Gaming Forums => Nintendo Gaming => Topic started by: Jonnyboy117 on February 08, 2010, 10:37:02 PM
Title: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on February 08, 2010, 10:37:02 PM
...is amazing. I just played for three hours with hardly a break. If you like Metroid-style action games, this is the best 1000 Wii Points you can spend. Overdrive is NOT a remake of Blaster Master; it is an all new sequel. It keeps the essence of gameplay, in both tank and overhead sequences, but all the content is new. New maps, new enemies, new upgrades, new weapons. There are also some much appreciated modern features, like save points and an auto-map straight out of Super Metroid.
The tank sequences feel exactly like those in the original Blaster Master, in terms of physics and layout. The main difference is that your weapons and hover are now limited only by an energy meter that automatically refills after a few seconds. Gone are the consumable sub-weapons and deviously rare hover packs. Hover can no longer get you higher than a regular jump, but that's where the grapple hook comes in. That's right, Overdrive combines my two favorite game mechanics of all time, flying and grappling, with a Metroid-style world full of exploration rewards. There are health and energy upgrades all over the map, some requiring a lot of skill to reach, not to mention the right tank abilities.
The overhead sequences, while intact, barely resemble those in the original game. That's a good thing! You can now shoot in eight directions, and holding the B button (under the Remote... not entirely comfortable) lets you strafe at the cost of some walking speed. You have three different weapons available from the very start of the game. There's the standard gun, a weaker homing weapon, and the powerful but slow grenade launcher. All three can be upgraded separately up to level 5, with each level bringing faster and more powerful shots that even look cooler. You still lose a weapon level when hit, so it pays to be careful and dodge enemy shots. This classic element makes boss fights particularly tense, as the more you get hit, the more difficult it is to win.
While Overdrive is still challenging overall, it is nowhere near as hard as the first Blaster Master. Enemies frequently drop health pick-ups, and with the save system, dying is not a severe punishment. It's also easier to find your way around each area, thanks to the auto-map. Most of the overhead areas contain at least one permanent health upgrade in addition to weapon pick-ups, so it's worth exploring every cave. (The original game had many dead-ends and practically worthless, yet dangerous, overhead caves.)
I should also note that the graphics are fantastic, and the music is quite good. Each area has a different song, and while some are better than others, they all sound better than that remix you heard in the trailer.
[Edit: fixed the game's subtitle... thanks, Neal!]
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overload
Post by: Halbred on February 08, 2010, 10:39:05 PM
EXCITED.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overload
Post by: broodwars on February 08, 2010, 10:45:18 PM
I'll just repost what I already wrote on this game earlier today, but suffice to say I have to disagree with you (so far):
"I downloaded the new Blaster Master, and so far I'm really not liking it all that much. There are some nice improvements over the original game, such as actually having a Metroid-style map and save points, but there are also some just boneheaded mistakes. For instance, when I first started the game it resized itself about 3 times and still didn't get it right. I had to change the aspect ratio of my TV from 16:9 to 4:3 and back again for the aspect ratio to sink in right. There doesn't seem to be any support for the Nunchuck or Classic Controller,and the default controls have issues (such as holding the B trigger to strafe). They actually managed to come up with a story even dumber than the original game (OMG! A strain of virus has mutated all the animals in the world and brought about the end of the world! And you're piloting a rebuilt SOPHIA tank in memory of your dead family! Yar!). The level design feels more segmented now, and the enemies are very generic. The game is also kind of hard, as I've played up to the first boss and have died twice already (once against the boss, once in the tank) because you start off with tiny health bars you need to find upgrades for. Oh, and you have only one life, so if you die against a boss be prepared to trudge all the way back to it from your last save point. And getting hit still decreases your weapon gauge, though you have 3 different weapon types now (blaster, curvy blue fireball, and targeted missile).
The sense of discovery is quite nice, though, and the music is a lot better than that horrible remix during the teaser trailer indicated. I don't know, maybe this game gets a lot better but so far it's falling into the same "It's Blaster Master, but EXTREEEEEEEEEME!" hole that every other attempt to revive Blaster Master seems to fall into.
