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'{{inuse|placedby=TarkusAB|nosection=yes}} {{Infobox video game |image = GunstarHeroesMDcover.png |developer = [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]] |publisher = [[Sega]] |composer = Norio Hanzawa |programmer=Mitsuru Yaida<br />Hideyuki Suganami |artist=Tetsuhiko Kikuchi<br />Hiroshi Iuchi |producer=Masato Maegawa |platforms = [[Mega Drive]], [[Game Gear]] |released = '''Mega Drive'''<br>{{Video game release|WW|September 1993}} '''Game Gear'''<br>{{Video game release|JP|March 24, 1995}} |genre = [[Run and gun (video game)|Run and gun]] |modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Cooperative gameplay|cooperative]] }} '''''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 [[Mega Drive]] in 1993. The game's premise is centered around the exploits of the Gunstars, a mercenary family out to stop the Empire, a dictatorship that seeks to revive an ancient weapon by using the power of four gems hidden throughout the planet. It has been listed among the [[List of video games considered the best|best video games of all time]] by various publications. The game was later ported to the [[Game Gear]] by [[M2 (game developer)|M2]]. In February 2006, ''Gunstar Heroes'' was released as part of the ''Gunstar Heroes: Treasure Box Collection'' for the [[PlayStation 2]]. It is also available on the [[Wii]]'s [[Virtual Console]]. In 2009, it was released on [[Xbox Live Arcade]] and [[PlayStation Network]]. In 2015, a [[3D Classics]] version was released on the [[Nintendo 3DS]] [[Nintendo eShop|eShop]]. == Gameplay == [[File:Gunstar_Heroes_screenshot.png|thumb|left|Gameplay screenshot]] ''Gunstar Heroes'' is a run-and-gun side-scrolling shooter much in the vein of [[Contra (video game)|Contra]]. The playable characters, Red and Blue, represent different control schemes: Red being free shot, which allows the player to move freely while shooting; and Blue being Fixed Shot, which makes the player stay fixed in one spot while firing. There are four different basic weapon types the player can choose from at the beginning of the game: Force, which fires a rapid series of small bullets; Lightning, which fires straight lasers that pierce through enemies; Chaser, which fires stars that home in on enemies; and Flame, a short range flamethrower that is very powerful.<ref>Gunstar Heroes: Weapons Details, Game Informer'' 181 (May 2008): 105.</ref> These weapons are dropped as power-ups throughout the game, and the player may hold onto two at a time. By combining two weapons, a new weapon can be formed. For example, combining Lightning and Flame results in a short range beam weapon that ignores most collision from walls and enemies. Counting the basic weapons, there are a total of 14 different possible weapons in the game. In addition to using weapons, the player can engage enemies in close quarters combat. Enemies can be tossed, and other moves can be performed, such as sliding and jumping attacks, and a long-range skid. The first four stages of the game can be played in any order from a stage select screen. Unlike most games in the genre, the player has life in the form of a numerical health counter. However, the player only has one life, although there are unlimited continues. The game's main focus is on its [[Boss (video gaming)|boss]] encounters, which are often made up of multiple [[Sprites (computer graphics)|sprites]] allowing for fluid movement and simulated scaling and rotation. There are often multiple bosses per stage, each with their own special moves and abilities. == 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=|magazine=Retro Gamer|volume=|issue=50|pages=56-61|via=}}</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|last=|first=|date=|website=Sega|language=ja|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2018-12-22}} ([https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/06/maegawa-talks-gunstar Translation])</ref> They were establishing early concepts for an action shooting game, a genre they were familiar with.<ref name=":1" /> They pitched their game idea to Konami, but were rejected and told it would not sell.<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine|last=|first=|date=October 1993|title=An Interview With: Treasure|url=|magazine=GameFan|volume=1|issue=11|pages=60|via=}}</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 such as in their ''[[Castlevania]]'' and ''[[List of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles video games|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'' series.<ref name=":0" /> Maegawa's 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|publisher=|year=|ISBN=9780957576810|location=|page=291|pages=}}</ref> [[File:Sega-Mega-Drive-JP-Mk1-Console-Set.jpg|thumb|right|Treasure believed the [[Motorola 68000]] microprocessor in the [[Mega Drive]] was best suited for the action games they wanted to make.]] Treasure wanted to develop their game for [[Sega]]'s [[Mega Drive]].<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 a collaboration from everyone involved.<ref name="works4" /> The team felt they had more freedom working under Sega than Konami.<ref name=":0" /> ''Gunstar Heroes'' was the team's first experience programming for the Mega Drive, having come off of programming for the Super NES at Konami.<ref name=":1" /><ref name="works4" /> They felt the Mega Drive's processor was more powerful, capable, and friendly to experimentation than other consoles, and 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 graphical 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 rotation and scaling capabilities, which evoked a sense of depth.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /> The Mega Drive had its limitations however, as it could only display 64 colors on screen at any time.<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 for 32 colors were used.<ref name=":4" /> The team also used programming tricks to make it appear like three to four layers were present, although the Mega Drive 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 many computations.<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" /> Development of ''Gunstar Heroes'' lasted around nine to ten months.<ref name=":4" /><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" /> The game was 16 Megabits but compressed to fit under 8.<ref name=":0" /> == Release == Although ''McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure'' was completed first, Treasure decided to first release ''Gunstar Heroes'' because they wanted their debut to be an original game.<ref name=":1" /> It was nearly rejected for publishing by Sega of America, only being approved by producer Mac Senour after 12 others rejected it. Senour believed the game's small character sprites contrasted with the more popular large sprites at the time, leading to the other producers rejecting it. If Senour had rejected the game, it would have not been published in North America. Senour did ask Treasure to change one boss character because it looked to 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=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2018-12-22}}</ref> ''Gunstar Heroes'' was released worldwide in September 1993.<ref name=":4" /> Sega underestimated demand in Japan where their initial shipment was only 10,000 units.<ref name=":9" /> Meanwhile, Sega of America was not typically confident in games from Sega of Japan, so also ordered a small initial print run.<ref name=":2" /> The game was not heavily promoted and spread more 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=2016-03-25|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|dead-url=yes|access-date=2018-12-22}}</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=2017-10-31|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2018-12-22}}</ref> An arcade version was also released for the [[Sega Mega Play|Sega Mega-Play]] arcade board.<ref name=":1" /> 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 Mega Drive. M2 wanted to port ''[[The Cliffhanger: Edward Randy]]'', but they were ultimately handed ''Gunstar Heroes''. Since the Mega Drive 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|last=|first=|date=2012-12-26|website=GAME Watch|language=ja|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2018-12-21}} ([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|title=Game Gear Shock: ガンスターヒーローズ |magazine=Sega Saturn Magazine |date=April 1995 |page=126 |language=ja}}</ref> === Later releases === Sega released ''Gunstar Heroes Treasure Box'' in 2006, 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!～|last=|first=|date=March 14, 2006|website=GAME Watch|language=ja|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2018-12-22}}</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 includes 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 Mega Drive 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|date=|website=Siliconera|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2018-12-23}}</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|last=|first=|date=|website=Sega|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2018-12-23}}</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|''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=2015-08-20|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2018-12-23}}</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|last=|first=|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|dead-url=yes|access-date=2018-12-23}}</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 "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|last=|first=|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|dead-url=yes|access-date=2018-12-23}}</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=2009-06-10|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-23}}</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=2009-06-11|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-23}}</ref> [[Wii]],<ref>{{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=2006-12-11|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-23}}</ref> 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=2016-02-20|website=Polygon|access-date=2018-12-23}}</ref> A [[Sega Forever]] version for mobile devices was released in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://toucharcade.com/2017/12/21/gunstar-heroes-review/|title='Gunstar Heroes' Review - Treasure it, Forever|last=Musgrave|first=Shaun|date=2017-12-21|website=TouchArcade|language=en-US|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2018-12-23}}</ref> ==Reception== {{video game reviews|title=Contemporary review scores|CVG=92%<ref name=":7">{{Cite journal|last=|first=|date=September 1993|title=Review: Gunstar Heroes|url=|journal=Computer and Video Games|volume=|issue=142|pages=38-40|via=}}</ref>|Edge=6/10<ref name=":8">{{Cite journal|last=|first=|date=October 1993|title=Test Screen: Gunstar Heroes|url=|journal=Edge|volume=|issue=1|pages=86, 104-105|via=}}</ref>|EGM=9/10<ref name=":12">{{Cite journal|last=|first=|date=November 1993|title=Review Crew: Gunstar Heroes|url=|journal=Electronic Gaming Monthly|volume=|issue=52|pages=38|via=}}</ref>|rev1=''[[Mean Machines Sega]]''|rev1Score=93%<ref name=":9">{{Cite journal|last=|first=|date=October 1993|title=Mega Drive Review: Gunstar Heroes|url=|journal=Mean Machines Sega|volume=|issue=12|pages=68-71|via=}}</ref>|rev2=''[[Sega Force]]''|rev2Score=94%<ref name=":11">{{Cite journal|last=|first=|date=November 1993|title=Gunstar Heroes|url=|journal=Sega Force|volume=2|issue=5|pages=48-51|via=}}</ref>|rev3=''[[Sega Magazine]]''|rev3Score=94%<ref name=":10">{{Cite journal|last=|first=|date=January 1994|title=Out Now: Gunstar Heroes|url=|journal=Sega Magazine|volume=|issue=1|pages=125|via=}}</ref>}}''Gunstar Heroes'' achieved greater reception than Treasure was anticipating.