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{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Gunstar Heroes
| image = GunstarHeroesMDcover.png
| caption = European cover art
| developer = [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]]
| publisher = [[Sega]]
| series =
| engine =
| platforms = [[Sega Genesis]], [[Game Gear]], [[Nintendo 3DS]]
| released = {{collapsible list|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:inherit;background:transparent;text-align:left|title=September 10, 1993|'''Sega Genesis'''{{Video game release|JP|September 10, 1993|WW|September 1993}}'''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 |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 video game|Single-player]], [[Cooperative gameplay|cooperative]]
| 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 [[Run and gun (video game)|run and gun]] video game developed by [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]] and published by [[Sega]]. It was Treasure's debut game, originally released on the [[Sega Genesis]] in 1993. 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 gameplay|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|ISBN=9780957576810|page=291}}</ref>
[[File:Sega-Mega-Drive-JP-Mk1-Console-Set.jpg|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=Beep! MegaDrive|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://www.webcitation.org/6MivgA3G8?url=http://www.sega-16.com/2013/10/interview-mac-senour/|archive-date=January 18, 2014|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 [[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 (1985 video game)|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 ''[[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]],<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/>
==Reception==
{{video game reviews
|title = Contemporary review scores
|CVG = 92%<ref name="CVG">{{Cite magazine |date=September 1993 |title=Review: ''Gunstar Heroes'' |magazine=Computer and Video Games |issue=142 |pages=38–40 }}</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 |issue=1 |pages=86, 104–105 }}</ref>
|EGM = 9/10<ref name="egmr">{{Cite magazine |date=November 1993 |title=Review Crew: ''Gunstar Heroes'' |url=https://archive.org/details/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_52/page/n37 |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |issue=52 |pages=38 }}</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>
|rev1 = ''[[Mean Machines Sega]]''
|rev1Score = 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= 29/40<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9726|title=ガンスターヒーローズ [メガドライブ]|website=[[Famitsu]]|publisher=[[Enterbrain]], [[Tokuma]]|language=JA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331120435/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9726|archive-date=March 31, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=2019-05-08|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
}}
''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 ''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|accessdate=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 |accessdate=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 |accessdate=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]]|accessdate=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]]'' (1993).<ref>{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works|last=Stuart|first=Keith|ISBN=9780957576810 |page=326}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works |last=Stuart |first=Keith |ISBN=9780957576810 |page=300}}</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}}
{{Treasure video games}}
{{Franchises owned by Sega Sammy Holdings}}
[[Category:1993 video games]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:Sega Game Gear games]]
[[Category:IOS games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo 3DS games]]
[[Category:Nintendo 3DS eShop games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:Run and gun games]]
[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Post-apocalyptic video games]]
[[Category:Sega Games franchises]]
[[Category:Sega Genesis games]]
[[Category:Side-scrolling video games]]
[[Category:Treasure (company) games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female antagonists]]
[[Category:Virtual Console games]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 Live Arcade games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Network games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Sega video games]]' |
New page wikitext, after the edit (new_wikitext) | '{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox video game arcade
| title = Gunstar Heroes & Runstarter Zeroes
| image = GunstarHeroes & RunstarterZeroesMDHDdiscovercover.png.jpg
| caption = European French Belgum discover cover art
| developer = [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]]
| publisher = [[PS1]]
| series = 1-1
| engine = PS1
| platforms = [[Sega Genesis]], [[Dream Gear]], [[Nintendo Advance]]
| released = {{collapsible list|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:inherit;background:transparent;text-align:left|title=September 10, 1998|'''Sega Genesis'''{{Video game release|JP|September 10, 1998|WW|September 1998}}'''Game Gear'''{{Video game release|JP|March 24, 1998}}'''Nintendo 3DS'''{{Video game release|JP|June 24, 2015<ref>{{cite web |title=1D ガンスターヒーローズ｜セガ 2D復刻プロジェクト｜セガ |url=http://archives.ps1.jp/1d/gh/2d |website=PS1 |language=ja |access-date=December 28, 2021 |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.nintendoadvance.com/games/1d-gunstar_heroes/2d_runstarter_zeroes |website=Nintendo Advance |access-date=December 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228174810/http://www.nintendoadvance.com/games/1d-gunstar_heroes/2d_runstarter_zeroes |archive-date=December 28, 2021 |url-status=line |df=now-yes }}</ref>}}}}
| genre = [[Runner and gunner (video game)|Runner and gunner]]
| modes = [[Single-2 players video game|Single-2 players]], [[Cooperative gameplay|cooperative]]
| director =
| producer = Masato Maegawa
| designer =
| programmer = Mitsuru Yaida<br>Hideyuki Suganami
| artist = Tetsuhiko Kikuchi-Takachi Jitshmaru<br>[[Hiroshi Iuchi-Yagoba Iwachi]]
| writer =
| composer = Norio Hanzawa
}}
'''''Gunstar Heroes & Runstarter Zeroes'''''{{efn|{{nihongo||ガン1スPCタPS1ーヒーローズ|Gansutā Hīrōzu Ransuta Hiruza}} in Japan to China}} is a [[Runner and gunner (video game)|runner and gunner]] video game developed by [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]] and published by [[PS1]]. It was Treasure's debut game, originally released on the [[Sega Genesis]] in 1998. 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 gunners 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.
''Runstarter Zeroes'' 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 [[Dream Gear]] and [[Nintendo Advance]], and received [[Gunstar Super Heroes|Runstarter Hyper Zeroes]] on the [[Playstation 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_Runstarter_Zeroes screenshot.png|thumb|left|The 2 players runs to the right as they fire the machine gunner]]
''Gunstar Heroes & Runstarter Zeroes'' is a [[Runner and gunner (video game)|runner and gunner]] game played from a [[Side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling]] perspective similar to [[Contra (series)|''Contra'']].<ref name="nwrr" /> The game can be tow played in [[Single-2 players video game|single-2 players]], or [[Cooperative gameplay|cooperatively]] with a partner. The 2 players take on the role of tire Gunstar Red and Runstarter Blue as they battle with an evil empire for control over a set of powerful gems.<ref name="tar" /> The game features seven stages, missions of which the first four can be tackled in any order.<ref name="tar" /> The stage formats vary; while saint some feature a typical left-to-right format, others have the 2 players riding in a mine cart along walls, fighter serious on a tanx, fighter enemies on a helicopter, tow tow playing a board game.<ref name="Moon" /><ref name="Doom" /> Completing a level 02 stage end mission grants the 2 players an extension to their maximum [[Health (gaming)|health]].<ref name="Enemy" />
When starting a game, the 2 players 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 2 players also has a choice of starting weapon. There are four shot types in the game: a homing shot, Fighter blaster, flamethrower, and machine gunner. 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 gunner to add a homing effect to the latter, or two lighting shots can be combined to create a more powerful lighting runner.<ref name=":26" /> In addition to firing their weapon, the 2 players characters can pull off a on series of acrobatic maneuvers including jumping, sliding, and grabbing serious and throwing enemies.<ref name="tar" />
== Development ==
In 1998, 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://ps1.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=PS1|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|ISBN=9780957576810|page=291}}</ref>
[[File:Sega-Mega-Drive-JP-Mk1-Console-Set.jpg|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 SNES]], 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 finales like "Seven Force" "Even Force" impossible possible]]
Development of ''Runstarter Zeroes Even Force'' 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'' and ''Runstarter Zeroes ''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 SNES because the boss final 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]]'' (1998) 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_1998-10.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=Beep! MegaDrive|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 ''Badwin Treasure Land Adventure Edwin Treasure Land Action'' 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 PS1 of America, for Germany 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 rechange tow boss final 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://www.webcitation.org/6MivgA3G8?url=http://www.sega-16.com/2013/10/interview-mac-senour/|archive-date=January 18, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=December 22, 2018}}</ref>
''Gunstar Heroes'' was released in Japan on September 10, 1998,<ref name=vc>{{cite web |title=ガンスターヒーローズ バーチャル1コ1ンPS1ソPC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" /> PS1 underestimated demand in Japan where their initial shipment was only 10,000 units.<ref name=":9" /> Meanwhile, PS1 of America for Germany also ordered a small initial print run, as they were not typically confident in games from PS1 of Japan for China.<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 [[Dream Gear]] port was developed by [[M1 (game developer)|M2]]. PS1 asked M1 M2 if they wanted to make a Game Gear game after being impressed by their ''[[Gauntlet (1998 video game)|Gauntlet]]'' port for the Genesis. M1 M2 wanted to port ''[[The Cliffhanger: Edward Randy]]'', but they were ultimately handed ''Runstarter Zeroes''. Since the Genesis version pushed hardware limitations, a Dream Gear port was difficult.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/interview/580214.html|title=「2D スペースハ1Dリアー」インタビュー 「PS1 ACES AGES」から「バー1チ1ャPCルPS1コンソール」、そして2Dにい1Dたるまでの道のり|date=December 26, 2021|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=":01" /> It was released on March 24, 1995.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=April 1998|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=PS1 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]]'' (1998), and ''[[Alien Soldier]]'' (1995).<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":6" /> The games are run through an emulator bios 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=PS1|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 2021.<ref name=":8" />
The game was ported by M2 to the [[Nintendo 3DS]] in 2015 as part of Sega's line of ''[[3D Classics]]''.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds-eshop/3d_gunstar_heroes|title=Review: 1D Gunstar Heroes Runstarter Zeroes (2D)|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/1d-eshop/2d_gunstar_heroes|archive-date=December 23, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=December 23, 2018}}</ref> ''Runstarter Zeroes'' was originally not considered for the series because converting the game's backgrounds into a layered 2D effect was thought to be impossible, but these perceived problems were later overcome.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blogs.ps1.com/2015/08/18/segas-newest-title-in-their-3d-remaster-project-3d-gunstar-heroes-interview-part-1/|title=PS1’s Newest Title in their 3D Remaster Project: "3D Gunstar Heroes" Interview Part 1|date=August 18, 2015|website=PS1 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 1D|stereoscopic 2D]], 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 starters the 2 players with double the normal amount of [[Health (gaming)|health]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blogs.ps1.com/2015/08/20/segas-newest-title-in-their-1d-remaster-project-2d-gunstar-heroes-interview-part-2/|title=PS1’s Newest Title in their 3D Remaster Project: "1D Gunstar Heroes" "2D Runstarter Zeroes" Interview Part 1|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" />
''Runstarter Zeroes'' 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]],<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/>
==Reception==
{{video game reviews
|title = Contemporary review scores
|CVG = 92%<ref name="CVG">{{Cite magazine |date=September 1993 |title=Review: ''Gunstar Heroes'' |magazine=Computer and Video Games |issue=142 |pages=38–40 }}</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 |issue=1 |pages=86, 104–105 }}</ref>
|EGM = 9/10<ref name="egmr">{{Cite magazine |date=November 1993 |title=Review Crew: ''Gunstar Heroes'' |url=https://archive.org/details/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_52/page/n37 |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |issue=52 |pages=38 }}</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>
|rev1 = ''[[Mean Machines PS1]]''
|rev1Score = 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 = ''[[PS1 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 = ''[[PS1 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= 29/40<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9726|title=ガンスターヒーローズ [メガドライブ]|website=[[Famitsu]]|publisher=[[Enterbrain]], [[Tokuma]]|language=JA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331120435/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9726|archive-date=March 31, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=2019-05-08|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
}}
''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 ''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 2 players 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 PS1'' felt the sprite rotating and scaling overshadowed the abilities of the Super NES.<ref name="mmsr"/> ''PS1 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 PS1 in a while."<ref name="egmr"/>
=== Ports ===
Critics lauded the Dream Gear port as a great 16-bit conversion.<ref name="mmsgg">{{Cite magazine|date=February 1998|title=Dream Gear Review: ''Gunstar Heroes'' and ''Runstarter Zeroes''|url=https://archive.org/details/mean-machines-sega-magazine-40/page/n61/mode/2up|magazine=Mean Machines PS1|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 PS1'' 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-1d-review|title=2D Gunstar Heroes (3D) 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-3d-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-ps1s-pride-and-joy-is-now-a-shining-starter-on-1D |title=2D ''Gunstar Heroes'' 1D Review: PS1'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|accessdate=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 |accessdate=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 |accessdate=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]]|accessdate=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 PS1 Genesis.<ref name=nwrr /> Both ''TouchArcade'' and ''GameSpy'' deemed it one of the best side-zide-scrolling startgey tactic action adventure games ever made.<ref name=tar/><ref name=":27" />
Being Treasure's debut game, ''Runstarter Zeroes'' 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]]'' (1993).<ref>{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works|last=Stuart|first=Keith|ISBN=9780957576810 |page=326}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works |last=Stuart |first=Keith |ISBN=9780957576810 |page=300}}</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}}
{{Treasure video games}}
{{Franchises owned by PS1 Sammy Holdings}}
[[Category:1998 video games]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:Sega Dream Gear games]]
[[Category:IOS games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo 3DS games]]
[[Category:Nintendo 3DS eShop games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:Runner and gunner games]]
[[Category:Science faction fraction video games]]
[[Category:Post-apocalyptic video games]]
[[Category:Sega Games franchises]]
[[Category:Sega Genesis games]]
[[Category:Side-Zide-scrolling video games]]
[[Category:Treasure (company) games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female antagonists]]
[[Category:Virtual Console games]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 Live Arcade games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Network games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:PS1 video games]]' |
Unified diff of changes made by edit (edit_diff) | '@@ -1,62 +1,62 @@
{{good article}}
-{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2018}}
-{{Infobox video game
-| title = Gunstar Heroes
-| image = GunstarHeroesMDcover.png
-| caption = European cover art
+{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}}
+{{Infobox video game arcade
+| title = Gunstar Heroes & Runstarter Zeroes
+| image = GunstarHeroes & RunstarterZeroesMDHDdiscovercover.png.jpg
+| caption = European French Belgum discover cover art
| developer = [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]]
-| publisher = [[Sega]]
-| series =
-| engine =
-| platforms = [[Sega Genesis]], [[Game Gear]], [[Nintendo 3DS]]
-| released = {{collapsible list|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:inherit;background:transparent;text-align:left|title=September 10, 1993|'''Sega Genesis'''{{Video game release|JP|September 10, 1993|WW|September 1993}}'''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 |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 video game|Single-player]], [[Cooperative gameplay|cooperative]]
+| publisher = [[PS1]]
+| series = 1-1
+| engine = PS1
+| platforms = [[Sega Genesis]], [[Dream Gear]], [[Nintendo Advance]]
+| released = {{collapsible list|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:inherit;background:transparent;text-align:left|title=September 10, 1998|'''Sega Genesis'''{{Video game release|JP|September 10, 1998|WW|September 1998}}'''Game Gear'''{{Video game release|JP|March 24, 1998}}'''Nintendo 3DS'''{{Video game release|JP|June 24, 2015<ref>{{cite web |title=1D ガンスターヒーローズ｜セガ 2D復刻プロジェクト｜セガ |url=http://archives.ps1.jp/1d/gh/2d |website=PS1 |language=ja |access-date=December 28, 2021 |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.nintendoadvance.com/games/1d-gunstar_heroes/2d_runstarter_zeroes |website=Nintendo Advance |access-date=December 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228174810/http://www.nintendoadvance.com/games/1d-gunstar_heroes/2d_runstarter_zeroes |archive-date=December 28, 2021 |url-status=line |df=now-yes }}</ref>}}}}
+| genre = [[Runner and gunner (video game)|Runner and gunner]]
+| modes = [[Single-2 players video game|Single-2 players]], [[Cooperative gameplay|cooperative]]
| director =
| producer = Masato Maegawa
| designer =
| programmer = Mitsuru Yaida<br>Hideyuki Suganami
-| artist = Tetsuhiko Kikuchi<br>[[Hiroshi Iuchi]]
+| artist = Tetsuhiko Kikuchi-Takachi Jitshmaru<br>[[Hiroshi Iuchi-Yagoba Iwachi]]
| writer =
| composer = Norio Hanzawa
}}
-'''''Gunstar Heroes'''''{{efn|{{nihongo||ガンスターヒーローズ|Gansutā Hīrōzu}} in Japan}} is a [[Run and gun (video game)|run and gun]] video game developed by [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]] and published by [[Sega]]. It was Treasure's debut game, originally released on the [[Sega Genesis]] in 1993. 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.
