View source for Gunstar Heroes

{{Short description|1993 video game}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}

{{Infobox video game
| title = Gunstar Heroes
| image = Gunstar Heroes.jpg
| caption = North American cover art
| developer = [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]]{{efn|Ported to Game Gear and 3DS by [[M2 (game developer)|M2]]}}
| publisher = [[Sega]]
| series = 
| engine = 
| platforms = [[Sega Genesis]], [[Game Gear]], [[Nintendo 3DS]]
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|September 10, 1993}}|'''Sega Genesis'''{{Video game release|JP|September 10, 1993<ref name=vc />|WW|September 1993<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Genesis Review: Gunstar Heroes|url=https://archive.org/details/GamefanVolume1Issue10September1993/page/n27/mode/2up |magazine=[[GameFan]] |volume=1 |issue=10 |date=September 1993 |pages=28-29}}</ref><ref name="CVG" />}}'''Game Gear'''{{Video game release|JP|March 24, 1995}}'''Nintendo 3DS'''{{Video game release|JP|June 24, 2015<ref>{{cite web |title=3D ガンスターヒーローズ｜セガ 3D復刻プロジェクト｜セガ |url=http://archives.sega.jp/3d/gh/ |website=Sega |language=ja |access-date=December 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150820194624/http://archives.sega.jp/3d/gh/ |archive-date=August 20, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>|WW|August 20, 2015<ref>{{cite web |title=3D Gunstar Heroes |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/games/3ds-eshop/3d_gunstar_heroes |website=Nintendo Life |date=August 20, 2015 |access-date=December 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228174810/http://www.nintendolife.com/games/3ds-eshop/3d_gunstar_heroes |archive-date=December 28, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>}}}}
| genre = [[run and gun video game|Run and gun]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
| director = 
| producer = Masato Maegawa
| designer = 
| programmer = Mitsuru Yaida<br />Hideyuki Suganami
| artist = Tetsuhiko Kikuchi<br />[[Hiroshi Iuchi]]
| writer = 
| composer =  Norio Hanzawa
}}

'''''Gunstar Heroes'''''{{efn|{{nihongo||ガンスターヒーローズ|Gansutā Hīrōzu}} in Japan}} is a 1993 [[run and gun video game]] developed by [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]] and published by [[Sega]] for the [[Sega Genesis]]. It was Treasure's first developed video game. The game's premise is centered around a pair of characters, the Gunstars, in their efforts to stop an evil empire from recovering four powerful gems. The characters can fire guns and perform a series of acrobatic maneuvers to fight enemies across each stage. There are four weapons in the game which can be combined with one another to create different shot types.

Development on ''Gunstar Heroes'' began among a team of staff working at [[Konami]] in 1991. Following an unwillingness of Konami to embrace their original game ideas, the team quit in 1992 and formed Treasure to see their project through. The team wanted to develop their game for the Genesis because of the system's powerful [[Motorola 68000]] microprocessor. [[Sega]] initially rejected their proposal, but later granted approval after they had been working for Sega for several months on ''[[McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure]]'' (1993). Treasure worked on both games in parallel, and released ''Gunstar Heroes'' worldwide as their first game in 1993.

''Gunstar Heroes'' was a critical success, being praised for its frantic action and advanced graphics. It helped establish Treasure's place in the industry, and introduced several design conventions which would become characteristic of their later work such as large bosses and a unique sense of humor. It was re-released several times, including dedicated ports to the [[Game Gear]] and [[Nintendo 3DS]], and received [[Gunstar Super Heroes|a sequel]] on the [[Game Boy Advance]]. In retrospect, it is considered one of the best action games of the [[Fourth generation of video game consoles|16-bit era]], and one of the [[List of video games considered the best|best video games of all time]] by several publications.

== Gameplay ==
[[File:Gunstar_Heroes_screenshot.png|thumb|left|The player runs to the right as they fire the machine gun.]]
''Gunstar Heroes'' is a [[Run and gun (video game)|run and gun]] game played from a [[Side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling]] perspective similar to [[Contra (series)|''Contra'']].<ref name="nwrr" /> The game can be played in [[Single-player video game|single-player]], or [[Cooperative video game|cooperatively]] with a partner. The players take on the role of Gunstar Red and Gunstar Blue as they battle with an evil empire for control over a set of powerful gems.<ref name="tar" /> The game features seven stages, of which the first four can be tackled in any order.<ref name="tar" />  The stage formats vary; while some feature a typical left-to-right format, others have the player riding in a mine cart along walls, fighting enemies on a helicopter, or playing a board game.<ref name="tar" /><ref name="usgr" /> Completing a level grants the player an extension to their maximum [[Health (gaming)|health]].<ref name="tar" />

