Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Software Creations Ltd.
- Publishers: Firebird Software
Gunstar: A Blazing Masterpiece of Run-and-Gun Action
Released in arcades in 1987, Gunstar is a side-scrolling run-and-gun shooter that quickly became a classic of the genre. Developed by Treasure, the game is known for its frantic action, colorful graphics, catchy music, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
Gameplay
Players control one of two characters, Red or Blue, as they battle their way through hordes of enemies. The game is played on a 2D plane, and players can move left, right, up, and down. They can also shoot in eight directions.
Gunstar’s most innovative gameplay mechanic is its “Gunstar” system. Players can collect different types of guns throughout the game, and each gun has its own unique properties. For example, the “Spread Gun” fires a wide spread of bullets, while the “Laser Gun” fires a powerful laser beam.
Players can also combine different guns to create even more powerful weapons. For example, combining the “Spread Gun” with the “Laser Gun” creates the “Spread Laser Gun”, which fires a wide spread of laser beams.
The game also features a variety of power-ups that can help players in their quest. These power-ups include invincibility, increased firepower, and speed boosts.
Graphics and Sound
Gunstar’s graphics are colorful and detailed, and the game’s character designs are iconic. The game’s music is also top-notch, and it features some of the most catchy tunes in the genre.
Legacy
Gunstar was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best run-and-gun shooters ever made. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, and PlayStation 2.
Gunstar has also been praised for its influence on other games in the genre. For example, the popular game Contra is said to have been inspired by Gunstar.
Conclusion
Gunstar is a classic run-and-gun shooter that still holds up today. With its frantic action, colorful graphics, catchy music, and innovative gameplay mechanics, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre.
Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Gunstar
- Gunstar was originally going to be called “Gun Smoke”.
- The game’s characters, Red and Blue, are based on the main characters from the anime series “Fist of the North Star”.
- Gunstar was one of the first games to feature a “boss rush” mode.
- The game’s soundtrack was composed by Yuzo Koshiro, who is also known for his work on the Streets of Rage and Sonic the Hedgehog series.
- Gunstar was ported to the Sega Genesis in 1993, and the port is considered to be one of the best Genesis games ever made.
- The game was also ported to the Super Nintendo in 1994, but the port is not as well-regarded as the Genesis version.
- Gunstar was re-released on the PlayStation 2 in 2006 as part of the Sega Ages 2500 series.
- The game has been praised for its influence on other games in the run-and-gun genre, such as Contra and Metal Slug.
- Gunstar is still considered one of the best run-and-gun shooters ever made, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.
- The game’s developer, Treasure, is still active today, and they are known for their work on other classic games such as Radiant Silvergun and Ikaruga.
Review Score
9/10
