We begin our journey back to the past, to review briefly one the greatest unknown games for the NES, Sunsoft's Blaster Master.
Released in 1988, this game separated itself from the rest of its competitors by introducing some new features to the existing platforming formula, mostly, the ability to control a tank (the Blaster Master) instead of the stereotypical guy, and the ability to get out of the tank, controlling then a tiny character.
The game itself featured 2d sidescrolling action, with an emphasis on platforming, which was kind of awkward considering that you're driving a tank.
In some stages, though, the game changed radically, in these ones you handle the kid, only ten times bigger, and you've got to guide him through kind of labyrinths, killing of course everything he sees. At the end of each of these stages you face a final boss.
Blaster Master is overall a pretty fun and enjoyable game, and offered some variety which was welcomed, because most NES games at the time used to be pretty limited and straightforward.
Graphics
The graphics in general were pretty cool, considering we're in 1988 and this is an NES game. However, the backgrounds felt repetitive, and sometimes, when you're playing the byfoot stages, as the character is huge, is quite difficult to tell where you should go.
Sound
Cool tunes to be found here. The intro song is a classic, and the music is overall memorable.
Story
The story is laughable at best. You're this kid, minding his own business with his frog, and suddenly, the frog escapes from him, and it touches a radioactive barrel (what the hell is a radioactive barrel doing there?). The frog becomes huge, and it falls into a pit. The kid falls into the pit too, and there he finds the Blaster Master, which he'll use to recover his frog.
Gameplay
This is the game's strong point. Both the platforming and the shooting are pretty satisfying, and the game never loses its intensity. Classic stuff.
Overall
This is one of those games that have aged pretty well, because, you know, if you're playing NES games, you're not in for the graphics, or the sound. I recommend this game to everyone in general, i think you won't regret giving it a chance.
Final Mark
8.5
