Gunstar Super Heroes is a hardcore side-scrolling shooter released by Treasure on the GBA in 2005.
Developed by the renowned Treasure and published by SEGA in Japan in August 2005 and North America in November 2005, Gunstar Super Heroes is a definitive action-shooter for the GBA. As the direct sequel to the classic masterpiece Gunstar Heroes, the game follows protagonists Red and Blue as they rise to protect universal peace against the looming threat of the Empire's remnants and a mysterious superweapon. Pushing the GBA hardware to its absolute limits, the game features stunning particle effects and fluid multi-layered scrolling backgrounds, standing as a rare pinnacle of side-scrolling shooters on handheld consoles.
The game offers three base weapon types (Fire, Chaser, and Lightning) that can be combined in pairs. The "Fire + Chaser" combo is highly recommended; it provides long-range auto-targeting while dealing high-burst continuous burn damage, making it a god-tier choice for clearing rooms and melting bosses.
The throw mechanic from the previous game has been replaced with powerful melee strikes and dashes. When facing enemies at close range, mastering melee attacks not only ignores certain bullet patterns but also reflects enemy projectiles back at them.
Boss battles typically consist of multiple phases. Maintain mid-to-long range and use Chaser rounds for consistent chip damage. When a boss triggers a full-screen attack, look for openings and utilize the invincibility frames of double jumps and mid-air dashes to evade. Strike hard at close range during the boss's recovery windows to clear stages with ease.