Blaster Master Zero

 Switch
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 137 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 99 out of 137
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 137
  3. Negative: 20 out of 137
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  1. ophone
    Mar 24, 2023
    7
    At first I wanted to curse this game because I got stuck in an area.
    Although in the end it has been a pleasant ride after someone pointed me to a solution the game told me even itself, I just forgot it in the heat of the action.
    It looks and sounds good for a game that's basically an NES game, it's just the controls which need a while to get used to. The jumps of the vehicle are floaty    At first I wanted to curse this game because I got stuck in an area.
    Although in the end it has been a pleasant ride after someone pointed me to a solution the game told me even itself, I just forgot it in the heat of the action.
    It looks and sounds good for a game that's basically an NES game, it's just the controls which need a while to get used to. The jumps of the vehicle are floaty and the protagonist has stiff movement.
    Still in general it's a rather easy game, except the battle against the final boss where I needed multiple attempts to figure out how to beat him.
    On the story front don't go in expecting a convoluted plot.
    Finally one thing is sure, I'll try at least the game's follow-up.    … Expand
  2. AidanNintendo
    Aug 5, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So this review contains story spoilers. Make sure you are aware of that.

    The story mode is simple yet intriguing. It is the same as the original blaster master until the end. If you don't have enough power (aka all collectables), you end up failing your mission, causing everyone to die. If you get all the power ups though, you get the secret area 9. Playing through that in the new vegicle Sophia Zero was amazing. (What happened to 1 and 2 though?)

    The difficulty curve is harsh. In worlds 1-6, it is easy. Suddenly, world 7 gets extremely hard, and enemies are too powerful for you to fight with the hope of winning. World 8 is about as hard as world 7, and World 9 has an extremely hard final boss, though this does not mean it;s not a really fun fight.

    The main reason it has a 9/10 instead of perfect score is because I feel like they should have done more with Jason (the pilot). He lacks any notable personality, which makes the story feel like anybody could take his place. Other than that, the "upgraded" sub area weapons dissapearing when taking damage got a bit annoying, as some weapons are almost necessary (such as the shield). This is more of a nitpick than a real complaint, but it's worth noting.

    As for the DLC characters, they each have their own pros and cons. The story gets cut weirdly when playing as them, so keep that in mind if you place to purchase. Shantae is a blast to play as, and I'd consider her a must buy. Shovel knight and Gunvolt were both fun as well, but I would only recommend buying them if you enjoyed the game. Ekoro was rather underwhelming, she does give a somewhat fresh experience for replaying the game, but honestly she's not worth buying.    … Expand
  3. renatofontes
    Jul 24, 2021
    0
    God, you can soft lock yourself if you fall into the water too early in the game.
  4. Phuz
    Apr 3, 2021
    6
    OK, so I guess this would class as a Metroidvania, which isn't my favourite type of game. It was kind of fun playing the demo though.

    It's a difficult game to rate because it looked great but the music got on my nerves quite quickly and so did the sound effects. I also didn't like the controls, like sliding on ice feeling. Strangely enjoyable all the same. Not sure if I'll pick this    OK, so I guess this would class as a Metroidvania, which isn't my favourite type of game. It was kind of fun playing the demo though.

    It's a difficult game to rate because it looked great but the music got on my nerves quite quickly and so did the sound effects. I also didn't like the controls, like sliding on ice feeling.

