Blaster Master Zero 3
- July 29, 2021
- INTI CREATES CO., LTD.
Solid and definitely has an audience. There could be some hard-to-ignore faults, but the experience is fun.
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games Store
Get on Epic Games Store"Blaster Master Zero 3" is a Metroidvania-style game where players control mutant hunter Jason and his tank, Gaia-Sophia, traversing diverse environments to defeat the evil mutants. The game features side-scrolling and top-down perspectives, with new abilities and weapons to discover. The story builds on the previous entries, with Jason uncovering a conspiracy threatening the galaxy and seeking to stop it.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Blaster Master Zero 3 is a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, building on the gameplay mechanics of the previous entries and introducing new features like the VRV system.
- The game offers a compelling story with emotional moments and callbacks to previous games, making it a rewarding experience for fans of the series.
- The graphics and music are top-notch, enhancing the overall nostalgic feel while providing a polished gameplay experience.
- The game can be frustratingly difficult, with some bosses and enemies requiring memorization of patterns, which may deter casual players.
- The map design and navigation can be confusing, with important game elements not always clearly explained, leading to potential frustration.
- Technical issues, such as controller configuration problems and crashes, have been reported, impacting the overall playability for some users.
- gameplay150 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Blaster Master Zero III" builds significantly on its predecessors, introducing new mechanics like the VRV system and enhancing the integration of sidescrolling and top-down gameplay styles. While many players appreciate the increased challenge and refined weapon mechanics, some express disappointment with certain design choices, such as overly difficult sections and confusing mechanics. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging combat, exploration, and a compelling story, making it a strong conclusion to the trilogy.
“At last, the sidescrolling and top down sections are truly integrated, with items collected in the overworld allowing for dungeon advantages and bosses requiring fighting in both; at last, the dungeon sections have reached their apex, with dashing and counters making gameplay fast and exciting in contrast to the sluggishness that plagued its predecessors; at last, player choice is brought to the forefront, with each weapon in their arsenal made far more situational, unique and balanced than bmz1 and 2's dominating strategies; at last, the true ending sequence is something absolutely unforgettable, no longer bogged down by tedious and confusing gameplay but elevated by unique challenge.”
“In my opinion, this is the best gameplay this series has seen so far, and it resembles much more of a metroidvania than the other two installments in the best way possible.”
“The gameplay loop is just as fun as it ever was, though, so more of that can't ever be a bad thing.”
“Most of the introduced/revamped mechanics feel like they're here just to genuinely make you not want to play.”
“Unfortunately a couple steps back from the 2nd in some areas like having randomized dungeon layouts instead of entirely unique ones and a couple overly gimmicky sections that bog things down.”
“A lot of frustrating mechanical changes make this a step back from 2.”
- story137 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The story in "Blaster Master Zero III" is a compelling continuation of the trilogy, wrapping up the arcs of Jason and Eve while incorporating numerous plot twists and character developments. However, it heavily relies on the context established in the previous two games, making it potentially confusing for newcomers. Overall, while some players found it less grand than its predecessor, many appreciated its satisfying conclusion and engaging narrative.
“It is bittersweet that this is billed as the finale of Jason and Eve's story; it was a journey worth taking.”
“The story is fantastic, and a wonderful way to round off the Jason saga.”
“Blaster Master Zero III is a magnificent-looking game that successfully concludes the trilogy with solid gameplay, engaging story, and a memorable soundtrack.”
“The story will be confusing to those who have not played the first two games in the series.”
“Put simply, the story just isn't that interesting, or more accurately the only events of interest happen in the true ending after the game is already over.”
“Binding controls were a bit of a pain at first, the world map/dungeon maps are kind of confusing until you understand what you're looking for, and the story is forgettable.”
- music40 mentions
- 65 % positive mentions
- 28 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising it as catchy and memorable, particularly highlighting it as the best in the trilogy, while others find it merely average or retro. Overall, many agree that the soundtrack enhances the gameplay experience, contributing to the game's engaging atmosphere and beautiful pixel art.
“A great retro style game with nice bit tune music.”
“The levels, music, graphics, environments, story, everything coalesces into an action game masterpiece.”
“The best gameplay and music that the series has seen so far and an amazing ending.”
“Music is meh.”
“Retro music.”
“An above-average soundtrack and the tank gameplay controls as well and is as satisfying as ever.”
- graphics21 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received mixed feedback, with many praising the stunning retro pixel art and overall visual appeal, describing it as "ultra-gorgeous." However, some users noted issues with graphical scaling and execution, pointing out jarring design changes and bugs. Overall, while the graphics contribute to an immersive experience, there are calls for more unique effects to enhance the game's distinctiveness.
“Upgrades are more exciting, the plot thicker, graphics more stunning, challenge more interesting, music more memorable, characters deeper and more realized than ever before.”
“The levels, music, graphics, environments, story, everything coalesces into an action game masterpiece.”
“Inti Creates kept on building, and building on it until the story, graphics (yes, I’m praising the ultra-gorgeous pixel art of the 3 games here), music, and gameplay are perfect.”
“Jarringly stupid changes in game design, sloppy and buggy execution of graphics scaling and dialogue/cutscenes, cheap hits and a nerfed weapons system.”