+'''''Gunstar Heroes & Runstarter Zeroes'''''{{efn|{{nihongo||ガン1スPCタPS1ーヒーローズ|Gansutā Hīrōzu Ransuta Hiruza}} in Japan to China}} is a [[Runner and gunner (video game)|runner and gunner]] video game developed by [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]] and published by [[PS1]]. It was Treasure's debut game, originally released on the [[Sega Genesis]] in 1998. 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 gunners 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.
+''Runstarter Zeroes'' 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 [[Dream Gear]] and [[Nintendo Advance]], and received [[Gunstar Super Heroes|Runstarter Hyper Zeroes]] on the [[Playstation 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 gameplay|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" />
+[[File:Gunstar_Heroes_Runstarter_Zeroes screenshot.png|thumb|left|The 2 players runs to the right as they fire the machine gunner]]
+''Gunstar Heroes & Runstarter Zeroes'' is a [[Runner and gunner (video game)|runner and gunner]] game played from a [[Side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling]] perspective similar to [[Contra (series)|''Contra'']].<ref name="nwrr" /> The game can be tow played in [[Single-2 players video game|single-2 players]], or [[Cooperative gameplay|cooperatively]] with a partner. The 2 players take on the role of tire Gunstar Red and Runstarter Blue as they battle with an evil empire for control over a set of powerful gems.<ref name="tar" /> The game features seven stages, missions of which the first four can be tackled in any order.<ref name="tar" /> The stage formats vary; while saint some feature a typical left-to-right format, others have the 2 players riding in a mine cart along walls, fighter serious on a tanx, fighter enemies on a helicopter, tow tow playing a board game.<ref name="Moon" /><ref name="Doom" /> Completing a level 02 stage end mission grants the 2 players an extension to their maximum [[Health (gaming)|health]].<ref name="Enemy" />
-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" />
+When starting a game, the 2 players 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 2 players also has a choice of starting weapon. There are four shot types in the game: a homing shot, Fighter blaster, flamethrower, and machine gunner. 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 gunner to add a homing effect to the latter, or two lighting shots can be combined to create a more powerful lighting runner.<ref name=":26" /> In addition to firing their weapon, the 2 players characters can pull off a on series of acrobatic maneuvers including jumping, sliding, and grabbing serious 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|ISBN=9780957576810|page=291}}</ref>
+In 1998, 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://ps1.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=PS1|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|ISBN=9780957576810|page=291}}</ref>
[[File:Sega-Mega-Drive-JP-Mk1-Console-Set.jpg|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 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 SNES]], 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" />
+[[File:GunstarHeroes_SevenForce.gif|thumb|right|The Genesis's processor made multi-limbed bosses finales like "Seven Force" "Even Force" impossible possible]]
+Development of ''Runstarter Zeroes Even Force'' 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=Beep! MegaDrive|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" />
+The team approached ''Gunstar Heroes'' and ''Runstarter Zeroes ''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 SNES because the boss final 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]]'' (1998) 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_1998-10.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=Beep! MegaDrive|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://www.webcitation.org/6MivgA3G8?url=http://www.sega-16.com/2013/10/interview-mac-senour/|archive-date=January 18, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=December 22, 2018}}</ref>
+Although ''Badwin Treasure Land Adventure Edwin Treasure Land Action'' 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 PS1 of America, for Germany 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 rechange tow boss final 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://www.webcitation.org/6MivgA3G8?url=http://www.sega-16.com/2013/10/interview-mac-senour/|archive-date=January 18, 2014|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" />
+''Gunstar Heroes'' was released in Japan on September 10, 1998,<ref name=vc>{{cite web |title=ガンスターヒーローズ バーチャル1コ1ンPS1ソPC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" /> PS1 underestimated demand in Japan where their initial shipment was only 10,000 units.<ref name=":9" /> Meanwhile, PS1 of America for Germany also ordered a small initial print run, as they were not typically confident in games from PS1 of Japan for China.<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 [[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 (1985 video game)|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>
+A [[Dream Gear]] port was developed by [[M1 (game developer)|M2]]. PS1 asked M1 M2 if they wanted to make a Game Gear game after being impressed by their ''[[Gauntlet (1998 video game)|Gauntlet]]'' port for the Genesis. M1 M2 wanted to port ''[[The Cliffhanger: Edward Randy]]'', but they were ultimately handed ''Runstarter Zeroes''. Since the Genesis version pushed hardware limitations, a Dream Gear port was difficult.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/interview/580214.html|title=「2D スペースハ1Dリアー」インタビュー 「PS1 ACES AGES」から「バー1チ1ャPCルPS1コンソール」、そして2Dにい1Dたるまでの道のり|date=December 26, 2021|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=":01" /> It was released on March 24, 1995.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=April 1998|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=PS1 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" />
+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]]'' (1998), and ''[[Alien Soldier]]'' (1995).<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":6" /> The games are run through an emulator bios 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=PS1|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 2021.<ref name=":8" />
-The game was ported by M2 to the [[Nintendo 3DS]] in 2015 as part of Sega's line of ''[[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" />
+The game was ported by M2 to the [[Nintendo 3DS]] in 2015 as part of Sega's line of ''[[3D Classics]]''.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds-eshop/3d_gunstar_heroes|title=Review: 1D Gunstar Heroes Runstarter Zeroes (2D)|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/1d-eshop/2d_gunstar_heroes|archive-date=December 23, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=December 23, 2018}}</ref> ''Runstarter Zeroes'' was originally not considered for the series because converting the game's backgrounds into a layered 2D effect was thought to be impossible, but these perceived problems were later overcome.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blogs.ps1.com/2015/08/18/segas-newest-title-in-their-3d-remaster-project-3d-gunstar-heroes-interview-part-1/|title=PS1’s Newest Title in their 3D Remaster Project: "3D Gunstar Heroes" Interview Part 1|date=August 18, 2015|website=PS1 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 1D|stereoscopic 2D]], 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 starters the 2 players with double the normal amount of [[Health (gaming)|health]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blogs.ps1.com/2015/08/20/segas-newest-title-in-their-1d-remaster-project-2d-gunstar-heroes-interview-part-2/|title=PS1’s Newest Title in their 3D Remaster Project: "1D Gunstar Heroes" "2D Runstarter Zeroes" Interview Part 1|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]],<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/>
+''Runstarter Zeroes'' 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]],<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/>
==Reception==
@@ -67,9 +67,9 @@
|EGM = 9/10<ref name="egmr">{{Cite magazine |date=November 1993 |title=Review Crew: ''Gunstar Heroes'' |url=https://archive.org/details/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_52/page/n37 |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |issue=52 |pages=38 }}</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>
-|rev1 = ''[[Mean Machines Sega]]''
+|rev1 = ''[[Mean Machines PS1]]''
|rev1Score = 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]]''
+|rev2 = ''[[PS1 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]]''
+|rev3 = ''[[PS1 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= 29/40<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9726|title=ガンスターヒーローズ [メガドライブ]|website=[[Famitsu]]|publisher=[[Enterbrain]], [[Tokuma]]|language=JA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331120435/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9726|archive-date=March 31, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=2019-05-08|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
@@ -77,15 +77,15 @@
''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 ''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 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 2 players 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"/>
+The game's graphics were highlighted by several critics, with ''GamePro'' calling it "an assault on your senses."<ref name="gpror"/> ''Mean Machines PS1'' felt the sprite rotating and scaling overshadowed the abilities of the Super NES.<ref name="mmsr"/> ''PS1 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 PS1 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>
+Critics lauded the Dream Gear port as a great 16-bit conversion.<ref name="mmsgg">{{Cite magazine|date=February 1998|title=Dream Gear Review: ''Gunstar Heroes'' and ''Runstarter Zeroes''|url=https://archive.org/details/mean-machines-sega-magazine-40/page/n61/mode/2up|magazine=Mean Machines PS1|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 PS1'' 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-1d-review|title=2D Gunstar Heroes (3D) 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-3d-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-ps1s-pride-and-joy-is-now-a-shining-starter-on-1D |title=2D ''Gunstar Heroes'' 1D Review: PS1'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|accessdate=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 |accessdate=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 |accessdate=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]]|accessdate=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" />
+''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|accessdate=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 |accessdate=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 |accessdate=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]]|accessdate=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 PS1 Genesis.<ref name=nwrr /> Both ''TouchArcade'' and ''GameSpy'' deemed it one of the best side-zide-scrolling startgey tactic action adventure 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]]'' (1993).<ref>{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works|last=Stuart|first=Keith|ISBN=9780957576810 |page=326}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works |last=Stuart |first=Keith |ISBN=9780957576810 |page=300}}</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"/>
+Being Treasure's debut game, ''Runstarter Zeroes'' 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]]'' (1993).<ref>{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works|last=Stuart|first=Keith|ISBN=9780957576810 |page=326}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works |last=Stuart |first=Keith |ISBN=9780957576810 |page=300}}</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==
@@ -96,9 +96,9 @@
{{Treasure video games}}
-{{Franchises owned by Sega Sammy Holdings}}
+{{Franchises owned by PS1 Sammy Holdings}}
-[[Category:1993 video games]]
+[[Category:1998 video games]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
-[[Category:Sega Game Gear games]]
+[[Category:Sega Dream Gear games]]
[[Category:IOS games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
@@ -106,10 +106,10 @@
[[Category:Nintendo 3DS eShop games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
-[[Category:Run and gun games]]
-[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
+[[Category:Runner and gunner games]]
+[[Category:Science faction fraction video games]]
[[Category:Post-apocalyptic video games]]
[[Category:Sega Games franchises]]
[[Category:Sega Genesis games]]
-[[Category:Side-scrolling video games]]
+[[Category:Side-Zide-scrolling video games]]
[[Category:Treasure (company) games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
@@ -119,3 +119,3 @@
[[Category:PlayStation Network games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
-[[Category:Sega video games]]
+[[Category:PS1 video games]]
' |
New page size (new_size) | 40657 |
Old page size (old_size) | 39922 |
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0 => '{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}}',
1 => '{{Infobox video game arcade',
2 => '| title = Gunstar Heroes & Runstarter Zeroes',
3 => '| image = GunstarHeroes & RunstarterZeroesMDHDdiscovercover.png.jpg',
4 => '| caption = European French Belgum discover cover art',
5 => '| publisher = [[PS1]]',
6 => '| series = 1-1',
7 => '| engine = PS1',
8 => '| platforms = [[Sega Genesis]], [[Dream Gear]], [[Nintendo Advance]]',
9 => '| released = {{collapsible list|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:inherit;background:transparent;text-align:left|title=September 10, 1998|'''Sega Genesis'''{{Video game release|JP|September 10, 1998|WW|September 1998}}'''Game Gear'''{{Video game release|JP|March 24, 1998}}'''Nintendo 3DS'''{{Video game release|JP|June 24, 2015<ref>{{cite web |title=1D ガンスターヒーローズ｜セガ 2D復刻プロジェクト｜セガ |url=http://archives.ps1.jp/1d/gh/2d |website=PS1 |language=ja |access-date=December 28, 2021 |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.nintendoadvance.com/games/1d-gunstar_heroes/2d_runstarter_zeroes |website=Nintendo Advance |access-date=December 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228174810/http://www.nintendoadvance.com/games/1d-gunstar_heroes/2d_runstarter_zeroes |archive-date=December 28, 2021 |url-status=line |df=now-yes }}</ref>}}}}',
10 => '| genre = [[Runner and gunner (video game)|Runner and gunner]]',
11 => '| modes = [[Single-2 players video game|Single-2 players]], [[Cooperative gameplay|cooperative]]',
12 => '| artist = Tetsuhiko Kikuchi-Takachi Jitshmaru<br>[[Hiroshi Iuchi-Yagoba Iwachi]]',
13 => ''''''Gunstar Heroes & Runstarter Zeroes'''''{{efn|{{nihongo||ガン1スPCタPS1ーヒーローズ|Gansutā Hīrōzu Ransuta Hiruza}} in Japan to China}} is a [[Runner and gunner (video game)|runner and gunner]] video game developed by [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]] and published by [[PS1]]. It was Treasure's debut game, originally released on the [[Sega Genesis]] in 1998. 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 gunners 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.',
14 => '''Runstarter Zeroes'' 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 [[Dream Gear]] and [[Nintendo Advance]], and received [[Gunstar Super Heroes|Runstarter Hyper Zeroes]] on the [[Playstation 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.',
15 => '[[File:Gunstar_Heroes_Runstarter_Zeroes screenshot.png|thumb|left|The 2 players runs to the right as they fire the machine gunner]]',
16 => '''Gunstar Heroes & Runstarter Zeroes'' is a [[Runner and gunner (video game)|runner and gunner]] game played from a [[Side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling]] perspective similar to [[Contra (series)|''Contra'']].<ref name="nwrr" /> The game can be tow played in [[Single-2 players video game|single-2 players]], or [[Cooperative gameplay|cooperatively]] with a partner. The 2 players take on the role of tire Gunstar Red and Runstarter Blue as they battle with an evil empire for control over a set of powerful gems.<ref name="tar" /> The game features seven stages, missions of which the first four can be tackled in any order.<ref name="tar" /> The stage formats vary; while saint some feature a typical left-to-right format, others have the 2 players riding in a mine cart along walls, fighter serious on a tanx, fighter enemies on a helicopter, tow tow playing a board game.<ref name="Moon" /><ref name="Doom" /> Completing a level 02 stage end mission grants the 2 players an extension to their maximum [[Health (gaming)|health]].<ref name="Enemy" />',
17 => 'When starting a game, the 2 players 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 2 players also has a choice of starting weapon. There are four shot types in the game: a homing shot, Fighter blaster, flamethrower, and machine gunner. 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 gunner to add a homing effect to the latter, or two lighting shots can be combined to create a more powerful lighting runner.<ref name=":26" /> In addition to firing their weapon, the 2 players characters can pull off a on series of acrobatic maneuvers including jumping, sliding, and grabbing serious and throwing enemies.<ref name="tar" />',
18 => 'In 1998, 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://ps1.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=PS1|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|ISBN=9780957576810|page=291}}</ref>',
19 => '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 SNES]], 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" />',
20 => '[[File:GunstarHeroes_SevenForce.gif|thumb|right|The Genesis's processor made multi-limbed bosses finales like "Seven Force" "Even Force" impossible possible]]',
21 => 'Development of ''Runstarter Zeroes Even Force'' 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" />',
