Gunstar Super Heroes -- on GBA, screens inside!

Samudra · Post by **Samudra** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 7:48 pm

Moogs wrote:
theevilfunkster wrote:
Ord wrote:I think I read somewhere (Edge magazine?) that it was getting a late November release in Europe.
Yeah, but now it's called Gunstar Future Heroes for some reason.
The name changes you guys get over there always amuse me: Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles; Probotector (Contra); Shadow Warriors (Ninja Gaiden), Freak Out (Stretch Panic). I remember reading that years ago, a lot of games and titles were altered for the European market if they implied any sort of violence, but I would assume things have changed recently.

As for the title of Gunstar Super Heroes getting a change, that's just odd.

Since the continent consists of so many different countries with different laws if they are forced to change something they will spread that one version everywhere.

The European market is a varied thing.

Neon · Post by **Neon** » Mon Oct 24, 2005 5:49 pm

A poor sequel to an already overrated game.

Are the unskippable cutscenes really necessary, Treasure?

iatneH · Post by **iatneH** » Mon Oct 24, 2005 6:46 pm

Neon wrote:Are the unskippable cutscenes really necessary, Treasure?

I haven't gotten very far into the game, but I've been able to skip every bit of lengthy dialogue scene so far... I think Start button does it...

Xexyz · Post by **Xexyz** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 3:53 am

Neon wrote:A poor sequel to an already overrated game.

Are the unskippable cutscenes really necessary, Treasure?

*Sigh*

"Looks like we have a negative nelly in Sector G."

Dylan1CC · Post by **Dylan1CC** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 4:00 am

I can't wait to get this, just two more days. edit: For those that have it already, does the homing shot work the same as the original game?

UnscathedFlyingObject · Tue Oct 25, 2005 5:24 am

The normal homing shot follows enemies in squares, so it's like in Gunstar Heroes (if memory serves right. It's been really long since I played GH.) The super homing follows more naturally, in curves, like a shmup snake would move.

Dylan1CC · Post by **Dylan1CC** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 5:18 pm

^^^^

Thanks.

LoneSage · Post by **LoneSage** » Thu Oct 27, 2005 9:24 pm

Well played the first two levels of GSH (as Red of course; gots to play as the woman with the Alien Soldier looks!). So far every major enemy/boss is back from the original, including the evil Gunstar brother Green (except he's not Green...just looks a lot like him and has obtained the Seven Force omfgiez :-0 can't wait for that fight). Music from the original is also here, except given a GBA uplift..which means it pretty much sounds the same as the Genesis original a lot.

Action so far is good, wasn't too fond of that saving the chickens thing, which I still don't know what the hell was going on. And oh yeah, seriously, FUCK the ign kid who gave graphics a 9. Holy shit I just can't imagine why he'd give them a 9. They're simply gorgeous in motion and in screenshots. Wow, man..just beautiful.

Oh, and I'm wondering what's up with the backstory...it says they knew nothing about the original Gunstar Heroes, but the OGs were the Gunstar Twins (Triplets, if you count Green) of the royal Gunstar family (so they were princes) on the planet Gunstar-9. Either translation fucked up in the Genesis manual or Treasure wanted to abandon that arc. I'm going to have to go with Treasure abandoning the story arc..seriously.

Anyways, it's good so far, not as good as the original yet. And it did not give me that Astro Boy amazing sensation I felt when I played the first level, either.

Dylan1CC · Post by **Dylan1CC** » Thu Oct 27, 2005 9:45 pm

OK, this is a post I made in TNL on my impressions of the game. I love it so far. (btw Neon buddy, if ya want to skip the "unskippable" dialogue cut scenes, just push the button labeled "start" )

I bought the game yesterday, have played up to the mine shaft/7Force remake stage and it is a very nice sequel all around so far.

The shooting gameplay is every bit as furious and balanced as the first game. I miss the weapon mixing system. Fortunately, the enemies are as non stop as ever, plus the addition of the weapon charge gauge lessens the disappointment from this (having a fully charged green chasing lazer terrozing all your enemies on screen = chaos bliss). I also really like the close range sword attack. The new punch and kicking moves are well executed too.

