Ochi: Drill Dozer

[Forum Member Ochitsuka]

Drill Dozer Review

Categories to be evaluated:

Gameplay
Soundtrack
Graphics
Replayability
SS
JUDGEMENT
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Game Information: The story (stripped down to the basics) is about a girl who has a red diamond, which has been stolen by a gang of thieves called the Skulkers. The girl, named Jill, coincidentally, is the daughter of a crime boss (whose name is Doug) as well, who has his own gang, the Red Dozers. However, Doug was ambushed and is now in critical condition. It is now up to Jill to get back her Red Diamond.

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Gameplay:

You're only weapon is your drill. However, your drill can be spun either counter-clockwise or clockwise, and you can use it in a variety of ways. You can deflect bullets, latch onto blocks, and other odd methods. There are also a variety of techniques using the drill, such as spinning the drill one direction, then suddenly reversing to go backwards. You can move backwards and forwards while drilling at the same time.

You drill can obtain three gears per level (as unfortunately they are lost every time you finish a level). You have to shift up to each gear (like a manual transmission). Doing so yields a faster rate of spin, and can do more damage quickly. When you are in third gear, you can keep spinning forever, until you jump or get hit by an opponent's attack.

Additional equipment can also be obtained, where you can get drill bits, which let you go through previously unbreakable blocks. Doing so yields goodies at the other side of the blocks (or somewhere near there). Usually, Chips (the currency), or health. Sadly, there are only two drill bits, but you do need them to reach certain areas. You can also buy energy tanks, which allow you more HP. It is possible to play through the whole game with little trouble with the maximum amount of energy tanks.

Levels are also very well planned out. Most of the scenery can be destroyed, which can sometimes have Chips inside. Some of the environment, such as floors, walls, and ceilings can be destroyed too- You just have to look for hints (that tell you it can be destroyed), such as cracks, blocks placed in near of the area, etc. Levels also have multiple paths to travel- what you choose may lead you to more goodies or Treasure (see Replayability for this), while the other paths may lead you to where you actually NEED to go. It's fun both playing through the levels as well as exploring them.

Bosses, however, aren't really that fun as compared to the levels. Once you figure out a bosses weak point (or points) by using the various drilling methods, it's over for them. However, some bosses are a bit hard, so you might have to fight the boss over and over again.

It is nifty, however, that you can save when you are in a boss fight. If you die, you can soft reset to go for another round, rather than pay 50 Chips to have a redo (however, it does have its merits, as by paying 50 Chips, you get your health up to maximum).

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Soundtrack:

The soundtrack is generally of happy, energetic tunes. While at some serious points of the storyline may not match with the cheerful music in the background, I think it is fitting with the storyline in general. It's something I could live with, as I personally buy games to play them, not just listen to them.

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Graphics:

Graphics are absolutely ace in this game (compared to other GBA titles). It's crisp, colorful, and very beautiful. It's almost as if the GBA is pushed to the limit graphically with this title. Environments are highly detailed as well, showing different hues for shading. What surprised me most was that one of the levels was very isometric, giving depth and making me feel like the Drill Dozer world wasn't FLAT. Excellent.

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Replayability:

The replay value is very high with Drill Dozer. Even if you finish the story, this lets you buy the second and final drill bit, which allows you to reach previously unreachable areas. In Drill Dozer, there are things called "Treasures", which do absolutely nothing besides from being able to collect them. Collecting them does have an incentive, but, as I want to keep the surprise to you, I will not tell you here. These Treasures are either somewhat-easily found, to puzzingly-difficult to reach. There are 31 Treasures in all- I only have 7 through my first run.

Like I said in the Gameplay section, you can explore the levels, letting your drill wander through walls and paths which weren't traveled before. The levels also make you think differently- you have to be very open to every single possibility in the structure of the level. That block attached to the ceiling may yield Chips, or shortcut, or a Treasure. Curiosity killed the cat, but it won't kill your Dozer (not yet, anyway).

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SS:

The "special" part of the review section. Drill Dozer comes with a rumble feature. This is the reason why the cartridge is almost twice of that of a normal GBA cartridge. Rumble is usually activated by you using your drill. However, the rumble isn't strong to shake the screen, but it only gives you slightly more than a tingle in your hands. Sometimes, you can't feel it due to you concentrating on something like a boss battle, but it's still pretty nice to have. I don't like how it makes my Micro look... Bulky, or un-Microfied, though.

You can have three save files, as well as choose Mono or Stereo for sound. Which is nice, because I like using headphones while I'm playing. I have the music pumping through my ears from different directions.

Game Freak, most notably for it's Pokemon titles, released this game.

The cart, besides from being rougly 1.5-2 times that of a regular cartridge, is in a brick-brownish color.

Finally, it comes with a little comic that explains the beginning of the story.

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JUDGEMENT:

I must say that this is probably the best GBA game I have played so far. Innovative gameplay, the graphics are outstanding for a GBA title, and there's the replay value- which is a must for any long lasting game such as this. Rumble is also a nice extra too.

If you see this, I suggest you pick it up if you want some portable fun. It's just that cool.

[Forum Leader StenMan.EXE]

Very nice review.... I'm not sure if i've heard of that game before, but it does seem like fun to play after reading all of this.

[Forum Member lavisfate]

Cool I think I may have seen it in a store or on the internet somewhere interesting review I'll have to check it out sometime.