    Strangely enjoyable all the same. Not sure if I'll pick this up as Rabi Ribi and the TouHou game look better but it was definitely a bit of fun if nothing else. A bit like getting spuds deep in the ugly girl. You leave happy but still slightly disappointed.    … Expand
  5. Simoss13
    Jul 13, 2020
    8
    This was the first indie I played on the Switch and playing the demo bought a smile on my face I could not wipe off so I had to have this game.
    In saying that, I have played though the game twice, the second time was not as great as I recall.
    The levels were abit long and kind of all over the place in the end. I did not enjoy back tracking for like 5/6 minutes to previous stages just to    This was the first indie I played on the Switch and playing the demo bought a smile on my face I could not wipe off so I had to have this game.
    In saying that, I have played though the game twice, the second time was not as great as I recall.
    The levels were abit long and kind of all over the place in the end. I did not enjoy back tracking for like 5/6 minutes to previous stages just to progress to the next level. But don't let that scare you.
    I had a great time playing this game
    The secret caves with the top down view invented variety I enjoyed. The pixel art was bang on looking like a SNES title.
    The music and story both very very good. I enjoyed the upgrades given and a trial on how to use them. Also to mention the boss battles had variety and fun as heck, especially with the build up cut scene. This is a retro game remake done right.    … Expand
  6. 00wolf
    Feb 13, 2020
    9
    A classic is born anew. While I enjoyed the original Blaster Master, this reimagining brings a whole lot more to the table along with tons of extras and content that makes replaying the game a desirable endeavor.
  7. JJTX
    Mar 24, 2019
    8
    Blaster Master Zero is a reboot done right. It starts with the solid but flawed foundation of the original Blaster Master, and builds a new world with great music and a far better story. Although developer Inti Creates is known for making difficult games, BMZ is accessible and fun while packing a solid challenge. Fans of the original are sure to get a kick out of this one.
  8. forreverendmeme
    Apr 6, 2018
    7
    Not the best Metroidvania on the Switch but it's hard not to recommend for a mere 10 dollars.
  9. Rtheom
    Jan 9, 2018
    7
    This was a surprisingly solid little game. It was pretty easy to grasp and readily enjoyable. The controls are pretty solid and the different weapons are fun to use. I'd have rated it one higher, but the game has a problematic case of last-level-itis where the difficulty suddenly spikes at the end, and for some reason the creators decided to make one of the last areas a stealth level,This was a surprisingly solid little game. It was pretty easy to grasp and readily enjoyable. The controls are pretty solid and the different weapons are fun to use. I'd have rated it one higher, but the game has a problematic case of last-level-itis where the difficulty suddenly spikes at the end, and for some reason the creators decided to make one of the last areas a stealth level, which wasn't fun at all after playing 5ish hours of straight shooter. I'd recommend this if you can pick it up for under $5. It's fun for a time, but you may end up feeling cheated toward the end if you pay full price.… Expand
  10. ConsumerBatman
    Nov 26, 2017
    8
    Heavily NES-inspired, 2D platforming bliss!
    The addition of occasional new characters is a wonderful surprise. If you're a fan of 2D platformers in general, or of the 8-bit era, or even the 16-bit era, this is for you. And for the price? You almost can't miss it.

    No, literally, you can't miss it. There is a tank driving by. :P
  11. jbakes25
    Sep 18, 2017
    7
    Having never played the NES version, this game was a great addition to my switch game library. It adds a touch of modern game play to the classic game to make it feel as good as new, and I feel like I am playing the first Blaster Master game. It is now easier to get a better grasp of the story. Game play may be simple, but enjoyable. Switching from controlling Sofia III and entering cavesHaving never played the NES version, this game was a great addition to my switch game library. It adds a touch of modern game play to the classic game to make it feel as good as new, and I feel like I am playing the first Blaster Master game. It is now easier to get a better grasp of the story. Game play may be simple, but enjoyable. Switching from controlling Sofia III and entering caves as Jason adds an interesting concept to the game. Each has their own controls and mechanics to learn. Playing with all the different weapons is fun, and the price of $10 is very good for this game.… Expand
  12. shadow773
    Sep 13, 2017
    8
    for those who played the original game, they will love this awesome throwback... from the graphics to the actual gameplay they game has it all... it would have been nice to see the game with better graphics though it is not a deal breaker (for me).
  13. Firemiser
    Aug 23, 2017
    8
    All the fun of the original with a lot less hassle. Save points before bosses and between zones. Lots of new areas, simple and functional map, and easy weapon swapping. It wont come out and tell you, but L is for weapon swapping, you don't have to constantly go into your menu. I wish there was some touch screen functionality within menus though.
    There are some peculiar button holds for    All the fun of the original with a lot less hassle. Save points before bosses and between zones. Lots of new areas, simple and functional map, and easy weapon swapping. It wont come out and tell you, but L is for weapon swapping, you don't have to constantly go into your menu. I wish there was some touch screen functionality within menus though.
    There are some peculiar button holds for some base mechanics that become trial and error like grabbing hold of ladders when falling or swimming instead of just using up keys or driving on walls with ZR and its used for nothing else. You can remap all keys in options. People have complained about the inverse of Confirm being B and Cancel being A but there is a option to swap them as well.
    There are loads of new environments and obstacles on foot in dungeons with some great use of the HD rumble. And plenty of new overworld mechanics that require your tank, such as large conveyor belts you need to spin up to move platforms.

