Blaster Master Zero Reviews

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

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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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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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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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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
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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8 / 10
Mar 9, 2017

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

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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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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 | Read full review

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 | Read full review

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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