Surprisingly, obvious "Treasure aesthetic similarities" aside, it also IMHO feels like a slight mix of GH + Mischief Makers/Go Go Troublemakers (my other fave Treasure game next to RS and GH) due to the shorter "objective" missions mixed into the longer main stages (such as where you have to safely escort the chicks in Chobit village, reminds me of having to protect Clancers ect., Red's voice sounds like Marina's, The giant mech with the dual smashing arms who kidnaps Yellow moves and reacts very similarly to Migen in MM's shrine stage. And listen to the music on the title screen, very reminiscent of MM's music, no?).

Graphics: some of the nicest use of 2D sprites on the GBA I have seen, use of zooming & stretching effects are terrific. 'Nuff said.

My only gripes so far are:

No 2P link mode.

This would have been the killer app for the GBA link cable. A bummer since a friend of mine will be getting this soon and we would love to have played co-op on this.

And I just played the updated dice/"block-man" robot. Sure he looks better but he is a complete and utter pushover compared to his cousin on the Genesis. I swear I killed him in less than a minute.

In any case, great game so far and this is the title which has finally forced me to put a GC GBA player on my to-buy list (the Hori pad would rock on this game)

But don't take my impressions too seriously, again, I haven't even finished the game yet.

*ahem*

EDIT: I forgot to add, I LOVE the vertical free roaming shooter stage where you pilot the space striker/helicopter, targeting ships and tanks on 2 upper and lower playing fields. Absolutely awesome, it's like a Layer Section minigame!

LoneSage · Post by **LoneSage** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 12:19 am

Dylan1CC wrote: And I just played the updated dice/"block-man" robot. Sure he looks better but he is a complete and utter pushover compared to his cousin on the Genesis. I swear I killed him in less than a minute.

You talking about that block guy in the first level of the Genesis game/2nd level in GSH? That guy's always been a pushover for me

Instead of shooting, I'd always just jump through him. That takes him down in a couple of seconds, guaranteed.

The more I play this, the more I see how much of a rehash this game is...I mean, technically is that a bad thing, considering it's Gunstar Heroes? I just wish there were some huge differences between this and the original while retaining the elements. When Col. Smash threw the guys from the train in the first one, it was hilarious. But this time around, it was expected and just not that great.

Gotta say I was kinda let down that we can't merge the weapons together, but eh, they're cool as is I suppose. And for the GBA, the voices sound really crisp.

All in all, it's like the original Gunstar Heroes, but in a parallel universe or something.

And without Dr. Brown.

iatneH · Post by **iatneH** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 12:19 am

LoneSage wrote:Well played the first two levels of GSH (as Red of course; gots to play as the woman with the Alien Soldier looks!)

Red is a woman???????? I thought it was a really cute guy....

LoneSage · Post by **LoneSage** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 12:20 am

iatneH wrote: Red is a woman???????? I thought it was a really cute guy....

'Girl' more like it, but yeah, I was pretty surprised when I read in the manual Red was referred to as 'she'.

UnscathedFlyingObject · Fri Oct 28, 2005 1:55 am

Is she a woman in the Japanese version?

Valgar · Post by **Valgar** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 2:07 am

In the JP version they don't ever say anything about it. It is up in the air.

iatneH · Post by **iatneH** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 3:13 am

I hope it's a dude in the Japanese version.... but if I'm right, changing the gender of characters for localised releases is soooooo 1980's...

So the game's out in US? My import copy still hasn't arrived :(

Dylan1CC · Post by **Dylan1CC** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 4:39 am

LoneSage wrote:
Dylan1CC wrote: And I just played the updated dice/"block-man" robot. Sure he looks better but he is a complete and utter pushover compared to his cousin on the Genesis. I swear I killed him in less than a minute.
You talking about that block guy in the first level of the Genesis game/2nd level in GSH? That guy's always been a pushover for me Instead of shooting, I'd always just jump through him. That takes him down in a couple of seconds, guaranteed.

The more I play this, the more I see how much of a rehash this game is...I mean, technically is that a bad thing, considering it's Gunstar Heroes? I just wish there were some huge differences between this and the original while retaining the elements. When Col. Smash threw the guys from the train in the first one, it was hilarious. But this time around, it was expected and just not that great.

Gotta say I was kinda let down that we can't merge the weapons together, but eh, they're cool as is I suppose. And for the GBA, the voices sound really crisp.

All in all, it's like the original Gunstar Heroes, but in a parallel universe or something.

And without Dr. Brown.

The Genny block man's twirl kick almost always gets me for some reason.

This time I slid through it without a hitch every time.

And no it's not a bad thing at all that it follows the first game closely, how much can they change without changing it too much and people getting mad? That's exactly what happened with Guardian Heroes Advance.

Dylan1CC · Post by **Dylan1CC** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 4:46 am

iatneH wrote:I hope it's a dude in the Japanese version.... but if I'm right, changing the gender of characters for localised releases is soooooo 1980's...

So the game's out in US? My import copy still hasn't arrived

I have no problem with it, she's just a tomboy/Pipi Longstocking type.

Zweihander · Post by **Zweihander** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 5:14 am

Neon wrote:Guess they've sold out, finally doing sequels.

Um... Ikaruga was Radiant Silvergun 2....

Neon · Post by **Neon** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 5:26 am

Zweihander wrote:
Neon wrote:Guess they've sold out, finally doing sequels.
Um... Ikaruga was Radiant Silvergun 2....

That's not a real sequel.

Anyways, yeah, I had the start button assigned to the wrong key on the emulator. Cutscenes are skippable. Credits to Treasure for not being complete dipshits this time (next step, removing the unnecessary bastards altogether).

I still went back to Mr. Driller Ace after a few minutes. I'd buy that if they ported it to something I own.

Dylan1CC · Post by **Dylan1CC** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 5:40 am

^^^^

Crow: "You're different, son."

LoneSage · Post by **LoneSage** » Sat Oct 29, 2005 2:55 am

Dylan1CC wrote:The giant mech with the dual smashing arms who kidnaps Yellow moves and reacts very similarly to Migen in MM's shrine stage.

Aw man, I was just about to post this! The first time I played the first level I didn't recognize it, even though I had shot at the monster's hands to see if it would do any damage. Then I played it again today and was like "DUDE! It's the giant lava lizard guy!".

And hey, remember the final boss fight with Alpha in Mischief Makers, when Marina was riding a cat? Maybe I'm stretching it here, but I noticed that Red/Blue is riding an animal in the mine cart stage. Another homage? I'm loving the homages in this game to other games so far.

I've gotta say though, that the original minecart stage is a billion times faster than this one. A shame.

CIT · Post by **CIT** » Sat Oct 29, 2005 7:04 am

BTW, another game every Gunstar Heroes Fan needs to own:

The whole game is just a huge hommage to Gunstars, incl. a minecart chase.

Released in Europe as "Rapid Reload".

MOSQUITO FIGHTER · Post by **MOSQUITO FIGHTER** » Sat Oct 29, 2005 3:10 pm

Well it certainly controls and looks better than the original. More GBA games should have looked like this. Many of the bosses hold up comparably well to Castelvania DS graphics I think. Sound is about on par with the genesis which is really good for GBA. I am missing the throws and ducking on the controls though but everything else is much better. No more running back and forth excessively to position your character to shoot something. Controls alot like Shattered Soldier.

I actually like the new weapon switching despite the more limited combinations. At least the weapons are always avaliable for use and the supercharge weapon (tap R twice) is very destructive. Close range attacks work about the same as the slide attack and double jump in the first one. 7 levels are not enough. Many of the levels just don't seem to be as fleshed out as the ones in the original (Blacks maze and the Seven Force Boss are probably better in the new one). It is kind of annoying having to go through all those menus every time after dying. It does seem to lack the depth that character building and boost jump Astro Boy offered. Shorter game than Astro Boy also (considering all of the time traveling, hidden stages, and probably greater challenge also).

