If you've ever dreamed about combining your love for platformers with the thrill of high-stakes document retrieval (because let's be honest, that's what we all dream about), then Kero Blaster is the game for you. In this curious title by Daisuke 'Pixel' Amaya - the genius mind behind Cave Story - you play as a frog working for a teleporter company. Yes, you read that right. Not only do you shoot things, but you also have a solid job! Grab your peashooter and let's hop into this review.
Playing as a frog, you are tasked with cleaning up teleporters that have been infested with dark, creepy monsters. Armed with your trusty peashooter, you'll run, jump, and blast your way through a series of linear levels. Each stage feels like a delightful retro throwback with an addictive memory of the side-scrolling shooters popular in the late '80s and early '90s. The controls are smooth, allowing you to change direction mid-air, charge your weapon, and shoot like there's no tomorrow. Us gamers love nothing more than the sweet feeling of independence in gameplay. The game also offers a charming variety of enemies, each one a colorful caricature of your favorite nightmare fuel. While the game isn't exactly Dark Souls-level difficult, it does provide a challenging experience that will keep you on your toes. With enemy attack patterns and tricky platforming sections, slaying these seemingly harmless creatures might feel more like a full-time job than just your side hustle from the teleporter company.
Kero Blaster's graphics can only be described as delightful. The entire aesthetic oozes pixelated charm that could make even the grumpiest player crack a smile. The colors are bright and engaging, giving off a nostalgic vibe without feeling dated. Every enemy, platform, and laser beam looks lovingly crafted, making it obvious that Pixel is a master of his craft. This game could run on a toaster and still look good, just like how you feel when you've just cleaned your kitchen - satisfied and slightly confused as to why you don't do it more often.
Ultimately, Kero Blaster is a delightful romp through a unique world filled with quirky characters, solid gameplay, and just the right amount of challenge. It might not be as expansive as Cave Story, but sometimes, it's about the journey, not the destination (unless that destination is an endless supply of pizza, then it's always about the destination). With its charming graphics, fun mechanics, and clever humor, Kero Blaster is one of those gems that deserves a place in your game library. So, gear up, grab your peashooter, and get ready to protect your teleporters from the scourge of black monsters, all while finding time to giggle like a little kid. Kero Blaster is here, and it's ready for your PS4.