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Kero Blaster |OT| A Frog for all Seasons (from Cave Story creator 'Pixel' Amaya)

thetrin

Hail, peons, for I have come as ambassador from the great and bountiful Blueberry Butt Explosion
Gero Blaster isn't the same game as Kero Blaster. It uses the same character, gameplay design concept, and a lot of the assets, but it was a game Pixel was developing on his own and I don't think he liked how it was turning out so he delayed and scrapped it. Kero Blaster seems to be the result of him collaborating with another designer - a Kiyoko Kawanaka, and it was remade from ground up in about a year. She's responsible for the level design for the entire game, while Pixel worked on the coding, graphics, sound, etc.

The old trailer for Gero Blaster can still be found on Youtube, and it's very different: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op8FRV-hyO4

Kawanaka-san is super cool as well. She's been working with Amaya-san in a number of capacities for a while now.

I'm glad people are enjoying the game. We're just glad the servers are back up. ^^
 

duckroll

Member
So I just beat the game twice.
The second time was in new game+ where you get to keep your weapon upgrades. In the end of that there is a
boss rush! are you a bad enough dude to beat my crappy time of 4:50!?

So as I was going through new game+, I came across a weapon called the kuro blaster in I think it was level 3 at the start where you reach an area that you couldn't before with the jetpack. Then in the next level I found an upgrade to it by falling down the hole in the beginning and melting an ice block to the right. Anyone else find any other upgrades to it? Or any secret hard area like the Sacred Grounds in Cave Story?

Not a very long game, but nonetheless I loved it. Music was great, challenge was decent, and the small story was fun. I can see myself coming back to this now and then for a short bit of gaming. One thing I really liked is how all the weapons felt like they had a place. I wasn't sticking with one, but constantly swapping depending on the situation.

I'm only on level 3 in NG+ now, but I actually found the Kuro Blaster in level 1. There's a place where you can fall under the wire mesh platform near the start of a screen, and proceed along under the platform until you fall into a secret area. I'm guessing there are secret areas like that all over NG+ for upgrading the new secret weapon, so depending on which ones you find you can get it upgraded faster?
 

Kientin

Member
I'm only on level 3 in NG+ now, but I actually found the Kuro Blaster in level 1. There's a place where you can fall under the wire mesh platform near the start of a screen, and proceed along under the platform until you fall into a secret area. I'm guessing there are secret areas like that all over NG+ for upgrading the new secret weapon, so depending on which ones you find you can get it upgraded faster?

That's a possibility for sure, though I'm hoping that's not the case haha. Were you able to find another upgrade in the pit at the start of level 4 or was it not there? Also I bet the chest across the boss pit in level 2 contains another upgrade if you jump across it before you get dropped. I was almost able to clear it, but I mistimed my jump and landed right behind the end of the bridge. Going to see if I can make it there again, but it's going to be slow going because I'm attempting a no upgrade run because I like the game and I'm a glutton for punishment I guess.
 

Coconut

Banned
Just finished NG+ man this was the best iOS game that i've played since Ridiculous Fishing. Hats off to you PIXEL another wonderful game.
 

chrono01

Member
Hmm, it sounds like the iOS version is the way to go for this one, as it's a pretty short game [apparently] and having it to play on-the-go would be a great asset. I'm glad to hear that the controls work well, as that was my primary worry.

Given how much I loved Cave Story, I might have to purchase this one.
 

jman2050

Member
Beat the game
and NG+
, this is definitely a keeper. I wish there were slightly more content but this is exactly the type of game where you'll replay it, handicapping yourself further and further until insanity takes over.
 

chrono01

Member
I purchased the PC bundle [with the soundtrack], and if I enjoy the game enough [which I likely will] I'll purchase the iOS version as well.

I must support games such as this, as much as I can.
 

chrono01

Member
So I played a mere 15 minutes of the PC version and purchased it for the iOS. I instantly got Cave Story flashbacks [so surprise there, given the developer] from when I first played it, and I can already tell that I'll be sinking a lot of time in this one too, replaying it over and over...and over. I also really enjoy the humor of the game so far.

