¡I played this game for about 35 minutes and i have to say i enjoyed it quite a lot, so i'll make a honest review of it!
Basically, it is a very good TRIBUTE to Blaster Master using a lot of it's design choices and taking some alternate routes to modernize and make the game more accesible for new generations, the developer has made it clear that it is a tribute, and a pretty good one, i have to say.
Graphics: The graphics are not bad, but they could use some polish, especially in the textures department. I understand the game goes for a retro inspired look, but even Blaster Master had gorgeous graphics for it's time, perhaps the developer could try to mimic these textures, that would be appreciated in future updates.
Music: I didn't find the music to be bad, not good either, it is not the strongest aspect of the game, but i haven't found a song that became tiresome... It could be a lot more memorable though (Like the original game's soundtrack)
Gameplay: The part i liked the most is the gameplay, and what a shame it is that a lot of people could put down this game solely based on the reviews i've read. Guys, sincerely i had fun, it is an enjoyable experience, the platforming is entertaining (especially after you get some of the upgrades) and the changes in gameplay style (the game offers a sidescrolling and 3d tank view, and the same for the human driving it.) are a welcome breath of fresh air. I never encountered a part where the gameplay was a bother (some jumps are harder than others, but i saw that in Blaster Master too!).
What i liked:
+ Mantains the retro style gameplay, the challenge, the feeling of loneliness and the mystery of the original game.
+ Expands on these concepts with new ideas, 3d enviroments and responsive controls
+ The developer put the Hover ability (a very useful one that you used to get in the final half of the game) almost at the start, which for me is a big plus, because i love it and it makes the game a lot more enjoyable.
What i DIDN'T like:
- The textures are not appealing, the enviroments look a little bit dull.
. A minor complain: The enemies have no animations, they just jump/shoot at you (I think this was a choice made to mimic the original enemies in Blaster Master, but i think that it looks a little bit... awkward and overly simple.
- The music (which was a BIG part of Blaster Master) is not memorable at all, sorry, but it could use a big overhaul.
- I would have loved to play at a higher resolution, or remap the keys, which at the current version, is not possible.
- I loved the story of Blaster Master, i think the story could be a stronger part of this game too.
- The bosses of the original game where amazing, in Helena the 3rd, i couldn't find any boss fight at all, and i think that's one of the achilles heels of the game. It was very dissapointing to be honest.
I didn't fell through the floor, maybe it was pure luck, i've read reviews of people that had this issue, so i hope it is promptly fixed. BUT i did found a game-breaking glitch... The hover ability is bugged, absolutely broken. I won't say how, because that would RUIN the experience for other players. I found a way to refill the hover everytime i pressed a button, so PLEASE, PLEASE fix that! I could get to places i shouldn't have because of this issue, and in a Metroidvania game this is fatal! (If the developer wants more information about this, feel free to contact me, i will give all the details about this bug)
Overall, for 5 bucks (i got this game even cheaper in an indiegala bundle so check that out!) the game is awesome for the price, i loved it and would like to see updates to it, i consider myself a fan of the original Blaster Master, and this game almost hits the notes, so keep up the good work guys!
