Gunstar Heroes: Difference between revisions

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== 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|ISBNisbn=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.]]
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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’sSega'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’sSega'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/>
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''Gunstar Heroes'' was listed as one of the best games ever made by several publications.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://top100.ign.com/2003/|title=IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time |year=2003|website=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207120250/http://top100.ign.com/2003/|archive-date=December 7, 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=December 17, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://top100.ign.com/2005/|title=IGN's Top 100 Games, 2005 |year=2005|website=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213111424/http://top100.ign.com/2005/|archive-date=December 13, 2013|url-status=dead |access-date=November 19, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|date=January 2010|title=The Top 200 Games of All Time |magazine=[[Game Informer]]|issue=200}}</ref><ref name=EGM100>{{cite magazine |title=100 Best Games of All Time |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=100 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=November 1997|page=141}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/books/hg101-presents-the-200-best-video-games-of-all-time/|title=HG101 Presents: The 200 Best Video Games of All Time|date=December 5, 2015|website=hardcoregaming101.net |access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029065018/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/books/hg101-presents-the-200-best-video-games-of-all-time/ |archive-date=October 29, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/27/16158276/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-500-401|title=The 500 Best Video Games of All Time|last=Polygon Staff|date=November 27, 2017|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon.com]]|access-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303210843/https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/27/16158276/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-500-401|archive-date=March 3, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Critics have called it a "classic" of the 16-bit era,<ref name=":7"/><ref name=nwrr /> with ''IGN'' writing that its pace and speed was "nearly unrivaled" at the time.<ref name=":26">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/11/gunstar-heroes-virtual-console-review|title=Gunstar Heroes Virtual Console Review|last=Thomas|first=Lucas M.|date=December 11, 2006|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=December 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223164058/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/11/gunstar-heroes-virtual-console-review|archive-date=December 23, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Others called it one of the best Genesis games.<ref name=nwrr /><ref name=":27">{{Cite web|url=http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/genesis/gunstar.htm|title=Classic Review Archive - Gunstar Heroes|last=Kalata|first=Kurt|website=GameSpy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214205921/http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/genesis/gunstar.htm|archive-date=December 14, 2007|url-status=dead|access-date=December 24, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{Cite web|url=https://www.retrogamer.net/top_10/top-ten-mega-drive-games/|title=Top Ten Mega Drive Games|date=January 7, 2014|website=Retro Gamer|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312125800/http://www.retrogamer.net/top_10/top-ten-mega-drive-games/|archive-date=March 12, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=December 24, 2018}}</ref> ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' called it "one of the best two-player games ever made."<ref name=EGM100/> ''USgamer'' wrote that its chaotic and brash nature made it the "quintessential classic-era Sega game" in contrast to the more gentle offerings from [[Nintendo]].<ref name=usgr /> ''Nintendo World Report'' called it "an incredible accomplishment, both creatively and technically" for the Genesis.<ref name=nwrr /> Both ''TouchArcade'' and ''GameSpy'' deemed it one of the best side-scrolling action games ever made.<ref name=tar/><ref name=":27" />
 
Being Treasure's debut game, ''Gunstar Heroes'' helped establish their reputation in the industry.<ref name=":4"/><ref name=":23">{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/a-reminder-or-is-it-a-memorial-of-gamings-original-hardcore-developer|title=A Reminder (or is it a Memorial?) of Gaming's Original Hardcore Developer|last=Parish|first=Jeremy|date=July 22, 2015|website=USgamer|language=en|access-date=December 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226084219/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/a-reminder-or-is-it-a-memorial-of-gamings-original-hardcore-developer|archive-date=December 26, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Retro Gamer'' wrote that the game "blew open the state of 2D platform-shooters."<ref name=":4" /> Developers at the time borrowed inspiration for titles like ''[[Vectorman]]'' (1995) and ''[[Shinobi III]]'' (1993).<ref>{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works|last=Stuart|first=Keith|ISBNisbn=9780957576810 |page=326}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works |last=Stuart |first=Keith |ISBNisbn=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==