Driller (video game)
| Industry | Video game development |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Driller (video game) |
Driller, released in the United States as Space Station Oblivion, is a 1987 puzzle video game created by the UK-based developer Major Developments and distributed by Incentive Software. Available on platforms such as ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, Amiga, Atari ST, and MS-DOS, it is notable for utilizing the groundbreaking Freescape 3D engine.
Plot
Set far in the future, mankind has forsaken Earth after exhausting its resources and falling into turmoil. They discover a new world named Evath, which features two moons, Mitral and Tricuspid, and establish a settlement aboard the vessel "Exodus." Over time, as disorder prevails, the original Exodus crew members—known as the Elders—restore control by forming a military force.
Lesleigh Skerrit, determined to follow his grandfather’s path into the Driller Federation (his grandfather having been unjustly exiled as a Ketar), studies law to prevent similar injustices. His commander, Montigue Yarbro, presents an opportunity for rapid advancement to Elite status: a vital mission to deploy eighteen drilling rigs across Mitral using the excavation probe called "Last Hope." This operation aims to safely release hazardous gases before Mitral’s imminent explosion threatens Evath. However, security systems left from the Ketar era pose significant obstacles.
Gameplay
Players assume control of the excavation probe in a first-person view, tasked with navigating eighteen distinct sectors arranged in the shape of a rhombicuboctahedron on Mitral. The goal is to position drilling rigs in every area to vent at least half of the trapped gases. Players identify these locations through environmental hints and experimentation. Defensive security mechanisms attack on sight; while some can be neutralized by shooting, most require interaction with mechanical switches.
Each sector consists of raised platforms above Mitral’s surface; since the probe lacks extensive flying or hovering capabilities, falling off can leave it stranded. A garage zone provides access to a hovering vehicle used for exploration and combat against hostile systems but cannot be employed for placing rigs.
Development
Driller pioneered the use of the Freescape engine, which allowed fully three-dimensional spaces rendered with solid polygons and free player movement. It enabled players to look vertically and rotate horizontally—a feature uncommon among 3D titles at that time. This engine was also utilized in Driller's sequel, Dark Side, with enhanced versions powering subsequent titles like Total Eclipse, The Sphinx Jinx, Castle Master, and Castle Master II: The Crypt.
Reception
The title earned widespread critical acclaim upon release. CRASH awarded it 97%, commending its pioneering 3D visuals, demanding gameplay, and immersive exploration; readers selected it as 1987’s best overall game. Your Sinclair gave it a 9/10 rating, acknowledging the evident quality and depth resulting from its year-long development. Both Zzap!64 and Amstrad Action rated it at 96%, with Amstrad Action bestowing their AA Mastergame distinction. Author Orson Scott Card remarked in Compute! that despite its minimal sci-fi narrative, the game served as an impressive programming demonstration and an engaging exploratory experience.
External links
- Driller profile on MobyGames
- Driller entry at World of Spectrum
- Driller overview on Lemon64