Anyways if you like run and guns, can put up with Treasure's wacky level design (which is very present in this one), want to see some amazing 2d graphics (for gba), and don't mind a game that's just over too quickly (for me anyway) the new Gunstar might be for you. I can't think of a better portable run and gun game. I think Astro Boy is the better game but it is more like a beat em up with stiff run and gun controls and a interesting jump boost mechanic so it might not be really fair to compare the two.

Also has anyone beat the File Crash stage on Blacks Maze? I've only got to try it a few times. There seems to be some annoying thing about the weapon collision detection with the blocks that always ends up forcing me to be stuck if I try to shoot the blocks while standing beside them.

Andi · Post by **Andi** » Sat Oct 29, 2005 4:18 pm

What annoys me about the game is the fact that it constantly changes up the rules of play. I'd like every level to be side-scroller gunning action without any gimmicks. Unfortunately, I have to ride helicopters, rescue birds, do dice mazes, etc. Of course, that's just Treasure's style I guess.

Also, the sprites are far too large on the GBA's tiny screen. As a result you are constantly waiting for the enemies to wander back onto your screen.

The overhead shooter level is just fucking retarded too. Despicably horrible.

I guess it's fun though - still, I can't help but feel I've been shafted by Treasure on their 2 GBA sequels.

iatneH · Post by **iatneH** » Sat Oct 29, 2005 5:04 pm

Seven Force wrote:BTW, another game every Gunstar Heroes Fan needs to own:

<removed Gunners Heaven cover art to keep post size down>

The whole game is just a huge hommage to Gunstars, incl. a minecart chase.

Released in Europe as "Rapid Reload".

Thank you for your recommendation, thanks to you I just purchased the Japanese version a few minutes ago! Now let's see if it still gets to my house before my GSH import....

Dylan1CC · Post by **Dylan1CC** » Sat Oct 29, 2005 9:42 pm

LoneSage wrote:
Dylan1CC wrote:The giant mech with the dual smashing arms who kidnaps Yellow moves and reacts very similarly to Migen in MM's shrine stage.
Aw man, I was just about to post this! The first time I played the first level I didn't recognize it, even though I had shot at the monster's hands to see if it would do any damage. Then I played it again today and was like "DUDE! It's the giant lava lizard guy!".

And hey, remember the final boss fight with Alpha in Mischief Makers, when Marina was riding a cat? Maybe I'm stretching it here, but I noticed that Red/Blue is riding an animal in the mine cart stage. Another homage? I'm loving the homages in this game to other games so far.

I've gotta say though, that the original minecart stage is a billion times faster than this one. A shame.

Agreed.

And yes, (again obvious similarities aside in Treasure's internal devving), the 4 legged mech bird you ride in the 7F/mine stage reminds me a bit of Cat Clancer in the Cerberus A MM boss fight.

edit: I am still a bit fresh on fighting the new 7F and one of his forms is a four legged dog-like beast which does a backflip just like Cerberus A in MM. Sweetness.

LoneSage · Post by **LoneSage** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 1:05 am

Andi wrote: The overhead shooter level is just fucking retarded too. Despicably horrible.

For real, the heli sprite is way too big and cumbersome. Just way annoying...I would gladly substitue it in an instant to have the awesome liftoff of the airship in the original.

Anyone else think the bosses in this one are too easy? Orange especially. I guess Green was about as hard as he was in the original, but everyone else....meh.

CIT · Post by **CIT** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 6:27 am

Dylan1CC wrote:edit: I am still a bit fresh on fighting the new 7F and one of his forms is a four legged dog-like beast which does a backflip just like Cerberus A in MM. Sweetness.

Actually the backflip dog Seven Force made his first appearance in Alien Soldier.

Specineff · Post by **Specineff** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 6:42 am

And it was a cat. And it appeared in the original Gunstar as Tails Force.

Dylan1CC · Post by **Dylan1CC** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 10:31 pm

Thanks for the clarification, 7 and Specineff.

Yeah, there's a cat/dog in the Genny GS but he doesn't do backflips IIRC, shoots an aiming/zig zag lazer out of his tail.

As for Alien Soldier.....mmmm. Someday. My Nomad was custom modded to order by Matt with an extra switch that will let me change PAL carts to normal screen ratio.