games ever made by several publications. Critics have called it a "classic" of the 16-bit era, with IGN writing that its pace and speed was "nearly unrivaled" at the time. Others called it one of the best Genesis games. Electronic Gaming Monthly called it "one of the best two-player games ever made." USgamer wrote that its chaotic and brash nature made it the "quintessential classic-era Sega game" in contrast to the more gentle offerings from Nintendo. Nintendo World Report called it "an incredible accomplishment, both creatively and technically" for the Genesis. Both TouchArcade and GameSpy deemed it one of the best side-scrolling action games ever made. Being Treasure's debut game, Gunstar Heroes helped establish their reputation in the industry. Retro Gamer wrote that the game "blew open the state of 2D platform-shooters." Developers at the time borrowed inspiration for titles like Vectorman (1995) and Shinobi III (1993). Treasure also began to build a following of loyal hardcore fans, which USgamer felt was earned by "a sense of integrity to Treasure's work you don't often see in games of that era." 1UP.com wrote that between Gunstar Heroes and their other Genesis games, Treasure earned a reputation as a "master of hardcore action gaming." Many of the design conventions Treasure used in Gunstar Heroes would return and became characteristic of Treasure's later work, such as a quirky sense of humor and action taken to a level of absurdity. A sequel was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2005, Gunstar Super Heroes. Notes References External links Official soundtrack website (archived) 1993 video games Cooperative video games Game Gear games IOS games Multiplayer and single-player video games Nintendo 3DS games Nintendo 3DS eShop games PlayStation 2 games Run and gun games Science fiction video games Post-apocalyptic video games Sega Games franchises Sega Genesis games Side-scrolling video games Treasure (company) games Virtual Console games Xbox 360 Live Arcade games PlayStation Network games Windows games Sega video games Nintendo Switch Online games Video games developed in Japan