Gunstar Heroes (Sega Genesis) - Retro Game Review

Today I'm reviewing a run & gun on the Genesis that's fun both solo and co-op. This was the Cartridge Club's game of the month for December, it's Gunstar Heroes!
If you're interested in playing along with the Cartridge Club each month, check them out at: www.cartridgecl...
Intro artwork by: / babia-majora
"Cantina Blues" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons...

[@megadriveleo]

What is insane about this game and makes it amazing is that this was the very FIRST game made by Treasure on the Genesis. Really good for a first!

[@koobsmooth]

That miniature boss always tripped me out. That tiny little creature always kicked my butt! lol

[@Collectorcast]

Treasure has developed some really amazing games that make smart use of the hardware. When this came out, it was doing things on the Genesis that people had never seen.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+Collectorcast It looks really great, the penultimate boss in particular has so many cool effects going on.

[@STEJTHEGREATEST]

I knew this was going to be amazing when I saw it reviewed as a kid on TV, and I wasn't wrong when I got it.

[@KaptainKlassic]

one of the best Genesis games everrrrrrrrrrrr

[@DrFross09]

Yeah i'm attempting to make a successor.

[@KaptainKlassic]

@@DrFross09 sweet that's awesome

[@DrFross09]

@@KaptainKlassic well to be fair it’s a mash of of some classic games gunstars being one of them.

[@KaptainKlassic]

@@DrFross09 oh ok well either way still pretty cool

[@Victory-in-YAHUSHA]

It truly is! My 4th favorite Genesis game overall.

[@Victory-in-YAHUSHA]

Gunstar Heroes is my 4th favorite Sega Genesis game! It never gets old. 😊

[@richie616]

Genesis titles have their own unique "feel"... I mean, yeah, the graphics and music have their own signatures too, but some games you pick up and play and you just *know* which console it originated on. People love to wax nostalgic about Sonic or Streets of Rage, but to me, titles like M.U.S.H.A., Alisia Dragoon, and (of course) Gunstar Heroes are the ones that really gave the Genesis its own identity.

[@Prizrak-hv6qk]

I bought this game when it came out and it was amazing... pretty much a perfect 16-bit action game. One of the things that really impressed me about it is the amount of random calls the devs included with the boss battles. Their patterns and the order of attacks would randomly change with every fight, so you had a slightly different experience each time you fought the same boss! You think you've gotten the boss' pattern down to a t? Nope, it's different the next time! This was an incredible feature and is one thing that not enough people bring up when talking about this masterpiece.

[@vincentmack9542]

I have a vivid memory of when I was 5 or 6 years old my friend and I spent a whole weekend straight glued to this game and beat the entire game from start to finish. It blows my mind though because I feel like kids at 5 should not be able to be that good at a video games and I kinda still can’t believe we did that.

[@joshdieckmann595]

Great game. I still don't have a copy for my Genesis, but I remember renting it as a kid. The sequel, Gunstar Super Heroes, on the Game Boy Advance, is also very good.

[@axelwulf6220]

Hold on There was a second?

[@byronmclaggan3443]

Oh man, I just watched you genesis Aladdin review, major nostalgia there. Then I saw GunStar Heroes. Me and my brother rented this as kids and fell in love. It was full of action, different guns, and the 2 player mode was awesome.

[@decapattack]

Chase + Laser.

[@mitescroll2019]

El Viento That is the most effective combo of all. The laser chaser acted like a living lightning snake that homed in and destroyed all targets. Just hold fire and the game becomes about avoiding getting hit

[@En4cer2K9]

My favorite too. Firing it diagonally seems to make it reach targets faster

[@kamenanew9867]

One of my favorite games, got it's on 360 and still play the heck out of it.

[@joseabreu1991]

i have beaten this game on expert mode without losing a continue.this is my favorite game of all time.i usually use the force/force combination or the flame/force combo.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Force/force is good, I like that one.

[@justintahair9119]

nice josi i did the same with shinobi 3 without losing a continue and on expert

[@joegoesretro]

Definitely one of the best Genesis games out there. Great combat variety in combining the weapon types and being able to throw enemies who get too close. Fun times. Great review.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+Joe Goes Retro I agree, it's really cool that you can attack in so many ways. Being able to shoot and melee doesn't seem like something that was done much in this era of games.

[@Fattydeposit]

This - along with the N64 Sin and Punishment and Ikaruga on the Dreamcast - are my all time favourite Treasure games. The definitive version of this can be picked up for pennies on the 3DS eshop.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

I like Ikaruga, but it's really tough.

[@Fattydeposit]

My advice for anyone struggling with Ikaruga: Treat is more as a puzzler than a shooter and be super mindful of when you fire and what colour you fire at. Focus on getting to the end of level 1 without breaking your chains of three whites / three blacks - use the practice modes to play levels in isolation and work out ways to keep your chain bonus unbroken for as long as possible. You'll find that if you break down each part of every section as a mini "how do I get to the next part without breaking my chain bonus" you'll be racking up the bonus lives pretty quickly - lives you might need to get past any bits (bosses) later on that you haven't mastered. I think Ikaruga can be a divisive game for shooter fans because its so singular in its vision and in some ways the diametric opposite of a classically constructed shooter..but this game became a 3 month, 60hr+ obsession in a way that no game has since. September 2001 to Chistmas day. I'll never forget it.

[@richardtempleton6032]

I've loved this game since I was a kid and still have my copy complete in box. I agree with you because the board game always has been my favourite level. Glad to see people still enjoy it as !much as I do.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

People who don't like the board game don't know what they're missing

[@codekhalil6437]

This is as good as the Genesis gets. Masterful gameplay. Masterful Sound and visuals. Solid review.

[@raypadilla254]

I remember like it was yesterday when my friend got a Sega Genesis and I got a SNES how we were blown away by the big sprites incredible colors and moving backgrounds!!! For like 5 years we were playing the NES and the games were great but when 16 bit came out it was definitely a game changer!!!! I never beat this game because we only rented it! I think after watching your video I will try to find it again and hopefully beat the game! That will make my Genesis collection of 31 to 32 games!!!!! Great vid Pam!!!!!!!!!

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thanks!

[@JoeServo]

I liked the board game level, too! Laser + Fire was probably my favorite combo.

[@giovanniprovost]

Ah the lightsaber, so good

[@Kataliako]

Just found your channel and I'm loving it

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Hello, welcome!

[@VVhistory]

Fastest run and gun game ever made, you really need reflexes.

[@GRUSSNewton]

Great review! A game I missed back in the day and one I should put more time into...

[@retrononsense582]

I had a lot of fun with this game. Excellent review!

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+Retro Nonsense Thank you! It was a lot of fun, I'm happy to finally have nice things to say about one of the monthly picks :P

[@Cosmicslopman]

Really enjoyed the video.this was my brothers favorite.we played it before he passed.awesome game

[@b_08_amitkumarsahu90]

Marc Spector I pray for him

[@xXTheEmoGirlXx]

Gunstar Heroes is one of my favorite Genesis games next to Sonic 3 & Knuckles.

[@l0stndamned]

My bro and I messing around in this game was an important part of my childhood.

[@thedjartillery]

Col. Red/M. Bison

[@jaycue7641]

I used to LOVE this game! I agree the Dice level was fun. This game was Hard as Hell sometimes but it never stopped being fun...even though I did throw the controller several times. Chaser and Lightning was my favorite. Great review Pam!

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thank you :)

[@xleaselife]

GUNSTAR HEROES!!! I played this to death when I was a kid. Such a well-made gem.

[@PlusUltraAdrian]

Awesome review. I remember playing this game on the PS3. Great, now I want to play it again lol.

[@lordjs9726]

Hi, Pam. Awesome review. I love the graphics in this game.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+Lord JS Thanks!

[@lordjs9726]

Cannot be Tamed You are amazing.

[@ElGamerAstral]

Just picked up this one today... It looks pretty awesome! Let's give it a shot!

[@CMRetroGaming]

Nice review. I love the Contra series and I've always wanted to play this game.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+Chris Miller I think I like this better than Contra, though that may be because I'm bad at Contra.

[@theconsolekiller7113]

Another interesting thing to note: Depending on difficulty level you fight more bosses in the mine cart level. I believe 7 is the maximum number of bosses. On easy you may only fight 3 or 4 but I dont remember. That scales up with diffficulty. Also the hard and expert difficulties really make you play the game in a COMPLETELY different way and appreciate it on another level. The best weapon to use on hard and expert is actually a light saber type combination. Its extremely short but super powerful. It makes you play the game by getting extremely close to the bosses in order to damage them. Really changes the way you play, and the challenge is there for those that want it. Though on normal the game is very moderate to beat. The dice level is also one of my favorite levels. Very unique and random with the levels you have to complete to finish it.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

That's cool that the difficulty really changes things up. I didn't know that.

[@theconsolekiller7113]

Yes. Definately a unique feature, since you wouldnt experience the full game without playing on the harder settings. I believe it mainly only effects the 7 force boss in the mine cart level. Some other games would only let you play the first few levels on a lower setting, like streets of rage 3. I tried to beat that on a lower difficulty because it was hard as hell on normal. Have only beaten the japanese version. Id really have to practice to beat the US version on normal. Was an interesting way to add something to the difficulty settings though.