EDIT: Well, Jonny will be happy. The very first upgrade you get is a grappling hook. (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/Smileys/default/tongue.gif): "
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overload
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on February 08, 2010, 11:01:23 PM
I don't see how anyone familiar with the original game could think this one is very hard. It's no cakewalk, for sure, but it is dramatically more forgiving than the old Blaster Master. As for dying on bosses... save first! You can now see the boss portal before entering the fight, so if you aren't powered up or have low health, or if you haven't saved in a while, you can go get ready. The original BM isn't nearly so kind! Notice that caves with save points are shown as green on your map.
Another thing about Overload is that, like Mega Man games, it gets somewhat easier as you collect upgrades and abilities. If you got the hook, you're probably over that early hump.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overload
Post by: broodwars on February 08, 2010, 11:08:34 PM
I guess my problem with the save points is that caves that have bosses should have Save Points in them. I don't like dying and then having to make my way back to the boss cave from wherever it was I last saved.
Like I said, though, we'll see how the difficulty shakes out as I get further into the game. Right now I'm making my way through Area 2 and getting used to using the Hookshot, and it has gotten easier (though I didn't appreciate going too far down one room and suddenly seeing an entire floor made out of spikes just appear out of ****ing nowhere, and I died before I could hookshot out of it). I still wish I had access to the Nunchuck or Classic Controller for this game, though.
Seriously, though, what's with the game's apparently intense dislike of the 16:9 aspect ratio? Every time I've booted up the game I've had to play with my TV's aspect ratio to get the game set right. This is the only VC or WiiWare title I've seen do this, and that's just sloppy coding.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overload
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on February 08, 2010, 11:21:10 PM
The game can't detect your TV settings... My Wii and TV are both set to 16:9, and Overload displays fine other than the vertical borders. I've heard that it looks best if you set the Wii to 4:3, even on a widescreen TV. Haven't tried that, though.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overload
Post by: EasyCure on February 08, 2010, 11:23:39 PM
Jonny wants me to pee my pants with excitement. Thanks a lot Jonny.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overload
Post by: Mop it up on February 08, 2010, 11:53:09 PM
Did you beat it in those three hours?
Regardless of what this is, I don't think I can prevent myself from downloading it.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overload
Post by: NWR_DrewMG on February 09, 2010, 12:10:49 AM
I'm somewhere in between Broodwars and Jonny. I love the music and the animation, and the tank gameplay is a lot of fun. I do think that the save points should be a little more plentiful, and I would love to use dual analogs in the overhead sections instead of having to hold the B Button which is really uncomfortable.
Still, this is a great surprise. Way to go Nintendo and Sunsoft on this game.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overload
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on February 09, 2010, 12:24:16 AM
The title they gave this game is quite a mouthful.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on February 09, 2010, 12:29:11 AM
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: KDR_11k on February 09, 2010, 04:45:36 AM
**** yeah, now let's pray for a European release.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Sundoulos on February 09, 2010, 09:48:25 AM
I like having the option to upgrade the three weapon types for Alex. I think that the fact that the weapon power-ups respawn in the cave cheapen that a little...maybe, but I'm not complaining about it too much. I died against the first boss twice (I'll shamefully admit) by being careless, and I decided to revisit the same cave to power up my laser weapon a little more.
I also enjoy that all three weapons seem to have different applications; each one is particularly effective against certain enemy types or situations.
Yes, they should have had a save point in the boss cave, or at least allowed you to save after defeating a boss. After beating the first one late last night, I almost forgot to travel to one of the other caves to save my game before turning off the power.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: NWR_DrewMG on February 09, 2010, 10:11:35 AM
I'm surprised to hear that this game is a pretty notable departure from the NES game, because the game has SO many NES-like qualities, such as the flight patterns of the enemies and the feel of the overhead sequences.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: NWR_Neal on February 09, 2010, 10:44:02 AM
I'm really excited to dive into this game tonight, though I don't think I'll share Jonny's exuberance.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: SixthAngel on February 09, 2010, 11:18:19 AM
I'll definitely pick up this game, Jonny's impressions have sold me. I did love the original Blaster Master so this already had me excited.
We really need a way to describe this type of gameplay that doesn't use the word Metroid. The original Blaster Master on the NES used this type, what did we call it then?
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: NWR_DrewMG on February 09, 2010, 11:23:26 AM
I believe the term was "Adventure."
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Peachylala on February 09, 2010, 12:36:48 PM
The NES Blaster Master was a Adventure Shooter that shouldn't be compared to Metroid AT ALL. Both are completely different games with completely different gameplay progressions.
...Though that's personally just me. Better get a Wii Points card to try the game out. (is there a demo of it?)
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on February 09, 2010, 01:06:33 PM
Vehicular Exploration Shooter
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Halbred on February 09, 2010, 05:25:14 PM
The NES Blaster Master was a Adventure Shooter that shouldn't be compared to Metroid AT ALL. Both are completely different games with completely different gameplay progressions.
...Though that's personally just me. Better get a Wii Points card to try the game out. (is there a demo of it?)
Didn't Nintendo just take all their demos DOWN (which, if true, is completely boneheaded)?
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: broodwars on February 09, 2010, 05:36:05 PM
Anyway, I've acquired the Hover System and am just poking around looking for the entrance to Area 3 (I think I saw it back in Area 1, but I'm not sure).
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Mop it up on February 10, 2010, 03:10:32 AM
Downloaded this game today, and I have to say, Jonny wasn't overhyping this game. It really is that good.
I have a few minor gripes, however. I find the graphics to be kind of bland, especially inside of caves. The camera also shows more of the area behind you than it does in front of you, which makes no sense. There is also no pause button inside of caves!
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on February 10, 2010, 01:04:41 PM
You can always pause with the Home button.
If anyone gets stuck on Boss 4 like I did, here's some strategy from Man God at NeoGAF. Use the homing beam (without strafe) while dodging the pink stuff. When the boss holds still, quickly switch to the regular gun and unload into him until he starts moving again. When he disappears before swooping down, switch to grenades (useless for this fight) so that if you get hit, you won't lose a level for your important weapons. Always focus more on dodging than shooting, because you can take damage quickly from this boss. Lastly, be patient -- when I finally beat him, the battle was probably five minutes long.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Halbred on February 10, 2010, 01:08:07 PM
Wait--you can STRAFE? How?!
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: NWR_DrewMG on February 10, 2010, 01:18:46 PM
If you hold the B button, you'll keep your firing direction steady while you move. That is as uncomfortable as it sounds, and is my biggest complaint about the game. This is where CC support would have been very handy.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: noname2200 on February 10, 2010, 03:18:32 PM
To echo NWR_DrewMG, I'm between Jonny and Broodwars' opinions, although I lean much more towards Johnny's position. It's a great game, easily worth the $10 price of admission, and it updates a great classic. I do have a few issues though: the tank should jump higher, the grappling hook should be easier to use (it's a pain to switch to/from it all the time), and the backgrounds are curiously "bleh." Now the only reason I know that Area 1 is "the Ruins" is because the game tells me, whereas the original's backgrounds and art design made it clear that Area X is Theme Y.
To add to NWR_DrewMG's answer, you can also "strafe" with the tank by holding the B button: you'll move backwards (at a slightly slower pace) while facing the same direction. It hasn't proven as useful with the tank as on foot, but it's a nice novelty.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on February 10, 2010, 03:24:35 PM
I just played through Area 5. You should be glad to hear that it looks completely different than all the earlier areas, both in and out of the tank. It's also really, really hard. But I found the boss to be a lot easier than the previous one. Hint: just use the grenade.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Halbred on February 10, 2010, 03:25:36 PM
Wow, okay. That should make the scorpion boss...easier? Hopefully?
It's bad enough that I'm switching weapons with the A button. Holding down B sounds sucky, but I'll be trying it later tonight...
To be sure, I do like the game. It's very colorful and action-oriented. But yeah, I really wish there was CC support.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: noname2200 on February 10, 2010, 03:29:02 PM
I just played through Area 5. You should be glad to hear that it looks completely different than all the earlier areas, both in and out of the tank. It's also really, really hard. But I found the boss to be a lot easier than the previous one. Hint: just use the grenade.
