16. Blaster Master Zero | 3DS | action adventure | 2017 | 6hrs 27mns | 9/10If you grew up with the NES as a kid, surely you've at least heard of Blaster Master, the platformer-shooter hybrid of yore. Sunsoft released it in 1988, and although it bombed in Japan, the USA ate it up. Yes, Blaster Master sold well enough in the USA that Sunsoft attempted multiple sequels. Games such as Blaster Master Boy (GB), Blaster Master 2 (Genesis), Blaster Master: Enemy Below (GBC), Blaster Master: Blasting Again (PS1), and Blaster Master: Overdrive (WiiWare) all tried and failed to capture the spirit of the original. But now finally, so many years later, a talented Japanese studio has managed to recapture the spirit of the original indeed. But how do you improve on such a beloved classic? You leave what works, fix what didn't, and add some modern flair. That's exactly what Inti Creates has done with Blaster Master Zero.
If you asked anybody who played the original Blaster Master what's the one thing that could make it better, they'd likely say the ability to save your progress. It was a true travesty that the original (rather long) game had no way to save or even generate a password. I'm happy to report that Blaster Master Zero allows you to save your game often. Now if that's all Inti Creates had brought to the remake, that'd still be job done. But no, this team has gone above the call of duty. Sure the graphics are touched up and the audio is remixed, all for the better. But the additions go well beyond something so typical as that.
For starters the story has been fleshed out significantly, you've got more complex cutscenes now, as well as in-game dialogue with talking heads. A new plot character is added as well, tying nicely into later series entries' lore. A built-in map makes tracking your progress through this metroidvania-lite far easier than ever before. There's also a waypoint indicator to keep the player on track. Those additions and more (a BIG more, but I don't want to spoil it) take Zero a serious step forward from its predecessor. Playing this game does not feel like you're playing an exhumed relic, but rather a modern indie title with high polish.
However I do have a small complaint. Blaster Master Zero started off as a 3DS project, but towards the end, Inti Creates decided to make the Switch the target platform. In doing so, they neglected any special features the 3DS offers. With 3DS that means you don't get a 3D effect, nor does the bottom screen show your map as you play on the top screen. In contrast, the Switch version does offer some extra benefits, such as co-op play (the second player gets a shooting reticle on screen) and detailed HD rumble effects. I just think it's disingenuous to give the Switch priority with proprietary features, while neglecting the obvious 3DS improvements that could have been easily implemented. So if you've got the choice, go with the Switch version.
Platform specific gripes aside let me be crystal clear; I LOVED BLASTER MASTER ZERO. Playing this was pure bliss from start to finish. We're talking unceasing creativity, balanced challenge, addictive progression, and gameplay polished to a sheen. You'll be surprised how deep BMZ's world can suck you in, very impressive immersion all things considered. Not to mention the dozens of glorious boss fights, puzzles, and crazy special weapons. As someone who fondly remembers the original game, I couldn't have asked for a better remake than Zero. If you can appreciate classic game design with a modern twist, then you absolutely must play Blaster Master Zero. Inti Creates have outdone themselves here folks.
Some spoilerly thoughts on beating it: