Blasto is a third-person shooter and 3D platformer developed by Sony Interactive and published by Sony Computer Entertainment America. Released in March 1998 for the original PlayStation, the title attempts to distill the charm of classic 2D platforming games into a 3D space. It stars Captain Blasto, a muscular, alien-fighting, dimwitted captain voiced by the late Phil Hartman. While heavily marketed at the time, the game has since garnered a reputation for being difficult to master, often described as a good game hidden beneath layers of frustration.
Story and Setting
The game is set in a universe heavily inspired by the Warner Bros. Marvin the Martian cartoons. The narrative focuses on the villain Bosc, who escapes from the fifth dimension and takes over Uranus—leading to repeated jokes about the planet's location. Left unchecked, Bosc intends to destroy Earth and kidnap all the "Space Babes" as well. Captain Blasto, a character resembling a mix of The Tick and Space Ghost, must traverse floating walkways, sandy dunes, the watery depths of Uranus, and the sewers of an alien city to stop him.
Gameplay Mechanics
Blasto allows players to explore large, roaming environments that stream directly from the disc. Unlike traditional side-scrollers, this title utilizes a 3D perspective where the player stalks floating platforms and turns switches to open doors. The primary weapon is a ray gun, which can be charged by holding the shoot button for a more intense blast. Throughout the levels, players collect power-ups that provide temporary upgrades, such as heat-seeking missiles, flamethrowers, and rapid shots.
The gameplay has been noted for its frustration factor. A common issue involves enemies, specifically skinny walking aliens and flying saucers, that materialize in front of or behind the player unexpectedly. While following enemies to find hidden items is a mechanic that shows potential for immersion, the constant spawning of foes often makes the experience maddening rather than fun.
Notable Features
- Iconic Voice Acting: The game features the performance of the late Phil Hartman, known for his work on SNL, News Radio, and The Simpsons. This was one of his final projects before his passing.
- Visual Style: The title features clear 3D colors and shading, offering a cartoonish aesthetic that matches its source inspiration.
- Development History: The game was an ambitious title for Sony that suffered delays, resulting in some areas feeling unfinished or lacking polish.
Platform Availability
Although Blasto was originally released for the PlayStation 1, it remains accessible on modern hardware. The game is available on the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, allowing fans to experience Captain Blasto's adventures on contemporary consoles.
Who It Appeals To
The game appeals primarily to fans of goofy, cartoonish adventures and those interested in the legacy of Phil Hartman. While the graphics are praised and the story setup is intriguing, the gameplay is often described as middle-of-the-line; the repetition can become boring quickly. Consequently, while it offers a unique visual style and cool weapons, it is often recommended that players rent the game first to determine if the unique charm outweighs the frustration of the mechanics.
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