Drill Dozer Review (no fat)

Game Description

From the developers of the famed Pokemon series comes a new action packed adventure for Game Boy Advance owners to sink their teeth into. Drill Dozer brings a new style of gaming to the over looked GBA, although it does get a little repetitive after a few hours of gaming, fans of 2D side scroller games should take a closer look at this one.

Drill Dozer Gameplay

Players will assume the identity of Jill, daughter of the leader of a very large gang called the Red Dozers. As with any gang, there has to be a rival gang, and this is exactly the case. The skullkers happen to be that other gang, and steal one of the most prized possessions of the Red Dozers. The item that was stolen? A red diamond that was a family heirloom. Of course, gamers will have to get it back.

On their quest gamers will have to drill through everything. And by everything I mean walls, blocks, objects and such. Players will start out with a weak drill bit, that can’t drill through everything, but is enough to get the you to the next level. When you accumulate enough cash, you will need to buy a stronger drill bits to progress through the game. On some levels, what couldn’t be drilled through before can be drilled through now with the stronger drill bit. That means that gamers will have to back track a little in order to find all of the treasures in Drill Dozer.

When each level is started players will start out with the weakest drill bit. They will then have to find 2 other “power ups” in the level in order to progress through it. These “power ups” allow you to use the drill longer than before, by switching gears. When gamers start out with the weakest drill level, the drill only lasts but for a few seconds. The first power up will allow you to use a drill longer than before, but not much longer. The third power up will allows for an unlimited amount of time. This comes in handy as some objects in the game can’t be drilled through unless gamers have the third power up.

Each level is unique and you won’t get tired of those because it always offers something fresh and new. To add to the level variety, the enemy goons and the bosses are challenging, yet fun, to fight. Different bosses have their idiosyncrasies and you’ll have to pay attention to find their weaknesses and bring them down. However, the use of the drill may get a little monotonous during game play, because almost every action or event in the game has to do with the drill. If you get stuck in a level, an almost guaranteed way out is to drill something.

Wonder why the cartridge for Drill Dozer is so big? It features a rumble pack built inside the cartridge for the ultimate drilling experience. While drilling, the rumble pack shakes the GBA to give the feelings of drilling. It’s not a mind-blowing feature, but is still a nice addition. For those who don’t like the rumble, there is still the option to turn it off.

Drill Dozer Graphics

Graphics in Drill Dozer are a feast for the gamer’s eyes. Artwork compliments the gaming menus, and looks visually stunning. Drill Dozer also features expansive and colorful environments to explore and conquer. Gamers will have fun soaking up the eye candy while playing the game. Details of objects in the game are incorporated very nicely, and animations run smooth.

Drill Dozer Audio

Audio is nice, as well as original. Poppy techno beats will fill the air as gamers continue their quest for the red diamond. While the music is catchy, it is overplayed during the game. There aren’t enough tracks to cover the game and some are often repeated. All in all, the music is great but there should have just been more of it.

Drill Dozer Final Verdict

Drill Dozer brings a new gaming action title to the GBA which is both fun to play and visually appealing. This game can be enjoyed by many types of players because it incorporates action and puzzle games and is easy enough for younger gamers to play. So what’s the gripe? It is short. Not a bad buy for $29.99 anyway.