GameSpot's E3 2005 Editors' Choice Awards

Best GBA Game

Gunstar Super Heroes

Developer: Treasure
Publisher: Sega
Release Date: Q4 2005

2005/132/927525_20050513_thumb001.jpg

The onset of 3D graphics was once thought to signal the death of the 2D sprites that had been the foundation for games as we know it. Now, while the number of 2D games has certainly shrunk since the heyday of the 16-bit consoles, the death of 2D was most definitely exaggerated. The ensuing years have seen sprites find a home on current-gen consoles and, more significantly, on Nintendo's Game Boy Advance. This year found a typically solid offering that featured Namco's Sigma Star Saga and Rebelstar Tactical Command, as well as Nintendo's own DK King of Swing. But, as engaging as the aforementioned games were, they were all overshadowed by the reappearance of an old friend, Sega's Treasure-developed Gunstar Super Heroes, a sequel to the classic Genesis run-and-gun shooter.

The game features a polished, retro feel that combine's Treasure's penchant for challenging gameplay and displaying a processor-busting amount of sprites. The game made a fine showing in Sega's booth on the E3 show floor with a rocking dose of 2D mayhem that called to mind its classic 16-bit predecessor. However, whereas the original game featured the slowdown that was to be expected when Treasure pushed the Genesis' 16-bit processor to its limits, the Game Boy Advance ably handles the load and pumps out a fast, fun experience. Best of all, sharp-eyed players will notice more than a few homages to memorable games from Sega's past.

You’ll blast away at enemies on foot or in the air.

Though Gunstar Super Heroes' visuals are impressive, the gameplay is the highlight of the experience. The fast-paced shooter offers a variety of situations on land, in the air, or somewhere in between, for you to blast your way out of. Treasure's inclination for making nigh-overwhelming situations that require quick thinking and even quicker reflexes is ably displayed in Gunstar Super Heroes, and it's more than ample reason to make the game the best tile we saw on the Game Boy Advance at this year's show.

Finalists

DK King of Swing
Rebelstar Tactical Command
Sigma Star Saga

« Previous Page Next: I wonder what will win best GameCube game...

Battlefield 2

More Info

Game Stats

Rank:

194 of 75,142
(down by 6)

PC Rank:

72 of 12,485

Tracking:

30,282 Track It»

Wishlists:

8,256 Wish It»
Users Now Playing:

10,429
Number of Players:

1 Player, 64 Online | Offline Modes: Competitive, Cooperative, Team Oriented | Online Modes: Competitive, Cooperative, Team Oriented
Top 5 User Tags:
1. battlefield 2
2. battlefield
3. bf2
4. fps
5. ea games
Teen Rating Description

Titles rated T (Teen) have content that may be suitable for ages 13 and older. Titles in this category may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and/or infrequent use of strong language. Learn more