Developer: Inti Creates Publisher: Inti Creates Release: 03/09/17 Genre: Action Adventure
Platforms: Switch, PS4, Xbox One, XBox Series, 3DS, PC
Blaster Master has had a rough go of it over the years. While the initial NES outing is one of the most beloved games on the system the sequels have all failed to capture the same magic in one form or fashion. The fact that even in spite of these failings developers were willing to keep the series alive speaks volumes. In 2017 Inti Creates would finally get it right by creating a brilliant remake of the original with Blaster Master Zero, one that improves in every area that counts and then some. This is how you reintroduce a series to a new generation.
The general plot is still basically the same but has been expanded greatly. In the future Earth falls into another ice age, forcing mankind underground. Hundreds of years later they return to the surface and use the methods and technology they created to restore the planet. A mysterious comet falls to Earth but seemingly goes unnoticed. One day robotics engineer named Jason finds an unusual frog like creature he names Fred. But while studying Fred it escapes into a wormhole and drags Jason with him. Inside he finds a tank named SOPHIA III, which he uses to fend off the mysterious creatures proliferating underground and to also find Fred.
When Blaster Master was localized the story was changed significantly from the original game, Metafight. To add to that the Worlds of Power novelization while inspired by the NES game also added story elements not present in either game. One of the greatest successes of Blaster Master Zero is that it manages to incorporate elements from all three in to one cohesive and enjoyable whole that actually makes sense. This is a feat in itself; the plot of Blaster Master was incredibly goofy. But now I actually like it. Imagine that.
The world of Blaster Master Zero uses the same map as the NES game. This means it is divided in to interconnected eight areas you explore in SOPHIA III and on foot as Jason. However each area has been significantly expanded so while your memory of the original will certainly help there is enough new content in each zone to warrant exploration. To aid in this there are maps for each area you can find that mark points of interest. For the most part the primary upgrades are still the same but there are some new ones. There are multiple different cannons as well as a double jump and more secondary weapons. The controls take advantage of the numerous buttons on modern controllers for a smoother experience. Even something as simple as wall climbing has a dedicated button which is a god send.
The various dungeons you explore as Jason as well as the man himself have changed as well. These now have more mechanics such as crashing waves, terminals that freeze the environment and hidden passages. Jason’s gun still powers up to eight levels. Now however each level is a unique weapon you can switch between at any time. These are heavily varied and have situational uses. The flamethrower is slow but can melt ice inflicts damage over time. Reflect is both a shield and a weapon. The Striker is slow but chains to all nearby enemies, highly useful during certain boss battles. The wave is still the final upgrade and the most powerful but the game does an excellent job providing reasons to use almost everything.
One of the most frustrating elements of the NES game was weapon degradation whenever you took a hit. That is still present however it is less of a detriment. Weapon capsules are plentiful to the point of ridiculousness. Most enemies will drop them frequently as well. Before almost every boss battle the game will also provide numerous weapon capsules to help you out. With most weapons passing through walls and the dumb AI you don’t need to enter the line of fire. It was rare that I was ever reduced to the basic gun and that was due to sloppy play more than challenge.
As I said before the maps are similar but heavily expanded. The environments are more interactive for SOPHIA and the game fully embraces its Metroid like nature. There is so much new content to surprise fans of the original. There are numerous boss battles, both for Jason and SOPHIA. These are varied and a welcome addition that make this a more well-rounded title. While the NES game was an hour long if you knew what you were doing I easily spent almost 8 hours here even with my knowledge of the original. At no point did it ever feel like a chore. There is incentive to find every item as well; completing the main story with 100% completion unlocks the new Area 9 and the true ending. But it is not as if you need more incentive to play the game.
Blaster Master was a difficult game, especially toward the end. The numerous mechanical changes ease that difficulty in many ways. First of all you can save progress which is something the original desperately needed. Despite featuring the same zones this is a longer game you will more than likely not complete in one sitting. It is possible to extend your life bar, eventually doubling it by the end if you search hard enough. The various new weapons are extremely powerful and some might even say game breaking. Choose the right one and you can end most boss battles in seconds. Even the final boss battles are trivial next to the original. If you want a challenge there is a Destroyer Mode that is basically a hard mode but you need to beat the game at 100% first. At that point it is kind of pointless but what do I know.
In Closing
Blaster Master Zero is an incredible game, one that plays on nostalgia minus the frustration. Make no mistake while the game is familiar there is so much new content it is almost a brand new game. I thoroughly enjoyed this one from beginning to end and cannot wait to get to its sequels. Buy this one people, it is great!
