It’s interesting to look back at many of the games I enjoyed when I was young. We all knew most Nintendo games came from Japan. But at the time we weren’t aware of the significant changes some games received on the trip overseas. I had no idea that the goofy Dragon Power game I enjoyed was actually a Dragon Ball title. Or that Mickey Mousecapade was originally an Alice in Wonderland game. Not that it mattered, that game was ass. Usually the west got a raw deal in these situations but occasionally we received a gem. Power Blade is one such title and a truly excellent addition to the NES library to boot.
In the year 2191 New Earth is governed by a system deemed the Master Computer. The master computer controls all facets of life, making it a prime target. When aliens invade their first course of action is to turn the system against mankind. Chief Security Officer Nova is tasked with infiltrating the six sectors blocking access to the master computer, destroying them and ultimately the computer itself. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that if our last hope against an alien invasion is a dude with a boomerang we are fucking screwed.
Power Blade is an almost complete remake of the Japanese title Power Blazer. That game was heavily inspired by Mega Man, to the point some of the enemies were near identical. It wasn’t any good however. Ultimately Power Blazer was a game with its heart in the right place let down by heavy flaws such as loose controls, a weak protagonist and crushing difficulty. Taito salvaged the good elements of that game and created a much better title overall, one that stands alongside some of the best action games on the system in my opinion.
Although the Mega Man influence has been lessened it is still there somewhat. You can tackle any of the first six zones in any order. The biggest deviation Power Blade makes over Power Blazer is in its level design. Power Blade has massive levels with plenty of alternate paths to the exit rather than a straightforward jaunt. In fact you have an added mission objective. Before you can face each sector’s boss you must first find an agent who will give you that level’s ID card. This forces exploration and is a change for the better in my opinion. Although a clock has been introduced you have so much time it is a complete non factor. It gives the game its own flair despite similarities to Astyanax and Castlevania.
A large part of what makes Power Blade better than its Japanese counterpart is its revamped mechanics. The controls are tighter and Nova is far more agile than the squat protagonist of Power Blazer. The most important changes are in the boomerang. Here the boomerang is stronger and will always pass through enemies and deal damage coming back. You can attack in every direction which is really helpful as well. The power meter charges faster as well, speeding up the game’s pace. Well, not too much considering Nova’s goofy stride. The number of power-ups has increased dramatically as well. Some allow you to throw out multiple boomerangs but the most powerful is the power suit. This overpowered item allows you to throw powerful waves and take three hits with no damage. These mechanical changes really make a profound difference and are a large reason why the game is so fun.
The changes to Power Blade do have another side effect of making the game too easy. Power Blazer was crushing in its difficult because it was so broken. Power Blade is incredibly easy in contrast. The power suits are pretty common which, considering their power, is a bit much. You can easily farm enemies for power-ups such as health with time to spare as well. Some of the bosses put up a fight but as a whole this is falls on the easy side. I won’t complain too much considering what was done to Ninja Gaiden but it is noteworthy.
In Closing
Power Blade is a great game and a must have for action game fans. This was a title I took a chance on thanks to Nintendo Power and it panned out. It has a lower profile than its contemporaries but is just as good and dirt cheap to boot.