Good to know. Thanks!
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on February 10, 2010, 03:31:03 PM
In other games that use the B button like this, I've found putting the remote in the wheel helps. It makes the whole thing more comfortable to hold, too, in my opinion.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Mop it up on February 12, 2010, 04:31:46 AM
Favourite part so far: beating the Area 3 boss and acquiring the drill! It's so fun to use, zipping around and smashing into enemies. It's a little TOO entertaining...
To add to NWR_DrewMG's answer, you can also "strafe" with the tank by holding the B button: you'll move backwards (at a slightly slower pace) while facing the same direction. It hasn't proven as useful with the tank as on foot, but it's a nice novelty.
There's a bit more to it than that. Holding down the "B" button also allows the tank cannon to remain pointing in the direction it is facing, which allows you to shoot diagonally without moving forward.
This game really has some questionable design choices though. If a game requires more than two buttons and the D-pad, it needs support for other controller options!
I just played through Area 5. You should be glad to hear that it looks completely different than all the earlier areas, both in and out of the tank.
It still looks like caves to me.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on February 12, 2010, 12:18:22 PM
Caves full of glowing lava!
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Mop it up on February 13, 2010, 12:41:20 AM
It was definitely more interesting than every other area so far, but the original game had much more visual variety.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Rize on February 14, 2010, 11:52:57 PM
When I got to Area 5 my eyes rejoiced. For about 5 minutes. I guess the game was worth 10 bucks, but I have a lot of complaints if anyone is interested: http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=30579.msg585860#msg585860 (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=30579.msg585860#msg585860)
Btw, I beat the game... At the end, it seems to imply that I have more to do, but no additional menu options open. Maybe it wants me to find the last upgrades I was missing and then beat it again for some kind of special ending or bonus or something: EDIT: AAAh now I get it. There's nothing more to do after all...
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Mop it up on February 15, 2010, 03:26:15 AM
I agree with most of your points Rize, so I don't really have anything to add to that. Well, except that I feel the boss fights kind of drag on and become dull. I'm not as ecstatic about it as I was after my first impression.
Did anyone else notice that the little man slowly takes damage whenever outside of the tank? What's the deal with that?
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Rize on February 15, 2010, 10:36:17 AM
Huh? I didn't notice that. I guess it's uh... radioactive out there. Or something.
Why does every Blaster Master game but the first one have to be not very good?
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Halbred on February 15, 2010, 02:59:53 PM
Blew through to the fourth levels last night. The second boss was awesome. The third boss was...the first boss again, but harder. Lame.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Rize on February 15, 2010, 04:17:08 PM
Just like in the first game. Two of the bosses were repeats in the original as well so I guess they felt justified.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Mop it up on February 15, 2010, 09:15:43 PM
Why does every Blaster Master game but the first one have to be not very good?
Were the others created by the same team of people? It seems somewhere along the way, the original artist's vision has been lost. This can happen.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 17, 2010, 01:24:52 PM
Do you guys think Blaster Master NEEDS classic controller support?
Vic Ireland started a poll over at NeoGAF about it http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=387861 (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=387861)
Quote from: Vic Ireland
I'm still working to get Blaster Master Overdrive patched (free download if you already have it) to include Classic Controller support, but I need YOU to sign the poll here if you think the game needs it (duh, but humor me and let's make this happen).
If you'd like to talk about how you enjoyed the game *except* for the missing CC support, that might be useful as well.
Still no guarantees, but I *am* working on making this happen, and even if it doesn't work out, a good show of support for the controller will help with future releases. Sign and tell your friends who have Wiis and have or want Blaster Master Overdrive to sign, too!
Thanks!
