This 20-Year-Old Nintendo Classic Would Be Perfect for a Switch 2 Remake

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Nintendo has a huge collection of games, but not all of them get the attention they deserve. While popular series like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda consistently receive new installments, many other Nintendo franchises have only a few releases. Some truly beloved, niche games even only get one chance to shine and showcase their unique design or appealing style.

Today marks twenty years since the release of Drill Dozer on the Game Boy Advance. Developed by the creators of Pokémon, this game was a unique attempt to innovate within the action-adventure genre near the end of the handheld’s life. It’s remained a hidden gem among Nintendo games and is ripe for a modern remake.

Drill Dozer Was Great, But Got Buried

Few lesser-known Nintendo games have as much potential for a modern sequel as Drill Dozer. It’s an action-platformer where you play as Jill, the leader of a bandit group, piloting a small mech called the Drill Dozer. The game builds on the classic Metroidvania style by focusing on precise control of the Drill Dozer’s powerful drills. These drills aren’t just for breaking through obstacles; they’re used to solve puzzles and even defeat enemies. Players can find different equipment, called “gears,” to temporarily enhance the Drill Dozer and help them progress through the levels.

Drill Dozer offered a fresh take on the classic 2D action-adventure formula. Created by Ken Sugimori and Game Freak – the developers of Pokémon – it was a deliberate effort to move beyond their well-known franchise. Sugimori wanted to design a game with quick, dynamic gameplay and unique combat, and he found inspiration in the idea of using a rotating drill as a central game mechanic.

In interviews, Sugimori explained that Drill Dozer’s innovative gameplay was the result of ten years of development. The game, which used the Game Boy Advance’s shoulder buttons to control drilling mechanics, offered a unique experience unlike anything else available. Its success was further enhanced by Hironobu Yoshida’s artwork and Tsuyoshi Ichinose’s music. Featuring a special cartridge with built-in rumble, Drill Dozer first launched in Japan in 2005 and then in North America on February 6, 2006. Despite receiving positive reviews, the game didn’t sell well. Some at the time speculated that Nintendo didn’t promote it enough, or that it was lost in the excitement surrounding the release of the Nintendo DS. While a direct sequel never materialized, the 2017 game Giga Wrecker, with its focus on puzzles and dramatic storytelling, was heavily inspired by Drill Dozer.

Why Drill Dozer Deserves A Switch 2 Edition

Although Giga Wrecker tried to recreate the feel of Drill Dozer, it didn’t quite capture the same magic. The focus shifted towards puzzles and the art style became more ordinary. Drill Dozer succeeded because it combined fast-paced action with clever puzzles, making movement and drilling essential for overcoming obstacles. The game was consistently engaging thanks to its likeable characters and cheerful story. Drill Dozer still feels full of possibilities, and it’s disappointing because a new version would be perfect for the Switch or the upcoming Switch 2. A modernized, charming art style could make the large mech battles even more fun, and games like Donkey Kong Bananza show how the core “break through anything” mechanic could lead to innovative level design.

A sequel or reboot could build on the original game’s core concept by taking cues from series like Armored Core, allowing players to heavily customize their mechs – their appearance, design, and how they function. The unique digging mechanic from Drill Dozer could also be adapted for multiplayer modes, supporting direct battles, races across challenging landscapes, or cooperative gameplay against a shared enemy. The game’s quirky world, where comical gangs compete for wealth and recognition, has a lot of potential for further development. Despite being a beloved cult classic for two decades, Drill Dozer has only made brief appearances in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. Nintendo has a valuable property on their hands, and a new game could really revitalize it.

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2026-02-06 22:42