When starting a game, the player can choose either a free or fixed firing stance; the fixed stance immobilizes the character when shooting, while the free stance has the player move in the direction they are firing.<ref name="usgr" /> The player also has a choice of starting weapon. There are four shot types in the game: a homing shot, lightning blaster, flamethrower, and machine gun. Each weapon has its strengths and weaknesses, and can be swapped with others from item drops in each stage.<ref name=":26" /> The weapons can be combined with each other to produce unique shot types. For example, the homing shot can be combined with the machine gun to add a homing effect to the latter, or two lightning shots can be combined to create a more powerful lightning gun.<ref name=":26" /> In addition to firing their weapon, the player characters can pull off a series of acrobatic maneuvers including jumping, sliding, and grabbing and throwing enemies.<ref name="tar" />

== Development ==
In 1991, several [[Konami]] employees led by programmer Masato Maegawa began holding planning sessions at coffee shops for an original game.<ref name=":4">{{Cite magazine|last=Davies|first=Jonti|date=April 2008|title=The Making Of: Gunstar Heroes|url=https://archive.org/stream/retro_gamer/RetroGamer_050#page/56/mode/2up|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]|issue=50|pages=56–61}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://sega.jp/fb/album/12_gunstar/interview1.html|title=前川正人「ガンスターヒーローズ」スーパーバイザー|website=Sega|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122021916/http://sega.jp/fb/album/12_gunstar/interview1.html|archive-date=January 22, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=December 22, 2018}} ([https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/06/maegawa-talks-gunstar Abridged translation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201222911/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/06/maegawa-talks-gunstar |date=December 1, 2018 }})</ref> They were establishing early concepts for an action shooting game, a genre they were familiar with.<ref name=":1" /> They pitched their idea to Konami, but were told it would not sell and it was rejected.<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine|date=October 1993|title=An Interview With: Treasure|url=https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_1_Issue_11/page/n59|magazine=GameFan|volume=1|issue=11|pages=60}}</ref> Maegawa and his team were growing frustrated with the industry's reliance on sequels to established franchises and console conversions of arcade games to generate revenue.<ref name=":0" /> They felt Konami had fallen into this pattern as a large company, growing reliant on sequels in their ''[[Castlevania]]'' and ''[[List of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles video games|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'' series.<ref name=":0" /> Maegawa and his team felt consumers wanted original games,<ref name=":0" /> and so in 1992, they left Konami and established [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]] to continue development on their original game.<ref name="works4">{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works|last1=Stuart|first1=Keith|year=2014|isbn=9780957576810|page=291|publisher=Read-Only Memory }}</ref>

[[File:Sega-Genesis-Mod1-Set.png|thumb|left|Treasure believed the [[Motorola 68000]] microprocessor in the [[Sega Genesis]] was best suited for the action games they wanted to make.]]
Treasure wanted to develop their game for [[Sega]]'s [[Sega Genesis|Genesis]].<ref name=":0" /> Maegawa was interested in the platform because of its [[Motorola 68000]] microprocessor, which he felt was easier to program for than the [[Super NES]], and more powerful.<ref name=":0" /> The team decided to approach Sega for a publishing contract.<ref name=":4" /> When they first presented their design documents to Sega, they were not granted approval because they lacked a proven track record.<ref name=":1" /> Instead, Sega contracted Treasure to develop ''[[McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure]]'' (1993).<ref name=":1" /> Several months into development, they were finally granted approval to work on their original action game.<ref name=":1" /> They originally were using the working title ''Lunatic Gunstar,'' thinking "Lunatic" was a good description of the game's stimulating action.<ref name=":4" /> Sega of America felt the word held a negative connotation, so rejected it.<ref name=":1" /> The team also considered ''Blade Gunner'', in homage to ''[[Blade Runner]]'', but this was also rejected because of copyright restrictions.<ref name=":1" /> Sega of America eventually suggested the word "Heroes," so ''Gunstar Heroes'' became the final title.<ref name=":1" />

Treasure consisted of around 18 people, most being programmers from Konami.<ref name=":0" /> The staff was split in half to work on both ''Gunstar Heroes'' and ''McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure'' in parallel.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /> The core team behind ''Gunstar Heroes'' consisted of six people: two programmers, two graphic designers, and two sound programmers.<ref name=":0" /> The staff (known by their nicknames) was composed of main programmer Yaiman, enemy and boss programmer Nami, graphic designers Han and Iuchi, composer Non, and sound effects programmer Murata.<ref name=":4" /> The role of game designer did not exist within Treasure; all game design and planning was undertaken by everyone involved.<ref name="works4" /> The team felt they had more freedom working under Sega than Konami.<ref name=":0" /> Maegawa got approval to add a Treasure logo when the game booted, which he felt was a rare opportunity for developers to get in that era.<ref name=":1" />

