Mr. Driller: Drill Spirits

 DS
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Nov 30, 2004
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35
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  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    73
    Dual screens don't do much for the original game, but Pressure mode makes you constantly switch focus between screens, ratcheting up the intensity and confusion. [Jan 2005, p.141]
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  2. Nintendo Power
    72
    The game is simple fun. Ironically, though, it's not incredibly deep. [Feb 2005, p.114]
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  3. GamePro
    70
    If you like to think just a bit more and still have a good time, then dig yourself a hole with Mr. Driller.
  5. Game Informer
    70
    It's nothing spectacular, but all systems need good puzzle games and this seems to fit the bill nicely. [Jan 2005, p.149]
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  6. GameSpy
    70
    Even with the minimal use of DS technology and the glaring gameplay omissions, Drill Spirits is a very fun game. It's definitely not the deepest game out there (and no, that wasn't meant to be a pun), but the simplicity is what makes it great.
  7. NintendoWorldReport
    70
    If you like skin-of-your-teeth puzzle games, Mr. Driller is an excellent choice. However, this version's stinted multiplayer, minimal single player modes, and high difficulty will leave the game lacking in the eyes of all but the most dedicated puzzle-heads.
  8. GamerFeed
    70
    I just wish the stylus control had been tweaked a bit more, because while controlling characters with it is a lot of fun, when I die I know that I would've lived had I been using the d-pad.
  9. Yahoo!
    70
    While Mr. Driller: Drill Spirits feels very different from your average block puzzle game, it doesn't offer much depth. However, its fast-paced action and tension will keep most entertained.
  10. NTSC-uk
    70
    There are no major improvements over any of the previous iterations and very little reason to pick this up for those who already own the superior "Mr Driller G" or "Mr Driller: Drill Land." Having said that, this is easily the best handheld version of the young classic. [JPN Import]
  11. GMR Magazine
    70
    It's hard to ask for more from a portable puzzler, which makes Drill Spirits a tasty (if not completely filling) morsel of gaming goodness. [Feb 2005, p.111]
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  12. Pelaaja (Finland)
    70
    Driller is a simple and really fun arcade game, which is very addictive even if it really doesn’t take advantage of the DS’s capabilities. [May 2005, p.83]
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  13. PALGN
    70
    An addictive game, but nothing we haven't seen before.
  14. Armchair Empire
    68
    It doesn’t break any new ground but it is a challenge.
  15. GameSpot
    66
    Fans of puzzle games will find a passable but somewhat shallow game in Drill Spirits, but fans of this specific series will find that it really hasn't changed much over the years.
  16. IGN
    65
    While making some use of the dual-screen, touch-screen format of the DS, Drill Spirits feels neither revolutionary nor new.
  17. GameBiz
    65
    Overall we gave it a 6.5 because it does have a fair bit of life in it, but there’s a few things about the game that are just too annoying to put up with for very long.
  18. Nintendojo
    65
    While this game has more single player potential than some other DS puzzlers, it lacks the multiplayer fun of titles like Bomberman DS and Puyo Pop Fever.
  19. DS Central
    60
    The concept is simple, but the gameplay can easily be very deep. However, a noticeable flaw in the game is perhaps its overemphasis on simplicity, which can turn off a lot of people at first glance.
  20. Gamer.tv
    60
    Overall Drill Spirits comes across as fun, if a bit samey.
  21. Edge Magazine
    60
    Drill Spirits is a well-rounded introduction to the series, but falls far short of its greatest successes. [Feb 2005, p.82]
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  22. Games Radar
    60
    It's good stuff, even if tactics tend to be beyond all but the most talented of players at the kind of speed the game reaches. And because it's so fast, the touch screen in pointless. [NGC Pocket]
  23. G4 TV
    60
    It may not have the same depth as other puzzle games, and it’s certainly not a showpiece for DS technology, but it will keep your heart racing and mouth smiling for short doses, which is often all you are looking for in a portable game.
  24. The Sydney Morning Herald
    60
    Most puzzle games are slow-paced but Driller is lightning fast, requiring quick thinking and sharp reflexes. It can be stressful and addictive, and is more complex than it seems.
  25. N-Insanity
    54
    Words can’t describe the boredom I feel just thinking about Mr. Driller: Drill Spirits, let-alone playing it.

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best DS Game of 2004
7
#7 Most Discussed DS Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 2 out of 13
  1. Yojimbo2015
    May 22, 2023
    6
    Puzzle-style game that's a cross between a Tetris-style falling block game and Boulder Dash. Not a great deal more to it than that but it'sPuzzle-style game that's a cross between a Tetris-style falling block game and Boulder Dash. Not a great deal more to it than that but it's good fun in small doses.… Full Review »
  2. ChaoKirby
    Aug 30, 2021
    7
    Decent, just nothing to write home about. There is no story here and a good chunk of assets and music are reused from either Mr. Driller AceDecent, just nothing to write home about. There is no story here and a good chunk of assets and music are reused from either Mr. Driller Ace or Mr. Driller DrillLand. I will say that you should NOT play the North American version of this game, that version just straight up sucks due to having even LESS content in an already bare bones game.… Full Review »
  3. BillS.
    Jan 8, 2006
    9
    Are the graphics cheesy? Yes. is the concept a little boring?(get from the top to the bottom) Yes. But there is something about this game Are the graphics cheesy? Yes. is the concept a little boring?(get from the top to the bottom) Yes. But there is something about this game that just sucks you in. It is a pain in the butt to get down to your goal and it makes you want to get further than your last time. I bought this with hopes of a game that may keep me busy for a while. I is not one of my top games in my library. A definite buy and at the discounted prices most stores are pricing it at Get it… Full Review »
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