I’m sure most of you are out in the sun today talking with friends, drinking some beers and grilling up hamburgers and hot dogs. It is, after all, the 4th of July, and it’s a day about patriotism, red, white and blue and fireworks! Well, Inti Creates has us covered with two out of those three colors as well as the explosive part. They have revealed that starting July 6th, Ver 1.3 of Blaster Master Zero is out, and with it are coming two new DLC characters – the blue Shovel Knight and the red Shantae (red and purple, close enough).

Blaster Master Zero | Shantae

Blaster Master Zero | Shovel Knight

Much like with the previous DLC, these two characters will be free for a limited time (two weeks) after their initial release, and will later be obtainable on both Switch and 3DS versions of the game for a mere $1.99. While Shantae will be ready to download this Friday, Shovel Knight will be here on August 3rd. Best of all, both characters will play differently and stay true to their gameplay quirks (note the image of Shovel Knight bouncing off projectiles blown by a giant frog and Shantae hurling a fireball).

Blaster Master Zero | Shantae moves

Blaster Master Zero | Shovel Knight moves

I’m very happy to see Inti Creates continuing to keep Blaster Master Zero interesting with these great DLC updates, and especially happy two of my favorite indie characters made the cut. Chime in below if you’re interested in playing as Shantae and Shovel Knight in Blaster Master Zero!

Blaster Master Zero | Shantae Fireball

Blaster Master Zero | Shovel Jump

Josh Speer
Josh is a passionate gamer, finding time to clock in around 30-40 hours of gaming a week. He discovered Operation Rainfall while avidly following the localization of the Big 3 Wii RPGs. He enjoys SHMUPS, Platformers, RPGs, Roguelikes and the occasional Fighter. He’s also an unashamedly giant Mega Man fan, having played the series since he was eight. As Head Editor and Review Manager, he spends far too much time editing reviews and random articles. In his limited spare time he devours indies whole and anticipates the release of quirky, unpredictable and innovative games.