[[File:GunstarHeroes_SevenForce.gif|thumb|right|The Genesis's processor made multi-limbed bosses like "Seven Force" possible.]]
Development of ''Gunstar Heroes'' lasted around nine to ten months.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":0" /> It was the team's first experience programming for the Genesis, having come off programming for the Super NES at Konami.<ref name=":1" /><ref name="works4" /> Programmers Mitsuru Yaida and Hideyuki Suganami previously programmed ''[[Contra III: The Alien Wars]]'' (1992) for the Super NES at Konami.<ref name="euroretrospec">{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-01-12-contra-3-retrospective|title=Contra 3 retrospective|last=Robinson|first=Martin|date=2014-01-12|website=Eurogamer|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305165256/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-01-12-contra-3-retrospective|archive-date=March 5, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=2019-08-25}}</ref> The team felt the Genesis's processor was more powerful, capable, and friendly to experimentation than other consoles. This led them to consider it more suited for action games and the sophisticated graphical effects they were looking to create.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name="works4" /> The team implemented heavy visual effects in an exercise in design experimentation (not an effort to push the hardware).<ref name="works4" /> Some of that experimenting was done with the system's [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprite]] rotation and scaling capabilities, which evoked a sense of depth.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /> The Genesis had its limitations however, as it could only display 64 colors on screen at once.<ref name=":0" /> The team placed extra effort on coloring to compensate.<ref name="works4" /> Early backgrounds were drawn with a 16 color palette, but they looked desolate, so ultimately two palettes with 32 colors were used.<ref name=":4" /> The team also used programming tricks to make the scenery appear like three to four layers were present, although the Genesis only supports two.<ref name=":0" />

The team approached ''Gunstar Heroes'' with an "anything goes" concept, that led to many ambitious ideas being implemented into the final game.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":1" /> One such concept was the weapon combination mechanic, which was conceived in the early planning stages.<ref name="works4" /> They experimented with weapon attributes until the end of development,<ref name="works4" /> and designed the game so players would continue discovering new weapons and devise new ways to complete stages.<ref name=":4" /> The processor also made articulated multi-limb enemies possible, like the boss "Seven Force," which was programmed by Nami along with all other bosses.<ref name=":1" /> Because moving around large sprites was difficult due to limited [[Video RAM (dual-ported DRAM)|video RAM]], Seven Force was built by combining circles and squares to make one large character.<ref name=":1" /> Maegawa claims the game could have never worked on the Super NES because the boss animations required expanded computing power.<ref name=":0" /> The standard enemy characters, designed by Han, were drawn on the screen by combining a top and bottom sprite, allowing for more animation patterns with lower memory usage.<ref name=":1" /> Han was inspired by the game ''[[Mazin Saga: Mutant Fighter]]'' (1993) to program the enemies manually rather than with mathematical algorithms.<ref name="B!MD49">{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:BeepMD_JP_1993-10.pdf&page=114|title=Treasure Factory Special - ガンスター＆マックふっかーい思い入れのあるシーン|magazine=[[Gemaga|Beep! Mega Drive]]|issue=49|publisher=[[SB Creative|SoftBank Creative]]|date=October 1993|page=112|lang=ja}} ([http://shmuplations.com/treasureroundup/ Translation] by Shmuplations. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330182322/http://shmuplations.com/treasureroundup/|date=2019-03-30}}).</ref> The game was 16 [[megabit]]s but compressed to fit under 8.<ref name=":0" />

== Release ==
Although ''McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure'' was completed first, Treasure decided to wait and release ''Gunstar Heroes'' first because they wanted their debut to be an original game.<ref name=":1" /> It was nearly rejected for an American release by Sega of America, only being approved by Mac Senour, the last producer in the reviewing queue after 12 others rejected it. Senour believed the other producers dismissed the game because its small character sprites contrasted with the more popular large sprites at the time. Senour did ask Treasure to change one boss character because it looked too similar to [[Adolf Hitler]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.sega-16.com/2013/10/interview-mac-senour/|title=Interview: Mac Senour (SOA Producer)|last=Horowitz|first=Ken|date=October 23, 2013|website=Sega-16|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230110858/http://www.sega-16.com/2013/10/interview-mac-senour/|archive-date=December 30, 2013|url-status=live|access-date=December 22, 2018}}</ref>

