Blaster Master Zero III (2021)

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!

A thrilling 2D platforming/action hybrid, with plenty of weapons and tech at your disposal to help you restore order to the Blaster Master universe.

After 100%ing Blaster Master Zero 2 and watching the cliffhanger, I was so longing for the end of this epic tale, a situation that 10-year-ago me would have completely disbelieved would have happened in relation to the NES game which terrified the crap out of me! But now two and a half years later, that cliffhanger has concluded, and I have to say, it really surpassed my expectations, working great as a throwback to the rest of the series and the pinnacle of the constantly evolving level design and boss fights, leading to some of the most challenging, yet fair experiences I’ve had with a metroidvania in a very long time.

Overall, Blaster Master Zero 3 is a fitting conclusion to the series and an impressive tribute to retro platformers.

Overall, fans of metroidvanias, 2D platformers and 3D action adventures will have plenty to look forward to even if you’ve never dipped your toes into the world of Blaster Master Zero. For returning fans? The finale is worth it and the upgrades to previous systems and the addition of new ones was just simply fun.