    Main complaint is its extremely easy. There are health and power-up drops everywhere so its easy to get the best on foot weapon the Wave beam and sweep minions and bosses alike while in dungeons. And its not just the over powered Wave gun that's to blame. Very few minions have the capability to fight at angles, usually just the basic left right up down. The only semi challenging bosses which are new to Zero are the overworld Tank bosses, As you don't have all weapons immediately unlocked unlike the on foot mode. So do yourself a favor and try to not use the wave gun, it makes for a more interesting fight.    … Expand
  14. ExMassEffectFan
    Aug 20, 2017
    10
    I love this game, it's somewhat like a Metroidvania in that new abilities help you to access new areas but there are also secrets hidden in the worlds to help you make progress. The retro style is lovely and the music and gameplay are absolutely top notch. Definitely one of my favourite games of the year and on the Switch!
  15. FrankoAmmo
    Aug 3, 2017
    7
    I recently completed this game on the Switch. The graphics are nice, but the paste is a little slow at times. I would have gave it a 8 out of 10 if I could move faster in the game. I still enjoyed it! It was pretty nice to switch from controlling a vehicle to controlling a person. It took me about 6-7 hours to finish it and I found it fairly easy.
  16. Stlouzilla
    Jun 26, 2017
    9
    This is the most overlooked game of 2017 so far in my book. Blaster Master Zero isn't just a wonderful retro tribute, it is a legitimately fantastic "metroidvania" in its own right that deserves to stand alongside the namesake franchises of the genre. With timeless presentation and gameplay, BMZ is just as good now as it would have been twenty years ago. The art, music, and wacky story areThis is the most overlooked game of 2017 so far in my book. Blaster Master Zero isn't just a wonderful retro tribute, it is a legitimately fantastic "metroidvania" in its own right that deserves to stand alongside the namesake franchises of the genre. With timeless presentation and gameplay, BMZ is just as good now as it would have been twenty years ago. The art, music, and wacky story are all tremendous and unique and the different gameplay modes between the overworld and dungeons adds some nice variety to the action. This game is a true gem on any scale and the fact that it is ten bucks makes it a no-brainer for every Switch owner.… Expand
  17. abulinix
    Jun 23, 2017
    6
    Grew up loving the original, which was fresh and amazing for its day, with a strong combination of unique art style, excellent music, varied and challenging gameplay, and crazy bosses that seemed to take up the whole screen. I can see why people are overall positive on this remake. It does check off most of the boxes and faithfully recreates the structure of the original game. I wasGrew up loving the original, which was fresh and amazing for its day, with a strong combination of unique art style, excellent music, varied and challenging gameplay, and crazy bosses that seemed to take up the whole screen. I can see why people are overall positive on this remake. It does check off most of the boxes and faithfully recreates the structure of the original game. I was personally underwhelmed by the demo, but decided to go for it anyway, and I continue to be disappointed in the actual $10 downloadable. It's a subjective call but art style and music in particular seem not up to the standard set by the original. The colors are seemingly less saturated and the game world less vivid than in the NES version. The contrast between the lush/natural and metallic/robotic was striking in the original, whereas the update favors blander Castlevania style shades over more saturated environments. Bosses are diminished in scale, maybe because the resolution is so much higher. Small and effective details from the original are missing. For example, I may be wrong but I think the flashing and pounding at the start of boss fights