''Gunstar Heroes'' was released in Japan on September 10, 1993,<ref name=vc>{{cite web |title=ガンスターヒーローズ バーチャルコンソール メガドライブ 公式サイト |url=http://vc.sega.jp/vc_gunstar/ |website=Sega |access-date=December 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726233826/http://vc.sega.jp/vc_gunstar/ |archive-date=July 26, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and released in the West the same month.<ref name=":4" /> Sega underestimated demand in Japan where their initial shipment was only 10,000 units.<ref name=":9" /> Meanwhile, Sega of America also ordered a small initial print run, as they were not typically confident in games from Sega of Japan.<ref name=":2" /> The game was not heavily promoted and spread by word of mouth.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/features/13-years-treasure?pager.offset=0|title=13 Years of Treasure: A Retrospective from 1UP.com|last=Turner|first=Benjamin|date=March 25, 2016|website=1UP.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325100215/http://www.1up.com/features/13-years-treasure?pager.offset=0|archive-date=March 25, 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=December 22, 2018}}</ref> ''[[GameFan]]'' particularly enjoyed the game and published the first English interview with Maegawa.<ref name=":3" /> The game shipped in total around 70,000 copies in Japan, and 200,000 overseas.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/10/treasures_masato_maegawa_wants_sega_to_make_a_mega_drive_mini|title=Treasure's Masato Maegawa Wants Sega To Make A Mega Drive Mini|last=McFerran|first=Damien|date=October 31, 2017|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202030116/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/10/treasures_masato_maegawa_wants_sega_to_make_a_mega_drive_mini|archive-date=December 2, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=December 22, 2018}}</ref> An arcade version was also released for the [[Sega Mega Play|Sega Mega-Play]] arcade board.<ref name=":1" />

=== Ports and re-releases ===
A modified version of the game was released for Sega's [[Sega Mega Play|Mega-Play]] arcade hardware in 1994. Changes to the game include the player getting multiple lives per credit (as opposed to a single life in the console version), a 10-second timer which forces the player to make a decision when appropriate, and [[Continue (video gaming)|continuous play]] by inserting additional credits.{{cn|date=August 2025}}

A [[Game Gear]] port was developed by [[M2 (game developer)|M2]]. Sega asked M2 if they wanted to make a Game Gear game after being impressed by their ''[[Gauntlet IV|Gauntlet]]'' port for the Genesis. M2 wanted to port ''[[The Cliffhanger: Edward Randy]]'', but they were ultimately handed ''Gunstar Heroes''. Since the Genesis version pushed hardware limitations, a Game Gear port was difficult.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/interview/580214.html|title=「3D スペースハリアー」インタビュー 「SEGA AGES」から「バーチャルコンソール」、そして3DSにいたるまでの道のり|date=December 26, 2012|website=GAME Watch|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223121258/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/interview/580214.html|archive-date=December 23, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=December 21, 2018}} ([https://web.archive.org/web/20170407224937/http://blogs.sega.com/2013/11/25/sega-3d-classics-space-harrier-3d-interview-with-developer-m2 Translation])</ref> The port had some changes, such as the Dice Palace being removed, and it ran at lower frame rate.<ref name=":4" /> It was released on March 24, 1995.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=April 1995|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3ASSM_JP_19950401_1995-04.pdf&page=128|title=Game Gear Shock: ガンスターヒーローズ|magazine=Sega Saturn Magazine|language=ja|page=126|access-date=January 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102002215/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3ASSM_JP_19950401_1995-04.pdf&page=128|archive-date=January 2, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Sega released ''Gunstar Heroes Treasure Box'' in 2006 in Japan, a compilation of Treasure games for the [[PlayStation 2]] as part of their ''[[Sega Ages|Sega Ages 2500]]'' series.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20060314/ages.htm|title=「SEGA AGES 2500シリーズ Vol.25 ガンスターヒーローズ ～トレジャーボックス～」～奥成プロデューサーに再びインタビュー!～|date=March 14, 2006|website=GAME Watch|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727145603/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20060314/ages.htm|archive-date=July 27, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=December 22, 2018}}</ref> Included on the compilation were ''Gunstar Heroes'', ''[[Dynamite Headdy]]'' (1994), and ''[[Alien Soldier]]'' (1995).<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":6" /> The games are run through an emulator and include display options for filters and resolutions. The Japanese and international versions of each game were included, along with the Game Gear ports of ''Gunstar Heroes'' and ''Dynamite Headdy'', and a Genesis prototype of ''Gunstar Heroes''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/gunstar-heroes-treasure-box/|title=Gunstar Heroes Treasure Box|last=Kalata|first=Kurt|website=Siliconera|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223163905/http://www.siliconera.com/gunstar-heroes-treasure-box/|archive-date=December 23, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=December 23, 2018}}</ref> A gallery is included with scans of the original instruction manuals, concept illustrations, and design documents.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=http://ages.sega.jp/vol25/home.html|title=SEGA AGES 2500 {{!}} Gunstar Heroes Treasure Box|website=Sega|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503201846/http://ages.sega.jp/vol25/home.html|archive-date=May 3, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=December 23, 2018}}</ref> This compilation was released digitally on the [[PlayStation Store]] in 2012.<ref name=":8" />

