Blaster Master Zero was released for the 3DS and Switch very soon after the latter’s launch and was a very important game. While Breath of the Wild was the main killer app for the Switch, Blaster Master Zero proved to be the killer app for the Switch eShop. Before games like Tetris 99 and Neo Geo classics, the reimagining of Sunsoft’s classic Zero was the first sign that the Switch eShop would be home to amazing games.
While Blaster Master Zero was widely praised, it still had some faults. It was a bit too much on the easy side for some and didn’t do enough to set itself apart. Inti Creates took these criticisms to heart with Blaster Master Zero 2. in the best ways possible. For instance, the game ramps up the difficulty considerably over its predecessor, but it never feels unfair. This is just one way though, and there are others.
Everything in Blaster Master Zero 2 feels like it is building up what was designed in Blaster Master Zero (BMZ). The worlds are bigger and you interact with the environment in new ways, such as blasting pieces of debris to make new platforms. There is a nice puzzle aspect to the medtroidvania platforming and I love what they did here.
Both tank combat and on foot combat has also been tweaked. Within G Sophia, you must take care to recharge your weapons and not run out at the wrong time. New means of recharging, such as shock absorption are introduced and they really do affect the way you play. Combat becomes much more strategic as a result, and the tension is heightened in a good way. The top down on foot levels also have new techniques such as a parry attack that you must learn to master quickly. The combat is much more refined here, and I daresay its better than the best of the Mega Man series, which is not shocking as Inti Creates worked on several Mega Man games. They applied the knowledge they gained and put out an amazing experience.
The story and presentation are also better here. Inti expanded the story in a good way and I genuinely like what they did to give the character unique identities. The new bosses and characters are well imagines and enjoyable to fight against/interact with. Visuall, the game is stunning and the music has been touched up and actively uses the HD rumble in the Switch for better effect. This was touched on in the original game, but held back by the constraints of also being developed for the 3DS.
I have to say that this game is 99% perfect. The only real issue I had was some minor visual stuttering at the start and that is pretty minor. This is a must play game and I urge you all to play this.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided