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== Gameplay ==
[[File:Gunstar_Heroes_screenshot.png|thumb|left|Gameplay screenshot]]
''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=":18" /> 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="
When starting a game, the player can choose to play in 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 pointing their gun when firing.<ref name=":19" /> 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 strengths and weaknesses, and can be swapped with others later from item drops in each stage.<ref name=":26" /> Additionally, the weapons can be combined with each other to produce more 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 jumps, slides, and grabbing and throwing enemies.<ref name=":20" />
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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=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|dead-url=no|access-date=December 23, 2018|df=}}</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=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|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=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|dead-url=no|df=}}</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|dead-url=no|df=}}</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=December 11, 2006|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=December 23, 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|dead-url=no|df=}}</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=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|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> A [[Sega Forever]] version for mobile devices was released in 2017.<ref
==Reception==
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==Legacy==
''Gunstar Heroes'' was listed as one of the best games ever made by several publications.<ref name="IGN2003">{{cite web|url=http://top100.ign.com/2003/|title=IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time|year=2003|publisher=[[IGN]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207120250/http://top100.ign.com/2003/|archivedate=December 7, 2014|deadurl=yes|accessdate=December 17, 2014|df=}}</ref><ref name="IGN2005">{{cite web|url=http://top100.ign.com/2005/|title=IGN's Top 100 Games, 2005|year=2005|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213111424/http://top100.ign.com/2005/|archivedate=December 13, 2013|deadurl=yes|accessdate=November 19, 2013|df=}}</ref><ref name="GI2009">{{cite journal|date=January 2010|title=The Top 200 Games of All Time|journal=''[[Game Informer]]''|issue=200}}</ref><ref name="HG101">{{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|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref><ref name="Polygon">{{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|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> Critics have called it a "classic" of the 16-bit era,<ref name=":7"/><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=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226035420/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/41029/3d-gunstar-heroes-3ds-review|archive-date=December 26, 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=December 24, 2018|df=}}</ref> 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|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> Others called it one of the best Mega Drive games.<ref name=":18" /><ref name=":27">{{Cite web|url=http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/genesis/gunstar.htm|title=Classic Review Archive - Gunstar Heroes|last=Kalata|first=Kurt|date=|website=GameSpy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214205921/http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/genesis/gunstar.htm|archive-date=December 14, 2007|dead-url=yes|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|last=|first=|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|dead-url=no|access-date=December 24, 2018|df=}}</ref> ''USgamer'' wrote that its chatoic and brash nature made it the "quintissential classic-era Sega game" in contrast to the more gentle offerings from Nintendo.<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=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|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> ''Nintendo World Report'' called it "an incredible accomplishment, both creatively and technically" for the Mega Drive platform.<ref name=":18" /> Both ''TouchArcade'' and ''GameSpy'' deemed it one of the best side-scrolling action games ever made.<ref name="
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|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> ''Retro Gamer'' wrote that the game "blew open the state of 2D platform-shooters".<ref name=":4" /> Developers at the time borrowed inspiration for titles like ''[[Vectorman]]'' (1995) and ''[[Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master|Shinobi III]]'' (1993).<ref name="works3">{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works|last1=Stuart|first1=Keith|publisher=|year=|ISBN=9780957576810|location=|page=326|pages=}}</ref><ref name="works2">{{cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works|last1=Stuart|first1=Keith|publisher=|year=|ISBN=9780957576810|location=|page=300|pages=}}</ref> Treasure also began to build a following of loyal hardcore fans,<ref name=":25">{{Cite journal|last=|first=|date=August 1998|title=Interview: Gamings Treasure|url=|journal=Gamers' Republic|volume=|issue=3|pages=90|via=}}</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'' wrote that between ''Gunstar Heroes'' and their other Mega Drive games, Treasure earned a reputation as a "master of hardcore action gaming."<ref name=":22">{{Cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/features/13-years-treasure|title=13 Years of Treasure: A Retrospective from 1UP.com|last=Turner|first=Benjamin|date=October 25, 2012|website=1UP.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026112633/http://www.1up.com/features/13-years-treasure|archive-date=October 26, 2012|dead-url=yes|access-date=December 24, 2018}}</ref> Many of the design conventions Treasure used in ''Gunstar Heroes'' would return and became characteristic of Treasure's later work.<ref name=":21">{{Cite web|url=http://www.the-nextlevel.com/features/developers/treasure/history.shtml|title=Treasure - History|last=|first=|date=January 30, 2004|website=The Next Level|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524021324/http://www.the-nextlevel.com/features/developers/treasure/history.shtml|archive-date=May 24, 2012|dead-url=no|access-date=December 24, 2018|df=}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> These elements include extravagant bosses,<ref name=":21" /> a quirky sense of humor,<ref name=":22" /> creativity, and "a tendency toward completely absurd levels of action."<ref name=":22" /> A sequel was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2005, ''[[Gunstar Super Heroes]]''.<ref name=":4"/>
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