The game was ported by M2 to the [[Nintendo 3DS]] in 2015 as part of Sega's line of ''[[Sega 3D Reprint Archives|3D Classics]]''.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds-eshop/3d_gunstar_heroes|title=Review: 3D Gunstar Heroes (3DS eShop)|last=Town|first=Jonathan|date=August 20, 2015|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223163943/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds-eshop/3d_gunstar_heroes|archive-date=December 23, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=December 23, 2018}}</ref> ''Gunstar Heroes'' was originally not considered for the series because converting the game's backgrounds into a layered 3D effect was thought to be impossible, but these perceived problems were later overcome.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/2015/08/18/segas-newest-title-in-their-3d-remaster-project-3d-gunstar-heroes-interview-part-1/|title=Sega's Newest Title in their 3D Remaster Project: "3D Gunstar Heroes" Interview Part 1|date=August 18, 2015|website=Sega Blog|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618092217/http://blogs.sega.com/2015/08/18/segas-newest-title-in-their-3d-remaster-project-3d-gunstar-heroes-interview-part-1/|archive-date=June 18, 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=December 23, 2018}}</ref> In addition to supporting [[Stereoscopic 3d|stereoscopic 3D]], the game features two new game modes. "Gunslinger" mode starts the player with a full arsenal of every weapon type and grants the ability to change shot stance at any time, and "Mega Life" mode starts the player with double the normal amount of [[Health (gaming)|health]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/2015/08/20/segas-newest-title-in-their-3d-remaster-project-3d-gunstar-heroes-interview-part-2/|title=Sega's Newest Title in their 3D Remaster Project: "3D Gunstar Heroes" Interview Part 2|date=August 20, 2015|website=Sega Blog|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610072109/http://blogs.sega.com/2015/08/20/segas-newest-title-in-their-3d-remaster-project-3d-gunstar-heroes-interview-part-2/|archive-date=June 10, 2017|url-status=dead|access-date=December 23, 2018}}</ref> The game also supports local cooperative play and includes both the Japanese and international versions.<ref name=":7" />

