Here we are, friends — the final challenge of the first season of the One Credit Challenge, Recalbox's arcade competition. Over this first year, no fewer than 20 games have put us head-to-head over the course of 10 months. And when I say "us," I mean 43 players who took part, regardless of skill level or preferred setup (gamepad, arcade cabinet, handheld, LCD, CRT, and more).

Of course, it's still possible to join the challenge for this final arcade showdown. While the goal is to play, this One Credit Challenge has above all been an opportunity to discover new titles, meet fellow players, and compete together regardless of skill level in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Let's also remember that every winner of an individual game received a game key (GOG, Steam, etc.), while the overall tournament winner will walk away with either a free RGB Dual 2 or a one-year subscription to Recalbox Patreon.

Before we begin, we'd like to highlight (even if he doesn't like the spotlight) Angelfred, who organized this tournament from start to finish: selecting the games, maintaining both the individual and overall scoreboards, ensuring the rules were respected, and handling everything required to keep a challenge like this running for 10 months. Thank you! And of course, a huge thank you to all the players! Whether you dropped in for a few challenges or stayed loyal throughout the season, firmly planted at your arcade cabinet and eager to put the first score on the board, none of this would have been possible without you.

But enough with the compliments — we're not here for hugs and hand-holding. Let's get to the game!

A Drill, Oxygen, and Nerves of Steel

After the chaos of Charlie Ninja, One Credit Challenge #20 takes a completely different direction. Put away your fists and grab a drill. Mr. Driller 2 was released in arcades in 2000 on Namco System 10 hardware before being ported to Game Boy Advance and PC. Beneath its colorful visuals and cheerful atmosphere lies one of the most demanding arcade puzzle games of its era.

Digging, Yes. But Not Just Any Way

The concept is simple to explain but incredibly difficult to master. Susumu Hori — better known as Mr. Driller — descends deep into the Earth, destroying colored blocks along the way. Blocks of the same color stick together; when a group of four or more forms, it disappears, triggering chain reactions that can either save you... or crush you.

That's where the danger lies: every block you destroy can cause others to fall. One bad calculation and you'll find yourself six feet under before you even understand what happened.

Your other enemy is oxygen. A constantly draining meter forces you to collect air capsules to stay alive. Dig too quickly without keeping an eye on your oxygen, and you'll suffocate. Hesitate for too long, and the result is exactly the same.

Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It

The goal of this challenge is to reach 1,000 feet in the America stage. That's a long way down.

The pressure increases exponentially as you descend: blocks fall faster, chain reactions become harder to predict, and the slightest mistake can trigger a fatal collapse. The game demands quick reflexes, anticipation, and careful oxygen management — three things that are extremely difficult to maintain simultaneously over the course of a single credit.

🏆 Challenge Rules

Your objective is to achieve the highest score possible on a single credit.

The challenge runs from June 16 to June 30 at 11:59 PM. You may attempt it as many times as you like.

📢 How to Participate

• Launch the game (ROM: mrdrill2)
• Play and try to beat the highest score
• Take a screenshot or photo of your final score
• Share your score on the Discord channel #challenges, including your nickname and score

⚖️ Rules to Follow

To ensure fair competition:

Your score must be achieved on a single credit, with no save states, rewind, cheats, or autofire (unless specifically supported by the game).

Gentleman's agreement: the use of glitches that artificially inflate scores is also prohibited.

🎁 Rewards and Fair Play

The goal of this challenge is above all to discover games, share tips, and have fun together — all within a healthy competitive spirit.

The winner will receive a game key (GOG, Steam, etc.) chosen from a list of approximately 100 titles.

If you have already won a challenge within the last three months, the prize will be awarded to the next eligible player.

Your ranking will be added to the One Credit Challenge leaderboard.

The champion of the first season will receive either a free RGB Dual 2 or a one-year Recalbox Patreon subscription.

Good luck to everyone, and may the highest score win!