Summary

Release Year: 2014
Genres: Adventure, Arcade, Indie, Platform, Shooter
Platforms: Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4
Developers: Studio Pixel
Publishers: PLAYISM

Kero Blaster: A Ribbiting Adventure Through a Pixelated World

In the realm of indie gaming, where creativity and passion intertwine, there exists a charming gem known as Kero Blaster. Released in 2014, this platforming shooter from the mind of Daisuke “Pixel” Amaya has captivated players with its infectious blend of retro aesthetics, frantic gameplay, and quirky humor.

A Frog’s Tale: The World of Kero Blaster

Kero Blaster transports players to a vibrant pixelated world inhabited by a peculiar cast of characters. The protagonist is a green, bespectacled frog named Kero, who works for Cat & Frog, a teleporter company. Armed with a trusty peashooter, Kero embarks on a perilous mission to exterminate a horde of mysterious black monsters that have infested the teleporters.

The game’s world is a labyrinth of linear stages, each brimming with challenges and secrets. Players must navigate treacherous platforms, overcome deadly traps, and vanquish a diverse array of enemies, ranging from slithering serpents to floating eyeballs. Along the way, Kero encounters a colorful cast of allies and adversaries, including a wise-cracking cat, a robotic frog, and a mischievous ghost.

Gameplay: A Symphony of Shooting and Platforming

Kero Blaster’s gameplay is a masterful fusion of shooting and platforming elements. Players control Kero with fluid precision, guiding him through the stages with a combination of running, gunning, and jumping. The peashooter is Kero’s primary weapon, and its rapid-fire capabilities allow for exhilarating shootouts. Players can also acquire power-ups that enhance Kero’s abilities, such as homing shots, spread shots, and a temporary invincibility shield.

The platforming aspects of Kero Blaster are equally engaging. The stages are meticulously designed, offering a perfect balance of challenge and accessibility. Players must carefully time their jumps, navigate treacherous gaps, and utilize the environment to their advantage. The game’s physics are finely tuned, allowing for precise and satisfying controls.

Retro Roots: A Pixel-Perfect Throwback

One of the most striking aspects of Kero Blaster is its retro aesthetic. The game’s visuals are lovingly crafted in a 16-bit pixel art style, reminiscent of classic platformers from the Super Nintendo era. The vibrant colors, detailed sprites, and charming backgrounds create a nostalgic and immersive experience.

The soundtrack, composed by Amaya himself, perfectly complements the game’s retro vibe. The catchy tunes and atmospheric sound effects enhance the gameplay, creating a sense of excitement and urgency.

Critical Acclaim and Legacy

Upon its release, Kero Blaster received widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers praised the game’s polished gameplay, charming visuals, and addictive nature. It received high scores from major gaming publications, including IGN, GameSpot, and Destructoid.

Kero Blaster’s legacy continues to endure. It has been featured in numerous “best of” lists and has inspired a dedicated fan community. The game’s success has paved the way for other retro-inspired indie platformers, showcasing the enduring appeal of pixel art and classic gameplay mechanics.

Conclusion: A Timeless Treasure

Kero Blaster is a testament to the power of creativity and passion in game development. With its infectious gameplay, charming visuals, and memorable characters, it has earned a rightful place among the pantheon of indie gaming classics. Whether you’re a seasoned platformer enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Kero Blaster is an essential experience that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Dive into its pixelated world and prepare for a ribbiting adventure that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Cave Story+: A Nostalgic Masterpiece Reborn

Originally released in 2004 as a freeware game, Cave Story quickly gained a cult following for its charming pixel art, endearing characters, and challenging yet rewarding gameplay. In 2011, Cave Story+ was released as a commercial remake for PC, Wii, 3DS, and other platforms, featuring updated graphics, new content, and a host of quality-of-life improvements.

A Retro Gem with Modern Polish

Cave Story+ retains the classic 2D platformer gameplay of the original, with players controlling Quote, a robot who awakens with amnesia in a strange and mysterious cave. As Quote explores the cave, he meets a cast of quirky and unforgettable characters, including Curly Brace, a cheerful rabbit-like creature, and Balrog, a powerful but enigmatic swordsman.

While the core gameplay remains the same, Cave Story+ boasts a number of enhancements over the original. The graphics have been overhauled with higher-resolution sprites and backgrounds, giving the game a more polished and vibrant look. The soundtrack has also been remastered, with new arrangements of the original’s beloved themes.

In addition to the visual and audio upgrades, Cave Story+ also introduces a number of new features, including:

New areas and bosses: Explore new areas of the cave, including the treacherous Sand Zone and the ethereal Egg Corridor. Battle against formidable new bosses, each with their own unique attacks and strategies.

Multiple endings: Your choices throughout the game will lead to one of several possible endings, adding replayability and depth to the story.

Improved controls and gameplay: Enjoy smoother controls, enhanced hit detection, and a variety of gameplay tweaks that make the experience more enjoyable and intuitive.

A Timeless Adventure

Cave Story+’s charm lies in its timeless appeal. The game’s retro-inspired graphics and gameplay evoke a sense of nostalgia for classic platformers like Metroid and Castlevania, while its heartwarming story and memorable characters resonate with players of all ages.

Quote’s journey of self-discovery and the bonds he forms with the other inhabitants of the cave are genuinely moving. The game’s themes of friendship, sacrifice, and redemption are explored with sincerity and depth.

A Must-Play for Retro and Modern Gamers Alike

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Cave Story or a newcomer to the series, Cave Story+ is an essential experience. It’s a masterfully crafted platformer that combines the best elements of retro gaming with modern enhancements.

With its charming characters, engaging story, and challenging yet rewarding gameplay, Cave Story+ is a timeless adventure that will appeal to gamers of all generations. It’s a game that deserves its place among the pantheon of classic platformers, and it’s one that you won’t soon forget.

Tips for Playing Cave Story+

Talk to every NPC you meet. Many of them will give you valuable information or items.

Explore every nook and cranny. There are many hidden secrets to discover in the cave.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons and abilities. Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Save often. The game can be challenging, so it’s important to have multiple save points in case you die.

Enjoy the journey. Cave Story+ is a game that’s meant to be savored. Take your time and explore everything the cave has to offer.