''Gunstar Heroes'' has also been released on the [[Xbox 360]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/06/10/gunstar-heroes-review-2|title=Gunstar Heroes Review|last=Hatfield|first=Daemon|date=June 10, 2009|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=December 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223164212/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/06/10/gunstar-heroes-review-2|archive-date=December 23, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[PlayStation 3]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/06/11/gunstar-heroes-review|title=Gunstar Heroes Review|last=Hatfield|first=Daemon|date=June 11, 2009|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=December 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223164203/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/06/11/gunstar-heroes-review|archive-date=December 23, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Wii]] via [[Virtual Console]],<ref name= ":26" /> and [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/2/20/11079496/sega-free-games-download-steam-gunstar-heroes-renegade-ops|title=Sega offers up Gunstar Heroes and more on Steam for free|last=Frank|first=Allegra|date=February 20, 2016|website=Polygon|access-date=December 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224023828/https://www.polygon.com/2016/2/20/11079496/sega-free-games-download-steam-gunstar-heroes-renegade-ops|archive-date=December 24, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[Sega Forever]] version for mobile devices was released in 2017.<ref name=tar /> The game was again released via the [[Nintendo Classics]] service in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stedman|first=Alex|date=September 30, 2021|title=Nintendo Switch Online Expanding With N64 and Sega Genesis Games in New Membership|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-online-n64-sega-genesis-new-membership |access-date=December 24, 2021|website=IGN|language=en}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{video game reviews
| title = Contemporary reception
| CVG = 92%<ref name="CVG">{{Cite magazine |last1=Keen |first1=Steve |last2=Anglin |first2=Paul |date=15 August 1993 |title=Review: ''Gunstar Heroes'' |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |issue=142 (September 1993) |pages=38–40 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/4/4d/CVG_UK_142.pdf#page=38}}</ref>
| Edge = 6/10<ref name="edger">{{Cite magazine |date=October 1993 |title=Test Screen: ''Gunstar Heroes'' |url=https://archive.org/details/Edge_UK_001/page/n85 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |issue=1 |pages=86, 104–105 }}</ref>
| EGM = 9/10, 9/10, 9/10, 9/10<ref name="egmr">{{cite magazine|last1=Semrad|first1=Ed|last2=Carpenter|first2=Danyon|last3=Alessi|first3=Martin|author4=Sushi-X|url=https://archive.gamehistory.org/item/a354b13e-0989-4fe3-8c15-0e39294f5bdb|title=Review Crew|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|volume=6|issue=11|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=November 1993|page=38|via=[[Video Game History Foundation]]}}</ref>
| GI = 9.25/10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Gunstar Heroes |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |date=September 1998 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/legacyreviews|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214131120/https://www.gameinformer.com/legacyreviews|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 14, 2018}}</ref>
| GamePro = 18/20<ref name="gpror">{{Cite magazine |author=Bro' Buzz |date=February 1994 |title=ProReview: ''Gunstar Heroes'' |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/1/11/GamePro_US_055.pdf |magazine=GamePro |pages=52 |access-date=December 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229123425/https://retrocdn.net/images/1/11/GamePro_US_055.pdf |archive-date=December 29, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
| MMS = 93%<ref name="mmsr">{{Cite magazine |date=October 1993 |title=Mega Drive Review: ''Gunstar Heroes'' |url=https://archive.org/details/mean-machines-sega-magazine-12/page/n69 |magazine=Mean Machines Sega |issue=12 |pages=68–71 }}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[Sega Force]]''
| rev2Score = 94%<ref name="sforcer">{{Cite magazine |date=November 1993 |title=''Gunstar Heroes'' |magazine=Sega Force |volume=2 |issue=5 |pages=48–51 }}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[Sega Magazine]]''
| rev3Score = 94%<ref name="smagr">{{Cite magazine |date=January 1994 |title=Out Now: ''Gunstar Heroes'' |magazine=Sega Magazine |issue=1 |pages=125 }}</ref>
| Fam = 8/10, 8/10, 7/10, 6/10<br/>(Genesis)<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=New Games Cross Review|magazine=[[Famitsu|Weekly Famicom Tsūshin]]|publisher=[[ASCII Corporation]]|date=September 17, 1993|page=38|language=JA|issue=248}}</ref><br/>
6/10, 4/10, 6/10, 6/10<br/>(Game Gear)<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=New Games Cross Review|magazine=Weekly Famicom Tsūshin|publisher=ASCII Corporation|date=March 31, 1995|page=40|language=JA|issue=328}}</ref>
| award1Pub = [[GameFan|''GameFan'' Megawards]]
| award1 = [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]]<ref name="gfanaward" />
| award2 = Hyper Game Award<ref>{{Cite journal |date=September 1993 |title=Gunstar Heroes Review |url=https://archive.org/details/megatech-21/page/36/mode/2up |journal=MegaTech |issue=21 |pages=36–41}}</ref>
| award2Pub = [[MegaTech]] (1993)
}}
''Gunstar Heroes'' achieved greater recognition than Treasure anticipated.<ref name=":1" /> ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' called it their "Game of the Month,"<ref name="egmr" /> and the game placed first in ''[[Gemaga|Beep! Mega Drive]]''<nowiki/>'s reader rankings in Japan.<ref name=":1" /> ''GameFan'' deemed it their "Game of the Year"<ref name="gfanaward">{{Cite magazine|title=GameFan's 2nd Annual Megawards|url=https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_2_Issue_02/page/n57/mode/2up|magazine=GameFan|volume=2|issue=2|pages=58}}</ref> and called it a new benchmark for action games.<ref name="gfanr">{{Cite magazine|title=Gunstar Heroes|url=https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_1_Issue_10/page/n13/mode/2up|magazine=Game Fan|volume=1|issue=10|pages=14, 28–29}}</ref> ''[[Mean Machines Sega]]'' wrote that ''Gunstar Heroes'' was setting a new standard for action games on the Genesis, calling it "a stunning title both in appearance and the gameplay it offers."<ref name="mmsr" /> ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' agreed, with one critic calling it "one of the most intense games I've seen on the home video game scene."<ref name="egmr" /> Both ''[[Sega Magazine]]'' and ''[[Sega Force]]'' felt the game was a must-buy for Genesis owners.<ref name="smagr" /><ref name="sforcer" />