is now gone, as are the distinctive swishing explosions that ended boss fights, and while that could be fine, it's not replaced with anything comparably distinctive. Bosses are also too easy, but that's been commented on. Something about the quirkiness of environments and enemies is missing as well. The original gave a feeling of being a real place, somehow, governed by its own logic--with odd variations and features popping up here and there. In some cases it was the glitchiness of the game sounds and graphics that gave it character. A lot of that feeling is gone, for me at least. Music falls short too. The water level tune in the original for example was replaced with something blander and less memorable but that's true for many environments. Generally, the new/original music tracks I've heard so far seem uninspired and the old tunes are sorely missing. The weapons system and status screen are far more complicated but not necessarily in the service of better gameplay. The graphical presentation here is especially cluttered (both visually and to navigate through) and anime/"video-gamey" where the original was minimalist and somehow more realistic--less disruptive to the immersion in the game. I don't find the addition of more story or the anime-style adds much--and in fact for me they detracted. In fairness I haven't finished the game and it's possible it will surprise me positively as it moves along. Credit is also due to the developers for making a demo available for free, and the demo accurately captures the feel of the game. if you like the demo you will probably like Blaster Master Zero.… Expand
  18. dharma
    Jun 10, 2017
    8
    Great reboot of the old NES game shows you the true intended audience for the Nintendo Switch: Millenials and lapsed gamers looking for retro thrills. The save anywhere feature is a welcome addition, considering that our old school skill is not as great. A great piecemeal 'purchase' as you wait for the next 'AAA' games for your brand new Switch.
  19. elfredy91
    Apr 25, 2017
    10
    A good retro metroidvania with locked area until you get the power up that lets you get there, very fun. It has 3 kind of phases, the normal where you control the SOPHIA III which is a fast tank but you can get out of the the vehicle and get throught small places and enter in dungeon where the camera turns in cenital mode. Its 10 usd cost is very good for the game
  20. M1N1B34R
    Apr 19, 2017
    9
    This game is an example of great reboot from the original NES, find it amazing how this game managed to show balance with keeping the nostalgic part of the game while adding some new feature to the game. Even for people who have played the original game like my self, will find some new experience with the game, it added new flavor with new way of story telling, the additional motivationThis game is an example of great reboot from the original NES, find it amazing how this game managed to show balance with keeping the nostalgic part of the game while adding some new feature to the game. Even for people who have played the original game like my self, will find some new experience with the game, it added new flavor with new way of story telling, the additional motivation to search all the dungeon and the additional mini bosses. This is a quite interesting game if you have the need to have relive the classic of NES game.… Expand
  21. Blaster21
    Apr 15, 2017
    0
    This game is so frustrating! The game makes it so hard to aim diagonally which messes you up at the worst time. Also why is the b and a button switched? The game was so bad I tried returning it but unfortunately e-shop does not allow returns! Don't waste your 10 buck on this garbage. The art did look interesting though.
  22. medv4380
    Mar 21, 2017
    8
    Fixes all the problems with the original, and if this were the NES era, it would be an eleven. Fast acting save-points and a robust checkpoint system were unheard of in the past. The battery and memory cost would have been excessive.

