Publisher: Sun Electronics

Blaster Master (1988)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Blaster Master (1988)

Blaster Master is an action-adventure game developed and published by Sunsoft for the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game was released in Japan in 1988 and in North America and Europe the following year.

The player controls Jason Frudnick, a young boy who must rescue his pet frog, Fred, from the depths of a subterranean world. Along the way, Jason must battle giant mutants, deadly traps, and powerful bosses.

Blaster Master is known for its innovative gameplay, which combines elements of action, adventure, and exploration. The game’s world is a vast and interconnected network of tunnels and caverns, and Jason must use his wits and skills to navigate his way through them.

Gameplay

Blaster Master is played from a top-down perspective. The player controls Jason, who can walk, jump, and shoot. Jason can also enter and exit his tank, the SOPHIA III, which is armed with a powerful laser cannon.

The SOPHIA III can be used to destroy enemies and obstacles, and it can also be used to traverse certain types of terrain. For example, the SOPHIA III can swim through water and climb up walls.

Jason and the SOPHIA III are both vulnerable to enemy attacks. If Jason takes too much damage, he will lose a life. If the SOPHIA III is destroyed, Jason will be forced to continue on foot.

Plot

The story of Blaster Master begins when Jason Frudnick’s pet frog, Fred, falls down a hidden manhole. Jason follows Fred into the manhole and finds himself in a strange and dangerous world.

Jason soon discovers that Fred has been captured by the mutant leader, Plutonium Boss. Jason must now travel through the subterranean world and defeat Plutonium Boss in order to rescue Fred.

Along the way, Jason meets a variety of other characters, including:

  • Eve: A young woman who helps Jason on his quest.
  • Dr. Stien: A scientist who created the SOPHIA III tank.
  • Roddy: A robot who assists Jason in his battles.

Development

Blaster Master was developed by a team led by Kazunori Sawano. Sawano had previously worked on the NES game Metroid, and Blaster Master shares many similarities with that game.

One of the most striking things about Blaster Master is its graphics. The game’s backgrounds are highly detailed and colorful, and the character sprites are large and expressive. Blaster Master was one of the first NES games to use a parallax scrolling technique, which gives the game a sense of depth and realism.

The game’s music was composed by Naoki Kodaka. The soundtrack is a mix of catchy melodies and driving rhythms. The music helps to create a sense of atmosphere and excitement.

Reception

Blaster Master was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and catchy music. Blaster Master was one of the best-selling NES games of 1989.

The game has been re-released several times over the years, including on the Virtual Console, Nintendo Switch Online, and PlayStation 4. Blaster Master has also been included in several compilations, such as Sunsoft Collection and Hamster Arcade Archives.

Legacy

Blaster Master is considered to be one of the classic NES games. The game’s innovative gameplay and beautiful graphics have influenced many other games, including Metroidvania games such as Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.

Blaster Master has also been the subject of several同人誌(dōjinshi) games, including Blaster Master Zero and Blaster Master Zero 2. These games are faithful remakes of the original game, with updated graphics and sound.

Conclusion

Blaster Master is a timeless classic that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and catchy music make it a must-play for any fan of action-adventure games.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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World Heroes (1992)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

World Heroes: A Timeless Battle for Supremacy

In the annals of fighting game history, few titles evoke the same sense of nostalgia and excitement as World Heroes. Released in 1992 by SNK, World Heroes was an instant hit in arcades and quickly became a beloved classic among Neo Geo fans. With its innovative gameplay, colorful cast of characters, and stunning graphics, World Heroes set a new standard for fighting games and left an enduring legacy on the genre.

A Unique Blend of Time Travel and Martial Arts

World Heroes’ story is as unique as it is captivating. Dr. Brown, a brilliant scientist, has invented a time machine that allows eight legendary fighters from different eras to compete in an ultra-deathmatch tournament. The goal is simple: to determine who is the greatest hero of all time.

The roster of World Heroes is a diverse and memorable one, featuring fighters from various nationalities and backgrounds. There’s Hanzou Hattori, a skilled ninja from feudal Japan; Fuuma Kotaro, a powerful oni warrior; Kim Dragon, a taekwondo master from Korea; and Jeanne d’Arc, the legendary French heroine. Each character possesses their own unique fighting style, special moves, and personality, ensuring a wide variety of gameplay experiences.

Innovative Gameplay Mechanics

World Heroes introduced several innovative gameplay mechanics that set it apart from other fighting games of its time. One of the most notable is the “Deathmatch” mode, which allows players to continue fighting even after their health bar is depleted. However, the more times a player continues, the weaker their character becomes. This mechanic adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the game, as players must carefully consider when to risk continuing.

Another unique feature of World Heroes is the “Power Gauge” system. By filling up the Power Gauge, players can unleash powerful special moves and super combos. This system adds an element of depth and complexity to the gameplay, rewarding players who can effectively manage their Power Gauge.

Stunning Graphics and Animation

World Heroes is also renowned for its stunning graphics and animation. The game’s character sprites are large, detailed, and incredibly expressive, bringing the fighters to life with fluid and realistic movements. The backgrounds are equally impressive, featuring vibrant colors and intricate details that create a sense of immersion.

Critical Acclaim and Enduring Legacy

Upon its release, World Heroes received widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers praised the game’s innovative gameplay, diverse cast of characters, and stunning graphics. World Heroes quickly became a commercial success, selling over 200,000 copies worldwide.

The legacy of World Heroes continues to this day. The game has been ported to numerous platforms, including the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and Nintendo Switch. It has also been included in several SNK compilations, ensuring that a new generation of gamers can experience this classic title.

Conclusion

World Heroes is a timeless masterpiece that stands as a testament to the golden age of arcade fighting games. With its innovative gameplay, memorable cast of characters, and stunning graphics, World Heroes continues to captivate gamers of all generations. Whether you’re a seasoned fighting game veteran or a newcomer to the genre, World Heroes is an essential experience that will provide hours of entertainment and challenge.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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