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February 4, 2006 | 10:43 PM PST
by: Miguel Yanez
Game Freak's latest creative effort is here, and we're drilling into it.
We’ve been playing a good deal of Game Freak’s original platformer, and came across something that can definitely be considered as unique. No, we’re not talking about its name Screw Breaker (well, its former name -- which was changed for the final version), but rather about the creative package that these guys developed. Even though the developer’s biggest creation is the multi-million selling Pokémon franchise, they are certainly showing big signs of inventiveness in their latest product, and needless to say, we’re very excited with it.
So here’s the deal. You play as a girl named Jill, whose father is the leader of a band called the Red Dozers. The Red Dozers have been rivals of another group called “The Skullers”, who decide to attack Jill’s dad, and steal their precious red diamond. In a surprising turn of events (well, not really), Jill decides to take matters into her hands, and will save his dad from the menace of the Red Dozers. To do this, she must take control of the star of this show: The Drill Dozer. This baby is basically a drill/armor hybrid that permits Jill to walk, jump, and of course, drill her way into greatness.
At first, it may seem like the drill is not very useful (at least when you come across those pesky metal blocks), but you’ll start gaining access to new pieces of armor – which come in the form of upgrades – that can be use to make your Drill Dozer even stronger. And we like stronger. These upgrades can be purchased after beating a level, and with them, you’ll be able to go through places you couldn’t go before, giving the game a very Metroid-esque feel. But if you’re the type of person that doesn’t like to replay a level, you can always buy new levels that will open up in the main chapters.
The controls are very interesting (or would’ve been, if we hadn’t played DK: King of Swing before). You control the character using the shoulder buttons (L & R Buttons). Depending on which button you press, your character will move either clock or counter clockwise, allowing you to move freely in the Drill Dozer world. Well, freely until you start coming up with the many challenges infused in the level design, which, allow me to say, is pretty darn good. But the levels aren’t the only thing worthy of praise in this game; the enemy design is pretty clever too! So far I’ve encountered with enemies that have to be attacked from the rear, others that literally have to be unscrewed (lolz), and other’s that will have you thinking up strategies for beating them. It’s mad fun.
Graphically speaking, Drill Dozer’s style reminds me of some Saturday Morning Cartoons (at least some old ones that were, you know, actually good), but it’s a nice design that looks simple and clean. You will also find that the cutscenes are nicely done (within the limits of the hardware), and will give the story a bit more of personality. Naturally, you shouldn’t expect Fire Emblem quality scripting; but you should expect an enjoyable and somewhat interesting storyline that’s only purpose is to give the fantastic gameplay a bit more of individuality.
Overall, we’re very pleased with what we’ve seen so far and can’t wait to finish Drill Dozer up. It’s nice that the developers that have been playing it safe throughout the years are finally starting to mix it up a little when it comes to game design, and are creating unique titles like this one. Should you give this game a spin, or will you doze off if you do? Stay tuned for the final verdict.
-- Miguel Yanez
We’ve been playing a good deal of Game Freak’s original platformer, and came across something that can definitely be considered as unique. No, we’re not talking about its name Screw Breaker (well, its former name -- which was changed for the final version), but rather about the creative package that these guys developed. Even though the developer’s biggest creation is the multi-million selling Pokémon franchise, they are certainly showing big signs of inventiveness in their latest product, and needless to say, we’re very excited with it.
So here’s the deal. You play as a girl named Jill, whose father is the leader of a band called the Red Dozers. The Red Dozers have been rivals of another group called “The Skullers”, who decide to attack Jill’s dad, and steal their precious red diamond. In a surprising turn of events (well, not really), Jill decides to take matters into her hands, and will save his dad from the menace of the Red Dozers. To do this, she must take control of the star of this show: The Drill Dozer. This baby is basically a drill/armor hybrid that permits Jill to walk, jump, and of course, drill her way into greatness.
At first, it may seem like the drill is not very useful (at least when you come across those pesky metal blocks), but you’ll start gaining access to new pieces of armor – which come in the form of upgrades – that can be use to make your Drill Dozer even stronger. And we like stronger. These upgrades can be purchased after beating a level, and with them, you’ll be able to go through places you couldn’t go before, giving the game a very Metroid-esque feel. But if you’re the type of person that doesn’t like to replay a level, you can always buy new levels that will open up in the main chapters.
The controls are very interesting (or would’ve been, if we hadn’t played DK: King of Swing before). You control the character using the shoulder buttons (L & R Buttons). Depending on which button you press, your character will move either clock or counter clockwise, allowing you to move freely in the Drill Dozer world. Well, freely until you start coming up with the many challenges infused in the level design, which, allow me to say, is pretty darn good. But the levels aren’t the only thing worthy of praise in this game; the enemy design is pretty clever too! So far I’ve encountered with enemies that have to be attacked from the rear, others that literally have to be unscrewed (lolz), and other’s that will have you thinking up strategies for beating them. It’s mad fun.
Graphically speaking, Drill Dozer’s style reminds me of some Saturday Morning Cartoons (at least some old ones that were, you know, actually good), but it’s a nice design that looks simple and clean. You will also find that the cutscenes are nicely done (within the limits of the hardware), and will give the story a bit more of personality. Naturally, you shouldn’t expect Fire Emblem quality scripting; but you should expect an enjoyable and somewhat interesting storyline that’s only purpose is to give the fantastic gameplay a bit more of individuality.
Overall, we’re very pleased with what we’ve seen so far and can’t wait to finish Drill Dozer up. It’s nice that the developers that have been playing it safe throughout the years are finally starting to mix it up a little when it comes to game design, and are creating unique titles like this one. Should you give this game a spin, or will you doze off if you do? Stay tuned for the final verdict.
-- Miguel Yanez
November 20, 2009