The game was praised for its fast and furious action.<ref name="egmr" /><ref name="CVG" /><ref name="sforcer" /> ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' called it "one of the most intense carts to date [...] nonstop intensity from beginning to end."<ref name="egmr" /> ''Mean Machines Sega'' agreed, commending the variety in level design and the "frantic, high-density blasting mayhem."<ref name="mmsr" /> ''Sega Force'' believed the game's variety prevented it from falling into monotony, and instead, reinvigorated the platform genre.<ref name="sforcer" /> ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' agreed, feeling gameplay customization options kept it feeling interesting and original.<ref name="CVG" /> Some critics praised the player characters' acrobatics and attack maneuvers for adding excitement.<ref name="mmsr" /><ref name="gpror" /><ref name="edger" /> ''[[GamePro]]'' called ''Gunstar Heroes'' "chaos in a cart" with "murderous action, excellent controls, and imaginative game design."<ref name="gpror" /> The game's two-player cooperative mode was praised,<ref name="egmr" /><ref name="edger" /> although some felt there was too much clutter on the screen to tell the player characters apart.<ref name="CVG" /><ref name="gpror" />

The game's graphics were highlighted by several critics, with ''GamePro'' calling it "an assault on your senses."<ref name="gpror" /> ''Mean Machines Sega'' felt the sprite rotating and scaling overshadowed the abilities of the Super NES.<ref name="mmsr" /> ''Sega Magazine'' also liked the sprite scaling, and highlighted its use on the boss "Seven Force."<ref name="smagr" /> Other critics also felt the bosses were well animated and designed,<ref name="egmr"/><ref name="sforcer"/><ref name="edger"/> with some also extending their comments to the player characters' animations as well.<ref name="mmsr" /><ref name="sforcer" /> ''Computer and Video Games'' commended the graphical explosion effects,<ref name="CVG" /> with other critics praising the sound effects they were paired with for enhancing the game's atmosphere.<ref name="sforcer" /><ref name="egmr" /><ref name="gpror" /> A critic from ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' called it "one of the best looking carts I've seen from Sega in a while."<ref name="egmr" />

=== Ports ===
Critics lauded the Game Gear port as a great 8-bit conversion.<ref name="mmsgg">{{Cite magazine|date=February 1995|title=Game Gear Review: ''Gunstar Heroes''|url=https://archive.org/details/mean-machines-sega-magazine-40/page/n61/mode/2up|magazine=Mean Machines Sega|issue=40|pages=62–63}}</ref><ref name="gfangg">{{Cite magazine|title=Hands On Portables: ''Gunstar Heroes''|url=https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_3_Issue_06/page/n109/mode/2up|magazine=GameFan|volume=3|issue=6|pages=113}}</ref> ''GameFan'' felt it was graphically advanced for a Game Gear game.<ref name="gfangg" /> ''Mean Machines Sega'' agreed, thinking that the graphics remained true to the 16-bit original despite greater system limitations.<ref name="mmsgg"/> The 3DS version was praised for the added options and enhancements, with ''[[USGamer|USgamer]]'' and ''Nintendo World Report'' calling it the best version of the game.<ref name="nwrr">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/41029/3d-gunstar-heroes-3ds-review|title=3D Gunstar Heroes (3DS) Review |last=Grove |first=Ryan |date=August 25, 2015 |website=Nintendo World Report |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226035420/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/41029/3d-gunstar-heroes-3ds-review |archive-date=December 26, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=December 24, 2018 }}</ref><ref name="usgr">{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/3d-gunstar-heroes-3ds-review-segas-pride-and-joy-is-now-a-shining-star-on-3ds |title=3D ''Gunstar Heroes'' 3DS Review: Sega's Pride and Joy, Now Nintendo's Shining Star |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |date=August 27, 2015 |website=USgamer |language=en |access-date=December 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226035419/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/3d-gunstar-heroes-3ds-review-segas-pride-and-joy-is-now-a-shining-star-on-3ds |archive-date=December 26, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> The mobile version was criticized for being difficult to play with touch controls.<ref name="tar">{{Cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2017/12/21/gunstar-heroes-review/|title='Gunstar Heroes' Review - Treasure it, Forever |last=Musgrave |first=Shaun |date=December 21, 2017 |website=TouchArcade |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018043139/https://toucharcade.com/2017/12/21/gunstar-heroes-review/ |archive-date=October 18, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=December 24, 2018}}</ref>

