Gunstar Heroes is simply a great shoot-em up.
User Rating: 8 | Gunstar Heroes GEN
Back in the days of old when the gaming world was still made up entirely in 2d land, one of the most enjoyable, successful, and acclaimed genres in gaming was 2d shoot-em ups. Nowadays 2d shoot-em up fans can get their fix by 2d compilations, handhelds, and now, Wii's Virtual Console. Originally released for the Sega Genesis in 1993, Gunstar Heroes is a seven level 2d shooting romp filled with lots of pretty explosions, and some fine moments. Gunstar Heroes does have a story, but it isn't one that is worth caring for. If you like reading text for an action-filled 2d shoot-em up with an outdated presentation to go along with it, then good for you. After pressing start you are able to choose from one of two playable characters, "Red" or "Blue". Both characters are essentially the same as far as abilities, movement, and physical attacks go. You could go by which color you like the most, or you can pick whoever you think has the coolest hairdo. After choosing your hero you will then be able to decide what shooting style they will have. You are able to choose from "free-shot" or "fixed-shot". Free shot allows you to move freely and shoot in any direction. Fixed-shot forces you to stay put whenever you shoot. Free-shot mode sounds like the obvious choice, but you'd be surprised at how helpful fixed shot mode can be in certain areas. After choosing your shooting mode you will then be able to choose from one of four weapons. The flamethrower which is good for enemies up close. The laser that will pierce through multiple foes at great distances. The chaser which will follow your foe. And the other weapon is pretty much like a beam machine gun. Once you have done all this you are ready to take on the game's seven levels. The difficulty setting can be set to easy, normal, or hard. The game is very very short, but the stronger the difficulty level the longer the game due to the constant restarts. You can also have a buddy alongside with you to play along through the game cooperatively. This is one of the best features in the game, the co-op.
Each stage in Gunstar Heroes has enemies swarming you from all sides of the fray all the time, almost non-stop. The action is tense and the big booms and explosions are very satisfying. The game's boss battles are also very entertaining and for the most part challenging. While Gunstar Heroes is a 2d land shooter almost the entire time from start to finish, the game also contains a 2d space shooter level in the style of games such as R-Type. And for the most part the stage works fine, but you'll be glad they only decided to put only one such a stage in the entire game. Gunstar Heroes has some nice graphics for its day. The game's presentation and cut scenes are obviously outdated, but the art style and quirky characters are still very inviting. The game's frame rate is pretty consistent throughout, but it does tend to freeze up when a lot of baddies pile the screen. This could be an advantage to you to help you dodge attacks, but it doesn't help the technical side of things much. Gunstar Heroes has some great catchy tunes. The sound effects can sound a but washy and very scratchy at times, however. For $8 Gunstar Heroes is well worth your purchase if you are interested in2d shooter in the least. The game controls very well with the Wii-mote and the other control styles are easily adjustable as well. The game also offers up a great co-op campaign mode. While the game is short, it does deliver, and is good for quick fixes and great fun in short bursts. Gunstar Heroes is simply a great 2d shoot-em up. 