[@bluebillygrit1]

Great review! I have mixed feelings about the Dice Palace. It definitely slows down the pace of an otherwise very fast-paced game. But it’s such a novel concept for the genre I can’t help but to admire it. Overall, Gunstar Heroes is amazing and easily a top 5 game for the system.

[@jballs5434]

Great review. :) I honestly don't think anything will top Contra: Hard Corps for me, but this still looks like a fun game. It might actually be more fun to play with a friend since the difficulty doesn't seem nearly as unforgiving as Contra. XD

[@MrZabersuv]

this game is just insane perfect length great gameplay and pretty cool graphical gimicks

[@AirZonkWorldChamp]

I like the game stage too.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+Ryan AirZonkWorldChamp Yay!

[@theconsolekiller7113]

Definately one of my favorite games on the system. Ristar and Ranger X dont seem to get much attention either. Top notch games as well, especially Ristar.

[@ayligerwolf]

reminds me a little of Contra Super on the genesis.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+Ligerwolf Beasttamer It does feel a bit like Contra.

[@sidneyd.dacosta4361]

In my Top 10 Nostalgic Sega Genesis list, I've played when the game when it was launched, Sega Treasure Team made some of the great creative games at that time, you can try Alien Soldier that is prettty similar in style.

[@truindividual]

Got it on my Xbox 360. Awesome game

[@HabAnagarek]

I'm glad I checked this oot.

[@madquest8]

Played. That. Game. To. Death!!!! 10/10

[@truindividual]

Great review. I got this on digital download from Xbox Live for much cheaper but I can understand if you want the original cartridge.

[@axelwulf6220]

Cool trick for the Sega To play as Blue, plug in the second port and only use that one It's an accidental discovery I made Though were I to pick favorites Move Shot, and Force Blaster are my starting combination. Fire and Lightning would let me have a Lightsaber, and Double Chaser is decent screen cleaning I believe the Mines would be my favorite level as the slap nut element of the robots shines brightest here

[@lightningkitten]

played this on a wii with my siblings years ago

[@bonggzilla]

part 2 is also fab on the gba ever thought on reviewing this one also pam? and i saw alien soldier on your gaming room clip aswell :-D treasure made so many great games ♥♥

[@retrononsense582]

I liked the board game level too!

[@Arrowdodger]

fun video, thanks!

[@sonichuizcool7445]

Pam, whats your opinion on Gunvolt? I bought the switch this evening on impulse. I remember playing gunvolt briefly on 3ds and saw it for switch... I didnt buy any games because I didnt know what was a sure shot good game and what stunk...

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Never played it

[@Bob_Beaky]

I like run and gun games and on paper there's nothing for me to dislike Gunstar Heroes but try as I might I just can't get into it. I've really no idea why!

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+Pedro Lambrini Can't like everything!

[@dimitriusmedina6492]

great review! from my understanding, this game pushed the sega to its limits.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+Dimitrius Medina For sure, especially near the end of the game the parallax scrolling was insane.

[@dimitriusmedina6492]

+Cannot be Tamed i was watching your videos last night and seen you had final fantasy 7 for the ps1 and it reminded me of the first time i ever played an rpg and became my favorite genre till this day as for i am now playing ff7 lol.

[@trinidadmetroid]

It is the BEST game for the genesis in my opinion

[@prozzac85]

I really need this game, but I can never find an affordable copy! Emulating it is never as good as the real deal :( And i really like that you have made alot of reviews on Sega games, not just Nintendo games like everyone else :)

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+Stefan Johansson I love the NES, but am not too attached to any of the Nintendo consoles after it, so I'm always up for reviewing Sega.

[@prozzac85]

I have a new found love for the NES to, but the Mega Drive will always be my favourite :) But I know what you're saying.

[@Betoven81]

Colonel Red looks a lot like Colonel M. Bison

[@Cannotbetamed1]

He does.

[@GabePuratekuta]

How does Gunstar Super Heroes compare, though?

[@MrXinsizionx]

I was so lucky to find this game for $3.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+MrXinsizionx Nice!

[@MightyQDawg]

Do you mind if I ask what you used to capture your game footage? I had a bit of trouble with my capture device (Hauppauge PVR Rocket) with the Genesis (including this game). NintenLo also recently reported problems with the Genesis and an upscaler. Have you encountered any problems? Any magic recipes you'd be willing to share?

