Blaster Master

1988 · Action / Platform · NES

Overview

Blaster Master (1988) is Sunsoft's NES action game: pilot the tank SOPHIA through side-scrolling caverns, then leave it to explore overhead dungeons on foot.

Deep Dive

In the Western version, Jason follows his pet frog down a hole into an underground world of mutants, where he finds the combat tank SOPHIA. Side-scrolling areas are explored in the tank, which gains the ability to hover, climb walls and drive underwater as it is upgraded; Jason climbs out to enter overhead dungeons on foot and fight the bosses. The two styles make it feel like two games in one, and Naoki Kodaka's score is among the NES's most admired.

Developer Story

Blaster Master was developed by Sunsoft in 1988. Players controlled a tank (SOPHIA III) that could jump, cling to walls, and enter overhead-view dungeon sections where the protagonist fought on foot. The switching between side-scrolling tank combat and top-down dungeon exploration created a hybrid that felt like two games in one. The game was known for its excellent music, composed by Naoki Kodaka.

Did You Know?

Blaster Master switched between side-scrolling tank sections and overhead-view dungeon exploration — two distinct gameplay modes in one game.
SOPHIA III could cling to walls and ceilings, allowing platforming sequences unlike any other tank in gaming.
The music, by Naoki Kodaka, is considered among the best on the NES — Area 1's theme in particular is frequently cited.
The Western plot (a boy chases his pet frog into a radioactive hole) was a complete rewrite of the Japanese story (a future warrior battles against mutants).