Overview
- Number of Players
- 1 (Single Player)
- Genre
- Release Date
WiiWare
- 8th Feb 2010, 1,000 points
- 18th Jun 2010, 1,000 points
- Series
- Official Site
- sunsoftgames.com
Reviews
Review Blaster Master: Overdrive (WiiWare)
A blast from the past gets a makeover
Over the years, Sunsoft's NES Blaster Master release has become a favourite among fans of the console. Not only has it gone on to become a true cult classic for the system, it's also been called one of the most innovative gameplay experiences of the 8-bit era. Now Sunsoft is back and after having recently...
Screenshots 6
Blaster Master: Overdrive News
Nintendo Download 18th June (Europe)
Nintendo serves up a certain ace
It's the week of E3, and what better way to celebrate than by finally releasing another N64 Virtual Console game? And an extremely well-liked one, at that? WiiWare gets one great and one good game as well, but DSiWare seems fairly uninteresting this time. WiiWare: Ant Nation (700pts - Konami) -- A simulation title...
News Overdrive Your Master Blaster on June 18th, Europe
Much anticipated title out next week
It's been a few months since WiiWare shooter Blaster Master: Overdrive hit the North American Wii Shop Channel, but Europeans are a patient bunch, waiting quietly for their turn to play. That wait is nearly over, as the game will be waiting for you on the Shop Channel next week, priced at 1,000 Points. Here's the...
Nintendo Download 8th February 2010 (North America)
Another big update for North America: blasting, dancing, balloons, rockets and more this week!
The big North American updates keep on coming. This week there's four new WiiWare releases, five new DSiWare releases and a quirky NES adventure game. WiiWare: Blaster Master: Overdrive (1000pts - Sunsoft) -- The announcement of the original NES classic...
News Blaster Master: Overdrive Coming to WiiWare on Monday
A blast from the past is back!
Sunsoft has just announced that their brand new WiiWare title Blaster Master Overdrive will be hitting the North American WiiWare service this coming Monday for 1000 Wii Points. You can check out the snippet of information from Sunsoft's official web site, along with 6 new screenshots of the game in action. BLASTER...
About The Game
BLASTER MASTER™: OVERDRIVE is an action-shooting game that takes place on an Earth infected by an aggressive, polymorphic virus. Poor, defenseless animals worldwide infected by the virus have been turned into flesh-eating, hemoglobin-swilling terrors. Fortunately, the world has Alex. And, even more coincidentally, he happens to be one of the world’s foremost biologists - specializing in viral mutation profiles and genetic manipulation.
Every studious biologist facing imminent global annihilation needs a sweet ride, and Alex is no exception. He has S.O.P.H.I.A., a shape-shifting, gas-guzzling, projectile-spewing paean to destruction on four wheels. Things look grim, but with Alex and S.O.P.H.I.A. on the case, the world just may have a chance.
Gameplay in BLASTER MASTER™: OVERDRIVE retains the critically acclaimed format of the original NES BLASTER MASTER™, alternating between side-scrolling platforming in S.O.P.H.I.A. and overhead-perspective blasting and exploration when controlling Alex. Upgrades for S.O.P.H.I.A. must be collected to access progressively more challenging terrain and a total of eight distinct areas. Each area features a mutant boss that must be defeated to progress.
The sublime blend of side-scrolling shooting/platforming mixed with overhead perspective action/shooting areas is just as addictive now as it was in the original game. Do you still have what it takes to come out on top?
Comments 26
Definitely getting this one.
More rehashed classics......
Keep 'em coming!!
I loved the NES one, never expected to find such gem.
I will want this one too
If this turns out good I wasted 500pts on the nes version.
Blaster master for the NES a waste? c`mon dude, and this one look good,
"c'mon dude" what? I didn't find Blaster Master fun after hearing huge amounts of hype for it.
I now heard this is a remake so unless this game changes alot from the nes version I disliked, Ill pass on this game.
This looks pretty good. Hope to see a video!
I always liked Blaster Master, even though I more-or-less hated the spike filled on-foot sections. I always wanted more tank time and less foot time. But the foot sections look better in this new version.
It's too bad they turned it into a super generic alien/insect shooter. I still might give it a try but I don't like the graphics much at all. The animation looks good but the art is kind of blah.
I'm playing through it now and I like it. It is not a remake of the NES classic so you won't feel like you've wasted any points by purchasing a graphics update of the same game. Playing this one makes it fun to go play the old one too and you will appreciate the improvements of Overdrive.
So far worth my $10! (hint: at the first cavern you enter on foot, keep re-entering until you have all your weapons maxed out and saved.) The first boss, while not terribly difficult, killed me a few times...and then i died on my way to the next area/save point. That sucks but, it's no cakewalk. I like the idea of upgrading your vehicle and weapons...each time you're hit on foot your weapon down grades a level so, be careful!