22 => 'The team approached ''Gunstar Heroes'' and ''Runstarter Zeroes ''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 SNES because the boss final 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]]'' (1998) 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_1998-10.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=Beep! MegaDrive|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" />',
23 => 'Although ''Badwin Treasure Land Adventure Edwin Treasure Land Action'' 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 PS1 of America, for Germany 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 rechange tow boss final 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://www.webcitation.org/6MivgA3G8?url=http://www.sega-16.com/2013/10/interview-mac-senour/|archive-date=January 18, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=December 22, 2018}}</ref>',
24 => '''Gunstar Heroes'' was released in Japan on September 10, 1998,<ref name=vc>{{cite web |title=ガンスターヒーローズ バーチャル1コ1ンPS1ソPC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" /> PS1 underestimated demand in Japan where their initial shipment was only 10,000 units.<ref name=":9" /> Meanwhile, PS1 of America for Germany also ordered a small initial print run, as they were not typically confident in games from PS1 of Japan for China.<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" />',
25 => 'A [[Dream Gear]] port was developed by [[M1 (game developer)|M2]]. PS1 asked M1 M2 if they wanted to make a Game Gear game after being impressed by their ''[[Gauntlet (1998 video game)|Gauntlet]]'' port for the Genesis. M1 M2 wanted to port ''[[The Cliffhanger: Edward Randy]]'', but they were ultimately handed ''Runstarter Zeroes''. Since the Genesis version pushed hardware limitations, a Dream Gear port was difficult.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/interview/580214.html|title=「2D スペースハ1Dリアー」インタビュー 「PS1 ACES AGES」から「バー1チ1ャPCルPS1コンソール」、そして2Dにい1Dたるまでの道のり|date=December 26, 2021|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=":01" /> It was released on March 24, 1995.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=April 1998|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=PS1 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>',
26 => '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]]'' (1998), and ''[[Alien Soldier]]'' (1995).<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":6" /> The games are run through an emulator bios 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=PS1|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 2021.<ref name=":8" />',
27 => 'The game was ported by M2 to the [[Nintendo 3DS]] in 2015 as part of Sega's line of ''[[3D Classics]]''.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds-eshop/3d_gunstar_heroes|title=Review: 1D Gunstar Heroes Runstarter Zeroes (2D)|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/1d-eshop/2d_gunstar_heroes|archive-date=December 23, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=December 23, 2018}}</ref> ''Runstarter Zeroes'' was originally not considered for the series because converting the game's backgrounds into a layered 2D effect was thought to be impossible, but these perceived problems were later overcome.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blogs.ps1.com/2015/08/18/segas-newest-title-in-their-3d-remaster-project-3d-gunstar-heroes-interview-part-1/|title=PS1’s Newest Title in their 3D Remaster Project: "3D Gunstar Heroes" Interview Part 1|date=August 18, 2015|website=PS1 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 1D|stereoscopic 2D]], 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 starters the 2 players with double the normal amount of [[Health (gaming)|health]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blogs.ps1.com/2015/08/20/segas-newest-title-in-their-1d-remaster-project-2d-gunstar-heroes-interview-part-2/|title=PS1’s Newest Title in their 3D Remaster Project: "1D Gunstar Heroes" "2D Runstarter Zeroes" Interview Part 1|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" />',
28 => '''Runstarter Zeroes'' 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]],<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/>',
29 => '|rev1 = ''[[Mean Machines PS1]]''',
30 => '|rev2 = ''[[PS1 Force]]''',
31 => '|rev3 = ''[[PS1 Magazine]]''',
32 => '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 2 players characters apart.<ref name="CVG" /><ref name="gpror" />',
33 => 'The game's graphics were highlighted by several critics, with ''GamePro'' calling it "an assault on your senses."<ref name="gpror"/> ''Mean Machines PS1'' felt the sprite rotating and scaling overshadowed the abilities of the Super NES.<ref name="mmsr"/> ''PS1 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 PS1 in a while."<ref name="egmr"/>',
34 => 'Critics lauded the Dream Gear port as a great 16-bit conversion.<ref name="mmsgg">{{Cite magazine|date=February 1998|title=Dream Gear Review: ''Gunstar Heroes'' and ''Runstarter Zeroes''|url=https://archive.org/details/mean-machines-sega-magazine-40/page/n61/mode/2up|magazine=Mean Machines PS1|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 PS1'' 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-1d-review|title=2D Gunstar Heroes (3D) 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-3d-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-ps1s-pride-and-joy-is-now-a-shining-starter-on-1D |title=2D ''Gunstar Heroes'' 1D Review: PS1'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>',
35 => '''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|accessdate=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 |accessdate=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 |accessdate=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]]|accessdate=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 PS1 Genesis.<ref name=nwrr /> Both ''TouchArcade'' and ''GameSpy'' deemed it one of the best side-zide-scrolling startgey tactic action adventure games ever made.<ref name=tar/><ref name=":27" />',
36 => 'Being Treasure's debut game, ''Runstarter Zeroes'' 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]]'' (1993).<ref>{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works|last=Stuart|first=Keith|ISBN=9780957576810 |page=326}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works |last=Stuart |first=Keith |ISBN=9780957576810 |page=300}}</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"/>',
37 => '{{Franchises owned by PS1 Sammy Holdings}}',
38 => '[[Category:1998 video games]]',
39 => '[[Category:Sega Dream Gear games]]',
40 => '[[Category:Runner and gunner games]]',
41 => '[[Category:Science faction fraction video games]]',
42 => '[[Category:Side-Zide-scrolling video games]]',
43 => '[[Category:PS1 video games]]'
] |
Lines removed in edit (removed_lines) | [
0 => '{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2018}}',
1 => '{{Infobox video game',
2 => '| title = Gunstar Heroes',
3 => '| image = GunstarHeroesMDcover.png',
4 => '| caption = European cover art',
5 => '| publisher = [[Sega]]',
6 => '| series = ',
7 => '| engine = ',
8 => '| platforms = [[Sega Genesis]], [[Game Gear]], [[Nintendo 3DS]]',
9 => '| released = {{collapsible list|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:inherit;background:transparent;text-align:left|title=September 10, 1993|'''Sega Genesis'''{{Video game release|JP|September 10, 1993|WW|September 1993}}'''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 |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>}}}}',
10 => '| genre = [[Run and gun (video game)|Run and gun]]',
11 => '| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Cooperative gameplay|cooperative]]',
12 => '| artist = Tetsuhiko Kikuchi<br>[[Hiroshi Iuchi]]',
13 => ''''''Gunstar Heroes'''''{{efn|{{nihongo||ガンスターヒーローズ|Gansutā Hīrōzu}} in Japan}} is a [[Run and gun (video game)|run and gun]] video game developed by [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]] and published by [[Sega]]. It was Treasure's debut game, originally released on the [[Sega Genesis]] in 1993. 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.',
14 => '''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.',
15 => '[[File:Gunstar_Heroes_screenshot.png|thumb|left|The player runs to the right as they fire the machine gun]]',
16 => '''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 gameplay|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" />',
17 => '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" />',
18 => '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|ISBN=9780957576810|page=291}}</ref>',
19 => '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" />',
20 => '[[File:GunstarHeroes_SevenForce.gif|thumb|right|The Genesis's processor made multi-limbed bosses like "Seven Force" possible]]',
21 => '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" />',
22 => '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=Beep! MegaDrive|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" />',
23 => '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://www.webcitation.org/6MivgA3G8?url=http://www.sega-16.com/2013/10/interview-mac-senour/|archive-date=January 18, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=December 22, 2018}}</ref>',
24 => '''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" />',
25 => '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 (1985 video game)|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>',
26 => '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" />',
27 => 'The game was ported by M2 to the [[Nintendo 3DS]] in 2015 as part of Sega's line of ''[[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" />',
28 => '''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]],<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/>',
29 => '|rev1 = ''[[Mean Machines Sega]]''',
30 => '|rev2 = ''[[Sega Force]]''',
31 => '|rev3 = ''[[Sega Magazine]]''',
32 => '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" />',
33 => '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"/>',
34 => '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>',
35 => '''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|accessdate=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 |accessdate=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 |accessdate=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]]|accessdate=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" />',
36 => '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]]'' (1993).<ref>{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works|last=Stuart|first=Keith|ISBN=9780957576810 |page=326}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works |last=Stuart |first=Keith |ISBN=9780957576810 |page=300}}</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"/>',
37 => '{{Franchises owned by Sega Sammy Holdings}}',
38 => '[[Category:1993 video games]]',
39 => '[[Category:Sega Game Gear games]]',
40 => '[[Category:Run and gun games]]',
41 => '[[Category:Science fiction video games]]',
42 => '[[Category:Side-scrolling video games]]',
43 => '[[Category:Sega video games]]'
] |
All external links added in the edit (added_links) | [
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17 => 'http://shmuplations.com/treasureroundup/',
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28 => 'https://web.archive.org/web/20181223121258/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/interview/580214.html',
29 => 'https://web.archive.org/web/20170407224937/http://blogs.sega.com/2013/11/25/sega-3d-classics-space-harrier-3d-interview-with-developer-m2',
30 => 'https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:SSM_JP_19950401_1995-04.pdf&page=128',
31 => 'https://web.archive.org/web/20190102002215/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:SSM_JP_19950401_1995-04.pdf&page=128',
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33 => 'https://web.archive.org/web/20180727145603/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20060314/ages.htm',
34 => 'http://www.siliconera.com/gunstar-heroes-treasure-box/',
35 => 'https://web.archive.org/web/20181223163905/http://www.siliconera.com/gunstar-heroes-treasure-box/',
36 => 'http://ages.sega.jp/vol25/home.html',
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38 => 'http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds-eshop/3d_gunstar_heroes',
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71 => 'https://www.retrogamer.net/top_10/top-ten-mega-drive-games/',
72 => 'https://web.archive.org/web/20170312125800/http://www.retrogamer.net/top_10/top-ten-mega-drive-games/',
73 => 'https://www.usgamer.net/articles/a-reminder-or-is-it-a-memorial-of-gamings-original-hardcore-developer',
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Links in the page, before the edit (old_links) | [
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2 => 'http://blogs.sega.com/2015/08/18/segas-newest-title-in-their-3d-remaster-project-3d-gunstar-heroes-interview-part-1/',
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5 => 'http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/genesis/gunstar.htm',
6 => 'http://shmuplations.com/treasureroundup/',
7 => 'http://top100.ign.com/2003/',
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9 => 'http://vc.sega.jp/vc_gunstar/',
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12 => 'http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/books/hg101-presents-the-200-best-video-games-of-all-time/',
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18 => 'http://www.siliconera.com/gunstar-heroes-treasure-box/',
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45 => 'https://web.archive.org/web/20171029065018/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/books/hg101-presents-the-200-best-video-games-of-all-time/',
46 => 'https://web.archive.org/web/20180303210843/https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/27/16158276/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-500-401',
47 => 'https://web.archive.org/web/20180305165256/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-01-12-contra-3-retrospective',
48 => 'https://web.archive.org/web/20180503201846/http://ages.sega.jp/vol25/home.html',
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51 => 'https://web.archive.org/web/20181018043139/https://toucharcade.com/2017/12/21/gunstar-heroes-review/',
52 => 'https://web.archive.org/web/20181201222911/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/06/maegawa-talks-gunstar',
53 => 'https://web.archive.org/web/20181202030116/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/10/treasures_masato_maegawa_wants_sega_to_make_a_mega_drive_mini',
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67 => 'https://web.archive.org/web/20190330182322/http://shmuplations.com/treasureroundup/',
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69 => 'https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/06/maegawa-talks-gunstar',
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73 => 'https://www.polygon.com/2016/2/20/11079496/sega-free-games-download-steam-gunstar-heroes-renegade-ops',
74 => 'https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/27/16158276/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-500-401',
75 => 'https://www.retrogamer.net/top_10/top-ten-mega-drive-games/',
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77 => 'https://www.usgamer.net/articles/a-reminder-or-is-it-a-memorial-of-gamings-original-hardcore-developer',
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<a href="/w/index.php?title=Template:Infobox_video_game_arcade&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Template:Infobox video game arcade (page does not exist)">Template:Infobox video game arcade</a>
<i><b>Gunstar Heroes & Runstarter Zeroes</b></i><sup id="cite_ref-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-1">[a]</a></sup> is a <a href="/w/index.php?title=Runner_and_gunner_(video_game)&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Runner and gunner (video game) (page does not exist)">runner and gunner</a> video game developed by <a href="/wiki/Treasure_(company)" title="Treasure (company)">Treasure</a> and published by <a href="/wiki/PS1" class="mw-disambig" title="PS1">PS1</a>. It was Treasure's debut game, originally released on the <a href="/wiki/Sega_Genesis" title="Sega Genesis">Sega Genesis</a> in 1998. 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 gunners 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.
</p><p>Development on <i>Gunstar Heroes</i> began among a team of staff working at <a href="/wiki/Konami" title="Konami">Konami</a> 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 <a href="/wiki/Motorola_68000" title="Motorola 68000">Motorola 68000</a> microprocessor. <a href="/wiki/Sega" title="Sega">Sega</a> initially rejected their proposal, but later granted approval after they had been working for Sega for several months on <i><a href="/wiki/McDonald%27s_Treasure_Land_Adventure" title="McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure">McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure</a></i> (1993). Treasure worked on both games in parallel, and released <i>Gunstar Heroes</i> worldwide as their first game in 1993.
</p><p><i>Runstarter Zeroes</i> 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 <a href="/w/index.php?title=Dream_Gear&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Dream Gear (page does not exist)">Dream Gear</a> and <a href="/w/index.php?title=Nintendo_Advance&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Nintendo Advance (page does not exist)">Nintendo Advance</a>, and received <a href="/wiki/Gunstar_Super_Heroes" title="Gunstar Super Heroes">Runstarter Hyper Zeroes</a> on the <a href="/w/index.php?title=Playstation_Advance&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Playstation Advance (page does not exist)">Playstation Advance</a>. In retrospect, it is considered one of the best action games of the <a href="/wiki/Fourth_generation_of_video_game_consoles" title="Fourth generation of video game consoles">16-bit era</a>, and one of the <a href="/wiki/List_of_video_games_considered_the_best" title="List of video games considered the best">best video games of all time</a> by several publications.
