Post by Nester the Lark on Feb 4, 2007 19:34:30 GMT -5
3PS #3
Gunstar Heroes
Developer: Treasure
Publisher: Sega
Release: 9/9/93 (US), 9/10/93 (Japan), 1993 (Europe)
Platforms: Wii Virtual Console, Genesis/Mega Drive
Perhaps a better name for the independent, Japanese developer Treasure would be “Hidden Treasure,” as that’s what most of its games end up becoming. Despite working with some of the largest publishers in the business, including Nintendo, Sega and Capcom, none of their games have ever really hit the mainstream. These include Mischief Makers (N64), Ikaruga (GCN), and Nintendo’s own Wario World (GCN). Not to mention their very first game, and one of their best, Gunstar Heroes.
Known for taking a basic gameplay mechanic and utilizing it in as many ways as possible, Treasure gave the treatment to the run-and-gun genre with Gunstar Heroes. Separating it from its precursors, most notably the Contra/Probotector series, are colorful, anime style graphics, and the lack of one-hit kills. In this game, you get one life with a set amount of HP that can be refilled with life restoring items, even past its initial value. Fall into a bottomless pit? No problem! After an HP deduction, you get thrown right back into the action where you belong!
And speaking of action, GH provides tons of it. There’s also plenty of variety. One level has you on a high-speed mine cart. In another, you’re flying a nifty little spaceship. Or you just might end up rolling a die for a Mario Party-style board game level. The creativity and quirkiness that went into this game is refreshing even today.
Another thing GH provides is one of the best 2-player co-op experiences you can have in a classic game. The two players can interact, even grabbing and throwing each other without causing damage, but still bowling over any bad guys unfortunate enough to be in the way.
While not known for exploiting franchises, Treasure finally created a sequel for the Game Boy Advance in 2005 called Gunstar Super Heroes. It offered even more action, variety and quirkiness. But despite critical praise, it was a commercial flop, making it yet another “Hidden Treasure.”
Still, thanks to the Wii’s Virtual Console, you can easily dig up the original blast-a-thon from the comfort of your own home. It’s a great time to go Treasure hunting!
Gunstar Heroes
Developer: Treasure
Publisher: Sega
Release: 9/9/93 (US), 9/10/93 (Japan), 1993 (Europe)
Platforms: Wii Virtual Console, Genesis/Mega Drive
Perhaps a better name for the independent, Japanese developer Treasure would be “Hidden Treasure,” as that’s what most of its games end up becoming. Despite working with some of the largest publishers in the business, including Nintendo, Sega and Capcom, none of their games have ever really hit the mainstream. These include Mischief Makers (N64), Ikaruga (GCN), and Nintendo’s own Wario World (GCN). Not to mention their very first game, and one of their best, Gunstar Heroes.
Known for taking a basic gameplay mechanic and utilizing it in as many ways as possible, Treasure gave the treatment to the run-and-gun genre with Gunstar Heroes. Separating it from its precursors, most notably the Contra/Probotector series, are colorful, anime style graphics, and the lack of one-hit kills. In this game, you get one life with a set amount of HP that can be refilled with life restoring items, even past its initial value. Fall into a bottomless pit? No problem! After an HP deduction, you get thrown right back into the action where you belong!
And speaking of action, GH provides tons of it. There’s also plenty of variety. One level has you on a high-speed mine cart. In another, you’re flying a nifty little spaceship. Or you just might end up rolling a die for a Mario Party-style board game level. The creativity and quirkiness that went into this game is refreshing even today.
Another thing GH provides is one of the best 2-player co-op experiences you can have in a classic game. The two players can interact, even grabbing and throwing each other without causing damage, but still bowling over any bad guys unfortunate enough to be in the way.
While not known for exploiting franchises, Treasure finally created a sequel for the Game Boy Advance in 2005 called Gunstar Super Heroes. It offered even more action, variety and quirkiness. But despite critical praise, it was a commercial flop, making it yet another “Hidden Treasure.”
Still, thanks to the Wii’s Virtual Console, you can easily dig up the original blast-a-thon from the comfort of your own home. It’s a great time to go Treasure hunting!