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The only bit where language is a problem in LowRider is figuring out what some of the upgrades do. Most of them are pretty obvious, but the performances thing had me baffled, so I just picked one at random. There's no on-screen instructions for the transformation bit either, but that part of the manual's in katakana.
Thanks for the help everyone. I just learned that Kinnikuman is coming to the US so I'll be holding off on that. Lowrider Sounds like my type of thing so I'll definitely pick that up. Still undecided on the rest. I'll have to see how money is when I go to order it sometime next week.
Mr. Driller Drilland is a must buy. The presentation is so slick it's fright-ning. Basically there are 5 themed levels, accessed through a map that is a theme park based on Disneyland. Each theme has multiple levels within it, and a "special" level at the end. The themes are:
Drindy Adventure (Indiana Jones spoof)
Star Driller (Star Wars ride spoof)
Horror Night House (Haunted Mansion style)
The Hole of Druaga (Medieval/RPG level)
World Drilltour (It's a Small World)
There's also Drilltown, which has shops wher you can buy items for use in the levels, collectible cards, little character dolls, see the cutscenes and hear the music.
Oh yes, can't forget the Electric Parade! The Drilland Dreamin' Parade is a 2D feast for the eyes complete with floats, spectators and fireworks. Great stuff.
As for the gameplay, I have to admit that this is my first Mr. Driller. However from what I've seen it's the same basic idea as before. However, each of the theme levels require a slightly different style of play. 2 player mode is either a race to 500m, or a battle mode where the first one to collect three gems hidden in the blocks wins. 4 players can play at once.
Drindy Adventure has you collecting gold idols and avoiding rolling boulders, all while attempting to make it down to 500m depth.
Star Driller is filled with powerups that can either help or hinder your progress as you drill to 500m. Here you must collect air along the way so you don't die.
Horror Night House has you collect holy water, which you must drill into surrounding blocks- if any of the bats in the level are caught in it they'll turn into collectable jewels you'll need to beat the level. You also need to collect health to stay alive.
The Hole of Druaga gives you a map, and items to use. You must make your way to the boss, kill it and take his key. Then you have to get to the exit and unlock it. (rpg style) Your health here is measured in HP, and you can take more than one hit, as well as refilling it with item use.
World Drilltour is great. Each 100m you drill down is a new country, with 500m being the goal again.
I've only beaten two levels so far, this is pretty tough. The two player mode is fun, but fairly lacking since it only has two stages. Hopefully more options can be unlocked here. And the music is fantastic! So yes, I'd say pick it up.
I would have gotten Drill land on Friday... but we sold out. :( I'll be picking it up when we get a new shipment though. Everyone needs to get all the Mr. Driller they can. :)
Hey:
I have played Kinnikuman 2 on Gamecube.
Kinnikuman 2 is this insane cel-shaded pro wrestling game. You choose from a number of goofy-looking characters, then head into a frentic match where you'll fall victim to the dreaded flying spinning tombstone piledriver, most likely from some bizzare walrus man. The announcers are constantly chattering and their expressive faces pop up on the bottom of the screen throughout. I have only spent maybe ten minutes with this game, but I really liked it and plan on picking it up soon.
-Technosphile
Cigs, fantastic overview!
I will now go bitch out my housemate for not having a modded GameCube.
Cigs,
Thanks for the thoughts. I'll be getting Mr Driller as well now. It sounds quite good.
Technosphile,
I'm glad to hear that Kinnikuman is a good game. It'll make the wait for the Us version harder, but at least I know it is worth the wait.