Product ReviewsBlast Corps (Nintendo 64, 1997)

Blast Corps

Back in 1997, Blast Corps served as an important reminder that not every game had to be a sequel to an existing franchise to pack mass appeal. Put together by British second-party developer Rare, Blast Corps is almost like a nostalgic trip back to the heydays of the NES or the time of Robotron and Missile Command. The game puts players behind the controls of current and futuristic destruction machinery with the objective of clearing a path for an out-of-control nuclear missile carrier. Released to very little media hype, Blast Corps quickly won the hearts of N64 owners by offering a well-rounded combination of destructive gameplay and intelligent puzzles, topped off with a rocking soundtrack and good graphics.Read full review...

An amazing underrated game for the Nintendo 64

Created by a company in Europe called Rareware (better known as just Rare today) was known to produce hit after hit video games during the Nintendo 64’s life cycle. Rareware was responsible for many great video games in the past such as Donkey Kong Country on the SNES, Goldeneye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, and Conkers Bad Fur Day on the Nintendo 64. Right before Rareware developed Goldeneye, Rareware had created Blast Corps.

The Plot

The plot is simple: a nuclear truck carrying 2 missiles has started to leak. The leak causes the carrier to lock onto a destination site for a controlled explosion. The problem however, is the carrier only drives to its destination via a straight path, any impact or rupture to the vehicle will cause the carrier to explode. Your mission as part of the “Blast Corps” team is to demolish all obstacles that block the way of the missile carrier so it can reach the destination site before it prematurely explodes. The team uses an array of special vehicles during different levels of the game to complete this task. The first time you turn this game on, don’t skip the intro, it explains the plot in greater detail.

Game

Blast Corps is a majorly underrated fantastic N64 game, featuring a unique action/puzzle genre. The game also includes “bonus” levels, such as vehicle racing in-between carrier missions, and also has a 3-D “pacman inspired” stage near the end. The game is tough and will get players frustrated, but this has nothing to do with game mechanics. The game starts out fairly easy, teaching players all the important skills needed for the later levels, because it does get fairly challenging later on in the game.

The vehicles in Blast Corps are quite interesting and very unique. The only two vehicles that are recognizable in game and in the real world are the bulldozer (Ramdozer) and the dump truck (Backlash). There are 8 main vehicles for you to control and other non-essential vehicles that you can use.
The game provides players with different combinations of vehicles to use, depending on which stage is being played. Using the vehicles correctly is the key to completing each of the levels missions and achieving victory.

Controls

Being an old game the controls may be difficult to get used to, but certainly not impossible, or the worst I’ve ever seen in a video game before. Players will become somewhat frustrated when it comes to the Blacklash dump truck levels, although it’s not as hard as people say it is. Some complain the camera is a problem, but I don’t find it being a big problem.

Sound

The sound effects in the game suit the overall feel very well. The sound effects are great, and suit the game just fine so I won’t be getting into that. The part that really stands out for me is the music. Some will say the music in Blast Corps is pretty bad, I will agree with them partly, there are a few tracks which are repetitive and annoying, but overall there are no major problems with the music in Blast Corps. The music ranges from techno to “grungy and dark” and to “soothing and calm”.

Overall

If you want to try something new and challenging, while also playing something completely different than other games, I strongly recommend picking this game up. eBay sellers have this game for really cheap, so you’re not wasting much if you don’t like it. Blast Corps has great reply value, players can come back to the game months or years later and still feel the thrill of the challenge.

- Reviewed by FreqhogRead full review...

Blast Corps... A very inovative game for its time...

I remember playing this when it first came out, and becoming addicted instantly. A game that pulls you in, because of its new concepts and challenges for you to beat.

I would have to say, the only problem with this game, is its replay value though. After you beat it once, you don't really wanna play it again for awhile. It usually takes me a good year or so before I've forgotten a lot about it, and want to play it again.

Other then the lack of replay value, a highly recommendable experience for the Nintendo 64, if you enjoy destroying things as a giant robot! Watching explosions and a giant robot act like a wrecking ball, is only so enjoyable though...Read full review...

Old School fun

Was one of my favorite games to play as a kid. Still a ton of fun for the N64.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: clone3

One of the 64's best.

This game has a pretty cheezy plot, but it's playability is through the roof. Basically, you use various types of vehicles to destroy buildings before a truck with some nukes crashes into them and explodes. It's really easy to get into, the controls and graphics are great. A must have for anyone who owns the Nintendo 64.

ez,

Scott.Read full review...

Miss this game!!! I love it

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: cinnasdeals

Blast Corps N64

Awesome game, truly a blast !

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: chrislexgames2020

Bought it for the box.

Its a great game but I bought it complete on ebay for the box.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: geor-whor

Works great

Another great N64 game

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: retro_tech_atl

'Blown' Away

One of the most unique games ever made. You'd be hard pressed to find another game that comes close to its originality. After all these years it still holds up. I would definitely recommend this game to anyone who is venturing back in time through their old game consoles. If you missed it the first time around, don't hesitate to pick it up now !Read full review...