Blaster Master Zero

Blaster Master Zero is a modern tribute to the 1988 NES classic Blaster Master, reworked for the Nintendo 3DS by studio Inti Creates. The player alternates between the surface and underground caves, at times on foot with a pistol and full freedom of movement in every direction, and at other times inside the armored tank SOPHIA III, which can jump, climb walls, destroy obstacles, and gradually gather upgrades for both weapons and propulsion. This combination of platforming and top-down shooting was unusual in the late eighties, and Zero brings it back in a clean, clear form with modern controls and an easily readable map.

As the first entry in a new trilogy, Blaster Master Zero launched on the 3DS and made full use of the console's strengths – the gameplay is built around shorter sessions suited for travel, the clear world maps can be tracked on the bottom touch screen without interrupting the action, and the whole game runs in crisp pixel art that looks clean and readable on the small 3DS screen even during fast action. The level design faithfully follows the original 1988 game but adds new areas, boss fights, and mechanics such as precise tank aiming that never existed in the NES version, so even veterans of the original discover new pieces of the map. Inti Creates also designed the game to work as a self-contained whole independent of the other two entries, which were released later on Switch and other platforms, so the player doesn't need to know the sequels to enjoy the story from start to finish.

Why play: An ideal entry point for metroidvania fans and veterans of the NES era who want to experience an acclaimed classic in pocket form, with modern control comfort and a clear map always at hand.