Percentile Rank

Blaster Master Zero is ranked in the 79th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Strong

OpenCritic Rating

79

Top Critic Average

74%

Critics Recommend

Based on 35 critic reviews

Score Distribution

Unscored Reviews

VGChartz
Unscored
Evan Norris
Top Critic
Unscored
Mar 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.

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Scored Reviews

oprainfall
5 / 5
Mar 28, 2017

Overall, I was incredibly impressed with Blaster Master Zero. This is indisputably the definitive version of the classic Sunsoft game. Inti Creates has poured their heart, soul and artistry into making a game from 1988 not only relevant again, but a must-own title for any Switch (and eventually 3DS) owner. I truly enjoyed my time with the game, especially once I realized that the ending I got wasn’t the only one. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to jump back into the Sophia III and go find that best ending!

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Niche Gamer
9.5 / 10
9.5 / 10.0
Mar 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.

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DualShockers
9 / 10
9 / 10.0
Mar 9, 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.

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CGMagazine
9 / 10
9 / 10.0
Aug 4, 2021

Blaster Master Zero is an excellent reboot of a classic action-platformer, and shouldn’t be missed by anyone who is a fan of the genre, a devotee to the franchise or is simply curious about the Blaster Master name and are looking for an effortless way in.

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Rice Digital
4.5 / 5
Rice Digital
Kitsumeda
Top Critic
Jun 7, 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.

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NintendoWorldReport
9 / 10
9 / 10.0
Mar 9, 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.

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PS4Blog.net
9 / 10
9 / 10
Mar 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!

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PS3Blog.net
90%
90%
Mar 13, 2017

If you loved Blaster Master on the NES, Blaster Master Zero on the Nintendo Switch is that game, improved, expanded and refined to give us the definitive version of a great old-school release. If you're a fan of Blaster Master, my Blaster Master Zero review has shown you this is a must-have for your collection. And if you never played the original, this is the way to experience a beloved classic built for a new generation.

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Video Chums
9 / 10
9 / 10.0
Mar 9, 2017

Blaster Master Zero is the definition of a retro remake done right.

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GamingTrend
85 / 100
85 / 100
Mar 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.

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Chalgyr's Game Room
8.5 / 10
8.5 / 10.0
Mar 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.

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VideoTime
8.2 / 10
8.2 / 10.0
May 6, 2017

Blaster Master Zero is on of the best launch games that the Nintendo Switch received, this is the sequel that the saga deserves after 29 years of the launch of the original on the NES

Review in Spanish | Read full review

Nintendo Life
8 / 10
8 / 10
Mar 9, 2017

Blaster Master Zero is a lovely addition to the Switch's library.

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Destructoid
8 / 10
8 / 10.0
Mar 9, 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.

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Metro GameCentral
8 / 10
Metro GameCentral
GameCentral
Top Critic
8 / 10
Mar 23, 2017

A welcome return for one of the forgotten masters of Metroidvania, and an excellent example of how to remaster a retro classic.

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FNintendo
8 / 10
8 / 10
Apr 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.

Review in Portuguese |

CGMagazine
8 / 10
8 / 10.0
Mar 21, 2017

One of the NES's best Metroidvania games is back and better than ever in Blaster Master Zero.

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SelectButton
8 / 10
8 / 10
Mar 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.

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CGMagazine
8 / 10
CGMagazine
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Mar 21, 2017

One of the NES's best Metroidvania games is back and better than ever in Blaster Master Zero.

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Worth Playing
8 / 10
8 / 10.0
Apr 18, 2017

Blaster Master Zero is what a nostalgic game update should be. It isn't bogged down in the past, and it doesn't lose what makes the original game so memorable and fun. It's not quite a masterpiece, but it's a ton of fun to play. Whether you're getting a new upgrade or battling a brutal mutant, it's a well-paced and enjoyable experience. Fans of the franchise should be delighted, and those who have never played the original Blaster Master will find Zero a much better place to start.

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KnowTechie
8 / 10
8 / 10
Mar 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.

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SmashPad
4 / 5
Mar 9, 2017

$10 for what’s essentially the best attempt at reviving what could’ve been a heavily revered franchise is an easy price to pay, especially if you’re a Switch owner looking for something else other than Zelda to play as there’s definitely some enjoyment to be had with Blaster Master Zero.

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Dragnix
75 / 100
75 / 100
Aug 7, 2017
Blaster Master Zero (Switch Review) video thumbnail
Goomba Stomp
7.5 / 10
7.5 / 10.0
Mar 28, 2017

Despite the lack of difficulty during the majority of the adventure, Blaster Master Zero provides an excellent retro package that does the original title justice. Ten bucks nets players a highly polished experience that encourages full completion, which is nice to see in 2017. Hopefully, this won’t be the last of the Blaster Master franchise, as it fits surprisingly well in the modern era.

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Game Informer
7.3 / 10
7.3 / 10.0
Apr 4, 2017

Inti Creates has modernized Blaster Masters’ gameplay, but the basic mechanics feel too thin compared to modern titles

Switch Player
3.6 / 5
3.6 / 5.0
Mar 28, 2017

Blaster Master Zero is fun while it lasts! With a bizarre story and fun gameplay, this is one Metroidvania-style game that can be played by both fans of the series and newcomers alike. The only complaints about this remaster are that it is short and rather easy, but the seven or so hours it will take you to get to the end are certainly entertaining while they last!

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IGN
7 / 10
IGN
Top Critic
7 / 10.0
Mar 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.

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ZTGD
7 / 10
ZTGD
Top Critic
7 / 10.0
Aug 31, 2017

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.

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Wccftech
7 / 10
Wccftech
Top Critic
7 / 10.0
Mar 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.

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FNintendo
7 / 10
7 / 10
Apr 2, 2017

Blaster Master Zero brings back the spirit of the original while updating some of its characteristics to the contemporary age of gaming. An enjoyable and well done 2D action experience, which only feels a bit short on the challenge and difficulty thresholds but which is certain to find a place among players looking for a retro experience in the form of a tribute to an established classic.

Review in Portuguese |

Cubed3
7 / 10
Cubed3
Top Critic
7 / 10
Mar 9, 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.

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Nintendo Insider
7 / 10
7 / 10
Apr 25, 2017

Blaster Master Zero unquestionably isn’t the finest of the modern retro games, but it is still a blast to play through. If you’re harkening for a smaller game that isn’t going to break the bank then you can certainly do a lot worse than this.

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VGN
6.5 / 10
VGN
Top Critic
6.5 / 10.0
Mar 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.

Review in Italian | Read full review

TheSixthAxis
6 / 10
6 / 10
Apr 6, 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.

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