{{Short description|2014 video game}} {{Infobox video game | title=Kero Blaster | image=Kero Blaster title screen.jpg | caption=Title screen | developer= Studio Pixel | publisher= Playism | designer= Daisuke "Pixel" Amaya | released={{ubl|'''Windows, iOS'''|May 11, 2014|'''PS4'''|April 11, 2017|'''Switch'''|August 23, 2018|'''Android'''|December 24, 2021|'''Mac'''|June 29, 2023}} | genre= Platform | modes= Single-player | platforms= Windows, iOS, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Android, macOS }}
{{nihongo|'''''Kero Blaster'''''|ケロブラスター|Kero Burasutā}}{{efn|name=ety|In Japanese, {{nihongo||ケロケロ|kero kero}} and {{nihongo||ゲロゲロ|gero gero}} are onomatopoeia for a frog's ribbit.}} is a platform game created by Daisuke "Pixel" Amaya released in 2014 for Windows and iOS. It was the first major release from Pixel since ''Cave Story'' in 2004.
The game places a heavy emphasis on shooting and received positive reviews on both platforms. A short, free demo titled ''Pink Hour'' was made available a month before the full game's release. A short, free companion game and sequel to ''Pink Hour'' titled ''Pink Heaven'' was released in November 2015, coinciding with the new ''Kero Blaster'' update.
==Gameplay== In ''Kero Blaster'', the player controls a frog working for Cat & Frog, a teleporter company. Armed with a peashooter, he has to clean all the teleporters of strange black monsters. The player has to work their way through a series of linear stages, by means of running, gunning and jumping. ''USGamer'' described the gameplay as "akin to ... ''Contra'' or old-school, pre-''Symphony of the Night'' ''Castlevanias''." ''Kero Blaster'' is controlled by changing direction, jumping, and charging and firing the player character's weapon. Holding down the fire button continues to fire in the direction the character was facing when he started shooting, allowing players to move the character and change the firing direction independently.<ref name="USGamer">{{cite web|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/kero-blaster-pc-review-this-aint-cave-story-2|title=Kero Blaster PC Review: This Ain't Cave Story 2|publisher=USGamer|last=Davison|first=Pete|date=2015-05-16|access-date=2015-01-29|archive-date=2017-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206074604/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/kero-blaster-pc-review-this-aint-cave-story-2|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Development and release== ''Kero Blaster'' was originally supposed to be released in 2013, but Pixel delayed its release just before it was to come out.<ref name="RPS">{{cite news|url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/04/01/cave-story-creators-kero-blaster-release-date/|title=Perchance To Frog: Cave Story Dev's Kero Blaster Dated|website=Rock Paper Shotgun|last=Grayson|first=Nathan|date=2014-04-01|access-date=2015-01-29|archive-date=2019-02-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215045133/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/04/01/cave-story-creators-kero-blaster-release-date/|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was rebuilt from '''''Gero Blaster''''',{{efn|name=ety}} which Pixel announced on {{illm|BitSummit|ja|BitSummit}} in Japan, early 2013, but never released.<ref name="Polygon">{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/31/5567910/cave-story-devs-new-game-kero-blaster-launches-may-11|title=Cave Story dev's new game, Kero Blaster, launches May 11|publisher=Polygon|last=Farokhmanesh|first=Megan|date=2014-05-31|access-date=2015-01-29|archive-date=2018-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809103128/https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/31/5567910/cave-story-devs-new-game-kero-blaster-launches-may-11|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Gero Blaster'' was a game based on comics that Pixel drew in college, starring himself as a frog and his girlfriend as a cat.<ref name="Destructoid">{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-kero-blaster-275026.phtml|title=Try not to Croak|publisher=Destructoid|last=Holmes|first=Jonathan|date=2014-05-18|access-date=2015-01-29|archive-date=2019-05-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511013017/https://www.destructoid.com/review-kero-blaster-275026.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref> While Pixel developed ''Cave Story'' entirely on his own, he worked together with Kiyoko Kawanaka for ''Kero Blaster'' so that he could stay motivated. When Pixel left the level design and production up to her, Pixel "was able to focus on smaller parts while the stages in the game were steadily being created."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/cave-story-creator-on-wanting-to-quit-working-with-publishers-275541.phtml|title=Cave Story creator on wanting to quit, working with publishers|publisher=Destructoid|last=Holmes|first=Jonathan|date=2014-05-29|access-date=2015-01-30|archive-date=2015-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130132941/http://www.destructoid.com/cave-story-creator-on-wanting-to-quit-working-with-publishers-275541.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref>
