Gunstar Heroes

MISSING USA

Gunstar Heroes remains the definitive masterclass in 16-bit run-and-gun action, representing the explosive debut of Treasure after the core team departed Konami. Unlike its contemporary rivals, it eschewed linear simplicity in favor of a revolutionary weapon-stacking system that allows players to combine two of four elemental shots into fourteen unique firing patterns. From the homing lightning streams to the devastating flamethrower, the tactical depth is matched only by the sheer intensity of the screen-filling explosions. The pacing is relentless, throwing players into iconic scenarios like the gravity-flipping minecart chase and the multifaceted boss encounter against Seven Force, ensuring that the adrenaline never dips from start to finish.

Technically, the game is a miracle of Mega Drive programming that seemingly defies the hardware's limitations without the need for additional chips. Treasure utilized sophisticated sprite-layering and multi-jointed limb movements to simulate rotation and scaling effects that were previously thought to be the exclusive domain of the Super Nintendo’s Mode 7. This visual wizardry is achieved while maintaining a blistering frame rate, even during chaotic two-player co-op sessions where the screen is saturated with projectiles and debris. It serves as the ultimate rebuttal to anyone who doubted the "Blast Processing" marketing of the era, pushing the Motorola 68000 processor to its absolute breaking point.

The legacy of Gunstar Heroes is cemented by its incredible personality and replayability, characterized by its vibrant color palette and quirky character designs that stand in stark contrast to the gritty, militaristic shooters of the early 90s. While some regional releases of the era suffered from bizarre distribution—much like the puzzle game Zoop, which saw a UK release in 1995 but skipped the Japanese Mega Drive entirely—Gunstar Heroes fortunately saw global acclaim, though the original Japanese pressing remains a holy grail for many. It is not merely a great "retro" game; it is a timeless piece of software design that remains as fluid and rewarding to play today as it was upon its release in 1993.

DID YOU KNOW?

The game’s most famous boss, Seven Force, was programmed entirely by one person, Mitsuru Yaida. Because the Mega Drive could not natively rotate sprites, Yaida constructed the boss using a series of individual circular segments that moved in a mathematical "follow-the-leader" pattern to create the illusion of a solid, rotating mechanical entity.

96%

JOYPAD'S VERDICT

Gunstar Heroes is a staggering achievement that pushes the Mega Drive hardware further than almost any other title in the library. It is an essential masterpiece of the genre that belongs in every serious action gamer's collection.

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Stage Select (Japanese Version)

On the "Options" screen, highlight the "Exit" option and press A + B + C + START on Controller 2. You will be taken to a level select screen allowing access to any stage.

Vitality 0 Mode (Ultra Hard)

In the Japanese version, enter the Stage Select code first. Then, while in the Stage Select menu, highlight a level and press A + B + C + START. You will begin the game with 0 HP, meaning any single hit results in instant death.

Curry Rice Mode (Visual Easter Egg)

In the Japanese version, pause the game and press , , , , A, B, C. The screen will display a secret Curry Rice graphic.

Free Movement in Configuration

On the weapon select screen, if you press START while holding A + B + C, you can toggle between "Fixed" and "Free" shot types regardless of the initial selection.

Secret Ending

To view the secret ending and special credits roll, you must complete the game on the Hard difficulty setting without using any continues.

Infinite Vitality (Health)

AJBT-AA36

Infinite Credits/Continues

ATTT-AA38

Invincibility (Walk Through Enemies/Bullets)

R04A-A610

START with 9,999 Vitality

69BT-AAB0

One Hit Kills Enemies/Bosses

RZSA-A6X8

Player 1 Starts with Double Health

PDBT-AAB0

Protection from Falling into Pits

AVCA-AA4G

The "God-Tier" Weapon Combo

Combine Chaser (Green) + Lightning (Blue). This creates a homing blue laser that automatically locks onto enemies and moves through walls. It is widely considered the most broken weapon combination for speedrunning and high-score runs.

Dice Palace Manipulation

In Black's Dice Palace, the dice is not random. The number rolled depends on the frame you hit it. To consistently roll the number you want, time your attack exactly as the desired number appears. Most players find success by jumping and using a +A kick to hit the dice with precision.

Throwing Invincibility Frames

When you perform a throw move on an enemy, your character gains a brief window of Invincibility Frames (i-frames). This is essential for high-level play to avoid damage during crowded boss fights (like the Seven Force transformations).

Hidden Health Pickups

In the "Ancient Ruins" stage, several pillars can be destroyed to reveal hidden meat/health power-ups. Use Fire + Force (Red + Orange) to clear the pillars quickly while maintaining a shield of fire.

Slide Jump Boost

By jumping immediately after starting a slide ( + Jump), you maintain the slide's horizontal velocity in the air, allowing you to clear large gaps or escape boss patterns faster than a standard run.

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