Blaster Master Zero is a remake of the Nintendo Entertainment System’s classic game, Blaster Master, in which you are “Jason” and you are trying to find your frog (no spoilers here, but you find a tank and a girl who will help you). The gameplay is both on foot via mazes and also via the tank.
General Gameplay
The game is set in a 2D environment in which you play in two different ways. The first way is in your tank, SOPHIA III, which is in a 2D setting. You control the tank and locate smaller bases that you can then go on by foot. Once you are in a base (another 2D setting), you are on foot taking on enemies, either reaching a boss fight or an item that will help you progress in the game. Blaster Master Zero is a “Metrovania” style of gameplay in which there are areas of the level that you cannot go through until you get the acquired power-up or weapon that will help you get to the next level.
Audio
Blaster Master Zero’s audio can be summed up as the same that was in the game over 20 years ago, with the same 8-bit ambient sounds and sound effects that you would have heard then, but they actually still fit well for the game. From background music in the levels to the sound effects, all is done to match the level’s graphic style. On-foot levels of the dungeons also feature catchy tunes that add to the level’s experience. From the weapons to even SOPHIA III’s tank sounds, are all done well. During our playtest we did not encounter anything that would be offensive to any gaming member of your family as the game does not have any spoken dialogue. While the Nintendo Switch does not support 5.1 surround sound, the audio comes out well from both the console and headphones. Parents, always use caution when gamers in your family are using headphones for extended play.
Visuals
The game is from 20 years ago, and so is the new graphical rendition, but like the audio it still works well for the game. Everything is done in 8-bit flare, and it looks really good when in movement. Imagine one of your favorite games getting an HD upgrade but still keeping the charm of being an 8-bit title – that is Blaster Master Zero. Both from the tablet and the TV, the view is sharp and clear to see. During our playtest we did not see any issues with any graphic or visual content that would be offensive to any members of your gaming family, other than some light sci-fi violence (which is only the enemies blowing up). The game does not support a colorblind mode, however, the colors are very easy to see so there should be no issues with seeing everything that’s happening in the game.
Controls
This was an interesting aspect that we encountered during our playtest. The controller that you use makes the game either a better experience or a little harder. When taking out the Joy-Cons and playing the game with the Joy-Con Grip, the controller just feels less responsive than when playing the game on a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. This is not a lag issue or anything of the sort; the game feels great when played on the Nintendo Switch, but when playing it on the TV, the game just doesn’t feel as responsive. We thought that it was perhaps something to do with the controller setup, but if you are going to play the game on your TV, know that the game controls may feel different. The in-game controls are done well with a fire button, a special ammo button to use while on foot, and an in-tank mode that is nearly the same with the exception that your tank can jump. As you go through the game you gain new abilities to do different things, and the in-game controls will adjust accordingly. Again, the in-game controls can be changed to suit your gaming needs, so no issues there. There is a multiplayer mode in the game, so the controllers can be set up to allow two people to play as well. One player will pilot the tank and the other will “free fire” on the level. As the game can be played both mobile and on the TV, there is no need for a special controller, but for those who want a more stable response we advise using the Pro Controller. During our play test, some special needs gamers did have some cramping issues when using the Joy-Cons after playing extended sessions… so parents, please keep this in mind for your family gamers when using the Joy-Cons with Master Blaster Zero.
“Blaster Master Zero has the best of both worlds with having a sci-fi action game as well a light RPG-ish style of gameplay as well”
Delivery
As one of the first games out for the Nintendo Switch, Blaster Master Zero is a great game remade for the new Nintendo Switch system. It is a great game for those in your gaming family who love side-scrolling games that have both action and an adventure theme to go with it. With around 8-10 hours of gameplay, Blaster Master Zero is a fun game. Now, is this an overall-fun game for every type of gamer to play? No, however, for those in your gaming family who like action games, we would highly recommend Blaster Master Zero. The game does take some getting used to with the controls, so for your gaming family members who want to play the game, it is best to configure the controller settings from the start to help them have the best experience with the game.
Family Friendly
In our playtest we did not encounter any issues that would make Blaster Master Zero not a family-friendly game, but the difficulty of the game may not be for all of the gaming family. As the game itself is part action, part adventure, part light-RPG and shooter, it does its best to balance out these aspects throughout the game. What we saw in the game, however, is that it is easy to play and get used to… well, until you get toward the last parts of the game. That’s when the game cranks up the difficulty to the point where it may actually frustrate some gamers. Saying that Blaster Master Zero is not a bad game, but it is a game that will test your skills towards the tail end of it. Also, parents, with Blaster Master Zero being a longer game, take caution with extended play and the risk of cramping and other issues with arms and wrists. Hey, hand stretches are recommended for all gamers who play for extended sessions! But for younger or special needs gamers, we advise, if possible, to either have them play extended sessions on the TV with the Pro Controller or limiting the session to 90 minutes with a 15 minute break in between if using the tablet. If you have a gamer in your family who likes this type of game, then we highly recommend Blaster Master Zero. In our special needs gaming playtest, our gamers liked the game a lot because of both of the co-op feature of the game as well the detailed level design.
Closing
Blaster Master Zero is a great blast from the past and a great starter game to have in your digital library; just be sure to have that battery charged before you start that adventure to find your pet frog!