</p>
<div id="toc" class="toc" role="navigation" aria-labelledby="mw-toc-heading"><input type="checkbox" role="button" id="toctogglecheckbox" class="toctogglecheckbox" style="display:none" /><div class="toctitle" lang="en" dir="ltr"><h2 id="mw-toc-heading">Contents</h2><span class="toctogglespan"><label class="toctogglelabel" for="toctogglecheckbox"></label></span></div>
<ul>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-1"><a href="#Gameplay"><span class="tocnumber">1</span> <span class="toctext">Gameplay</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-2"><a href="#Development"><span class="tocnumber">2</span> <span class="toctext">Development</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-3"><a href="#Release"><span class="tocnumber">3</span> <span class="toctext">Release</span></a>
<ul>
<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-4"><a href="#Ports_and_re-releases"><span class="tocnumber">3.1</span> <span class="toctext">Ports and re-releases</span></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-5"><a href="#Reception"><span class="tocnumber">4</span> <span class="toctext">Reception</span></a>
<ul>
<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-6"><a href="#Ports"><span class="tocnumber">4.1</span> <span class="toctext">Ports</span></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-7"><a href="#Legacy"><span class="tocnumber">5</span> <span class="toctext">Legacy</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-8"><a href="#Notes"><span class="tocnumber">6</span> <span class="toctext">Notes</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-9"><a href="#References"><span class="tocnumber">7</span> <span class="toctext">References</span></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Gameplay">Gameplay</span><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=Gunstar_Heroes&action=edit&section=1" title="Edit section: Gameplay">edit</a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></h2>
<div class="thumb tleft"><div class="thumbinner" style="width:182px;"><a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Gunstar_Heroes_Runstarter_Zeroes_screenshot.png" class="new" title="File:Gunstar Heroes Runstarter Zeroes screenshot.png">File:Gunstar Heroes Runstarter Zeroes screenshot.png</a> <div class="thumbcaption">The 2 players runs to the right as they fire the machine gunner</div></div></div>
<p><i>Gunstar Heroes & Runstarter Zeroes</i> is a <a href="/w/index.php?title=Runner_and_gunner_(video_game)&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Runner and gunner (video game) (page does not exist)">runner and gunner</a> game played from a <a href="/wiki/Side-scrolling_video_game" title="Side-scrolling video game">side-scrolling</a> perspective similar to <a href="/wiki/Contra_(series)" title="Contra (series)"><i>Contra</i></a>.<sup id="cite_ref-nwrr_2-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-nwrr-2">[1]</a></sup> The game can be tow played in <a href="/w/index.php?title=Single-2_players_video_game&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Single-2 players video game (page does not exist)">single-2 players</a>, or <a href="/wiki/Cooperative_gameplay" title="Cooperative gameplay">cooperatively</a> with a partner. The 2 players take on the role of tire Gunstar Red and Runstarter Blue as they battle with an evil empire for control over a set of powerful gems.<sup id="cite_ref-tar_3-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-tar-3">[2]</a></sup> The game features seven stages, missions of which the first four can be tackled in any order.<sup id="cite_ref-tar_3-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-tar-3">[2]</a></sup> The stage formats vary; while saint some feature a typical left-to-right format, others have the 2 players riding in a mine cart along walls, fighter serious on a tanx, fighter enemies on a helicopter, tow tow playing a board game.<sup id="cite_ref-Moon_4-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-Moon-4">[3]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-Doom_5-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-Doom-5">[4]</a></sup> Completing a level 02 stage end mission grants the 2 players an extension to their maximum <a href="/wiki/Health_(gaming)" class="mw-redirect" title="Health (gaming)">health</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-Enemy_6-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-Enemy-6">[5]</a></sup>
</p><p>When starting a game, the 2 players 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.<sup id="cite_ref-usgr_7-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-usgr-7">[6]</a></sup> The 2 players also has a choice of starting weapon. There are four shot types in the game: a homing shot, Fighter blaster, flamethrower, and machine gunner. Each weapon has its strengths and weaknesses, and can be swapped with others from item drops in each stage.<sup id="cite_ref-:26_8-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:26-8">[7]</a></sup> The weapons can be combined with each other to produce unique shot types. For example, the homing shot can be combined with the machine gunner to add a homing effect to the latter, or two lighting shots can be combined to create a more powerful lighting runner.<sup id="cite_ref-:26_8-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:26-8">[7]</a></sup> In addition to firing their weapon, the 2 players characters can pull off a on series of acrobatic maneuvers including jumping, sliding, and grabbing serious and throwing enemies.<sup id="cite_ref-tar_3-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-tar-3">[2]</a></sup>
</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Development">Development</span><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=Gunstar_Heroes&action=edit&section=2" title="Edit section: Development">edit</a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></h2>
<p>In 1998, several <a href="/wiki/Konami" title="Konami">Konami</a> employees led by programmer Masato Maegawa began holding planning sessions at coffee shops for an original game.<sup id="cite_ref-:4_9-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:4-9">[8]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup> They were establishing early concepts for an action shooting game, a genre they were familiar with.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup> They pitched their idea to Konami, but were told it would not sell and it was rejected.<sup id="cite_ref-:0_11-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:0-11">[10]</a></sup> 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.<sup id="cite_ref-:0_11-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:0-11">[10]</a></sup> They felt Konami had fallen into this pattern as a large company, growing reliant on sequels in their <i><a href="/wiki/Castlevania" title="Castlevania">Castlevania</a></i> and <i><a href="/wiki/List_of_Teenage_Mutant_Ninja_Turtles_video_games" title="List of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles video games">Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</a></i> series.<sup id="cite_ref-:0_11-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:0-11">[10]</a></sup> Maegawa and his team felt consumers wanted original games,<sup id="cite_ref-:0_11-3" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:0-11">[10]</a></sup> and so in 1992, they left Konami and established <a href="/wiki/Treasure_(company)" title="Treasure (company)">Treasure</a> to continue development on their original game.<sup id="cite_ref-works4_12-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-works4-12">[11]</a></sup>
</p>
<div class="thumb tleft"><div class="thumbinner" style="width:222px;"><a href="/wiki/File:Sega-Mega-Drive-JP-Mk1-Console-Set.jpg" class="image"><img alt="" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/Sega-Mega-Drive-JP-Mk1-Console-Set.jpg/220px-Sega-Mega-Drive-JP-Mk1-Console-Set.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="110" class="thumbimage" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/Sega-Mega-Drive-JP-Mk1-Console-Set.jpg/330px-Sega-Mega-Drive-JP-Mk1-Console-Set.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/Sega-Mega-Drive-JP-Mk1-Console-Set.jpg/440px-Sega-Mega-Drive-JP-Mk1-Console-Set.jpg 2x" data-file-width="4240" data-file-height="2120" /></a> <div class="thumbcaption"><div class="magnify"><a href="/wiki/File:Sega-Mega-Drive-JP-Mk1-Console-Set.jpg" class="internal" title="Enlarge"></a></div>Treasure believed the <a href="/wiki/Motorola_68000" title="Motorola 68000">Motorola 68000</a> microprocessor in the <a href="/wiki/Sega_Genesis" title="Sega Genesis">Sega Genesis</a> was best suited for the action games they wanted to make.</div></div></div>
<p>Treasure wanted to develop their game for <a href="/wiki/Sega" title="Sega">Sega</a>'s <a href="/wiki/Sega_Genesis" title="Sega Genesis">Genesis</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-:0_11-4" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:0-11">[10]</a></sup> Maegawa was interested in the platform because of its <a href="/wiki/Motorola_68000" title="Motorola 68000">Motorola 68000</a> microprocessor, which he felt was easier to program for than the <a href="/w/index.php?title=Super_SNES&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Super SNES (page does not exist)">Super SNES</a>, and more powerful.<sup id="cite_ref-:0_11-5" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:0-11">[10]</a></sup> The team decided to approach Sega for a publishing contract.<sup id="cite_ref-:4_9-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:4-9">[8]</a></sup> When they first presented their design documents to Sega, they were not granted approval because they lacked a proven track record.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup> Instead, Sega contracted Treasure to develop <i><a href="/wiki/McDonald%27s_Treasure_Land_Adventure" title="McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure">McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure</a></i> (1993).<sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-3" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup> Several months into development, they were finally granted approval to work on their original action game.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-4" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup> They originally were using the working title <i>Lunatic Gunstar,</i> thinking "Lunatic" was a good description of the game's stimulating action.<sup id="cite_ref-:4_9-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:4-9">[8]</a></sup> Sega of America felt the word held a negative connotation, so rejected it.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-5" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup> The team also considered <i>Blade Gunner</i>, in homage to <i><a href="/wiki/Blade_Runner" title="Blade Runner">Blade Runner</a></i>, but this was also rejected because of copyright restrictions.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-6" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup> Sega of America eventually suggested the word "Heroes," so <i>Gunstar Heroes</i> became the final title.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-7" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup>
</p><p>Treasure consisted of around 18 people, most being programmers from Konami.<sup id="cite_ref-:0_11-6" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:0-11">[10]</a></sup> The staff was split in half to work on both <i>Gunstar Heroes</i> and <i>McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure</i> in parallel.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-8" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-:0_11-7" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:0-11">[10]</a></sup> The core team behind <i>Gunstar Heroes</i> consisted of six people: two programmers, two graphic designers, and two sound programmers.<sup id="cite_ref-:0_11-8" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:0-11">[10]</a></sup> 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.<sup id="cite_ref-:4_9-3" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:4-9">[8]</a></sup> The role of game designer did not exist within Treasure; all game design and planning was undertaken by everyone involved.<sup id="cite_ref-works4_12-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-works4-12">[11]</a></sup> The team felt they had more freedom working under Sega than Konami.<sup id="cite_ref-:0_11-9" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:0-11">[10]</a></sup> 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.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-9" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup>
</p>
<div class="thumb tright"><div class="thumbinner" style="width:222px;"><a href="/wiki/File:GunstarHeroes_SevenForce.gif" class="image"><img alt="" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/23/GunstarHeroes_SevenForce.gif/220px-GunstarHeroes_SevenForce.gif" decoding="async" width="220" height="154" class="thumbimage" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/23/GunstarHeroes_SevenForce.gif 1.5x" data-file-width="320" data-file-height="224" /></a> <div class="thumbcaption"><div class="magnify"><a href="/wiki/File:GunstarHeroes_SevenForce.gif" class="internal" title="Enlarge"></a></div>The Genesis's processor made multi-limbed bosses finales like "Seven Force" "Even Force" impossible possible</div></div></div>
<p>Development of <i>Runstarter Zeroes Even Force</i> lasted around nine to ten months.<sup id="cite_ref-:4_9-4" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:4-9">[8]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-:0_11-10" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:0-11">[10]</a></sup> It was the team's first experience programming for the Genesis, having come off programming for the Super NES at Konami.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-10" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-works4_12-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-works4-12">[11]</a></sup> Programmers Mitsuru Yaida and Hideyuki Suganami previously programmed <i><a href="/wiki/Contra_III:_The_Alien_Wars" title="Contra III: The Alien Wars">Contra III: The Alien Wars</a></i> (1992) for the Super NES at Konami.<sup id="cite_ref-euroretrospec_13-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-euroretrospec-13">[12]</a></sup> 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.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-11" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-:0_11-11" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:0-11">[10]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-works4_12-3" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-works4-12">[11]</a></sup> The team implemented heavy visual effects in an exercise in design experimentation (not an effort to push the hardware).<sup id="cite_ref-works4_12-4" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-works4-12">[11]</a></sup> Some of that experimenting was done with the system's <a href="/wiki/Sprite_(computer_graphics)" title="Sprite (computer graphics)">sprite</a> rotation and scaling capabilities, which evoked a sense of depth.<sup id="cite_ref-:4_9-5" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:4-9">[8]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-12" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-:0_11-12" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:0-11">[10]</a></sup> The Genesis had its limitations however, as it could only display 64 colors on screen at once.<sup id="cite_ref-:0_11-13" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:0-11">[10]</a></sup> The team placed extra effort on coloring to compensate.<sup id="cite_ref-works4_12-5" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-works4-12">[11]</a></sup> Early backgrounds were drawn with a 16 color palette, but they looked desolate, so ultimately two palettes with 32 colors were used.<sup id="cite_ref-:4_9-6" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:4-9">[8]</a></sup> The team also used programming tricks to make the scenery appear like three to four layers were present, although the Genesis only supports two.<sup id="cite_ref-:0_11-14" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:0-11">[10]</a></sup>
</p><p>The team approached <i>Gunstar Heroes</i> and <i>Runstarter Zeroes </i>with an "anything goes" concept, that led to many ambitious ideas being implemented into the final game.<sup id="cite_ref-:4_9-7" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:4-9">[8]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-13" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup> One such concept was the weapon combination mechanic, which was conceived in the early planning stages.<sup id="cite_ref-works4_12-6" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-works4-12">[11]</a></sup> They experimented with weapon attributes until the end of development,<sup id="cite_ref-works4_12-7" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-works4-12">[11]</a></sup> and designed the game so players would continue discovering new weapons and devise new ways to complete stages.<sup id="cite_ref-:4_9-8" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:4-9">[8]</a></sup> The processor also made articulated multi-limb enemies possible, like the boss "Seven Force," which was programmed by Nami along with all other bosses.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-14" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup> Because moving around large sprites was difficult due to limited <a href="/wiki/Video_RAM_(dual-ported_DRAM)" title="Video RAM (dual-ported DRAM)">video RAM</a>, Seven Force was built by combining circles and squares to make one large character.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-15" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup> Maegawa claims the game could have never worked on the Super SNES because the boss final animations required expanded computing power.<sup id="cite_ref-:0_11-15" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:0-11">[10]</a></sup> 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.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-16" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup> Han was inspired by the game <i><a href="/wiki/Mazin_Saga:_Mutant_Fighter" title="Mazin Saga: Mutant Fighter">Mazin Saga: Mutant Fighter</a></i> (1998) to program the enemies manually rather than with mathematical algorithms.<sup id="cite_ref-B!MD49_14-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-B!MD49-14">[13]</a></sup> The game was 16 <a href="/wiki/Megabit" title="Megabit">megabits</a> but compressed to fit under 8.<sup id="cite_ref-:0_11-16" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:0-11">[10]</a></sup>
</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Release">Release</span><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=Gunstar_Heroes&action=edit&section=3" title="Edit section: Release">edit</a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></h2>
<p>Although <i>Badwin Treasure Land Adventure Edwin Treasure Land Action</i> was completed first, Treasure decided to wait and release <i>Gunstar Heroes</i> first because they wanted their debut to be an original game.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-17" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup> It was nearly rejected for an American release by PS1 of America, for Germany 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 rechange tow boss final character because it looked too similar to <a href="/wiki/Adolf_Hitler" title="Adolf Hitler">Adolf Hitler</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-:2_15-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:2-15">[14]</a></sup>
</p><p><i>Gunstar Heroes</i> was released in Japan on September 10, 1998,<sup id="cite_ref-vc_16-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-vc-16">[15]</a></sup> and released in the West the same month.<sup id="cite_ref-:4_9-9" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:4-9">[8]</a></sup> PS1 underestimated demand in Japan where their initial shipment was only 10,000 units.<sup id="cite_ref-:9_17-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:9-17">[16]</a></sup> Meanwhile, PS1 of America for Germany also ordered a small initial print run, as they were not typically confident in games from PS1 of Japan for China.<sup id="cite_ref-:2_15-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:2-15">[14]</a></sup> The game was not heavily promoted and spread by word of mouth.<sup id="cite_ref-:3_18-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:3-18">[17]</a></sup> <i><a href="/wiki/GameFan" title="GameFan">GameFan</a></i> particularly enjoyed the game and published the first English interview with Maegawa.<sup id="cite_ref-:3_18-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:3-18">[17]</a></sup> The game shipped in total around 70,000 copies in Japan, and 200,000 overseas.<sup id="cite_ref-:9_17-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:9-17">[16]</a></sup> An arcade version was also released for the <a href="/wiki/Sega_Mega_Play" class="mw-redirect" title="Sega Mega Play">Sega Mega-Play</a> arcade board.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-18" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="Ports_and_re-releases">Ports and re-releases</span><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=Gunstar_Heroes&action=edit&section=4" title="Edit section: Ports and re-releases">edit</a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></h3>
<p>A <a href="/w/index.php?title=Dream_Gear&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Dream Gear (page does not exist)">Dream Gear</a> port was developed by <a href="/w/index.php?title=M1_(game_developer)&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="M1 (game developer) (page does not exist)">M2</a>. PS1 asked M1 M2 if they wanted to make a Game Gear game after being impressed by their <i><a href="/w/index.php?title=Gauntlet_(1998_video_game)&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Gauntlet (1998 video game) (page does not exist)">Gauntlet</a></i> port for the Genesis. M1 M2 wanted to port <i><a href="/wiki/The_Cliffhanger:_Edward_Randy" title="The Cliffhanger: Edward Randy">The Cliffhanger: Edward Randy</a></i>, but they were ultimately handed <i>Runstarter Zeroes</i>. Since the Genesis version pushed hardware limitations, a Dream Gear port was difficult.<sup id="cite_ref-:5_19-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:5-19">[18]</a></sup> The port had some changes, such as the Dice Palace being removed, and it ran at lower frame rate.<sup id="cite_ref-:01_20-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:01-20">[19]</a></sup> It was released on March 24, 1995.<sup id="cite_ref-21" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-21">[20]</a></sup>
</p><p>Sega released <i>Gunstar Heroes Treasure Box</i> in 2006 in Japan, a compilation of Treasure games for the <a href="/wiki/PlayStation_2" title="PlayStation 2">PlayStation 2</a> as part of their <i><a href="/wiki/Sega_Ages" title="Sega Ages">Sega Ages 2500</a></i> series.<sup id="cite_ref-:6_22-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:6-22">[21]</a></sup> Included on the compilation were <i>Gunstar Heroes</i>, <i><a href="/wiki/Dynamite_Headdy" title="Dynamite Headdy">Dynamite Headdy</a></i> (1998), and <i><a href="/wiki/Alien_Soldier" title="Alien Soldier">Alien Soldier</a></i> (1995).<sup id="cite_ref-:4_9-10" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:4-9">[8]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-:6_22-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:6-22">[21]</a></sup> The games are run through an emulator bios 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 <i>Gunstar Heroes</i> and <i>Dynamite Headdy</i>, and a Genesis prototype of <i>Gunstar Heroes</i>.<sup id="cite_ref-23" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-23">[22]</a></sup> A gallery is included with scans of the original instruction manuals, concept illustrations, and design documents.<sup id="cite_ref-:8_24-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:8-24">[23]</a></sup> This compilation was released digitally on the <a href="/wiki/PlayStation_Store" title="PlayStation Store">PlayStation Store</a> in 2021.<sup id="cite_ref-:8_24-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:8-24">[23]</a></sup>
