Blaster Master Zero

Back in 1988, a phenomenal Metroidvania game released for NES. Now, gamers can enjoy Blaster Master in an updated iteration that's much more accessible than the original. So, let's chase that frog and see how Jason's holding up almost 30 years later.

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.

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. If you've finished your launch titles already, or are just looking for something new, we highly recommend Blaster Master Zero; it's a great homage to the original and one yo...

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.

The original Blaster Master wore its inspirations on its sleeve, melding the exploration of Metroid with the dungeon-crawling of The Legend of Zelda. It was a working formula that helped build a sizeable cult following. Flash forward almost three decades and Inti Creates has taken that original blueprint and used it as a foundation to build a remaster that follows faithfully in the spirit of the original game while expanding on a number of important areas. The basic world layout is similar to the original NES title, but Inti Creates has liberally redesigned several areas, created new boss figh...

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.

It feels like only yesterday that I first lost my pet frog and followed it down a hole only to stumble across a battle tank hiding in my backyard. That was the setup for an adventure that managed to be one of the first titles I played on the family’s NES. The original Blaster Master was an adventure I tried over and over to play through as a kid, but never made it quite all the way to the end in the single sitting required. As a new Nintendo console has finally made its way onto the market, Sunsoft has arisen out of obscurity to release an updated version of that classic: Blaster Master Zero.

Structurally, Blaster Master Zero is a significant step forward for the franchise, but provided you are actively avoiding getting hit, the game is just too easy. Mildly more interesting when driving around in a tank than gunning down mutants on foot, it’s probably a great entry point to the series for more inexperienced gamers. It’s just a shame that this reintroduction doesn’t provide much of a challenge.