A month before the full release, Pixel released a demo and prologue to ''Kero Blaster'', titled ''Pink Hour''. In this demo, the player is an unnamed pink office worker who must find a missing document to avoid the anger of her boss. The short game is rather hard, due to the limited amount of lives the player has to beat it with.<ref name="Indie Games demo">{{cite web|url=http://indiegames.com/2014/04/cave_story_dev_releases_free_p.html|title=Cave Story dev releases free Pink Hour prologue to Kero Blaster|publisher=indiegames.com|last=Polson|first=John|date=2014-04-11|access-date=2015-01-29|archive-date=2016-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304200053/http://indiegames.com/2014/04/cave_story_dev_releases_free_p.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/4/11/5604894/pink-hour-kero-blaster-cave-story-dev|title=Kero Blaster prologue, Pink Hour, now available as a free download|publisher=Polygon|last=Farokhmanesh|first=Megan|date=2014-04-11|access-date=2015-01-29|archive-date=2015-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402174454/http://www.polygon.com/2014/4/11/5604894/pink-hour-kero-blaster-cave-story-dev|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-04-12-studio-pixel-releases-free-kero-blaster-prologue-pink-hour|title=Studio Pixel releases free Kero Blaster prologue, Pink Hour|publisher=Eurogamer|last=Matulef|first=Jeffrey|date=2014-04-12|access-date=2015-01-29|archive-date=2015-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402090409/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-04-12-studio-pixel-releases-free-kero-blaster-prologue-pink-hour|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.technobuffalo.com/2014/04/15/kero-blaster-prequel-pink-hour-released-for-free-on-playism/|title=Kero Blaster Prequel, Pink Hour, Released for Free on Playism|publisher=TechnoBuffalo|last=Duwell|first=Ron|date=2014-04-15|access-date=2015-01-30|archive-date=2015-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402225628/http://www.technobuffalo.com/2014/04/15/kero-blaster-prequel-pink-hour-released-for-free-on-playism/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The release date of ''Kero Blaster'', May 11, 2014, coincided with the three-year anniversary of Japanese digital distributor Playism, on which the game was released.<ref name="Polygon" /> ''Kero Blaster'' was released on Steam on 11 November 2015.<ref name="PCGamer Steam">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/cave-story-devs-kero-blaster-hitting-steam-with-zangyou-upgrade/|publisher=PCGamer|title=Cave Story dev's Kero Blaster hitting Steam with Zangyou upgrade|last=Sykes|first=Tom|date=2015-10-14|access-date=2015-10-15|archive-date=2015-10-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016014518/http://www.pcgamer.com/cave-story-devs-kero-blaster-hitting-steam-with-zangyou-upgrade/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In November 2015, ''Kero Blaster'' was updated as Pixel added a "Hard Mode" and "Overtime Mode" to the game. Alongside this update, Pixel released a second short, free game titled ''Pink Heaven'', which is the sequel to ''Pink Hour''. This companion game once again starred the pink office worker and served as a demo for ''Kero Blaster''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://toucharcade.com/2015/10/12/studio-pixel-releases-update-to-kero-blaster-and-new-companion-game-pink-heaven/|work=Touch Arcade|title=Studio Pixel Releases Update To 'Kero Blaster' And New Companion Game 'Pink Heaven'|last=Musgrave|first=Shaun|date=2015-10-12|access-date=2017-12-05|archive-date=2017-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804174920/http://toucharcade.com/2015/10/12/studio-pixel-releases-update-to-kero-blaster-and-new-companion-game-pink-heaven/|url-status=live}}</ref>
