Drill Dozer

Drill Dozer is a 2D side-scrolling action-platformer where the player controls the protagonist Jill, who pilots a mech called a Drill Dozer. The player uses the Game Boy Advance (GBA) shoulder buttons to control the direction of the drill, with one button drilling clockwise and the other counter-clockwise. When the drill is used, a user interface appears and the built-in rumble pack activates. This is used for different functions, including tightening or untightening screws, destroying blocks, and fighting enemies.

These blocks have different functions; while some vary only by thickness, others have their own mechanics, such as jelly blocks, which can be used to jump backwards off of them to reach a platform. The drill can also be used to drill through tunnels, using the two buttons to go forward or backwards. Certain objects will be color coded, communicating whether they require the drill to work forward or in reverse. The game spans more than a dozen levels featuring blocks, enemies, and environmental obstacles.

At some points during each level, Jill is ambushed, and the player is required to beat multiple enemies before proceeding. As the player progresses in each level, they can find sprockets that, once collected, allow the player to shift up to the next gear, done by pushing the respective shoulder button when prompted. This allows Jill to drill through harder blocks or continue drilling for longer. When finding the second sprocket in the level, the player is now able to drill indefinitely.

Once the level is complete, the Drill Dozer loses these sprockets, requiring them to be collected in the next level. Throughout the level, the player collects a currency that can be spent at a shop in the game's main menu on different items, including health tanks, special drill bits, and maps to unlock bonus levels. These drill bits are capable of destroying blocks that were previously unable to be destroyed. In some levels, the Drill Dozer is able to use a special upgrade that lets it fly or traverse bodies of water.

At the end of each level, the player faces off against a boss that is battled with the drill. In addition to playing through the levels, the player is tasked with increasing Jill's reputation as a thief, which is accomplished by collecting treasures across the levels. Upon beating the game, an increased difficulty mode is unlocked.