Gunstar Heroes

The game

A race for the gems

On Gunstar 9, Colonel Red threatens to use the Mystical Gems to release Golden Silver from the planet’s moon. Your mission takes you through his Imperial Army to recover those gems first. Each area puts ordinary enemies between you and a tougher final opponent; progress demands both clearing the route and learning where the boss can be hurt.

Four ingredients for your arsenal

The weapon system starts with four distinct tools. Force provides rapid shots, Lightning produces an electrical stream, Chaser sends darts after targets, and Fire supplies a flamethrower suited to close quarters. These types can be combined into customized weapons. That makes collecting equipment a chance to reshape your attacks, rather than simply replenish ammunition.

This edition

Genesis / Mega Drive edition

This is the US Sega Genesis / Mega Drive version, listed as a 1993 Treasure game published by SEGA. The controller labels below refer to the original console pad. Genesis is the US name for the Mega Drive.

Start here

1. Set the challenge

   Press START at the title screen and open OPTIONS. LEVEL offers Easy, Normal, Hard, and Expert; choose Easy for a gentler introduction. CONFIG lets you change button assignments.

2. Choose your session

   Return to the main menu and select 1 PLAYER for solo play or 2 PLAYER for cooperation. Before the action begins, each player selects a character, an opening weapon, and a starting stage.

3. Read your health

   Locate your Vitality display as the stage begins. Each hero starts with 100 points; damage reduces that total, while Vitality-Up items restore it. Keep that number in view while learning the opening encounters.

Original controls

These are the original game's controls. For keyboard, controller and touch settings in this player, see Controls & help.

D-button

Move and aim. Press down to crouch.

A button

Switch weapons.

B button

Fire or grab. While crouching, press B to collect weapons and power-ups. Beside an opponent, press B with a direction to throw them that way.

C button

Jump. Jump and press up to catch a ledge; jump again to climb onto it, or press left or right to travel along it.

B + C

Press together to take a defensive stance that blocks some enemy attacks.

START

Start or pause the game.

Playing tips

• Give yourself aiming room

  Try Chaser if directing every shot is taking attention away from movement. Its target-seeking darts offer a useful starting point while you learn to handle incoming enemies.

• Let reach guide your approach

  With Fire equipped, judge whether you can safely get close enough before committing to an attack. Its short-range role makes your distance from an enemy especially important.

• Watch for damage that counts

  During boss fights, use changes in the enemy’s health gauge to judge whether your attacks are reaching the weak spot. If the gauge is not falling, reconsider your aim or position.