So yeah, this game has my full support. PC Bundle + iOS versions purchased!
 

luka

Loves Robotech S1
I kind of wish NG+ scaled a bit to compensate for all the overpowered weapons you have, or at least perhaps the bosses. Maybe I'll try a no-upgrade run sometime. Great game though. I really loved the train station level.
 

duckroll

Member
Okay, I won't spoil the surprise, but everyone should DEFINITELY go grab the updated Pink Hour and beat it in normal and hard mode. :)
 

thetrin

Hail, peons, for I have come as ambassador from the great and bountiful Blueberry Butt Explosion
So I played a mere 15 minutes of the PC version and purchased it for the iOS. I instantly got Cave Story flashbacks [so surprise there, given the developer] from when I first played it, and I can already tell that I'll be sinking a lot of time in this one too, replaying it over and over...and over. I also really enjoy the humor of the game so far.

So yeah, this game has my full support. PC Bundle + iOS versions purchased!

Glad you enjoy the humor. There's some great humor in the Japanese version, and we wanted to maintain that same feeling without transliterating. I think we did a fairly good job in keeping what makes the game so endearing.
 

chrono01

Member
Glad you enjoy the humor. There's some great humor in the Japanese version, and we wanted to maintain that same feeling without transliterating. I think we did a fairly good job in keeping what makes the game so endearing.
Well, if the small sample I've played so far, and from the comments of others that have played further than me are any indication, you definitely did a great job.

I'm excited to sit down and really play through this one and give it the attention it deserves. Games like this don't come along very often, and I'd like to thank you and your team for taking the time to localize it. It's greatly appreciated.
 

thetrin

Hail, peons, for I have come as ambassador from the great and bountiful Blueberry Butt Explosion
I'm excited to sit down and really play through this one and give it the attention it deserves. Games like this don't come along very often, and I'd like to thank you and your team for taking the time to localize it. It's greatly appreciated.

We absolutely loved working on it, so it's icing on the cake that you're all enjoying the translation as well. :)
 

luka

Loves Robotech S1
Glad you enjoy the humor. There's some great humor in the Japanese version, and we wanted to maintain that same feeling without transliterating. I think we did a fairly good job in keeping what makes the game so endearing.

Speaking of which, will there be a Japanese version download available anywhere? I was able to try the JP Pink Hour by downloading it from the Japanese language site but I only seem to be able to get KB in English. I'm kind of curious about the differences. :)

edit: oh i see, looks like i'd have to rebuy to get that one. bummer!
 

chrono01

Member
Okay, I won't spoil the surprise, but everyone should DEFINITELY go grab the updated Pink Hour and beat it in normal and hard mode. :)
I just did as you said. Those small platforms in hard-mode were difficult to begin with, however when I grew more comfortable with the controls [using keyboard] I was able to reliably pass them.

As for the additional content...what does it mean!!?
 
D

Deleted member 125677

Unconfirmed Member
Are the ladders bugged? I can climb forever :D

loving the feel of the game, and the music. Not sure if I agree that you should be able to shoot down all the projectiles, but maybe it'll make more sense later on :p

edit: oh, you can't shoot them all down. nevermind me, speaking to soon comme d'habitude
 

Bleep

Member
I really enjoy short, well paced games and I found this games length to be perfect. At no point did it drag or feel tiresome, I had fun the whole way through. I'm definitely going to play through new game+ to check out the secrets and then play the updated Pink Hour to see what's going on there...
 

R.I.P

Member
Just finished my first playthrough and loved it! The level design was really good and all the boss fights were a lot of fun and quite challenging towards the end.
I wouldn't have minded if there were a few more stages, but on the other hand the length is perfect for repeated playthroughs. Will be starting the NG+ run later today :)
 

qbicfeet

Member
Really loving this game, bought the iOS version and ended up double-dipping and getting the PC version + soundtrack. I can see this being a fun game to speedrun.

NG+ spoilers:

Did anyone find the Kuro Blaster upgrade in world 2? I did two NG+ playthroughs yesterday and I only found the upgrades on worlds 1, 3 and 4. I'd like to confirm whether upgrade level 3 is the max level or not.

The secret areas seem to be denoted by "glitched" tile graphics.
 

Pila

Member
I'm buying this thing ASAP. I love Cave Story, I can't miss a game from the same dev.

What about the music? Would you guys recommend the OST bundle?
 

daydream

Banned
Just played through the updated version of Pink Hour and got the four endings. So ominous. :eek:

I'm buying this thing ASAP. I love Cave Story, I can't miss a game from the same dev.

What about the music? Would you guys recommend the OST bundle?

