Anyone who tells you that Gunstar Heroes for the Genesis isn’t any good, doesn’t know what they’re talking about; that game put the legendary fan-favorite developer Treasure on the map, and with good reason. Treasure was once part of Konami, and the members were largely responsible for the original entries in the Contra series, but when they left the team proved that they didn’t need the Contra name to make an awesome action title.

For a long time Treasure fans were saddened by the companies "No Sequel" policy. While it meant that the ideas they explored wouldn’t lose their allure after constant re-hashing (i.e. Tomb Raider, etc.), it did mean that each game was a one shot deal. The release of the ho-hum Advance Guardian Heroes for the GBA changed that, and fans were ready to agree with the companies previous stance on sequels. Enter Gunstar Super Heroes.

From what we can see so far, Gunstar Super Heroes will hopefully put Treasure’s "No Sequel" policy to rest for good; the game looks like it’s going to have all the parts that made Gunstar Heroes so good with new additions. It also seems that the problems we experienced in Advance Guardian Heroes, such as massive slowdown and unfamiliar gameplay are lessons learned, and learned well.

A Treasure game, can usually above all else be summed up in one word: hectic. You’re never at a loss for something to do when playing one of their titles. The screen is always filled with bullets, or enemies, or some other type of hazards. Even if it’s a boss battle which Treasure is famous for covering the screen with, you always feel like you’re set up against overwhelming odds.

The basic gameplay boils down to a Contra-like shooting experience. The game is a 2D sidescroller in which you can jump, run, bash, and shoot. If you tap the B button, you’ll do a melee attack (pressing up while tapping it does an uppercut, and down does a powerslide), but if you hold it, you’ll fire your gun as long as you press down. You’ll always be shooting in the direction you’re pointing, so if you want to shoot backwards, you’ll be running that way as well. If you want to shoot anywhere, you can; the system allows for the full 360 degrees of targeting.

You’ll be able to choose which levels you tackle in whatever order. There are several moons for the player to travel to, and each have their own line-up of stages to tackle. Each has it’s own boss, and after you beat the boss, you get a gem. When you get all the gems, you’ll be able to access the final planet. There are two paths- one for the red character, and one for the blue. These paths slightly differ, as does the story.

The only complaint that can be voiced so far is that there is currently no plan for a co-op mode. The co-op mode was one of the most exciting parts about the original Genesis game, so this is quite disappointing to hear. It’s doubtful one will surface, but we can hope.

With stunning graphics, a great development team, and nods to classic SEGA games such as Afterburner, Gunstar Super Heroes looks like it might satisfy many an old-school gamer this October.