Mr. Driller W
A 2009 WiiWare puzzle game in the Mr. Driller series.
Mr. Driller W is a 2009 puzzle video game developed and published by Namco Bandai Games for the WiiWare service. It is the eighth entry in the Mr. Driller series and was the company's first game released for the WiiWare platform.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Namco Bandai Games
- Series
- Mr. Driller
- Platforms
- WiiWare
- Released
- February 25, 2009 (JP)
- August 24, 2009 (NA)
- August 28, 2009 (PAL)
- Genre
- Puzzle
- Modes
- Single-player
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
Mr. Driller W is a puzzle video game with 2D, colorful visuals reminiscent of the Dig Dug series. Players choose from seven characters, including Susumu Hori, Anna Hottenmeyer, Ataru Hori, Taizo Hori, Puchi, Holinger-Z, and the locked Usagi, each with unique abilities such as Holinger-Z's ability to sustain an extra hit. The goal is to drill through formations of colorful blocks to reach the bottom of levels set in real-world locations like Japan, Egypt, and the moon. A constantly depleting oxygen meter serves as a time limit; air capsules replenish oxygen, while destroying brown X blocks depletes it further.
Development and release
As digital distribution services for home consoles grew in popularity in the late 2000s, Namco Bandai Games began producing games for these platforms, following the success of titles like Pac-Man Championship Edition and arcade conversions on Xbox 360. The company chose to bring popular franchises to digital services, and the Mr. Driller series' popularity led to the creation of Mr. Driller W, developed alongside the DSiWare sequel Mr. Driller: Drill Till You Drop. The game reuses assets from Mr. Driller Drill Land and Mr. Driller Drill Spirits. It was teased in the January 2009 issue of Namco Bandai's magazine Side-BN alongside Xevious Resurrection and Korogashi Puzzle Katamari Damacy, and further shown by Famitsu. Released in Japan on February 25, 2009, it later launched in North America on August 24 and in PAL territories on August 28. The game supports the GameCube controller and Wii Classic Controller, and is backwards-compatible with the Wii U.
Reception
Mr. Driller W received mixed or average reviews according to Metacritic. Critics focused on its lack of content compared to earlier entries, particularly the absence of a multiplayer mode. Nintendo Life called it a truly unique and rewarding action-puzzler. IGN criticized the omission of multiplayer, a series mainstay, and Official Nintendo Magazine said the lack of additional game modes crippled the main game. GamePro and Inside Games were content with the package but noted the $8 price point might deter those seeking more content. Most reviewers agreed the gameplay remained fun and addictive; Nintendo Life labeled it urgently addictive and recommended it to puzzle fans. Inside Games praised the simplicity as the game's strongest point. IGN highlighted its fast-paced action and addictive nature, requiring players to look ahead and behind. GamePro compared its simplicity and addictive quality to Dig Dug. Critics praised the Japanese art style and character designs; Nintendo Life said the large cast offered variety, while IGN and Official Nintendo Magazine argued some characters like Holinger-Z were unbalanced. GamePro described the art style as a mix between Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi and The Powerpuff Girls. IGN noted the usual Japanese quirkiness and charms, praising the soundtrack's multiple genres and cartoonish nature, and liked the support for GameCube and Classic Controllers without forced motion controls. GamePro and IGN recommended the game to newcomers. Retrospectively, Retronauts stated it lacked anything particularly unique and was missing the high-definition visuals and content of Mr. Driller Online.
More in Bandai Namco Games of the 2000s
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