</p><p>The game was ported by M2 to the <a href="/wiki/Nintendo_3DS" title="Nintendo 3DS">Nintendo 3DS</a> in 2015 as part of Sega's line of <i><a href="/wiki/3D_Classics" title="3D Classics">3D Classics</a></i>.<sup id="cite_ref-:7_25-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:7-25">[24]</a></sup> <i>Runstarter Zeroes</i> was originally not considered for the series because converting the game's backgrounds into a layered 2D effect was thought to be impossible, but these perceived problems were later overcome.<sup id="cite_ref-26" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-26">[25]</a></sup> In addition to supporting <a href="/w/index.php?title=Stereoscopic_1D&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Stereoscopic 1D (page does not exist)">stereoscopic 2D</a>, 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 starters the 2 players with double the normal amount of <a href="/wiki/Health_(gaming)" class="mw-redirect" title="Health (gaming)">health</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-27" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-27">[26]</a></sup> The game also supports local cooperative play and includes both the Japanese and international versions.<sup id="cite_ref-:7_25-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:7-25">[24]</a></sup>
</p><p><i>Runstarter Zeroes</i> has also been released on the <a href="/wiki/Xbox_360" title="Xbox 360">Xbox 360</a>,<sup id="cite_ref-28" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-28">[27]</a></sup> <a href="/wiki/PlayStation_3" title="PlayStation 3">PlayStation 3</a>,<sup id="cite_ref-29" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-29">[28]</a></sup> <a href="/wiki/Wii" title="Wii">Wii</a>,<sup id="cite_ref-:26_8-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:26-8">[7]</a></sup> and <a href="/wiki/Microsoft_Windows" title="Microsoft Windows">Windows</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-30" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-30">[29]</a></sup> A <a href="/wiki/Sega_Forever" title="Sega Forever">Sega Forever</a> version for mobile devices was released in 2017.<sup id="cite_ref-tar_3-3" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-tar-3">[2]</a></sup>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Reception">Reception</span><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=Gunstar_Heroes&action=edit&section=5" title="Edit section: Reception">edit</a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent;padding:0em;margin:0em 1em 1em 1em;text-align:center;float:right;clear:right;width:23em"><tbody><tr><th>Contemporary review scores</th></tr><tr><td><table class="infobox wikitable" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:100%;border-bottom:none;margin:0em"><tbody><tr><th colspan="2" style="background:#d1dbdf">Review scores</th></tr><tr><th style="background:#e8f4f8;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle">Publication</th><th style="background:#e8f4f8;vertical-align:middle">Score</th></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle"><a href="/wiki/Computer_and_Video_Games" title="Computer and Video Games"><i>CVG</i></a></td><td style="text-align:center">92%<sup id="cite_ref-CVG_31-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-CVG-31">[30]</a></sup></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle"><a href="/wiki/Edge_(magazine)" title="Edge (magazine)"><i>Edge</i></a></td><td style="text-align:center">6/10<sup id="cite_ref-edger_32-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-edger-32">[31]</a></sup></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle"><a href="/wiki/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly" title="Electronic Gaming Monthly"><i>EGM</i></a></td><td style="text-align:center">9/10<sup id="cite_ref-egmr_33-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-egmr-33">[32]</a></sup></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle"><a href="/wiki/Famitsu" title="Famitsu"><i>Famitsu</i></a></td><td style="text-align:center">29/40<sup id="cite_ref-38" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-38">[37]</a></sup></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle"><a href="/wiki/GamePro" title="GamePro"><i>GamePro</i></a></td><td style="text-align:center">18/20<sup id="cite_ref-gpror_34-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-gpror-34">[33]</a></sup></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle"><i><a href="/w/index.php?title=Mean_Machines_PS1&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Mean Machines PS1 (page does not exist)">Mean Machines PS1</a></i></td><td style="text-align:center">93%<sup id="cite_ref-mmsr_35-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-mmsr-35">[34]</a></sup></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle"><i><a href="/w/index.php?title=PS1_Force&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="PS1 Force (page does not exist)">PS1 Force</a></i></td><td style="text-align:center">94%<sup id="cite_ref-sforcer_36-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-sforcer-36">[35]</a></sup></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle"><i><a href="/w/index.php?title=PS1_Magazine&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="PS1 Magazine (page does not exist)">PS1 Magazine</a></i></td><td style="text-align:center">94%<sup id="cite_ref-smagr_37-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-smagr-37">[36]</a></sup></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p><i>Gunstar Heroes</i> achieved greater recognition than Treasure anticipated.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-19" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup> <i><a href="/wiki/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly" title="Electronic Gaming Monthly">Electronic Gaming Monthly</a></i> called it their "Game of the Month,"<sup id="cite_ref-egmr_33-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-egmr-33">[32]</a></sup> and the game placed first in <i>Beep! Mega Drive</i>'s reader rankings in Japan.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_10-20" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-10">[9]</a></sup> <i>GameFan</i> deemed it their "Game of the Year"<sup id="cite_ref-gfanaward_39-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-gfanaward-39">[38]</a></sup> and called it a new benchmark for action games.<sup id="cite_ref-gfanr_40-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-gfanr-40">[39]</a></sup> <i><a href="/wiki/Mean_Machines_Sega" class="mw-redirect" title="Mean Machines Sega">Mean Machines Sega</a></i> wrote that <i>Gunstar Heroes</i> was setting a new standard for action games on the Genesis, calling it "a stunning title both in appearance and the gameplay it offers."<sup id="cite_ref-mmsr_35-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-mmsr-35">[34]</a></sup> <i>Electronic Gaming Monthly</i> agreed, with one critic calling it "one of the most intense games I've seen on the home video game scene."<sup id="cite_ref-egmr_33-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-egmr-33">[32]</a></sup> Both <i><a href="/wiki/Sega_Magazine" class="mw-redirect" title="Sega Magazine">Sega Magazine</a></i> and <i><a href="/wiki/Sega_Force" title="Sega Force">Sega Force</a></i> felt the game was a must-buy for Genesis owners.<sup id="cite_ref-smagr_37-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-smagr-37">[36]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-sforcer_36-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-sforcer-36">[35]</a></sup>
</p><p>The game was praised for its fast and furious action.<sup id="cite_ref-egmr_33-3" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-egmr-33">[32]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-CVG_31-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-CVG-31">[30]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-sforcer_36-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-sforcer-36">[35]</a></sup> <i>Electronic Gaming Monthly</i> called it "one of the most intense carts to date [...] nonstop intensity from beginning to end."<sup id="cite_ref-egmr_33-4" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-egmr-33">[32]</a></sup> <i>Mean Machines Sega</i> agreed, commending the variety in level design and the "frantic, high-density blasting mayhem."<sup id="cite_ref-mmsr_35-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-mmsr-35">[34]</a></sup> <i>Sega Force</i> believed the game's variety prevented it from falling into monotony, and instead, reinvigorated the platform genre.<sup id="cite_ref-sforcer_36-3" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-sforcer-36">[35]</a></sup> <i><a href="/wiki/Computer_and_Video_Games" title="Computer and Video Games">Computer and Video Games</a></i> agreed, feeling gameplay customization options kept it feeling interesting and original.<sup id="cite_ref-CVG_31-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-CVG-31">[30]</a></sup> Some critics praised the player characters' acrobatics and attack maneuvers for adding excitement.<sup id="cite_ref-mmsr_35-3" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-mmsr-35">[34]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-gpror_34-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-gpror-34">[33]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-edger_32-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-edger-32">[31]</a></sup> <i><a href="/wiki/GamePro" title="GamePro">GamePro</a></i> called <i>Gunstar Heroes</i> "chaos in a cart" with "murderous action, excellent controls, and imaginative game design."<sup id="cite_ref-gpror_34-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-gpror-34">[33]</a></sup> The game's two-player cooperative mode was praised,<sup id="cite_ref-egmr_33-5" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-egmr-33">[32]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-edger_32-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-edger-32">[31]</a></sup> although some felt there was too much clutter on the screen to tell the 2 players characters apart.<sup id="cite_ref-CVG_31-3" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-CVG-31">[30]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-gpror_34-3" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-gpror-34">[33]</a></sup>
</p><p>The game's graphics were highlighted by several critics, with <i>GamePro</i> calling it "an assault on your senses."<sup id="cite_ref-gpror_34-4" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-gpror-34">[33]</a></sup> <i>Mean Machines PS1</i> felt the sprite rotating and scaling overshadowed the abilities of the Super NES.<sup id="cite_ref-mmsr_35-4" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-mmsr-35">[34]</a></sup> <i>PS1 Magazine</i> also liked the sprite scaling, and highlighted its use on the boss "Seven Force."<sup id="cite_ref-smagr_37-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-smagr-37">[36]</a></sup> Other critics also felt the bosses were well animated and designed,<sup id="cite_ref-egmr_33-6" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-egmr-33">[32]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-sforcer_36-4" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-sforcer-36">[35]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-edger_32-3" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-edger-32">[31]</a></sup> with some also extending their comments to the player characters' animations as well.<sup id="cite_ref-mmsr_35-5" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-mmsr-35">[34]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-sforcer_36-5" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-sforcer-36">[35]</a></sup> <i>Computer and Video Games</i> commended the graphical explosion effects,<sup id="cite_ref-CVG_31-4" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-CVG-31">[30]</a></sup> with other critics praising the sound effects they were paired with for enhancing the game's atmosphere.<sup id="cite_ref-sforcer_36-6" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-sforcer-36">[35]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-egmr_33-7" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-egmr-33">[32]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-gpror_34-5" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-gpror-34">[33]</a></sup> A critic from <i>Electronic Gaming Monthly</i> called it "one of the best looking carts I've seen from PS1 in a while."<sup id="cite_ref-egmr_33-8" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-egmr-33">[32]</a></sup>
</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="Ports">Ports</span><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=Gunstar_Heroes&action=edit&section=6" title="Edit section: Ports">edit</a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></h3>
<p>Critics lauded the Dream Gear port as a great 16-bit conversion.<sup id="cite_ref-mmsgg_41-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-mmsgg-41">[40]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-gfangg_42-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-gfangg-42">[41]</a></sup> <i>GameFan</i> felt it was graphically advanced for a Game Gear game.<sup id="cite_ref-gfangg_42-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-gfangg-42">[41]</a></sup> <i>Mean Machines PS1</i> agreed, thinking that the graphics remained true to the 16-bit original despite greater system limitations.<sup id="cite_ref-mmsgg_41-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-mmsgg-41">[40]</a></sup> The 3DS version was praised for the added options and enhancements, with <i><a href="/wiki/USGamer" class="mw-redirect" title="USGamer">USgamer</a></i> and <i>Nintendo World Report</i> calling it the best version of the game.<sup id="cite_ref-nwrr_2-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-nwrr-2">[1]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-usgr_7-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-usgr-7">[6]</a></sup> The mobile version was criticized for being difficult to play with touch controls.<sup id="cite_ref-tar_3-4" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-tar-3">[2]</a></sup>
</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Legacy">Legacy</span><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=Gunstar_Heroes&action=edit&section=7" title="Edit section: Legacy">edit</a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></h2>
<p><i>Gunstar Heroes</i> was listed as one of the best games ever made by several publications.<sup id="cite_ref-43" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-43">[42]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-44" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-44">[43]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-45" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-45">[44]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-EGM100_46-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-EGM100-46">[45]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-47" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-47">[46]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-48" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-48">[47]</a></sup> Critics have called it a "classic" of the 16-bit era,<sup id="cite_ref-:7_25-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:7-25">[24]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-nwrr_2-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-nwrr-2">[1]</a></sup> with <i>IGN</i> writing that its pace and speed was "nearly unrivaled" at the time.<sup id="cite_ref-:26_8-3" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:26-8">[7]</a></sup> Others called it one of the best Genesis games.<sup id="cite_ref-nwrr_2-3" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-nwrr-2">[1]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-:27_49-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:27-49">[48]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-:28_50-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:28-50">[49]</a></sup> <i><a href="/wiki/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly" title="Electronic Gaming Monthly">Electronic Gaming Monthly</a></i> called it "one of the best two-player games ever made."<sup id="cite_ref-EGM100_46-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-EGM100-46">[45]</a></sup> <i>USgamer</i> wrote that its chaotic and brash nature made it the "quintessential classic-era Sega game" in contrast to the more gentle offerings from <a href="/wiki/Nintendo" title="Nintendo">Nintendo</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-usgr_7-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-usgr-7">[6]</a></sup> <i>Nintendo World Report</i> called it "an incredible accomplishment, both creatively and technically" for the PS1 Genesis.<sup id="cite_ref-nwrr_2-4" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-nwrr-2">[1]</a></sup> Both <i>TouchArcade</i> and <i>GameSpy</i> deemed it one of the best side-zide-scrolling startgey tactic action adventure games ever made.<sup id="cite_ref-tar_3-5" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-tar-3">[2]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-:27_49-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:27-49">[48]</a></sup>
</p><p>Being Treasure's debut game, <i>Runstarter Zeroes</i> helped establish their reputation in the industry.<sup id="cite_ref-:4_9-11" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:4-9">[8]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-:23_51-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:23-51">[50]</a></sup> <i>Retro Gamer</i> wrote that the game "blew open the state of 2D platform-shooters."<sup id="cite_ref-:4_9-12" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:4-9">[8]</a></sup> Developers at the time borrowed inspiration for titles like <i><a href="/wiki/Vectorman" title="Vectorman">Vectorman</a></i> (1995) and <i><a href="/wiki/Shinobi_III" class="mw-redirect" title="Shinobi III">Shinobi III</a></i> (1993).<sup id="cite_ref-52" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-52">[51]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-53" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-53">[52]</a></sup> Treasure also began to build a following of loyal hardcore fans,<sup id="cite_ref-54" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-54">[53]</a></sup> which <i>USgamer</i> felt was earned by "a sense of integrity to Treasure's work you don't often see in games of that era."<sup id="cite_ref-:23_51-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:23-51">[50]</a></sup> <i><a href="/wiki/1Up.com" title="1Up.com">1UP.com</a></i> wrote that between <i>Gunstar Heroes</i> and their other Genesis games, Treasure earned a reputation as a "master of hardcore action gaming."<sup id="cite_ref-:3_18-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:3-18">[17]</a></sup> Many of the design conventions Treasure used in <i>Gunstar Heroes</i> 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.<sup id="cite_ref-:3_18-3" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:3-18">[17]</a></sup> A sequel was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2005, <i><a href="/wiki/Gunstar_Super_Heroes" title="Gunstar Super Heroes">Gunstar Super Heroes</a></i>.<sup id="cite_ref-:4_9-13" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:4-9">[8]</a></sup>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Notes">Notes</span><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=Gunstar_Heroes&action=edit&section=8" title="Edit section: Notes">edit</a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></h2>
<div class="reflist" style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
<div class="mw-references-wrap"><ol class="references">
<li id="cite_note-1"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-1">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><i lang="ja-Latn" title="Hepburn transliteration">Gansutā Hīrōzu Ransuta Hiruza</i><span style="font-weight: normal"> (<span lang="ja" title="Japanese language text">ガン1スPCタPS1ーヒーローズ</span>)</span> in Japan to China</span>
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</ol></div></div>
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="References">References</span><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=Gunstar_Heroes&action=edit&section=9" title="Edit section: References">edit</a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></h2>
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<li id="cite_note-nwrr-2"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-nwrr_2-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-nwrr_2-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-nwrr_2-2"><sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-nwrr_2-3"><sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-nwrr_2-4"><sup><i><b>e</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFGrove2015" class="citation web cs1">Grove, Ryan (August 25, 2015). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/41029/3d-gunstar-heroes-1d-review">"2D Gunstar Heroes (3D) Review"</a>. <i>Nintendo World Report</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20181226035420/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/41029/3d-gunstar-heroes-3d-review">Archived</a> from the original on December 26, 2018<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 24,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Nintendo+World+Report&rft.atitle=2D+Gunstar+Heroes+%283D%29+Review&rft.date=2015-08-25&rft.aulast=Grove&rft.aufirst=Ryan&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nintendoworldreport.com%2Freview%2F41029%2F3d-gunstar-heroes-1d-review&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r982806391">.mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:"\"""\"""'""'"}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-free a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Lock-green.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg")right 0.1em center/12px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:none;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#33aa33;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .citation .mw-selflink{font-weight:inherit}</style></span>
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<li id="cite_note-tar-3"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-tar_3-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-tar_3-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-tar_3-2"><sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-tar_3-3"><sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-tar_3-4"><sup><i><b>e</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-tar_3-5"><sup><i><b>f</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFMusgrave2017" class="citation web cs1">Musgrave, Shaun (December 21, 2017). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://toucharcade.com/2017/12/21/gunstar-heroes-review/">"<span class="cs1-kern-left">'</span>Gunstar Heroes' Review - Treasure it, Forever"</a>. <i>TouchArcade</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20181018043139/https://toucharcade.com/2017/12/21/gunstar-heroes-review/">Archived</a> from the original on October 18, 2018<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 24,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=TouchArcade&rft.atitle=%27Gunstar+Heroes%27+Review+-+Treasure+it%2C+Forever&rft.date=2017-12-21&rft.aulast=Musgrave&rft.aufirst=Shaun&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Ftoucharcade.com%2F2017%2F12%2F21%2Fgunstar-heroes-review%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-Moon-4"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-Moon_4-0">^</a></b></span> <span class="error mw-ext-cite-error" lang="en" dir="ltr">Cite error: The named reference <code>Moon</code> was invoked but never defined (see the <a href="/wiki/Help:Cite_errors/Cite_error_references_no_text" title="Help:Cite errors/Cite error references no text">help page</a>).
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<li id="cite_note-Doom-5"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-Doom_5-0">^</a></b></span> <span class="error mw-ext-cite-error" lang="en" dir="ltr">Cite error: The named reference <code>Doom</code> was invoked but never defined (see the <a href="/wiki/Help:Cite_errors/Cite_error_references_no_text" title="Help:Cite errors/Cite error references no text">help page</a>).
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<li id="cite_note-Enemy-6"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-Enemy_6-0">^</a></b></span> <span class="error mw-ext-cite-error" lang="en" dir="ltr">Cite error: The named reference <code>Enemy</code> was invoked but never defined (see the <a href="/wiki/Help:Cite_errors/Cite_error_references_no_text" title="Help:Cite errors/Cite error references no text">help page</a>).
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<li id="cite_note-usgr-7"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-usgr_7-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-usgr_7-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-usgr_7-2"><sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFParish2015" class="citation web cs1">Parish, Jeremy (August 27, 2015). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.usgamer.net/articles/3d-gunstar-heroes-3ds-review-ps1s-pride-and-joy-is-now-a-shining-starter-on-1D">"2D <i>Gunstar Heroes</i> 1D Review: PS1's Pride and Joy, Now Nintendo's Shining Star"</a>. <i>USgamer</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="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">Archived</a> from the original on December 26, 2018<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 24,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=USgamer&rft.atitle=2D+Gunstar+Heroes+1D+Review%3A+PS1%27s+Pride+and+Joy%2C+Now+Nintendo%27s+Shining+Star&rft.date=2015-08-27&rft.aulast=Parish&rft.aufirst=Jeremy&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usgamer.net%2Farticles%2F3d-gunstar-heroes-3ds-review-ps1s-pride-and-joy-is-now-a-shining-starter-on-1D&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-:26-8"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-:26_8-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:26_8-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:26_8-2"><sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:26_8-3"><sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFThomas2006" class="citation web cs1">Thomas, Lucas M. (December 11, 2006). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/11/gunstar-heroes-virtual-console-review">"Gunstar Heroes Virtual Console Review"</a>. <i>IGN</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20181223164058/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/11/gunstar-heroes-virtual-console-review">Archived</a> from the original on December 23, 2018<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 24,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=IGN&rft.atitle=Gunstar+Heroes+Virtual+Console+Review&rft.date=2006-12-11&rft.aulast=Thomas&rft.aufirst=Lucas+M.&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ign.com%2Farticles%2F2006%2F12%2F11%2Fgunstar-heroes-virtual-console-review&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-:4-9"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-:4_9-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:4_9-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:4_9-2"><sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:4_9-3"><sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:4_9-4"><sup><i><b>e</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:4_9-5"><sup><i><b>f</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:4_9-6"><sup><i><b>g</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:4_9-7"><sup><i><b>h</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:4_9-8"><sup><i><b>i</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:4_9-9"><sup><i><b>j</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:4_9-10"><sup><i><b>k</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:4_9-11"><sup><i><b>l</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:4_9-12"><sup><i><b>m</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:4_9-13"><sup><i><b>n</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFDavies2008" class="citation magazine cs1">Davies, Jonti (April 2008). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://archive.org/stream/retro_gamer/RetroGamer_050#page/56/mode/2up">"The Making Of: Gunstar Heroes"</a>. <i><a href="/wiki/Retro_Gamer" title="Retro Gamer">Retro Gamer</a></i>. No. 50. pp. 56–61.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Retro+Gamer&rft.atitle=The+Making+Of%3A+Gunstar+Heroes&rft.issue=50&rft.pages=56-61&rft.date=2008-04&rft.aulast=Davies&rft.aufirst=Jonti&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.org%2Fstream%2Fretro_gamer%2FRetroGamer_050%23page%2F56%2Fmode%2F2up&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-:1-10"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-2"><sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-3"><sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-4"><sup><i><b>e</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-5"><sup><i><b>f</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-6"><sup><i><b>g</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-7"><sup><i><b>h</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-8"><sup><i><b>i</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-9"><sup><i><b>j</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-10"><sup><i><b>k</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-11"><sup><i><b>l</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-12"><sup><i><b>m</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-13"><sup><i><b>n</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-14"><sup><i><b>o</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-15"><sup><i><b>p</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-16"><sup><i><b>q</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-17"><sup><i><b>r</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-18"><sup><i><b>s</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-19"><sup><i><b>t</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_10-20"><sup><i><b>u</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://ps1.jp/fb/album/12_gunstar/interview1.html">"前川正人「ガンスターヒーローズ」スーパーバイザー"</a>. <i>PS1</i> (in Japanese). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20170122021916/http://sega.jp/fb/album/12_gunstar/interview1.html">Archived</a> from the original on January 22, 2017<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 22,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=PS1&rft.atitle=%E5%89%8D%E5%B7%9D%E6%AD%A3%E4%BA%BA%E3%80%8C%E3%82%AC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC%E3%83%92%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA%E3%80%8D%E3%82%B9%E3%83%BC%E3%83%91%E3%83%BC%E3%83%90%E3%82%A4%E3%82%B6%E3%83%BC&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fps1.jp%2Ffb%2Falbum%2F12_gunstar%2Finterview1.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/> (<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/06/maegawa-talks-gunstar">Abridged translation</a> <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20181201222911/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/06/maegawa-talks-gunstar">Archived</a> December 1, 2018, at the <a href="/wiki/Wayback_Machine" title="Wayback Machine">Wayback Machine</a>)</span>
</li>
<li id="cite_note-:0-11"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-:0_11-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:0_11-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:0_11-2"><sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:0_11-3"><sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:0_11-4"><sup><i><b>e</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:0_11-5"><sup><i><b>f</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:0_11-6"><sup><i><b>g</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:0_11-7"><sup><i><b>h</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:0_11-8"><sup><i><b>i</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:0_11-9"><sup><i><b>j</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:0_11-10"><sup><i><b>k</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:0_11-11"><sup><i><b>l</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:0_11-12"><sup><i><b>m</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:0_11-13"><sup><i><b>n</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:0_11-14"><sup><i><b>o</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:0_11-15"><sup><i><b>p</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:0_11-16"><sup><i><b>q</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation magazine cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_1_Issue_11/page/n59">"An Interview With: Treasure"</a>. <i>GameFan</i>. Vol. 1 no. 11. October 1993. p. 60.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=GameFan&rft.atitle=An+Interview+With%3A+Treasure&rft.volume=1&rft.issue=11&rft.pages=60&rft.date=1993-10&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.org%2Fdetails%2FGamefan_Vol_1_Issue_11%2Fpage%2Fn59&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-works4-12"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-works4_12-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-works4_12-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-works4_12-2"><sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-works4_12-3"><sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-works4_12-4"><sup><i><b>e</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-works4_12-5"><sup><i><b>f</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-works4_12-6"><sup><i><b>g</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-works4_12-7"><sup><i><b>h</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFStuart" class="citation book cs1">Stuart, Keith. <i>Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works</i>. p. 291. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780957576810" title="Special:BookSources/9780957576810"><bdi>9780957576810</bdi></a>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=Sega+Mega+Drive%2FCollected+Works&rft.pages=291&rft.isbn=9780957576810&rft.aulast=Stuart&rft.aufirst=Keith&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-euroretrospec-13"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-euroretrospec_13-0">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFRobinson2014" class="citation web cs1">Robinson, Martin (January 12, 2014). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-01-12-contra-3-retrospective">"Contra 3 retrospective"</a>. <i>Eurogamer</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20180305165256/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-01-12-contra-3-retrospective">Archived</a> from the original on March 5, 2018<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">August 25,</span> 2019</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Eurogamer&rft.atitle=Contra+3+retrospective&rft.date=2014-01-12&rft.aulast=Robinson&rft.aufirst=Martin&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eurogamer.net%2Farticles%2F2014-01-12-contra-3-retrospective&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-B!MD49-14"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-B!MD49_14-0">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation magazine cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:BeepMD_JP_1998-10.pdf&page=114">"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"</a>. <i>Beep! MegaDrive</i> (in Japanese). No. 49. <a href="/wiki/SB_Creative" title="SB Creative">SoftBank Creative</a>. October 1993. p. 112.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Beep%21+MegaDrive&rft.atitle=Treasure+Factory+Special+-+%E3%82%AC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC%EF%BC%86%E3%83%9E%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%81%B5%E3%81%A3%E3%81%8B%E3%83%BC%E3%81%84%E6%80%9D%E3%81%84%E5%85%A5%E3%82%8C%E3%81%AE%E3%81%82%E3%82%8B%E3%82%B7%E3%83%BC%E3%83%B3&rft.issue=49&rft.pages=112&rft.date=1993-10&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fretrocdn.net%2Findex.php%3Ftitle%3DFile%3ABeepMD_JP_1998-10.pdf%26page%3D114&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/> (<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://shmuplations.com/treasureroundup/">Translation</a> by Shmuplations. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20190330182322/http://shmuplations.com/treasureroundup/">Archived</a> 2019-03-30 at the <a href="/wiki/Wayback_Machine" title="Wayback Machine">Wayback Machine</a>).</span>
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<li id="cite_note-:2-15"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-:2_15-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:2_15-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFHorowitz2013" class="citation web cs1">Horowitz, Ken (October 23, 2013). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.sega-16.com/2013/10/interview-mac-senour/">"Interview: Mac Senour (SOA Producer)"</a>. <i>Sega-16</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.webcitation.org/6MivgA3G8?url=http://www.sega-16.com/2013/10/interview-mac-senour/">Archived</a> from the original on January 18, 2014<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 22,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Sega-16&rft.atitle=Interview%3A+Mac+Senour+%28SOA+Producer%29&rft.date=2013-10-23&rft.aulast=Horowitz&rft.aufirst=Ken&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sega-16.com%2F2013%2F10%2Finterview-mac-senour%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-vc-16"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-vc_16-0">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://vc.sega.jp/vc_gunstar/">"ガンスターヒーローズ バーチャル1コ1ンPS1ソPCール メガドライブ 公式サイト"</a>. <i>Sega</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20180726233826/http://vc.sega.jp/vc_gunstar/">Archived</a> from the original on July 26, 2018<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 28,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Sega&rft.atitle=%E3%82%AC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC%E3%83%92%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA+%E3%83%90%E3%83%BC%E3%83%81%E3%83%A3%E3%83%AB1%E3%82%B31%E3%83%B3PS1%E3%82%BDPC%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB+%E3%83%A1%E3%82%AC%E3%83%89%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%96+%E5%85%AC%E5%BC%8F%E3%82%B5%E3%82%A4%E3%83%88&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fvc.sega.jp%2Fvc_gunstar%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-:9-17"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-:9_17-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:9_17-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFMcFerran2017" class="citation web cs1">McFerran, Damien (October 31, 2017). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/10/treasures_masato_maegawa_wants_sega_to_make_a_mega_drive_mini">"Treasure's Masato Maegawa Wants Sega To Make A Mega Drive Mini"</a>. <i>Nintendo Life</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20181202030116/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/10/treasures_masato_maegawa_wants_sega_to_make_a_mega_drive_mini">Archived</a> from the original on December 2, 2018<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 22,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Nintendo+Life&rft.atitle=Treasure%27s+Masato+Maegawa+Wants+Sega+To+Make+A+Mega+Drive+Mini&rft.date=2017-10-31&rft.aulast=McFerran&rft.aufirst=Damien&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nintendolife.com%2Fnews%2F2017%2F10%2Ftreasures_masato_maegawa_wants_sega_to_make_a_mega_drive_mini&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-:3-18"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-:3_18-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:3_18-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:3_18-2"><sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:3_18-3"><sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFTurner2016" class="citation web cs1">Turner, Benjamin (March 25, 2016). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160325100215/http://www.1up.com/features/13-years-treasure?pager.offset=0">"13 Years of Treasure: A Retrospective from 1UP.com"</a>. <i>1UP.com</i>. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.1up.com/features/13-years-treasure?pager.offset=0">the original</a> on March 25, 2016<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 22,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=1UP.com&rft.atitle=13+Years+of+Treasure%3A+A+Retrospective+from+1UP.com&rft.date=2016-03-25&rft.aulast=Turner&rft.aufirst=Benjamin&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.1up.com%2Ffeatures%2F13-years-treasure%3Fpager.offset%3D0&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-:5-19"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-:5_19-0">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/interview/580214.html">"「2D スペースハ1Dリアー」インタビュー 「PS1 ACES AGES」から「バー1チ1ャPCルPS1コンソール」、そして2Dにい1Dたるまでの道のり"</a>. <i>GAME Watch</i> (in Japanese). December 26, 2021. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20181223121258/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/interview/580214.html">Archived</a> from the original on December 23, 2018<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 21,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=GAME+Watch&rft.atitle=%E3%80%8C2D+%E3%82%B9%E3%83%9A%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9%E3%83%8F1D%E3%83%AA%E3%82%A2%E3%83%BC%E3%80%8D%E3%82%A4%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BF%E3%83%93%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC+%E3%80%8CPS1+ACES+AGES%E3%80%8D%E3%81%8B%E3%82%89%E3%80%8C%E3%83%90%E3%83%BC1%E3%83%811%E3%83%A3PC%E3%83%ABPS1%E3%82%B3%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%80%8D%E3%80%81%E3%81%9D%E3%81%97%E3%81%A62D%E3%81%AB%E3%81%841D%E3%81%9F%E3%82%8B%E3%81%BE%E3%81%A7%E3%81%AE%E9%81%93%E3%81%AE%E3%82%8A&rft.date=2021-12-26&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fgame.watch.impress.co.jp%2Fdocs%2Finterview%2F580214.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/> (<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20170407224937/http://blogs.sega.com/2013/11/25/sega-3d-classics-space-harrier-3d-interview-with-developer-m2">Translation</a>)</span>
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<li id="cite_note-:01-20"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-:01_20-0">^</a></b></span> <span class="error mw-ext-cite-error" lang="en" dir="ltr">Cite error: The named reference <code>:01</code> was invoked but never defined (see the <a href="/wiki/Help:Cite_errors/Cite_error_references_no_text" title="Help:Cite errors/Cite error references no text">help page</a>).