It's only 2 bucks if you get the bundle. I'd say go for it. Pixel's soundtracks are amazing.
 

duckroll

Member
Just played through the updated version of Pink Hour and got the four endings. So ominous. :eek:

There are four endings? Isn't the bad ending the same for normal and hard? o_O

I didn't get the bad ending on normal though, so I assumed the extra bit in the credits was added regardless. Is it for hard only?
 

daydream

Banned
There are four endings? Isn't the bad ending the same for normal and hard? o_O

I didn't get the bad ending on normal though, so I assumed the extra bit in the credits was added regardless. Is it for hard only?

Yeah, the bad ending on Normal is the same as it was in the earlier version. :)

how is it on ios?

I've only read positive impressions. Some people even prefer the iOS controls! Only complaint seems to be that it's not a universal app.
 
Impressions I posted on TA forums:
So I imagine that some people will ignore this game because it's not Universal or perhaps because it requires 7.1. Those people are missing out

Perhaps one can appreciate Kero Blaster more if they know its pedigree. Studio Pixel was the developer behind the classic Cave Story. Those who don't play PC games may have never heard of the game, but Cave Story is one of the indie games, one of the early games that helped set the foundation for today's thriving indie scene.

While Cave Story was a sprawling expansive Metroidvania, Kero Blaster is more focused, a level based action-platformer. You progress through the varied stages, unlocking new and powerful weapons as you defeat bosses, blowing away a wide range of enemies to collect coins and upgrade your weapons.

More focused does not mean easier. Kero Blaster may not be the longest game, but that brevity is a positive. No filler, no padding, and made to be replayed. Kero Blaster is a challenge, as you evade projectiles and enemies and hazard, timing jumps, using the best weapon at the right times.

Between the difficulty, the variety, the replay value, the cute pixel style, fun story, nice soundtrack, Kero Blaster has a lot going for it, but perhaps the best is how well it controls. The touch controls just feel tight and responsive and finely tuned. The shooting controls are smart; rather than tapping a button or using a stick, you have a slider that locks in your shooting angle, allowing you to fire continuously while focusing on movement and evasion.

A polished experience void of IAP and offering fun hectic action and perfect touch controls, New Game +, boss rush, speedrunning, personal challenges like no upgrades runs, Kero Blaster is worth well the $5 price.
 
Been looking forward to this, been a huge fan of Cave Story and Pixel for years. Is the PC version free? I'll probably get it on IOS anyways because I currently don't have a USB pad and I'm happy to support Pixel.
 
Okay, I won't spoil the surprise, but everyone should DEFINITELY go grab the updated Pink Hour and beat it in normal and hard mode. :)

I don't know how to get Hard Mode. I beat it twice with and without getting hit, but no difficulty option.

God, what an adorable ending for the no-hit mode.
 

duckroll

Member
I don't know how to get Hard Mode. I beat it twice with and without getting hit, but no difficulty option.

God, what an adorable ending for the no-hit mode.

If you have the new version, after beating it once, the next time you should get a prompt asking if you want to play Hard Mode.
 

Gilgamesh

Member
Played through the first stage just now. This game is fantastic. If Cave Story was Pixel's Metroid then I guess this is his Mega Man?
 

Yuterald

Member
Got to stage 3. Game's awesome! Really digging the fact that this is a traditional stage by stage action game instead of an action/adventure sidescroller with exploration (metroidvania lol) elements. I've actually only played a bit of Cave Story awhile back, but never finished it...I should probably fix that at some point though, hah! Anyway, the music's good, controls are tight, levels don't overstay their welcome, all that jazz. Digging this.
 
There are four endings? Isn't the bad ending the same for normal and hard? o_O

I didn't get the bad ending on normal though, so I assumed the extra bit in the credits was added regardless. Is it for hard only?
Yup! There are four, no
paperwork barrage
on Normal. Some different text too.

Also
that cliffhanger
! Assuming that's resolved in Kero? I'm only a couple stages in!
 

Kientin

Member
I've died so many times against the boss of stage 6 on my no upgrade run. Finally though, victory. Seriously, if anyone attempts this buckle up for this boss. I can offer advice on what I did if anyone wants it. On the plus side, if I attempt this on NG+, running through stage 6 is going to be a piece of cake with the amount of times I've done it now...

Yup! There are four, no
paperwork barrage
on Normal. Some different text too.

Also
that cliffhanger
! Assuming that's resolved in Kero? I'm only a couple stages in!

Not that I've seen. However, if it's not that might mean he might patch the game with more content later! Trying hard not to get myself excited for that possibility, but I can't help it!
 

luka

Loves Robotech S1
so i guess there's no way to start NG+ again once you've finished the boss rush. I missed grabbing the secret weapon. :(
 
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