a lovely version of a wonderful arcade game.

Great
Mr. Driller Drill Land is an iconic puzzle game from a veteran arcade and console game maker that simply should not be missed. The consistent level of quality and detail in the presentation shows a great deal of care and attention went into developing this game, elevating it into a timeless classic. Namco should be commended for giving the developers the freedom to make the game they wanted to make, but it’s a pity it wasn’t released outside of Japan so gamers everywhere could appreciate it.
Sean Aaron, Nintendo Land
Remake or remaster?
They did! With redrawn sprites and looking nice.
Official Ways to get the game
Mr. Driller DrillLand is available on Switch, Xbox and PlayStation.
GameCube Games by Date
2002: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
2003: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
2004: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
2005: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
2006: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec