Puchi

Puchi is a pet talking dog owned by Susumu Hori of the Mr. Driller Series

Puchi first debuted on Mr. Driller 2 (Arcade, 2000), GBA, 2002) as a story character. Puchi became a playable character on the Import only Mr. Driller G (Arcade & PSOne, 2001). He also appeared in Mr. Driller Ace (GBA, 2002 - import only) and Mr. Driller Drill Land (GameCube, 2002 - import only).

Eventually, Puchi was introduced to the US in Mr. Driller Drill Spirits (Nintendo DS, 2004). However, the game was a miss because Namco rushed the localization in order to meet the Nintendo DS launch window. Mr. Driller Drill Spirits did better in Japan and in Europe - despite his annoying voice and his ADD-like happy-go-lucky attitude, Puchi is probably the cutest character in the Mr. Driller franchise.