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Blaster Master Zero

Accessible difficulty, superb retro graphics, and rewarding exploration make Blaster Master Zero a welcome return of a largely overlooked 8-bit classic.

Game Info

Using the original 1988 NES title “Blaster Master” from Sunsoft as a base, with the addition of new areas and bosses, new gameplay elements such as extra sub-weapons, improved gameplay, a more robust scenario, refined and expanded exploration mechanics, and more. This of course includes new areas and bosses, and new gameplay elements such as extra sub-weapons, improved gameplay when battling outside of your SOPHIA 3rd tank, a more robust scenario, refined and expanded exploration mechanics, and more.

Recommended

Average Score

Total Reviews: 24

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43% of scored reviews fell within the range of 80 to 86 / 100

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Ratings & Reviews

24

Critic Reviews

80

Average Critic Score

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All reviews are from professional critics. Learn more about the critics VSG aggregates.

High Score

95%

Median Score

80%

Low Score

60%

What did you think of Blaster Master Zero?

Player Reviews0 Votes

Dave Irwin (TheSixthAxis)

April 6, 2017

6/10

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.

John Whitehouse (ZTGD)

August 31, 2017

8/10

Blaster Master Zero is just one more feather in the Switch’s cap and one that sits nicely on the eShop at a very welcoming price point.

Azario Lopez (DualShockers)

March 9, 2017

9/10

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.

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Score Ranges

Read the Reviews (24 total)

Outlet	Author	Score	Date	Quote	Read
CGMagazine	Cody Orme	8 / 10	03-21-2017	One of the NES’s best Metroidvania games is back and better than ever in Blaster Master Zero.	Read review
Chalgyr’s Game Room	Nick Herber	8.5 / 10	03-23-2017	Blaster Master Zero hearkens back to a much older age in video gaming, but it does so with a certain loving care that does more than just rely on nostalgia. In truth, the original Blaster Master on the NES always felt somewhat ahead of its time when I played it, mixing genres a little and providing some outstanding platforming and action thrills. Blaster Master Zero is a really strong release title for the Switch and should readily appeal to fans of the older games.	Read review
Cubed3	Albert Lichi	7 / 10	03-09-2017	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.	Read review
Destructoid	Chris Carter	8 / 10	03-09-2017	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.	Read review
DualShockers	Azario Lopez	9 / 10	03-09-2017	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.	Read review
FNintendo	António Branquinho	8 / 10	04-13-2017	Blaster Master Zero is everything a remake should be: it brings the original up to today’s standards while fully respecting its contents and directions. This is a game that’s easily recommended to not just 8-bit enthusiasts but to everyone who enjoys the Metroidvania style, as all the aspects of the original have been upgraded to satisfy today’s audience while keeping the main assets of the original in force.	Read review
Game Informer	Ben Reeves	7.3 / 10	04-04-2017	Inti Creates has modernized Blaster Masters’ gameplay, but the basic mechanics feel too thin compared to modern titles	Read review
GamingTrend	Elisha Deogracias	85 / 100	03-15-2017	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.	Read review
IGN	Tristan Ogilvie	7 / 10	03-15-2017	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.	Read review
KnowTechie	Jonathan White	8 / 10	03-23-2017	It takes a lot of guts to remake a game in the first place, but to put your own spin on a classic while still remaining a labor of love really speaks for Inti Creates and their love for the franchise and respect for its fans.	Read review
Metro GameCentral	GameCentral	8 / 10	03-23-2017	A welcome return for one of the forgotten masters of Metroidvania, and an excellent example of how to remaster a retro classic.	Read review
Niche Gamer	Michael Jordan	9.5 / 10	03-29-2017	Blaster Master Zero is one hell of a retro remake that hits all the points of the original flawlessly but brings it to the modern era. It general, it’s a near perfect experience and a “blast” to play. You will be hard pressed to get a better retro remake that not only respects the original game but improves on it instead of just repeating it. This is a must buy for anyone with a Nintendo Switch.	Read review
Nintendo Life	Steve Bowling	8 / 10	03-09-2017	Blaster Master Zero is a lovely addition to the Switch’s library.	Read review
NintendoWorldReport	Perry Burkum	9 / 10	03-09-2017	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.	Read review
PS4Blog.net	Tracey	9 / 10	03-21-2017	The game is sorta short, and your mileage will vary. You’re looking at 6-8 hours based on skill and if you search every corner of each area. There are some particularly challenging sections, where you can expect to die a fair few times. This game also supports all modes of play, be that Handheld mode, TV mode or Tabletop mode. So if you’re looking for a great take on a beloved classic for your new Nintendo Switch, be sure to download Blaster Master Zero today!	Read review
Rice Digital	Kitsumeda	4.5 / 5 stars	06-07-2017	Blaster Master Zero is an enjoyable albeit brief trip through memory lane. What lacks in replay value it makes up with the fact that it is just so damn enjoyable. Exploring the intricately designed underground ruins on foot and in Sophia the 3rd all while slowly acquiring additional abilities that unlock new areas makes for an addictive experience which you won’t put down until you see the credits rolling. Blaster Master Zero falls among the best games in the series, and will be equally enjoyable for newcomers as well as longtime fans wanting to re-experience this childhood classic.	Read review
SelectButton	Kevin Mitchell	8 / 10	03-15-2017	Blaster Master Zero is certainly one of the better games to purchase on the Nintendo Switch. If you are like me and never finished the original game, Zero is a much easier, and refined experience. You can easily spend eight to ten hours to play through the entire campaign, but there doesn’t appear to be any New Game + or additional difficulty settings once completed.	Read review
TheSixthAxis	Dave Irwin	6 / 10	04-06-2017	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.	Read review
VGChartz	Evan Norris	Recommended	03-23-2017	Apart from a few localization issues and a handful of recycled bosses, Blaster Master Zero stands as a shining example of a retro remake done right.	Read review
VGN	Pietro Quattrone	6.5 / 10	03-17-2017	Blaster Master Zero is an old-style shooter based on the NES classic, that debuts on Nintendo Switch with a bunch of new features and bosses. The game lacks of innovation and it’s much similar to lots of other shooters from 30 years ago, which might be good for nostalgic players and 80’s lovers, but not so much for those wanting to try some fresh experiences on Switch.	Read review
Video Chums	A.J. Maciejewski	9 / 10	03-09-2017	Blaster Master Zero is the definition of a retro remake done right.	Read review
Wccftech	Kai Powell	7 / 10	03-29-2017	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.	Read review

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Embracer Group CEO Takes Responsibility for Restructuring, Announces Major Company Split

Assassin’s Creed Jade Release Likely Delayed to 2025 as Tencent Shifts Focus

PlayStation 5 Pro: Leaked Specs Reveal a Major Upgrade, Release Hinted for Holiday 2024

Xbox Games Hit New Platforms: Pentiment, Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, and Grounded Coming to Other Platforms

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