If it's not a remake then this is definitely gonna be on my Wii the next time I can get a points card.
It's not a remake. It's a new game.
I picked this up, Only played it for about an hour last night and its a blast no pun intended. =) Seriously though the graphics are great and it has the feel of the original.
I posted this on the Facbook Fan Page last night, thought it might be helpful to some of ya'll still wavering on purchasing.. Sorry this is typed on my mobile phone so its full of TXTING shortcuts, but you will get the point.
Quick impressions after 3-4 hours play and defeating lvl 3 boss:
It is more Metroid than Blaster Master..tighter halls, bland levels, a little less exploration, zoomed in view, a ton of backtracking. Save feature makes it a little easier than original.. overhead levels missing some extra umfph to make them worth exploring, though multiple guns fun.. overhead play can get chaotic with a ton of enemies on screen.. that is overhead plays saving grace.
SOPHIA looks and feels great.. you feel like u r driving a super tank that jumps, drills, hovers, etc! other enemies have been so-so lots of reptition. music rocks.. i think all have been redone versions of originals including epic opening level song.. bosses have presented a challenge (died once on each) and have been fun battles with variety of attacks.
Addition to this: I took on the level 4 boss (a giant bat) and it kicked my butt 2-3 times so far with full upgraded weapons, had to go to work and be a dad for awhile that stuff takes precedence.
Thanks for the impressions brothamannp. You've helped make my decision much easier.
Ok, after playing this for a couple of days I'll post my impressions and a quick rundown of things I've noticed.
THE GOODS
Graphics are nice and a welcome upgrade from it's NES brother.
The music/SFX are really nice and catchy. Though some enemy deaths could be better, or even when you die.
The controls, (Which are NES styled) are spot on and very responsive. Quick rapid firing, and everything matches up nicely. There are some slow times during SOPHIA's control, but I think that's just cause your supposed to be driving a tank so it feels realistic. (Which is a plus)
Save Feature! (Finally lol)
A Map. It looks and acts like a castlevania or Metroid type map, so that's all I really have to say.
Difficulty is right where it's supposed to be. It seems like it's a little easier than the NES one, what with the map, save feature, and HP up's, but I have died numerous times on bosses and from taking to many hits which actually drains your health very fast.
Boss fights are just as cool as before and just as hard in some cases.
NOT SO GOOD
Overhead view is not as exciting and kind of plain. I remember the NES one had destoyable blocks, traps, and other hazards that made going into them kind of a chance at what you'll find. However, in this one the levels are very open, plain, and semi-repetitive. Now you should go in all of the caves, because they will give you some type of power up no matter what, and all they consist of are shooting enemies that die easily if powered up and not much else.
EXTRA THINGS NOT THAT IMPORTANT
Controls for swiming with Alex are really wierd and tend to be overly complicated. I understand that they are really similar to how they are in the NES version, but they could of just made it easier with the jump button or something idk.
Bonus Features? Now, first of all, I haven't beaten the game yet, so idk if there's any bonus stuff/unlockables. However, I think there should be something. Concept art, hard modes, or even a boss rush.
OVER ALL SCORE
(Grade not precise, but somewhere around that which is given.)
Graphics: A-
Music/Sounds: B
Gameplay: A
Lasting Appeal: B
Originality: A
Accessability/Learning Curve: B+
FINAL THOUGHTS
If your'e one of the lucky few who played the original, or even if you haven't and love platformers, action games, games similar to metroid, or if you want to try something orginal or a sweet hybrid, then I suggest you maybe pick this one up.
It retains everything good about the NES version, but with new, (And Handy) stuff that make this one a must have if you liked the first one.
I think that's all to say right now. Try it if you're interested, and I for one am very glad this series has been given a new installment.
excellent game! both nostalgic and updated, great graphics, that familiar tune, well worth my 10 bucks.
I didn´t like NES Blaster Masters grey enemydesign, this actually looks better for me. I´ll get the EU version when it comes around.
Am I the only one who thinks the logo looks like the metal slug logo?
@Namo
Yes
I'm downloading this game definitely. I especially like the 80's keyboard music.
Really like the original one way back when, and will probably give this one a shot once Mega Man 10 & Castlevania are outta my system.
I loved the NES original, and I think the Mega Drive version was also great, I'll probably donwload it when it comes to Europe!
18th June 2010, Europe. A must-buy for me
I already got the newer Blaster Master Zero, should I get this one too? (Before the Wii Shop Channel closes.) Is it a different game? Or also a remake of the original?
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...