The NES is packed with legendary games, but every so often you stumble across a title that feels like it should be mentioned in the same breath as the console’s biggest hitters, yet somehow isn’t.
Blaster Master is one of those games.
Released by Sunsoft in 1988, Blaster Master combines side-scrolling platforming, vehicle combat and top-down exploration into a surprisingly ambitious adventure. At a time when most NES games focused on doing one thing well, Blaster Master attempted several different gameplay styles at once.
Remarkably, it succeeds more often than it fails.
The story begins with Jason chasing his pet frog Fred after the amphibian falls into a radioactive hole and mutates into a giant creature. It’s a wonderfully bizarre setup that perfectly captures the imagination of late-80s video game storytelling. Before long, Jason finds himself piloting the powerful SOPHIA tank through a vast underground world filled with mutants and deadly creatures.
More Than Just Another Action Game
What makes Blaster Master stand out is its variety.
Much of the adventure takes place inside the SOPHIA tank, which can jump, climb walls and blast enemies with impressive firepower. The controls feel responsive, and navigating the sprawling levels is consistently enjoyable.
As players progress, new upgrades gradually expand the tank’s capabilities. Areas that were previously inaccessible slowly become reachable, creating a surprisingly modern sense of exploration. Looking back, it’s easy to see elements that would later become staples of the Metroidvania genre.
The game also regularly switches perspective. Certain areas require Jason to leave the tank and explore on foot in top-down sections. These segments feature more methodical combat and culminate in boss encounters that test both skill and patience.
While the variety is welcome, these sections aren’t quite as enjoyable as the tank-based gameplay. Jason feels more vulnerable, and some enemy patterns can become frustrating, particularly during the later stages of the game.
Difficulty is another area where Blaster Master firmly shows its age. Like many NES titles, it can be brutally unforgiving. Limited continues and lengthy stages mean mistakes can carry a significant penalty.
Sunsoft at Its Best
Technically, Blaster Master is one of the most impressive games on the NES.
The visuals are detailed and colourful, with large sprites and surprisingly atmospheric environments. Each area feels distinct, helping the adventure maintain a strong sense of momentum throughout.
The soundtrack is equally impressive. Sunsoft built a reputation for extracting incredible audio from Nintendo’s 8-bit hardware, and Blaster Master is one of the company’s finest achievements. Several tracks remain memorable decades later and perfectly complement the game’s adventurous tone.
Perhaps most importantly, the game constantly encourages curiosity. Every new upgrade opens fresh possibilities, and exploring the underground world rarely feels like a chore. Even when the difficulty spikes become frustrating, there’s usually another secret or upgrade waiting just around the corner.
