Developed by Inti Creates
Published by Inti Creates
Reviewed on Switch (also available on 3DS)
Blaster Master Zero is a 2D action platformer that provides a new spin on 8-bit era gaming ideas. It draws inspiration from the original Blaster Master’s visual motifs and fun mechanics. However, its visuals, levels, and challenges are new, and it provides more accessible action with plenty of surprises.
The story encompasses Jason’s adventures as he chases the frog Fred down a mysterious hole. Stumbling upon a vehicle named Sophia III, Jason travels through subterranean labyrinths that were originally constructed to survive the aftermath of a war-torn Earth. His adventures become increasingly involved as he engages unfamiliar hostile threats. The story serves as a fascinating backdrop for the straightforward action, and Jason’s journey provides simple thrills.
Much like in the original game, players alternate between distinct styles to explore stages. In side-scrolling platforming stages, players control either Jason or Sophia III. Sophia III moves faster, jumps higher, and has an interchangeable arsenal of primary and sub-weapons. It also gains dynamic movement skills for reaching previously inaccessible zones. Sophia III is empowering and a blast to control. However, Jason sometimes has to leave the vehicle in order to climb ladders, enter doors, and traverse narrow spaces. He is susceptible to fall damage and his firepower is short range, which necessitates more careful play. Alternating between Jason and Sophia III creates a fun flow while traversing stages.
When Jason enters doors, the game switches to an overhead perspective. Jason moves and fires in eight directions in order to defeat enemies, break obstacles, and carefully evade stage hazards. His firepower is quite varied. Acquiring power-ups increases Jason’s gun level, which enables weapons like lightning strikes and flamethrowers. Receiving damage lowers this level and temporarily disables these weapons. Keeping a high level can help players tear through the opposition with powerful attacks. However, players must also carefully avoid enemy attacks or risk losing their advantage. Bosses frequently appear at the end of these overhead stages, and their attack patterns and considerable size create numerous entertaining fights throughout the entire game.
The game in general is widely accessible and adopts current gaming trends. Unlike the original game, Blaster Master Zero does not use lives or continues. After being defeated, the player respawns at the last save point or door. Save points’ placements are fair, and players generally will not lose a substantial amount of progress upon defeat. The game also utilizes the strengths of having more buttons than the original. Players can hold R to lock their firing position, which makes it easy to aim in one direction and move in another. They can also access maps that clearly designate points of interest and show unexplored territory. Finding entrances off the beaten path frequently leads to bosses that drop useful weapons for Jason and Sophia, which meaningfully rewards exploration. Another entertaining inclusion for the Switch version is a two player mode. The second player assists Jason and Sophia by dispensing power-ups, deploying a projectile absorption bomb, and firing at enemies. This mode is a simple yet novel multiplayer experience, and both players’ control layouts are intuitive.
Blaster Master Zero utilizes different visual styles in a compelling way. It simultaneously embraces the NES era’s simplicity and the SNES era’s more detailed visuals. While many character sprites utilize the NES’ size and palette limitations, the larger boss sprites would potentially fit in the SNES era. The number of sprites on screen is also notably higher than the NES’ capabilities as well. Furthermore, certain choices create a striking appearance. The use of transparency and full-screen scrolling images creates an additional level of engrossing detail. At the same time, cutscenes’ transitions involve colors changing step by step, which creates a stark NES style effect.
Each of Blaster Master Zero’s main areas are visually and mechanically unique. Jason traverses forests, industrialized cities, and daunting landscapes. Each area revolves around a particular theme with appropriate obstacles and level layouts. These areas consistently feel distinct as some feel narrow and confining while others seem expansive. While some obstacles might catch players off guard, they are always well designed and compelling. The game becomes increasingly interesting via unexpected turns and even somewhat unsettling hazards, and the end will undoubtedly catch players off guard.
Inti Creates’ Sound Create Unit has crafted yet another excellent soundtrack. Once players control Sophia III for the first time, the game presents a layered rich arrangement of the main original Blaster Master theme song. The areas’ tunes always excellently accompany the the action. It is always a treat hearing the next song that plays upon reaching a new area, and the overhead and boss tunes are incredibly upbeat. Each weapon and explosion sound feels unique and impactful.
With a long history of developing solid titles, Inti Creates once again demonstrates that they are able to deliver accessible, well crafted platforming action. Blaster Master Zero is a superbly paced adventure that keeps players entertained via different play perspectives and varied challenges. The adventure is an entertaining ride that lasts for approximately six hours, which can vary depending on how players explore each area. Platforming and exploring truly feel like a joy throughout the entire game.