A PlayStation 4 port of the game was released on April 11, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=Playism's Station at Playstation Expo Exposed|last=Holmes|first=Jonathan|url=https://www.destructoid.com/kero-blaster-and-momodora-4-hopping-and-popping-on-ps4-402908.phtml|publisher=Destructoid|date=2016-12-05|access-date=2016-12-18|archive-date=2020-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025115442/https://www.destructoid.com/kero-blaster-and-momodora-4-hopping-and-popping-on-ps4-402908.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref> A Nintendo Switch port of the game was released on August 23, 2018, via eShop,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2018-08-23/kero-blaster-out-now-on-the-nintendo-switch/.135820|title=Kero Blaster Out Now on the Nintendo Switch|date=21 June 2023|access-date=2018-08-23|archive-date=2021-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206221930/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2018-08-23/kero-blaster-out-now-on-the-nintendo-switch/.135820|url-status=live}}</ref> and later Singapore-based publisher 1Print Games announced a physical Nintendo Switch release for November 29, 2019.<ref name="NS cites physical release">{{cite web | url=https://nintendosoup.com/1print-games-reveals-kero-blaster-ittle-dew-and-death-squared-physical-editions-for-switch/ | title=1Print Games Reveals Kero Blaster, Ittle Dew, And Death Squared Physical Editions For Switch | work=NintendoSoup | author=Iggy | date=November 22, 2019 | access-date=November 24, 2019 | archive-date=November 12, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112025538/https://nintendosoup.com/1print-games-reveals-kero-blaster-ittle-dew-and-death-squared-physical-editions-for-switch/ | url-status=live }}</ref> An Android port of the game was released on December 24, 2021, via Google Play.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kero Blaster – The 2D Side-Scrolling Action Game Starring a Frog (!?) Comes to Android on December 24th!|url=https://playism.com/en/news/2021/1217/1352/|publisher=Playism|date=2021-12-17|access-date=2022-03-08|archive-date=2022-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308153016/https://playism.com/en/news/2021/1217/1352/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Reception== {{Video game reviews | MC = iOS: 86/100<ref name="MC_iOS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/keroblaster/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=KeroBlaster for iPhone/iPad Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=2020-12-06 |archive-date=2023-12-18 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231218021414/https://www.metacritic.com/game/keroblaster/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PC: 82/100<ref name="MC_PC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/keroblaster/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Kero Blaster for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=2020-12-06 |archive-date=2023-12-18 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231218021426/https://www.metacritic.com/game/keroblaster/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PS4: 79/100<ref name="MC_PS4">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/keroblaster/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Kero Blaster for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=2020-12-06 |archive-date=2023-12-18 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231218021438/https://www.metacritic.com/game/keroblaster/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />NS: 77/100<ref name="MC_NS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/keroblaster/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Kero Blaster for Switch Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=2020-12-06 |archive-date=2023-12-18 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231218021445/https://www.metacritic.com/game/keroblaster/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |url-status=live }}</ref> | TA = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="toucharcade">{{cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2014/05/12/kero-blaster-review/ |title='Kero Blaster' Review – Toad, All Carnage |last=Musgrave |first=Shaun |date=2014-05-12 |publisher=TouchArcade |access-date=2020-12-06 |archive-date=2020-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127231205/https://toucharcade.com/2014/05/12/kero-blaster-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | EuroG = Recommended<ref name="eurogamer">{{cite web |last1=Parkin |first1=Simon |title=Kero Blaster review |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-02-kero-blaster-review |website=Eurogamer |date=15 December 2020 |access-date=8 November 2021 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627232421/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-02-kero-blaster-review |url-status=live }}</ref> | NLife = {{Rating|8|10}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Reseigh-Lincoln |first1=Dom |title=Kero Blaster Review (Switch eShop) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/kero_blaster |website=Nintendo Life |date=21 August 2018 |access-date=8 November 2021 |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108231235/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/kero_blaster |url-status=live }}</ref> | Destruct = 9/10<ref>{{cite web |last1=Holmes |first1=Jonathan |title=Review: Kero Blaster |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-kero-blaster/ |website=Destructoid |date=18 May 2014 |access-date=8 November 2021 |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108231235/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-kero-blaster/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | NWR = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ronaghan |first1=Neal |title=Kero Blaster (Switch) Review |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/48079/kero-blaster-switch-review |website=Nintendo World Report |date=22 August 2018 |access-date=8 November 2021 |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108231235/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/48079/kero-blaster-switch-review |url-status=live }}</ref> | PCGUS = 78/100<ref name="PCGamer"/> | CGM = 7.5/10<ref>{{cite web |last1=Heemsbergen |first1=Derek |title=Kero Blaster Review |url=https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/kero-blaster-review-silly-well-crafted-charisma/ |website=Computer Games Magazine |date=6 May 2017 |access-date=8 November 2021 |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108231235/https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/kero-blaster-review-silly-well-crafted-charisma/ |url-status=live }}</ref> }}
Before the full release, ''PCGamer'' called the free ''Pink Hour'' demo "too brief and too difficult to really get to grips with", though it praised the game's trailer.<ref name="PCGamer pre">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/studio-pixels-kero-blaster-and-its-soundtrack-now-available-for-purchase/|title=Studio Pixel's Kero Blaster, and its soundtrack, out now|publisher=PCGamer|last=Sykes|first=Tom|date=2014-05-11|access-date=2015-01-29|archive-date=2015-01-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101212605/http://www.pcgamer.com/studio-pixels-kero-blaster-and-its-soundtrack-now-available-for-purchase/|url-status=live}}</ref> After the release of ''Kero Blaster'', ''TouchArcade'' described ''Pink Hour'' as a "great way to check out what ''KeroBlaster'' is about – or just to get a new level of the game to play."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://toucharcade.com/2014/06/19/keroblaster-prequel-pink-hour-released/|title='KeroBlaster' Prequel and Free Version 'Pink Hour' Released to App Store|publisher=Touch Arcade|last=Dotson|first=Carter|date=2014-06-19|access-date=2015-01-29|archive-date=2015-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324125826/http://toucharcade.com/2014/06/19/keroblaster-prequel-pink-hour-released/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Destructoid'' described the demo as "hard as nails," yet also as "very lovable."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/cave-story-creator-s-latest-game-is-harder-than-dark-souls-273596.phtml|title=Cave Story creator's latest game is harder than Dark Souls|publisher=Destructoid|last=MacGreggor|first=Kyle|date=2014-04-23|access-date=2015-01-30|archive-date=2015-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130172757/http://www.destructoid.com/cave-story-creator-s-latest-game-is-harder-than-dark-souls-273596.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref>
''Kero Blaster'' received positive reviews upon release.<ref name="MC_PC" /> ''Destructoid'' praised the game's pacing and replay value, stating that it is the perfect way to introduce someone to the genre of 2D action/platformers.<ref name="Destructoid" /> ''USgamer'' praised the game's controls, weapons and presentation, calling it an "excellent run-and-gun shooter that plays beautifully," but criticized the short length of the game.<ref name="USGamer" /> ''PCGamer'' states that the game sounds "like it could've come from an NES if a composer had spent the past 25 years mastering its sound chip," and though they criticized the high difficulty of the game, ''PCGamer'' said that it was "refreshing to play a game with such mechanical purity."<ref name="PCGamer">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/kero-blaster-review/|title=Kero Blaster|publisher=PCGamer|last=Fenlon|first=Wes|date=2014-06-03|access-date=2015-01-29|archive-date=2015-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212065906/http://www.pcgamer.com/kero-blaster-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Eurogamer'' stated that ''Kero Blaster'' is not less engaging than ''Cave Story'', despite its short length, and describes it as "a three-hour trip that demands to be finished."<ref name="eurogamer"/>
