Kero Blaster

Four years on, and Kero Blaster is just as engaging and rewarding as it was when Pixel first unleashed from within the Japanese indie scene. It doesn't just look like the classics that made the genre such a pillar of gaming three decades ago, it confidently recreates the deep mechanical prowess of Contra and its ilk, with just a sprinkling of modern persistent systems to make it more palatable to newcomers and replayable far beyond those first few hours of froggy firefights.

Kero Blaster proves that going back to a genre's roots can be a refreshing experience. While marred by a sense of strict linearity and some barren background elements, it's a treat for those that want a solid run-and-gun title.

Kero Blaster is a brilliant escape from modern gaming and a worthy purchase. You can revisit the great 8-bit era and enjoy a fun, challenging and humorous game. I really enjoyed reviewing this game.

Throw in a handful of modes that encourage replay, a stellar cast, brilliant production values, and a killer soundtrack, and Kero Blaster is a modern classic. It could stand to be longer, but this is a game that will keep players hooked. Go give it a download!

"Simplicity is beautiful, but not always."

While it manages to avoid falling into too many repetitive patterns and stays engaging I’d say the experience has charm on its side more than excitement. It’s a solid traditional game but with the variety that’s out there, though not necessarily all on the Switch, unless that’s specifically what you’re seeking it may not be as appealing. This is more of a light romp initially but if you’re down for a challenge the unlocked modes more than deliver. If you’re itching to shoot things like it’s the old days this may be the ticket for you but if you’re thirsting for more modern sensibilities you may want to look elsewhere.

Kero Blaster is lighter fare, but the well-thought-out weapon balancing and fine-tuned platforming make it an amusing little journey. If you crave more gameplay and challenge, harder modes await, but even if you were to just play through the short initial story, Kero Blaster is still a game worth checking out.

It has an artistic simplicity and mechanical purity reminiscent of Bill Rizer, Simon Belmont, and the Blue Bomber.

At $10, Kero Blaster is pushing it in terms of justifying its price point, but there's no denying that it's a silly, well-crafted little game that feels good and oozes charisma.

I do recommend giving Kero Blaster a go, especially if you're up for a challenge! If you want to 100% the game, you'll need to complete its regular mode along with its two bonus modes, one of which even remixes stages while adding new content to the experience! Sure, there is no Platinum trophy, but this is one of those games where if you can 100% its trophy list you'll proudly display it in your profile! Can you do a no death run? You better learn all of your enemies weaknesses and memorize the layout of every level!