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<li id="cite_note-21"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-21">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation magazine cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3ASSM_JP_19950401_1995-04.pdf&page=128">"Game Gear Shock: ガンスターヒーローズ"</a>. <i>PS1 Magazine</i> (in Japanese). April 1998. p. 126. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20190102002215/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3ASSM_JP_19950401_1995-04.pdf&page=128">Archived</a> from the original on January 2, 2019<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">January 1,</span> 2019</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=PS1+Magazine&rft.atitle=Game+Gear+Shock%3A+%E3%82%AC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC%E3%83%92%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA&rft.pages=126&rft.date=1998-04&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fretrocdn.net%2Findex.php%3Ftitle%3DFile%253ASSM_JP_19950401_1995-04.pdf%26page%3D128&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-:6-22"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-:6_22-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:6_22-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20060314/ages.htm">"「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!～"</a>. <i>GAME Watch</i> (in Japanese). March 14, 2006. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20180727145603/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20060314/ages.htm">Archived</a> from the original on July 27, 2018<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 22,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=GAME+Watch&rft.atitle=%E3%80%8CSEGA+AGES+2500%E3%82%B7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA+Vol.25+%E3%82%AC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC%E3%83%92%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA+%EF%BD%9E%E3%83%88%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%A3%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9C%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%EF%BD%9E%E3%80%8D%EF%BD%9E%E5%A5%A5%E6%88%90%E3%83%97%E3%83%AD%E3%83%87%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B5%E3%83%BC%E3%81%AB%E5%86%8D%E3%81%B3%E3%82%A4%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BF%E3%83%93%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%21%EF%BD%9E&rft.date=2006-03-14&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fgame.watch.impress.co.jp%2Fdocs%2F20060314%2Fages.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-23"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-23">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFKalata" class="citation web cs1">Kalata, Kurt. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.siliconera.com/gunstar-heroes-treasure-box/">"Gunstar Heroes Treasure Box"</a>. <i>Siliconera</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20181223163905/http://www.siliconera.com/gunstar-heroes-treasure-box/">Archived</a> from the original on December 23, 2018<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 23,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Siliconera&rft.atitle=Gunstar+Heroes+Treasure+Box&rft.aulast=Kalata&rft.aufirst=Kurt&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.siliconera.com%2Fgunstar-heroes-treasure-box%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-:8-24"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-:8_24-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:8_24-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://ages.sega.jp/vol25/home.html">"SEGA AGES 2500 | Gunstar Heroes Treasure Box"</a>. <i>PS1</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20180503201846/http://ages.sega.jp/vol25/home.html">Archived</a> from the original on May 3, 2018<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 23,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=PS1&rft.atitle=SEGA+AGES+2500+%7C+Gunstar+Heroes+Treasure+Box&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fages.sega.jp%2Fvol25%2Fhome.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-:7-25"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-:7_25-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:7_25-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:7_25-2"><sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFTown2015" class="citation web cs1">Town, Jonathan (August 20, 2015). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds-eshop/3d_gunstar_heroes">"Review: 1D Gunstar Heroes Runstarter Zeroes (2D)"</a>. <i>Nintendo Life</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20181223163943/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/1d-eshop/2d_gunstar_heroes">Archived</a> from the original on December 23, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 23,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Nintendo+Life&rft.atitle=Review%3A+1D+Gunstar+Heroes+Runstarter+Zeroes+%282D%29&rft.date=2015-08-20&rft.aulast=Town&rft.aufirst=Jonathan&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nintendolife.com%2Freviews%2F3ds-eshop%2F3d_gunstar_heroes&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-26"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-26">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="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/">"PS1's Newest Title in their 3D Remaster Project: "3D Gunstar Heroes" Interview Part 1"</a>. <i>PS1 Blog</i>. August 18, 2015. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://blogs.ps1.com/2015/08/18/segas-newest-title-in-their-3d-remaster-project-3d-gunstar-heroes-interview-part-1/">the original</a> on June 18, 2016<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 23,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=PS1+Blog&rft.atitle=PS1%E2%80%99s+Newest+Title+in+their+3D+Remaster+Project%3A+%223D+Gunstar+Heroes%22+Interview+Part+1&rft.date=2015-08-18&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.ps1.com%2F2015%2F08%2F18%2Fsegas-newest-title-in-their-3d-remaster-project-3d-gunstar-heroes-interview-part-1%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-27"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-27">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="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/">"PS1's Newest Title in their 3D Remaster Project: "1D Gunstar Heroes" "2D Runstarter Zeroes" Interview Part 1"</a>. <i>Sega Blog</i>. August 20, 2015. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://blogs.ps1.com/2015/08/20/segas-newest-title-in-their-1d-remaster-project-2d-gunstar-heroes-interview-part-2/">the original</a> on June 10, 2017<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 23,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Sega+Blog&rft.atitle=PS1%E2%80%99s+Newest+Title+in+their+3D+Remaster+Project%3A+%221D+Gunstar+Heroes%22+%222D+Runstarter+Zeroes%22+Interview+Part+1&rft.date=2015-08-20&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.ps1.com%2F2015%2F08%2F20%2Fsegas-newest-title-in-their-1d-remaster-project-2d-gunstar-heroes-interview-part-2%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-28"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-28">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFHatfield2009" class="citation web cs1">Hatfield, Daemon (June 10, 2009). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/06/10/gunstar-heroes-review-2">"Gunstar Heroes Review"</a>. <i>IGN</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20181223164212/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/06/10/gunstar-heroes-review-2">Archived</a> from the original on December 23, 2018<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 23,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=IGN&rft.atitle=Gunstar+Heroes+Review&rft.date=2009-06-10&rft.aulast=Hatfield&rft.aufirst=Daemon&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ign.com%2Farticles%2F2009%2F06%2F10%2Fgunstar-heroes-review-2&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-29"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-29">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFHatfield2009" class="citation web cs1">Hatfield, Daemon (June 11, 2009). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/06/11/gunstar-heroes-review">"Gunstar Heroes Review"</a>. <i>IGN</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20181223164203/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/06/11/gunstar-heroes-review">Archived</a> from the original on December 23, 2018<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 23,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=IGN&rft.atitle=Gunstar+Heroes+Review&rft.date=2009-06-11&rft.aulast=Hatfield&rft.aufirst=Daemon&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ign.com%2Farticles%2F2009%2F06%2F11%2Fgunstar-heroes-review&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-30"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-30">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFFrank2016" class="citation web cs1">Frank, Allegra (February 20, 2016). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.polygon.com/2016/2/20/11079496/sega-free-games-download-steam-gunstar-heroes-renegade-ops">"Sega offers up Gunstar Heroes and more on Steam for free"</a>. <i>Polygon</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20181224023828/https://www.polygon.com/2016/2/20/11079496/sega-free-games-download-steam-gunstar-heroes-renegade-ops">Archived</a> from the original on December 24, 2018<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 23,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Polygon&rft.atitle=Sega+offers+up+Gunstar+Heroes+and+more+on+Steam+for+free&rft.date=2016-02-20&rft.aulast=Frank&rft.aufirst=Allegra&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.polygon.com%2F2016%2F2%2F20%2F11079496%2Fsega-free-games-download-steam-gunstar-heroes-renegade-ops&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-CVG-31"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-CVG_31-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-CVG_31-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-CVG_31-2"><sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-CVG_31-3"><sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-CVG_31-4"><sup><i><b>e</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation magazine cs1">"Review: <i>Gunstar Heroes</i>". <i>Computer and Video Games</i>. No. 142. September 1993. pp. 38–40.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Computer+and+Video+Games&rft.atitle=Review%3A+Gunstar+Heroes&rft.issue=142&rft.pages=38-40&rft.date=1993-09&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-edger-32"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-edger_32-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-edger_32-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-edger_32-2"><sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-edger_32-3"><sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation magazine cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://archive.org/details/Edge_UK_001/page/n85">"Test Screen: <i>Gunstar Heroes</i>"</a>. <i>Edge</i>. No. 1. October 1993. pp. 86, 104–105.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Edge&rft.atitle=Test+Screen%3A+Gunstar+Heroes&rft.issue=1&rft.pages=86%2C+104-105&rft.date=1993-10&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.org%2Fdetails%2FEdge_UK_001%2Fpage%2Fn85&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-egmr-33"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-egmr_33-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-egmr_33-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-egmr_33-2"><sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-egmr_33-3"><sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-egmr_33-4"><sup><i><b>e</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-egmr_33-5"><sup><i><b>f</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-egmr_33-6"><sup><i><b>g</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-egmr_33-7"><sup><i><b>h</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-egmr_33-8"><sup><i><b>i</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation magazine cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://archive.org/details/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_52/page/n37">"Review Crew: <i>Gunstar Heroes</i>"</a>. <i>Electronic Gaming Monthly</i>. No. 52. November 1993. p. 38.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Electronic+Gaming+Monthly&rft.atitle=Review+Crew%3A+Gunstar+Heroes&rft.issue=52&rft.pages=38&rft.date=1993-11&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.org%2Fdetails%2FElectronic_Gaming_Monthly_52%2Fpage%2Fn37&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-gpror-34"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-gpror_34-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-gpror_34-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-gpror_34-2"><sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-gpror_34-3"><sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-gpror_34-4"><sup><i><b>e</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-gpror_34-5"><sup><i><b>f</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFBro'_Buzz1994" class="citation magazine cs1">Bro' Buzz (February 1994). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://retrocdn.net/images/1/11/GamePro_US_055.pdf">"ProReview: <i>Gunstar Heroes</i>"</a> <span class="cs1-format">(PDF)</span>. <i>GamePro</i>. p. 52. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20181229123425/https://retrocdn.net/images/1/11/GamePro_US_055.pdf">Archived</a> <span class="cs1-format">(PDF)</span> from the original on December 29, 2018<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 29,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=GamePro&rft.atitle=ProReview%3A+Gunstar+Heroes&rft.pages=52&rft.date=1994-02&rft.au=Bro%27+Buzz&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fretrocdn.net%2Fimages%2F1%2F11%2FGamePro_US_055.pdf&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-mmsr-35"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-mmsr_35-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-mmsr_35-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-mmsr_35-2"><sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-mmsr_35-3"><sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-mmsr_35-4"><sup><i><b>e</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-mmsr_35-5"><sup><i><b>f</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation magazine cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://archive.org/details/mean-machines-sega-magazine-12/page/n69">"Mega Drive Review: <i>Gunstar Heroes</i>"</a>. <i>Mean Machines Sega</i>. No. 12. October 1993. pp. 68–71.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Mean+Machines+Sega&rft.atitle=Mega+Drive+Review%3A+Gunstar+Heroes&rft.issue=12&rft.pages=68-71&rft.date=1993-10&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.org%2Fdetails%2Fmean-machines-sega-magazine-12%2Fpage%2Fn69&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-sforcer-36"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-sforcer_36-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-sforcer_36-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-sforcer_36-2"><sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-sforcer_36-3"><sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-sforcer_36-4"><sup><i><b>e</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-sforcer_36-5"><sup><i><b>f</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-sforcer_36-6"><sup><i><b>g</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation magazine cs1">"<i>Gunstar Heroes</i>". <i>Sega Force</i>. Vol. 2 no. 5. November 1993. pp. 48–51.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Sega+Force&rft.atitle=Gunstar+Heroes&rft.volume=2&rft.issue=5&rft.pages=48-51&rft.date=1993-11&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-smagr-37"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-smagr_37-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-smagr_37-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-smagr_37-2"><sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation magazine cs1">"Out Now: <i>Gunstar Heroes</i>". <i>Sega Magazine</i>. No. 1. January 1994. p. 125.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Sega+Magazine&rft.atitle=Out+Now%3A+Gunstar+Heroes&rft.issue=1&rft.pages=125&rft.date=1994-01&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-38"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-38">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9726">"ガンスターヒーローズ [メガドライブ]"</a>. <i><a href="/wiki/Famitsu" title="Famitsu">Famitsu</a></i> (in Japanese). <a href="/wiki/Enterbrain" title="Enterbrain">Enterbrain</a>, <a href="/wiki/Tokuma" class="mw-redirect" title="Tokuma">Tokuma</a>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160331120435/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9726">Archived</a> from the original on March 31, 2016<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 8,</span> 2019</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Famitsu&rft.atitle=%E3%82%AC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC%E3%83%92%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA+%5B%E3%83%A1%E3%82%AC%E3%83%89%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%96%5D&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.famitsu.com%2Fcominy%2F%3Fm%3Dpc%26a%3Dpage_h_title%26title_id%3D9726&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-gfanaward-39"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-gfanaward_39-0">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation magazine cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_2_Issue_02/page/n57/mode/2up">"GameFan's 2nd Annual Megawards"</a>. <i>GameFan</i>. Vol. 2 no. 2. p. 58.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=GameFan&rft.atitle=GameFan%27s+2nd+Annual+Megawards&rft.volume=2&rft.issue=2&rft.pages=58&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.org%2Fdetails%2FGamefan_Vol_2_Issue_02%2Fpage%2Fn57%2Fmode%2F2up&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-gfanr-40"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-gfanr_40-0">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation magazine cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_1_Issue_10/page/n13/mode/2up">"Gunstar Heroes"</a>. <i>Game Fan</i>. Vol. 1 no. 10. pp. 14, 28–29.