Blaster Master Zero II is a two-dimensional action game, which is a continuation of the production released in 2017 on Nintendo Switch and 3DS consoles, and simultaneously another installment in the series started back in the 1980s. The game offers intensive action sequences and classic pixel art setting. The game was created by Inti Creates studio (authors of the first part, Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon and games from the Gal*Gun series), and published by Sunsoft.
### Plot
The story presented in Blaster Master Zero II begins a few months after the events shown in the first part. Players again assume the role of Jason, supported by Eve and Fred. Eve has been infected by mutant cells, which can result in her death. In hopes of finding a cure, three friends decide to set off on a journey to a different galaxy.
### Mechanics
Blaster Master Zero II is a classic, two-dimensional action game, combining elements of platform and shooter games. Depending on the level, players observe the action from the side or from above (from a side-scroll or top-down perspective). The player has a number of different levels to complete, full of dangerous enemies and other obstacles. As the game progresses, one also gets to discover the story prepared by the authors.
Developers have implemented several interesting mechanics in their production. A good example of this is the Gaea System – while traveling inside a vehicle, damage or falls from a high altitude generate energy that players accumulate and then use to attack enemies. Jason himself has also learned new tricks, such as the ability to counter enemy attacks called Blaster Counter.
With each level players can gradually develop both the ship and the pilot’s skills – they do this by finding items on maps, so the detailed exploration of the game world plays a significant role. One can also meet NPCs across different locations – some of them are friendly, while others will fight the protagonist.
### Game modes
In Blaster Master Zero II one can play alone or with others. The base of the game is a story campaign – the creators have not prepared any multiplayers modes.
### Technical aspects
Visuals ofBlaster Master Zero II resemble what one might know from the first installment in the Blaster Master series. 2D character models have been developed in the characteristic pixel art convention. The artistic style evokes associations with manga and anime. The whole experience is enriched with decently animated lighting effects (e.g. explosions, lasers).
Blaster Master Zero II