==Legacy==
''Gunstar Heroes'' was listed as one of the best games ever made by several publications.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://top100.ign.com/2003/|title=IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time |year=2003|website=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207120250/http://top100.ign.com/2003/|archive-date=December 7, 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=December 17, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://top100.ign.com/2005/|title=IGN's Top 100 Games, 2005 |year=2005|website=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213111424/http://top100.ign.com/2005/|archive-date=December 13, 2013|url-status=dead |access-date=November 19, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|date=January 2010|title=The Top 200 Games of All Time |magazine=[[Game Informer]]|issue=200}}</ref><ref name=EGM100>{{cite magazine |title=100 Best Games of All Time |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=100 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=November 1997|page=141}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/books/hg101-presents-the-200-best-video-games-of-all-time/|title=HG101 Presents: The 200 Best Video Games of All Time|date=December 5, 2015|website=hardcoregaming101.net |access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029065018/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/books/hg101-presents-the-200-best-video-games-of-all-time/ |archive-date=October 29, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/27/16158276/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-500-401|title=The 500 Best Video Games of All Time|last=Polygon Staff|date=November 27, 2017|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon.com]]|access-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303210843/https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/27/16158276/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-500-401|archive-date=March 3, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Critics have called it a "classic" of the 16-bit era,<ref name=":7" /><ref name=nwrr /> with ''IGN'' writing that its pace and speed was "nearly unrivaled" at the time.<ref name=":26">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/11/gunstar-heroes-virtual-console-review|title=Gunstar Heroes Virtual Console Review|last=Thomas|first=Lucas M.|date=December 11, 2006|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=December 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223164058/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/11/gunstar-heroes-virtual-console-review|archive-date=December 23, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Others called it one of the best Genesis games.<ref name=nwrr /><ref name=":27">{{Cite web|url=http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/genesis/gunstar.htm|title=Classic Review Archive - Gunstar Heroes|last=Kalata|first=Kurt|website=GameSpy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214205921/http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/genesis/gunstar.htm|archive-date=December 14, 2007|url-status=dead|access-date=December 24, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{Cite web|url=https://www.retrogamer.net/top_10/top-ten-mega-drive-games/|title=Top Ten Mega Drive Games|date=January 7, 2014|website=Retro Gamer|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312125800/http://www.retrogamer.net/top_10/top-ten-mega-drive-games/|archive-date=March 12, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=December 24, 2018}}</ref> ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' called it "one of the best two-player games ever made."<ref name=EGM100 /> ''USgamer'' wrote that its chaotic and brash nature made it the "quintessential classic-era Sega game" in contrast to the more gentle offerings from [[Nintendo]].<ref name=usgr /> ''Nintendo World Report'' called it "an incredible accomplishment, both creatively and technically" for the Genesis.<ref name=nwrr /> Both ''TouchArcade'' and ''GameSpy'' deemed it one of the best side-scrolling action games ever made.<ref name=tar /><ref name=":27" />

Being Treasure's debut game, ''Gunstar Heroes'' helped establish their reputation in the industry.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":23">{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/a-reminder-or-is-it-a-memorial-of-gamings-original-hardcore-developer|title=A Reminder (or is it a Memorial?) of Gaming's Original Hardcore Developer|last=Parish|first=Jeremy|date=July 22, 2015|website=USgamer|language=en|access-date=December 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226084219/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/a-reminder-or-is-it-a-memorial-of-gamings-original-hardcore-developer|archive-date=December 26, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Retro Gamer'' wrote that the game "blew open the state of 2D platform-shooters."<ref name=":4" /> Developers at the time borrowed inspiration for titles like ''[[Vectorman]]'' (1995) and ''[[Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master]]'' (1993).<ref>{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works|last=Stuart|first=Keith|year=2014|isbn=9780957576810 |page=326|publisher=Read-Only Memory }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works |last=Stuart |first=Keith |year=2014 |isbn=9780957576810 |page=300|publisher=Read-Only Memory }}</ref> Treasure also began to build a following of loyal hardcore fans,<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=August 1998|title=Interview: Gamings Treasure|magazine=Gamers' Republic|issue=3 |page=90}}</ref> which ''USgamer'' felt was earned by "a sense of integrity to Treasure's work you don't often see in games of that era."<ref name=":23" /> ''[[1Up.com|1UP.com]]'' wrote that between ''Gunstar Heroes'' and their other Genesis games, Treasure earned a reputation as a "master of hardcore action gaming."<ref name=":3" /> Many of the design conventions Treasure used in ''Gunstar Heroes'' would return and became characteristic of Treasure's later work, such as a quirky sense of humor and action taken to a level of absurdity.<ref name=":3" /> A sequel was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2005, ''[[Gunstar Super Heroes]]''.<ref name=":4" />

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{official website|https://www.treasure-inc.co.jp/p/gunstar_heroes.html}} {{in lang|ja}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080519085927fw_/http://www.treasure-inc.co.jp/products/lp/m_cd/guns_cd.html Official soundtrack website] {{in lang|ja}} (archived)

{{Treasure video games}}
{{Franchises owned by Sega Sammy Holdings}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1993 video games]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:Game Gear games]]
[[Category:IOS games]]
[[Category:MegaTech Hyper Game awards winners]]
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[[Category:Nintendo Classics games]]
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[[Category:Post-apocalyptic video games]]
[[Category:Run and gun games]]
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[[Category:Sega video game franchises]]
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[[Category:Side-scrolling video games]]
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