My 3DS Game of the Month for August is a game that was originally released in 1993. This particular game has been remade for the 3DS, taking advantage of the stereoscopic 3D and adding a few new features. It is also the latest in a series of classic Mega Drive (or Genesis, if you’re American) games to receive a 3D update.
3D Gunstar Heroes is my game of the month. The original game was developed by Treasure for the Sega Mega Drive in 1993. The 3D Classics version was developed by M2, who have also been responsible for developing the other Sega 3D Classics.
The gameplay of Gunstar Heroes is simple; you make your way through several stages, gunning down hordes of enemies and bosses. There are four different weapon types available. You can carry two different weapons, and combine them for a more powerful one.
When starting a game, you can select between free shot (Gunstar Red) and fixed shot (Gunstar Blue) Free shot lets you move whilst firing. Fixed shot, however, lets you aim in any direction but you cannot move while firing.
To begin with, there are four stages which can be tackled in any order. Once you’ve battled through all of them, there are a few more stages to play through.
The game has a two-player mode, which requires two people to have a 3DS with a copy of the game downloaded each.
New features added in the 3D Classics version of this game include the option to play in ‘Gunslinger Mode’ – you have access to all four weapons and can switch through them with a press of the button.
There is also Mega Life Mode, which doubles the player characters’ Vitality.
You can choose to play the international or Japanese version of the game – gameplay is identical for both, but the story differs. The GBA sequel, Gunstar Future Heroes, is based on the Japanese story.
Another option is the screen mode – you can set it to Normal, or you can set it to Classic and simulate playing the game on a CRT TV screen in the 90s.
There’s also the option to change programmable sound generation chipset – you can choose between Model 1 or Model 2. Model 1 is higher quality, whilst Model 2 was more common.
As far as run and gun games go, 3D Gunstar Heroes (and the original, too) is definitely one of the best. Whether you’ve played it or not, I strongly recommend downloading this if you own a 3DS – in fact, the whole line of Sega 3D Classics is definitely worth looking into.
Rory Muses 
3D versions of classic Sega games, which have added features, is cool. I’m tempted to get the Streets of Rage one.