    The game is about an 8 hour game with my first play- though. Which is my first time finishing the game even though I played in the NES era. Eight hours was    Fixes all the problems with the original, and if this were the NES era, it would be an eleven. Fast acting save-points and a robust checkpoint system were unheard of in the past. The battery and memory cost would have been excessive.

    The game is about an 8 hour game with my first play- though. Which is my first time finishing the game even though I played in the NES era. Eight hours was just too long originally without save points or checkpoints. Only a high level of mastering it would allow you get to finish it before. There are multiple endings, and I'm playing again to get a good ending so there is a bit of replay value on a short game.

    Multiplayer is a good addition if you have a small child who wants to play with you. The game on its own is too complicated if they can't competently play a 2D side scroller, but a second player just plays as a target that can shoot anything on the screen so if you're interested in playing the difficult stuff they can join in. It makes it far easier, and they get to help you out on stuff you'd have to be more careful approaching solo.

    The biggest negatives are the Joy Cons. I have a pro controller, and I prefer to play with that. The left joy con has the standard interference issue with the left joy con. It wouldn't be a problem for this game if the multiplayer mode didn't require you play with them. They don't have enough buttons, so player one will randomly bring up the map menu because pressing the joystick down will bring it up. It shouldn't even be an issue because it should have let me play with the Pro control, and my Daughter plays with the full Joy Con controller. The game doesn't take into consideration that you might have two full controllers handy.    … Expand
  23. HecTiicClaw
    Mar 17, 2017
    8
    Blaster master zero is a very interesting game of which took me around 6 and a half hours. It is a very good throwback to old NES games and has a fairly interesting story, however at some points is very cliche and you might find yourself skipping through a lot of the dialogue. The progression system is very captivating and of which i find is the high point of this game along with theBlaster master zero is a very interesting game of which took me around 6 and a half hours. It is a very good throwback to old NES games and has a fairly interesting story, however at some points is very cliche and you might find yourself skipping through a lot of the dialogue. The progression system is very captivating and of which i find is the high point of this game along with the smooth controls and variation of areas throughout the game. i would recommend this game to anyone who is looking for a cheap indie title on the Switch as i find is definitely worth the £8.99… Expand
  24. hypernewbie
    Mar 16, 2017
    10
    Return to form, as an indie. This is great for a metroidvania even without the whole nostalgia part.

    The save points are great, especially the quick "retry" option. For a game that's about trying to not ever taking a single point of damage ever, the quick "retry" really makes life a hell of a lot easier than walking up to push the NES reset button! The sound design is definitely the    Return to form, as an indie. This is great for a metroidvania even without the whole nostalgia part.

    The save points are great, especially the quick "retry" option. For a game that's about trying to not ever taking a single point of damage ever, the quick "retry" really makes life a hell of a lot easier than walking up to push the NES reset button!

    The sound design is definitely the weakest part of this reboot. The NES Blaster Master had way better sound, weapons sounded powerful. The music is okay, just sound FX are terrible!

    Plays amazingly well with the switch, can't ask for more.    … Expand
  25. WereSuricat
    Mar 15, 2017
    10
    A fantastic game from the old time with very good addition !!! A dream to play on the move with the switch ;) If you love a metroid style for the labyrinth its perfect for you. Sure the graphic seem old because its a game from the past, but one of the best of his generation !
  26. pirinto
    Mar 11, 2017
    10
    If you played the NES original and are wondering if this is worth it. It totally is.
    The game is a great reboot of the series and takes you back with that 8-bit nostalgia without trying to hard.
    The multi-player feature is really fun and does not give the second player a sense of a fifth wheel. Rather the opposite. It makes you work together and decreases the small grinding factor for    If you played the NES original and are wondering if this is worth it. It totally is.
    The game is a great reboot of the series and takes you back with that 8-bit nostalgia without trying to hard.
    The multi-player feature is really fun and does not give the second player a sense of a fifth wheel. Rather the opposite. It makes you work together and decreases the small grinding factor for power-ups.
    This is a great game and for 10 USD it's more than a steal. Get it.    … Expand
  27. Boomshackalacka
    Mar 11, 2017
    7
    Master blaster is a proper retro 8 bit throw back. The game is a metroid like game which is great and the action is solid.
    My biggest gripe with this game is no pro control support meaning you are left using joycons which feel a little loose in this game, shovel knight they where tight but i feel i dont have full acurate control in this game thats my reason for the 7 score. 8.99 in uk 10    Master blaster is a proper retro 8 bit throw back. The game is a metroid like game which is great and the action is solid.
    My biggest gripe with this game is no pro control support meaning you are left using joycons which feel a little loose in this game, shovel knight they where tight but i feel i dont have full acurate control in this game thats my reason for the 7 score. 8.99 in uk 10 dollars in states once again we get the bad exchange but for 9 quid this is an enjoyable if not loose exlerience.    … Expand
  28. ByYuxiSs
    Mar 9, 2017
    8
    Blaster Master Zero is the return of a great classic franchise but in the style of current games which has been based quite well being this game an epic return of the saga which is on the right track.

    A very good game 8/10

Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Best Switch Game of 2017
55
#55 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
42
#42 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. ZTGD
    Aug 31, 2017
    70
    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.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Jun 7, 2017
    75
    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]
  3. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Apr 24, 2017
    90
    Blaster Master Zero is the definitive version of a flawed classic, vaporizing all the sludge that slowed its predecessor down. [Issue #27 – May/June 2017, p. 24]
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