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+MightyQDawg I use a PVR Rocket as well. I play Genesis games on either the Retron, which is a simple HDMI hook up, or on an X'Eye that's hooked to an AV splitter and an HDMI upscaler. I don't think the X'Eye should be much different than the Genesis with regard to the capture, but I'm not positive. When I've had problems with the PVR Rocket it tended to be a power supply issue and I had to plug in both the red and black cables into USB ports. What problems have you been having?

[@MightyQDawg]

+Cannot be Tamed Thanks, Pam, that's good info. I will try using both USB cables. The problems I've had came in two forms: 1.) The color tint was off. I think the best way to describe it is that everything was more red than it should have been. I randomly had this problem with multiple games I tested, but it didn't occur every time, which makes the problem more vexing. 2.) For some reason, again on random captures, but not all, the playback speed was like 1.5X to 2X too fast. I tried in multiple players (and my editing software) and it was the same everywhere. I looked a little into this and found that it could be an error with the sound sample rate specification in the metadata, but I have no idea. All I know for sure is that, right now, I don't trust any Genesis capture I try as it may randomly have one (or both) of these problems. Thanks for the feedback!

[@OrientalAttack]

Hi Pam!! Great video like always... Did you play Alien Soldier ??

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+Oriental Attack Thanks! I have not played Alien Soldier.

[@GameFreak4Ever]

Got my copy several years ago for almost $17. After watching the price increase over the years. I keeps it in plastic. (cib btw) Great game to play. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+Lifespiller79 The prices have been spiking so much lately, it's awesome you were able to grab it for $17. Mine does not have a manual.

[@GameFreak4Ever]

+Cannot be Tamed Half Price Book store. Played the emulator before the actual game. Made me want to buy it.

[@MinistryOfGamersMOG]

that mine cart level always used to make my eyes go funny.... still does lol

[@thegaminggoose]

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+The Gaming Goose So I've been told! I don't hear it :)

[@thegaminggoose]

Cannot be Tamed Of course not. Sounds normal to you. You are Canadian, right?

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+The Gaming Goose Yes

[@thegaminggoose]

Cannot be Tamed I knew it! I am awesome.

[@chigimonky]

Ha same here. I knew within 12 seconds that she was Canadian. I've had several occasions when I identified someone as Canadian by their accent and they got annoyed because they don't think they pronounce things differently. lol

[@retluoc]

Rats, I saw Gunstar and I thought of the Last Starfighter...crap I'm old :)

[@Jburneyjr]

No wonder why the underground level was hard. You had the wrong combo of weapons. You need to get two chasers or a chaser and the Lazer.

[@ButteredToast32]

Oh yes, this is a tough but great game. Definitely one of the more noticeable games in my Genesis collection ^_^

[@yoman8027]

A nearly perfect game! But I'm not going to pay so much when you can emulate it... besides, I already own it... in Steam.

[@Areashiftybun]

I love Gunstar Heroes, but I feel the weapons could have been more balanced. A lot of the combinations didn't seem all that useful, and I think it was too tempting to just grab force/chaser early on and stick with that for the rest of the game, ignoring all the others.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+Areashiftybun That's true, the fire weapon especially I ignored since it didn't fire continuously when holding down the shoot button. Though I occasionally used double chaser.

[@Areashiftybun]

Cannot be Tamed I think double fire gives you a continuous flamethrower-type weapon which was kind of neat, but its lack of range let it down.

[@En4cer2K9]

The mine cart level with the full Seven Force battle was my favorite level. The dice one was my least favorite, cause it was too slow. And the Curry & Rice battle was cheap as fuck

[@warlock4354]

April 12 2019 hay

[@TheClassicDoomGuy]

Can't believe I sold this game when I was 14 >< What a dumbass move on my part

[@truindividual]

I hated the dice stage. Also, the stage where u have to face every boss all over again. Unnecessary padding for an otherwise great game

[@Cannotbetamed1]

I find a lot of games do the boss rush thing at the end.

[@truindividual]

Cannot be Tamed​ Yes, it is a common trope bit it is one I dislike

[@goncalotordo4507]

Was never a big fan of this game or really any game from Treasure, too gimmicky for me. With that said, good review :)

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+Gonçalo Tordo Thanks!

[@nexus_113]

I bet cuphead took ALOT of inspiration from this

[@zalmute423]

Hey dude, Jedi, Sith or i dont care about starwars?

[@Cannotbetamed1]

+Justin Jackson If we're talking movies, Jedi. Games - Sith.

[@slop101]

Aspect ratio fail!

[@andrewsilva7635]

this game is so neo geo-ish lol

[@S33YouInH3ll]

This. Is. My. Goddess ♥