The game is often compared to ''Cave Story'', the highly successful previous game created by Pixel. According to ''TouchArcade'', ''Kero Blaster'' has the "same sort of off-beat sense of humor, chip music of similar quality and composition, pixel art graphics, and a vaguely similar style of play based heavily on platforming and shooting." However, where ''Cave Story'' is known for its non-linear exploration, ''Kero Blaster'' features "stage-based run and gun action." ''Cave Story'' is cited to be similar to ''Metroid'', while ''Kero Blaster'' is more often compared to ''Contra'' and ''Mega Man''. ''TouchArcade'' and ''USgamer'' specifically wrote that "''Kero Blaster'' is not ''Cave Story 2''," with ''TouchArcade'' adding that "the sooner you put the notion out of your mind, the sooner you can get to enjoying an extremely well-crafted action game."<ref name="USGamer" /><ref name="PCGamer" /><ref name="toucharcade" />
The iOS-version was received even better than the PC-version.<ref name="MC_iOS" /> ''USgamer'' praised the implementation of the control scheme in the iOS-version, stating that Pixel solved common frustrations in mobile games "in an eminently sensible manner without compromising ''Kero Blaster''{{'s}} depth of gameplay."<ref name="USGamer" /> ''Game Informer'' enjoyed ''Kero Blaster''{{'}}s toggled firing directions as well, compared to other "clumsy virtual gamepads". Furthermore, ''Game Informer'' called the game "one of the best-playing action-platformers the iOS has to offer," though noted that the game was not groundbreaking.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/kero_blaster/b/ios/archive/2014/06/24/a-pleasant-side-scroller-with-solid-touchscreen-controls.aspx|title=Kero Blaster: A Pleasant Side-Scroller With Solid Touchscreen Controls|publisher=Game Informer|last=Turi|first=Tim|date=2014-06-24|access-date=2015-01-29|archive-date=2014-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110062251/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/kero_blaster/b/ios/archive/2014/06/24/a-pleasant-side-scroller-with-solid-touchscreen-controls.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> ''IGN Italia'' called the mobile control scheme of ''Kero Blaster'' "precise and intelligent."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://it.ign.com/mobile/73273/opinion/touch-me-57|title=Touch Me #57|publisher=IGN Italia|last=Zampini|first=Alessandro|date=2014-06-02|language=it|access-date=2015-01-29|archive-date=2014-10-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015162412/http://it.ign.com/mobile/73273/opinion/touch-me-57|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Pocket Gamer'' called the game "fresher and more exciting than much of the content on the App Store" and ''Gamezebo'' stated that ''Kero Blaster''{{'}}s "compelling retro-style graphics, sharp controls, intense shooting action, and charming character designs make it one of the best action games on mobile."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPhone/KeroBlaster/review.asp?c=59491|title=Total Blast|publisher=Pocket Gamer|last=Slater|first=Harry|date=14 May 2014|access-date=30 January 2015|archive-date=3 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303011259/http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPhone/KeroBlaster/review.asp?c=59491|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezebo.com/2014/05/21/keroblaster-review/|title=KeroBlaster Review|publisher=Gamezebo|last=Oxford|first=Nadia|date=2014-05-21|access-date=2015-01-30|archive-date=2014-12-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230101732/http://www.gamezebo.com/2014/05/21/keroblaster-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
{{Daisuke Amaya}}
Category:2014 video games Category:Android (operating system) games Category:Indie games Category:IOS games Category:Linux games Category:macOS games Category:Nintendo Switch games Category:Platformers Category:Playism games Category:PlayStation 4 games Category:PlayStation Network games Category:Side-scrolling video games Category:Single-player video games Category:Video games about amphibians Category:Video games developed in Japan Category:Windows games