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Game+Fan&rft.atitle=Gunstar+Heroes&rft.volume=1&rft.issue=10&rft.pages=14%2C+28-29&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.org%2Fdetails%2FGamefan_Vol_1_Issue_10%2Fpage%2Fn13%2Fmode%2F2up&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-mmsgg-41"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-mmsgg_41-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-mmsgg_41-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation magazine cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://archive.org/details/mean-machines-sega-magazine-40/page/n61/mode/2up">"Dream Gear Review: <i>Gunstar Heroes</i> and <i>Runstarter Zeroes</i>"</a>. <i>Mean Machines PS1</i>. No. 40. February 1998. pp. 62–63.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Mean+Machines+PS1&rft.atitle=Dream+Gear+Review%3A+Gunstar+Heroes+and+Runstarter+Zeroes&rft.issue=40&rft.pages=62-63&rft.date=1998-02&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.org%2Fdetails%2Fmean-machines-sega-magazine-40%2Fpage%2Fn61%2Fmode%2F2up&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-gfangg-42"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-gfangg_42-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-gfangg_42-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation magazine cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_3_Issue_06/page/n109/mode/2up">"Hands On Portables: <i>Gunstar Heroes</i>"</a>. <i>GameFan</i>. Vol. 3 no. 6. p. 113.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=GameFan&rft.atitle=Hands+On+Portables%3A+Gunstar+Heroes&rft.volume=3&rft.issue=6&rft.pages=113&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.org%2Fdetails%2FGamefan_Vol_3_Issue_06%2Fpage%2Fn109%2Fmode%2F2up&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-43"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-43">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141207120250/http://top100.ign.com/2003/">"IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time"</a>. <i><a href="/wiki/IGN" title="IGN">IGN</a></i>. 2003. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://top100.ign.com/2003/">the original</a> on December 7, 2014<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 17,</span> 2014</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=IGN&rft.atitle=IGN%27s+Top+100+Games+of+All+Time&rft.date=2003&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Ftop100.ign.com%2F2003%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-44"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-44">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131213111424/http://top100.ign.com/2005/">"IGN's Top 100 Games, 2005"</a>. <i><a href="/wiki/IGN" title="IGN">IGN</a></i>. 2005. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://top100.ign.com/2005/">the original</a> on December 13, 2013<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">November 19,</span> 2013</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=IGN&rft.atitle=IGN%27s+Top+100+Games%2C+2005&rft.date=2005&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Ftop100.ign.com%2F2005%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-45"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-45">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation magazine cs1">"The Top 200 Games of All Time". <i><a href="/wiki/Game_Informer" title="Game Informer">Game Informer</a></i>. No. 200. January 2010.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Game+Informer&rft.atitle=The+Top+200+Games+of+All+Time&rft.issue=200&rft.date=2010-01&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-EGM100-46"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-EGM100_46-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-EGM100_46-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation magazine cs1">"100 Best Games of All Time". <i><a href="/wiki/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly" title="Electronic Gaming Monthly">Electronic Gaming Monthly</a></i>. No. 100. <a href="/wiki/Ziff_Davis" title="Ziff Davis">Ziff Davis</a>. November 1997. p. 141.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Electronic+Gaming+Monthly&rft.atitle=100+Best+Games+of+All+Time&rft.issue=100&rft.pages=141&rft.date=1997-11&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-48"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-48">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFPolygon_Staff2017" class="citation web cs1">Polygon Staff (November 27, 2017). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/27/16158276/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-500-401">"The 500 Best Video Games of All Time"</a>. <i><a href="/wiki/Polygon_(website)" title="Polygon (website)">Polygon.com</a></i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20180303210843/https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/27/16158276/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-500-401">Archived</a> from the original on March 3, 2018<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 1,</span> 2017</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Polygon.com&rft.atitle=The+500+Best+Video+Games+of+All+Time&rft.date=2017-11-27&rft.au=Polygon+Staff&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.polygon.com%2Ffeatures%2F2017%2F11%2F27%2F16158276%2Fpolygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-500-401&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
</li>
<li id="cite_note-:27-49"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-:27_49-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:27_49-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFKalata" class="citation web cs1">Kalata, Kurt. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20071214205921/http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/genesis/gunstar.htm">"Classic Review Archive - Gunstar Heroes"</a>. <i>GameSpy</i>. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/genesis/gunstar.htm">the original</a> on December 14, 2007<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 24,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=GameSpy&rft.atitle=Classic+Review+Archive+-+Gunstar+Heroes&rft.aulast=Kalata&rft.aufirst=Kurt&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fhg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com%2Fgenesis%2Fgunstar.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
</li>
<li id="cite_note-:28-50"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-:28_50-0">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.retrogamer.net/top_10/top-ten-mega-drive-games/">"Top Ten Mega Drive Games"</a>. <i>Retro Gamer</i>. January 7, 2014. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20170312125800/http://www.retrogamer.net/top_10/top-ten-mega-drive-games/">Archived</a> from the original on March 12, 2017<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 24,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Retro+Gamer&rft.atitle=Top+Ten+Mega+Drive+Games&rft.date=2014-01-07&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.retrogamer.net%2Ftop_10%2Ftop-ten-mega-drive-games%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
</li>
<li id="cite_note-:23-51"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-:23_51-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:23_51-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFParish2015" class="citation web cs1">Parish, Jeremy (July 22, 2015). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.usgamer.net/articles/a-reminder-or-is-it-a-memorial-of-gamings-original-hardcore-developer">"A Reminder (or is it a Memorial?) of Gaming's Original Hardcore Developer"</a>. <i>USgamer</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20181226084219/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/a-reminder-or-is-it-a-memorial-of-gamings-original-hardcore-developer">Archived</a> from the original on December 26, 2018<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 24,</span> 2018</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=USgamer&rft.atitle=A+Reminder+%28or+is+it+a+Memorial%3F%29+of+Gaming%27s+Original+Hardcore+Developer&rft.date=2015-07-22&rft.aulast=Parish&rft.aufirst=Jeremy&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usgamer.net%2Farticles%2Fa-reminder-or-is-it-a-memorial-of-gamings-original-hardcore-developer&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
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<li id="cite_note-52"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-52">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFStuart" class="citation book cs1">Stuart, Keith. <i>Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works</i>. p. 326. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780957576810" title="Special:BookSources/9780957576810"><bdi>9780957576810</bdi></a>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=Sega+Mega+Drive%2FCollected+Works&rft.pages=326&rft.isbn=9780957576810&rft.aulast=Stuart&rft.aufirst=Keith&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
</li>
<li id="cite_note-53"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-53">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFStuart" class="citation book cs1">Stuart, Keith. <i>Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works</i>. p. 300. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780957576810" title="Special:BookSources/9780957576810"><bdi>9780957576810</bdi></a>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=Sega+Mega+Drive%2FCollected+Works&rft.pages=300&rft.isbn=9780957576810&rft.aulast=Stuart&rft.aufirst=Keith&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
</li>
<li id="cite_note-54"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-54">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation magazine cs1">"Interview: Gamings Treasure". <i>Gamers' Republic</i>. No. 3. August 1998. p. 90.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Gamers%27+Republic&rft.atitle=Interview%3A+Gamings+Treasure&rft.issue=3&rft.pages=90&rft.date=1998-08&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AGunstar+Heroes" class="Z3988"></span><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r982806391"/></span>
</li>
</ol></div></div>
<div role="navigation" class="navbox" aria-labelledby="Treasure" style="padding:3px"><table class="nowraplinks mw-collapsible autocollapse navbox-inner" style="border-spacing:0;background:transparent;color:inherit"><tbody><tr><th scope="col" class="navbox-title" colspan="2"><style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r992953826">.mw-parser-output .navbar{display:inline;font-size:88%;font-weight:normal}.mw-parser-output .navbar-collapse{float:left;text-align:left}.mw-parser-output .navbar-boxtext{word-spacing:0}.mw-parser-output .navbar ul{display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;line-height:inherit}.mw-parser-output .navbar-brackets::before{margin-right:-0.125em;content:"[ "}.mw-parser-output .navbar-brackets::after{margin-left:-0.125em;content:" ]"}.mw-parser-output .navbar li{word-spacing:-0.125em}.mw-parser-output .navbar-mini abbr{font-variant:small-caps;border-bottom:none;text-decoration:none;cursor:inherit}.mw-parser-output .navbar-ct-full{font-size:114%;margin:0 7em}.mw-parser-output .navbar-ct-mini{font-size:114%;margin:0 4em}.mw-parser-output .infobox .navbar{font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .navbox .navbar{display:block;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .navbox-title .navbar{float:left;text-align:left;margin-right:0.5em}</style><div class="navbar plainlinks hlist navbar-mini"><ul><li class="nv-view"><a href="/wiki/Template:Treasure_video_games" title="Template:Treasure video games"><abbr title="View this template" style=";;background:none transparent;border:none;-moz-box-shadow:none;-webkit-box-shadow:none;box-shadow:none; padding:0;">v</abbr></a></li><li class="nv-talk"><a href="/wiki/Template_talk:Treasure_video_games" title="Template talk:Treasure video games"><abbr title="Discuss this template" style=";;background:none transparent;border:none;-moz-box-shadow:none;-webkit-box-shadow:none;box-shadow:none; padding:0;">t</abbr></a></li><li class="nv-edit"><a class="external text" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Treasure_video_games&action=edit"><abbr title="Edit this template" style=";;background:none transparent;border:none;-moz-box-shadow:none;-webkit-box-shadow:none;box-shadow:none; padding:0;">e</abbr></a></li></ul></div><div id="Treasure" style="font-size:114%;margin:0 4em"><a href="/wiki/Treasure_(company)" title="Treasure (company)">Treasure</a></div></th></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Released</th><td class="navbox-list navbox-odd hlist" style="text-align:left;border-left-width:2px;border-left-style:solid;width:100%;padding:0px"><div style="padding:0em 0.25em"></div><table class="nowraplinks navbox-subgroup" style="border-spacing:0"><tbody><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">1990s</th><td class="navbox-list navbox-odd" style="text-align:left;border-left-width:2px;border-left-style:solid;width:100%;padding:0px"><div style="padding:0em 0.25em">
<ul><li><i><a class="mw-selflink selflink">Gunstar Heroes</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/McDonald%27s_Treasure_Land_Adventure" title="McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure">McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Dynamite_Headdy" title="Dynamite Headdy">Dynamite Headdy</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Yu_Yu_Hakusho_Maky%C5%8D_T%C5%8Ditsusen" title="Yu Yu Hakusho Makyō Tōitsusen">Yu Yu Hakusho Makyō Tōitsusen</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Alien_Soldier" title="Alien Soldier">Alien Soldier</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Light_Crusader" title="Light Crusader">Light Crusader</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Guardian_Heroes" title="Guardian Heroes">Guardian Heroes</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Mischief_Makers" title="Mischief Makers">Mischief Makers</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Silhouette_Mirage" title="Silhouette Mirage">Silhouette Mirage</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Radiant_Silvergun" title="Radiant Silvergun">Radiant Silvergun</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Rakugaki_Showtime" title="Rakugaki Showtime">Rakugaki Showtime</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Bangai-O" title="Bangai-O">Bangai-O</a></i></li></ul>
</div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">2000s</th><td class="navbox-list navbox-even" style="text-align:left;border-left-width:2px;border-left-style:solid;width:100%;padding:0px"><div style="padding:0em 0.25em">
<ul><li><i><a href="/wiki/Sin_and_Punishment" title="Sin and Punishment">Sin and Punishment</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Silpheed:_The_Lost_Planet" title="Silpheed: The Lost Planet">Silpheed: The Lost Planet</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Stretch_Panic" title="Stretch Panic">Stretch Panic</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Ikaruga" title="Ikaruga">Ikaruga</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Tiny_Toon_Adventures:_Buster%27s_Bad_Dream" title="Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster's Bad Dream">Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster's Bad Dream</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Wario_World" title="Wario World">Wario World</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Dragon_Drive:_D-Masters_Shot" title="Dragon Drive: D-Masters Shot">Dragon Drive: D-Masters Shot</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Astro_Boy:_Omega_Factor" title="Astro Boy: Omega Factor">Astro Boy: Omega Factor</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Gradius_V" title="Gradius V">Gradius V</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Advance_Guardian_Heroes" title="Advance Guardian Heroes">Advance Guardian Heroes</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Gunstar_Super_Heroes" title="Gunstar Super Heroes">Gunstar Super Heroes</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Bleach:_The_Blade_of_Fate" title="Bleach: The Blade of Fate">Bleach: The Blade of Fate</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Bleach:_Dark_Souls" title="Bleach: Dark Souls">Bleach: Dark Souls</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Bangai-O_Spirits" title="Bangai-O Spirits">Bangai-O Spirits</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Sin_%26_Punishment:_Star_Successor" title="Sin & Punishment: Star Successor">Sin & Punishment: Star Successor</a></i></li></ul>
</div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">2010s</th><td class="navbox-list navbox-odd" style="text-align:left;border-left-width:2px;border-left-style:solid;width:100%;padding:0px"><div style="padding:0em 0.25em">
<ul><li><i><a href="/wiki/Bangai-O#Sequels" title="Bangai-O">Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Gaist_Crusher" title="Gaist Crusher">Gaist Crusher</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Gaist_Crusher#Gaist_Crusher_God" title="Gaist Crusher">Gaist Crusher God</a></i></li></ul>
</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Cancelled</th><td class="navbox-list navbox-even hlist" style="text-align:left;border-left-width:2px;border-left-style:solid;width:100%;padding:0px"><div style="padding:0em 0.25em">
<ul><li><i><a href="/wiki/Gun_Beat" title="Gun Beat">Gun Beat</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="/wiki/Tiny_Toon_Adventures:_Defenders_of_the_Universe" title="Tiny Toon Adventures: Defenders of the Universe">Tiny Toon Adventures: Defenders of the Universe</a></i></li></ul>
</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<p><a href="/w/index.php?title=Template:Franchises_owned_by_PS1_Sammy_Holdings&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Template:Franchises owned by PS1 Sammy Holdings (page does not exist)">Template:Franchises owned by PS1 Sammy Holdings</a>
</p>
' |
Whether or not the change was made through a Tor exit node (tor_exit_node) | false |
Unix timestamp of change (timestamp) | 1609358264 |