

Mr. Driller is an arcade puzzle game developed by Namco and first released in 1999. Players control a driller who descends through layers of colored blocks, clearing paths while managing a limited air supply. Blocks disappear when four or more of the same color are connected, creating strategic challenges as the screen scrolls upward. The game emphasizes quick decision-making and careful planning under time pressure. It became known for its simple mechanics, increasing difficulty, and bright visual style.
PuzzleStrategyArcadeActiondeathblocksplaystation networkprotagonist's name in the titlepsone classicsplaystation tv supportmid-development ip splitbackwards compatibilityArcade, PlayStation 3, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation, PlayStation Portable, Dreamcast
Log it
Sign in to log this.
Where do you stand?
Three questions people argue about. Answer first, then see how your circle and the community split.
Would Mr. Driller hit harder if it came out today rather than in 1999?
Sign in to answerBe the first to answer.
Has Mr. Driller aged badly?
Sign in to answerBe the first to answer.
Ask the title a question
Answered from what people have written, never made up: a verdict, how much when it's a matter of degree, and the sentences that say so, quoted with their names. Reviews here first, then TMDB's reviews and the title's Wikipedia plot and reception. If nothing settles it, you can put it to the curators.
Character
Plot-driven, spare, earnest and intimate.
- character-ledplot-driven
- sparerichly built
- earnestironic
- intimateepic
- cooloverwhelming
Who loves it, who doesn't
No profiled raters yet.
Reviews
No reviews yet.
About the game
- Platforms
- Arcade, PlayStation 3, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation, PlayStation Portable, Dreamcast
- Developer
- Namco
- Publisher
- Virgin Interactive Entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment, Midas Interactive Entertainment, NEC, Namco Bandai Games, Namco, Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Released
- October 1, 1999
- Modes
- Single player
- Perspective
- Side view
IGDB rating 7.8/10 from 17 ratings.
Screenshots





Similar in taste
Closest on the same fourteen dimensions, from everything scored on Curator Co. Other media included when they land close.
Beatmania 199787% alikeBoth plot-driven, spare, earnest.
Frogger 198186% alikeBoth plot-driven, earnest, spare.
Dance Dance Revolution 2ndMix 199986% alikeBoth plot-driven, spare, earnest.
Flicky 198485% alikeBoth plot-driven, earnest, spare.
Volfied 198985% alikeBoth plot-driven, earnest, spare.
Puzzle Link 199884% alikeBoth plot-driven, spare, earnest.
Both plot-driven, spare, earnest.
The Way of the Exploding Fist 198583% alikeBoth plot-driven, spare, earnest.
Countdown 198271% alikeSeries · Both plot-driven, spare, earnest.
Jeopardy! 198465% alikeSeries · Both plot-driven, earnest, cool.
Often played with
Similar games per IGDB. Opening one adds it to Curator Co.









