Blaster Master Zero

A fun retro shooter that's had enough modern tweaks to make it a nearly essential purchase.

Blaster Master Zero is the definition of a retro remake done right. Inti Creates did a phenomenal job of improving every aspect of the original to make in an enjoyable experience for existing fans and newcomers alike so hop in your tank and start having a blast.

Blaster Master Zero does everything right in terms of rebooting an old franchise. The game retains all the quirks and cues fans of the series adore and presents them in a way that a new generation of gamers can enjoy. The pacing and difficulty is set just right to keep gamers entertained for hours. In short, this is now the definitive way to play a game from my childhood that I’ve held so close to heart.

Blaster Master Zero is the Blaster Master follow-up we’ve been waiting for since 1988. Is it a revolutionary game? Probably not. But it is a dang fine video game that completely (blaster) masters what it sets out to do. With an amazing progression, fun co-op multiplayer, and absolutely gorgeous retro style, Inti Creates has created a new classic and must-buy for the Nintendo Switch.

A re-imagining of the 1988 NES title, Blaster Master Zero is a great game for anyone looking for classic 8-bit action. Its accessible difficulty and superb retro graphics make for a wonderful addition to the Switch’s library.

There's something very genuine in the way Blaster Master Zero remains faithful to the original title. More than an aesthetically revamped reboot, this is an exciting, old fashioned action game.

This is a great Metroid-inspired game, really well executed and addictive. If you like this type of game and you have a Switch or a 3DS, you should give it a try.

Blaster Master Zero should be pointed out as the formula to follow when making a remake of a classic game. While the original's technical aspects and some elements of gameplay were modernized according to today's demands, the contents and spirit of the 8-bit classic remain intact, just like a remake should be. Anyone can enjoy this, not just retrogaming enthusiasts, which further attests to Blaster Master Zero's qualities.

A welcome return for one of the forgotten masters of Metroidvania, and an excellent example of how to remaster a retro classic.

If you're hankering for a Metroidvania on the Nintendo Switch, Blaster Master Zero is it for the time being. Luckily, it is one of the better ones.

Blaster Master is back 30 years after its original release on NES with a remake that represents all the innovations and magic it had.

Quotation forthcoming.

Blaster Master Zero is a loving recreation that serves as both a companion and in some ways a replacement for the original. While I'll always see myself going back to the NES classic for the rest of my days, Zero is a good way to introduce the series to a newcomer without scaring them off.

Blaster Master Zero is a lovely addition to the Switch's library. We suspect that it will help to fill the gap between major retail releases for anxious Switch owners looking for a low-impact game to play on the go. As Blaster Master Zero features simplistic visuals, we were able to squeeze some extra battery life out of our Switch while playing it when compared to some of the more visually intense titles already on offer.

There are two categories of people I would recommend Blaster Master Zero to: fans of the original Blaster Master and those looking for an accessible introduction to Metroidvanias. [06/2017, p.62]

For some, Blaster Master Zero might be an appealing trip down memory lane, but for those without an affinity for the original, this remaster won’t leave an impression. Blaster Master Zero features a few welcome additions – like retooled boss fights and more generous save points – but these changes aren’t enough to give this release a modern feel. Despite its facelift, Blaster Master Zero is a blast from the past that feels like a bit of a relic.

Blaster Master Zero is fun while it lasts. With a bizarre story and fun gameplay, this is one Metroidvania-style game that can be played by both fans of the series and newcomers alike. The only complaints about this remaster are that it is short and rather easy, but the seven or so hours it will take you to get to the end are certainly entertaining while they last.

Where the game does really shine is in its presentation. At no point did I feel like I was playing anything other than a classic 8-bit game. The look, the sounds, and even the crazy storyline about a boy and his frog, the game is steeped in nostalgia, and remains faithful to the games of that era, but I cannot comment on how this stacks up as a remake of the original, having never played it. But that is where one of my problems I had with the game surfaced. Due to it being so retro in its style, the game story and dialogue just felt daft. At no point was I invested in the story of Jason and Fred, and had no interest in reading all of the text that was presented to me. Some people may actually take that as being true to the original, but for me it felt like a disconnect. But at the end of the day, as long as the gameplay is enjoyable, that is all that matters.

Blaster Master Zero tries to recapture the joy of the NES classic, but the out-of-vehicle segments are just as frustrating as they were nearly thirty years ago.

While it’s a shame that its dungeon dwelling enemies are far too easily exploited, Blaster Master Zero is ultimately an enjoyable reimagining of a largely overlooked 8-bit classic thanks to the rewarding exploration-focussed structure of its side-scrolling overworld. There are enough secret rooms and power-ups to seek out (including an additional ending), that I was compelled to scour every last inch over the course of my eight-hour completion time. It’s a good reboot; just not a Masterful one.

Blaster Master Zero is a brief and faithful successor to Blaster Master. This may not be as hard as the NES game; it has modern conveniences like checkpoints and save files as it slavishly pays lip service to the classic. It does Sunsoft justice and perfectly captures that distinctive Sunsoft sound that they were known for in the NES generation. It is just too bad Inti Creates played it too safe and did not try to truly push Blaster Master Zero to the heights it could have reached. For $9.99, it is a decent throwback retro title.