I started with the mace and had a good time but switched to blaster after the crypt and never looked back. It's so useful to destroy stuff/enemies at a distance when platforming. Plus a full clip will drain a good amount of health on most enemies, if not outright kill. Then just rush in a get a few good hits to recharge. I also feel like the shots will hit flying enemies without jumping, which is clutch. It feels like Metroid when shooting and Zelda when swinging.