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on February 17, 2010, 01:30:45 PM
I feel the game is a solid sequel to the first. Don't quite understand the hate.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Mop it up on February 17, 2010, 06:58:54 PM
I'd prefer Nunchuk support. Not everyone has a Classic Controller, but everyone has a Nunchuk.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: broodwars on February 17, 2010, 07:43:06 PM
Well, I needed a break from playing Phoenix Wright: Justice for All, so I went back to playing this and made it through the Area 3 boss (barely, with just a sliver of health left on my 3rd attempt). Wow, 3 areas in and they're already recycling bosses. Hooray for laziness! Every time I try to really like this game, something comes along that just wipes that out. Something especially trying this time was when I first entered Area 3 and was looking for a save point. The only cave that had one nearby was underwater past 2 of those piranha things, which are nearly impossible to avoid so I got hit once entering the cave. Because I got hurt outside a cave, that was half my health wiped out and all that was in the cave were weapon power-ups and a bunch of tank guys. I tried 3 times to leave the cave, but one of those piranha guys was blocking my way every single time and there wasn't enough room to get around him and I died. I had to repeatedly exit and re-enter the cave probably half a dozen times to get enough enemies to spawn that dropped the health kits I needed to get back to my tank from the save point. That is just B.S. It was B.S. on the NES when the original Blaster Master did that, and it's even less acceptable here. At least I actually got a save point (for a change) in the cave with the Area 3 boss monster, since it turned out I really needed it.
Making my way to Area 4, I see they've introduced a new enemy type: the giant satellite turret of Doom, which I apparently just can't hit but it has no problem just spraying the field with bullets. Oh joy. On that note, by the way, how nice of them to introduce a new enemy type in the caves (the stationary turret) that is apparently invulnerable to all attacks and sprays the area with bullets.
I really enjoy the exploration for health/energy power-ups and the various tank abilities, but this game is just frustrating and lazy IMO.
EDIT: Got to the Area 4 boss (the Bat) and died twice when he entered his 2nd phase. **** this, this game isn't worth the effort.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Mop it up on February 18, 2010, 04:23:00 AM
I ran into that same issue with the save point in Area 3, Broodswars. That's when I noticed that the little man's health decreases simply by being outside of the tank, as there was a couple times when I almost made it back, and then it drained. This game has some archaic design choices that hold it back from becoming something great.
From there I created multiple saves in case I ran into something like that again.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Halbred on February 18, 2010, 02:28:56 PM
I'm flabbergasted as to how Jonny is able to look past all these very obvious, very damaging design flaws. I like the game okay, but it's really starting to get on my nerves in regard to several issues.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Rize on February 19, 2010, 02:58:41 PM
I'm flabbergasted as to how Jonny is able to look past all these very obvious, very damaging design flaws. I like the game okay, but it's really starting to get on my nerves in regard to several issues.
I played through the whole game. I was able to tolerate the bad and enjoy the good, but apparently Jonny's love for the original game borders on psychotic :) (which is reasonable by the way, but for me that makes this sequel all the more painful) There are a ton of people on GameFAQs who also seem intentionally blind to any faults.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Mop it up on February 19, 2010, 07:27:31 PM
I don't think most people are blind to any faults. I'd think they are just playing it for enjoyment, and aren't looking at it with a critical eye like you folks are trained to do.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Rize on February 22, 2010, 02:59:59 PM
It's true. I just hate to see potential squandered. A Blaster Master sequel was funded and imo, not handled very well.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Mop it up on April 26, 2010, 10:42:08 PM
Does anyone know if this game was patched with support for the Classic Controller? I just got one, and am considering playing some of my games again which would be more comfortable with it.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: broodwars on April 26, 2010, 10:51:16 PM
Does anyone know if this game was patched with support for the Classic Controller? I just got one, and am considering playing some of my games again which would be more comfortable with it.
The Pro or the original Classic Controller? I hope you got the former, because it far outclasses the original model. You can actually play Star Fox 64 on the thing without destroying your hands!
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: Mop it up on April 26, 2010, 11:05:50 PM
Yeah, I got the Monster Hunter bundle with the black Pro. One reason I didn't already have an original Classic Controller is because it didn't look very comfortable without handles. The Pro is nice, not as great as the Wiimote + Nunchuk, but about on par with the GameCube controller which I really liked.
Title: Re: Blaster Master: Overdrive
Post by: noname2200 on April 28, 2010, 01:06:06 AM
Does anyone know if this game was patched with support for the Classic Controller? I just got one, and am considering playing some of my games again which would be more comfortable with it.