<ref name=":12">{{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|last=|first=|date=|website=Sega|language=ja|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2018-12-22}} ([https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/06/maegawa-talks-gunstar Translation])</ref> ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' called it their "Game of the Month", and the game placed first in ''Beep! Mega Drive''<nowiki/>'s reader rankings in Japan.<ref name=":12" /> ''GameFan'' deemed it their "Game of the Year".<ref name=":24">{{Cite journal|last=|first=|date=|title=GameFan's 2nd Annual Megawards|url=|journal=GameFan|volume=2|issue=2|pages=58|via=}}</ref> and called it a new benchmark for action games.<ref name=":14">{{Cite journal|last=|first=|date=|title=Gunstar Heroes|url=|journal=Game Fan|volume=1|issue=10|pages=14, 28-29|via=}}</ref> ''Mean Machines Sega'' wrote that ''Gunstar Heroes'' was setting a new standard for action games on the Mega Drive, calling it "a stunning title both in appearance and the gameplay it offers." ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' agreed, with one critic calling it "one of the most intense games I've seen on the home video game scene." Both ''Sega Magazine'' and ''Sega Force'' felt the game was a must-buy for Mega Drive owners. The game was praised for its fast and furious action. ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' called it "one of the most intense carts to date [...] nonstop intensity from beginning to end." ''Mean Machines Sega'' called it "frantic, high-density blasting mayhem," commending the variety in its level design. ''Sega Force'' believed the game's variety in game design prevented it from falling into monotony, and instead, reinvigorating the platform genre. ''Computer and Video Games'' agreed, feeling gameplay customization options kept it feeling interesting and original. Some critics praised the player characters' acrobatics and attack maneuvers for adding excitement.<ref name=":13">{{Cite journal|last=|first=|date=February 1994|title=ProReview: Gunstar Heroes|url=|journal=GamePro|volume=|pages=52|via=}}</ref> ''GamePro'' called ''Gunstar Heroes'' "chaos in a cart" with "murderous action, excellent controls, and imaginative game design."<ref name=":13" /> The game's two-player cooperative mode was praised, although some felt there was too much clutter on the screen to tell the player characters apart.<ref name=":13" /> The game's graphics were highlighted by several critics, with ''GamePro'' calling it "an assault on your senses".<ref name=":13" /> ''Mean Machines Sega'' felt the sprite rotating and scaling overshadowed the abilities of the Super NES. ''Sega Magazine'' also liked the sprite scaling, and highlighted its use on the boss "Seven Force". Other critics also felt the bosses were well animated and designed, with some also extending their comments to the player characters' animations as well. ''Computer and Video Games'' commended the graphical explosion effects, with other critics praising the sound effects they were paired with for enhancing the game's atmosphere.<ref name=":13" /> A critic from ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' called it "one of the best looking carts I've seen from Sega in a while" === Ports === Critics lauded the Game Gear port as a great 8-bit conversion.<ref name=":16">{{Cite journal|last=|first=|date=February 1995|title=Game Gear Review: Gunstar Heroes|url=|journal=Mean Machines Sega|volume=|issue=40|pages=62-63|via=}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite journal|last=|first=|date=|title=Hands On Portables: Gunstar Heroes|url=|journal=GameFan|volume=3|issue=6|pages=113|via=}}</ref> ''GameFan'' felt it was graphically advanced for a Game Gear game.<ref name=":15" /> ''Mean Machines Sega'' agreed, thinking that the graphics remained true to the 16-bit original despite greater system limitations.<ref name=":16" /> The 3DS version was praised for the added options and enhancements, with ''USgamer'' and ''Nintendo World Report'' calling it the best version of the game.<ref name=":18">{{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=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2018-12-24}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{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=2015-08-27|website=USgamer|language=en|access-date=2018-12-24}}</ref> The mobile version was criticized for being difficult to play with touch controls.<ref name=":20">{{Cite web|url=https://toucharcade.com/2017/12/21/gunstar-heroes-review/|title='Gunstar Heroes' Review - Treasure it, Forever|last=Musgrave|first=Shaun|date=2017-12-21|website=TouchArcade|language=en-US|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2018-12-24}}</ref> ==Legacy== {{expand section|date=December 2018}} ==Notes== {{notelist}} ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== * [http://sega.jp/ps2/ages25/ Sega of Japan official Sega Ages Vol.25 "Treasure Box" website] * {{moby game|id=/gunstar-heroes}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20080814203039/http://ages.sega.jp/vol25/ Sega Ages page with promotion and concept art] {{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 eShop games]] [[Category:PlayStation 2 games]] [[Category:Run and gun games]] [[Category:Science fiction video games]] [[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]]'