“Some new graphical effects or hazards unique to it could have done a lot to set it apart.”
“- retro graphics style.”
- emotional8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report feeling a strong emotional impact from the game's true ending, describing it as both thematically and visually beautiful. Many were surprised by the depth of their emotional response, with some expressing that they cried during this poignant conclusion, highlighting the game's ability to evoke deep feelings despite its 8-bit presentation.
“I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a bit emotional at the true ending, which was beautiful both thematically and visually.”
“The true ending had me a bit emotional at points, which I also didn't expect.”
“Never thought I would get this emotional over the ending of an 8-bit game.”
- stability8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with users reporting frequent softlocks, buggy button mapping, and poor execution of graphics and dialogue. Additionally, issues with windowed and fullscreen modes have led to further frustration, affecting overall gameplay experience and causing problems with other applications.
“This is the only game in recent memory where I managed to softlock myself without doing any crazy glitches or acrobatics.”
“The button mapping at the game launch is also quite buggy.”
“I never got to play the game; the windowed setting was very ugly and didn't fit the screen well, while the fullscreen mode never opened properly and made other applications on my PC buggy.”
- grinding5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while some moments are enjoyable and the integration of gameplay elements adds excitement, others describe the overall process as tedious and perplexing, particularly when navigating the game world. The improvements in combat and player choice are noted, but the occasional confusion and lack of captivating environments can detract from the overall enjoyment.
“This game had some fun moments resembling Blaster Master Zero, but ultimately, it was just really tedious.”
“Figuring out where to go next can sometimes be perplexing and tedious; the game world is less captivating than the one in Blaster Master Zero 2.”
“The grinding aspect of this game feels unnecessarily prolonged, making progress feel more like a chore than an adventure.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game is noted for being the most well-optimized in the series, offering a refined gameplay experience through improvements to the weapons system. However, initial control issues posed challenges for some players. Overall, it balances difficulty with enhanced performance and accessibility.
“It's probably the hardest of the three, but it's also the most well-optimized, even if some serious control issues at the start nearly prevented me from playing it.”
“With all the improvements done to the gameplay throughout the series, three gives the best gameplay experience by refining the G-Sophia weapons system from Z2 and changing the overhead weapons system to give you access to all weapons from the start, with gun-level affecting performance and strength rather than determining what weapon you have.”
“It's probably the hardest of the three, but it's also the most well-optimized, even if some serious control foibles at the start nearly prevented me from playing it.”
“With all the improvements done to the gameplay throughout the series, three gives the best gameplay experience by refining the g-sophia weapons system from z2 and changing the overhead weapons system to give you access to all weapons from the start, with the gun level affecting performance and strength rather than determining what weapon you have.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Overall, while the latest installment offers engaging gameplay and a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, players find the first two games more replayable due to their abundance of side modes and optional content, including challenging dungeons and a true ending to pursue.
“It's got replay value thanks to the many difficult optional dungeons, and there is a true ending to earn.”
“While the gameplay changes are great and the storytelling did a well enough job bringing closure to the trilogy, I still find the first two games more replayable due to the fact that they have a bunch of side modes.”
“While the gameplay changes are great and the storytelling did a well enough job bringing closure to the trilogy, I still find the first two games more replayable due to the fact that the first two have a bunch of side modes.”
“Its got replay value thanks to the many difficult optional dungeons, and there is a true ending to earn.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is largely driven by the dynamic between the two main characters, resulting in numerous amusing moments throughout the gameplay.
“The dynamic between the two makes for some very funny moments throughout the game.”
Critic Reviews
Blaster Master Zero 3 (Switch) Review
Where we're going, we don't need roads.
80%Blaster Master Zero 3 Review
Blaster Master Zero 3 heavily expects its audience to have played the first two titles in the modern Blaster Master series, so it's hard not to bring them up when writing about the former. Small localisation errors and a couple of obtuse navigation moments aside, it is the most polished title in the series and long-time fans, plus people who grew up with the NES, will appreciate the added challenge. It's never too hard to tackle, however, although it's commitment to being "retro" can be a double-edged sword in some instances, like when a death can be blamed on unintentionally sticking to a wall and then sliding down into an abyss. The gameplay loop is just as fun as it ever was, though, so more of that can't ever be a bad thing. It might get ignored for being the third instalment, or not seeming as fresh as the next retro indie darling that's hot for this week, but it really shouldn't be. This is bona fide retro goodness at its finest. Blaster Master 4Ever!
70%Blaster Master Zero 3 Review
As the conclusion to the modern take on the Blaster Master saga, Blaster Master Zero 3 hits all the notes it needs to deliver a high octane and satisfying retro platforming experience. The dark world mechanic adds a nice extra layer to the overall design, while the familiar aspects of gameplay are as polished as they’ve ever been. Inti Creates certainly could’ve stopped with the original Blaster Master Zero and that would’ve been enough, but what it’s delivered here with its third take on the franchise is nothing short of excellent. Whenever you next get a chance, be sure to add this one to your library, although we’d say so with the caveat that you should first play the preceding two entries. Really, these games are just that good.
90%
