Twenty years ago today, the Sega Genesis was released in North America.  Known as the Mega Drive in Japan, the Genesis was a big hit.  The NES was dominant at the time, but that fabled console was a bit long in the tooth.  With the help of truly superb marketing (Sega does what Nintendon't!), and a certain blue hedgehog, the Genesis became Sega's most successful console.  It was also a great way to play co-op with a friend, with many stellar co-op games in the Genesis library.

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When I was growing up, I was your stereotypical Nintendo Kid.  Sure, I knew of the Sega systems and I had played them from time to time, but I never owned any of their systems aside from a pair of Game Gears that a well-meaning grandparent sent my brother and I for Christmas.  Knowing this, you would also be able to extrapolate that I grew up playing Contra, the seminal co-op shooter we all know, love and memorized the Konami code for. Why am I bringing up Contra in this review? The reason is simple: Gunstar Heroes ruined Contra for me. The very first time I played this at a friend's house, I knew the game had changed. I couldn't go home again.

Co-Opticast Episode 22: Buy Trine Believe it or not, this episode title is not a paid advertisement. Neither is the podcast. But for as much as we talk about the Trine demo and our enjoyment of it - well you might think Frozen Byte is kicking us a little something.

Mike and Nick dash at the latest co-op news, give impressions of Halo 3: ODST and a short review of Gunstar Heroes for the Xbox Live Arcade.

Finally there's a bit of demo discussion, and how a proper demo can be used to sell a game...like say...Trine.

Hit the Podcast Page to Listen or Download

Ladies and gentlemen, the intertubes are clogged.  They are completely filled with bullets and bosses from Gunstar Heroes.  All the digital Drain-O in the world couldn't save it either, at least, on the PlayStation 3.  

According to various reports around the web, including our own forums, the PlayStation 3 version of GunStar Heroes is suffering from severe lag and disconnects for the online co-op mode.  At this point the game is completely unplayable on Sony's platform.  We've contacted Sega for comment on the matter, but did not hear a response.  We hope there's a patch in the works, but only time will tell.

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Just a friendly reminder that the two player co-op Gunstar Heroes hits the Xbox Live Arcade today for 400 .  The game will launch on the PlayStation Network tomorrow.  Gunstar Heroes features enhanced graphics as well as online and local co-op play.

Gunstar Heroes is a classic Sega Genesis title which is similar in nature to games like Contra, but has one major difference - a health meter.  This puts less stress on avoiding bullets and allows players to focus on taking out the bad guys.  You'll also be able to improve your character and save your progress as you go.  

If you are looking for some Microsoft Points to purchase this title, why not pick up some instant codes from Amazon and support Co-Optimus?  You can add the game to your 360 Download Queue right here.

Sega has announced a June 10th release date for the Sega Vintage Collection #2 on Xbox Live Arcade.  The collection includes Gunstar Heroes.  They've also announced that Gunstar Heroes will be available on the PlayStation Network on June 11th. 

Gunstar Heroes supports two player local and online co-op.  To celebrate the launch Sega has released a new trailer for the Vintage Collection #2 which showcases a bunch of titles including my personal all time favorite RPG, Phantasy Star 2.

There's no word on the pricing of either of these.

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Last week we reported that Gunstar Heroes, the Sega Genesis classic, would be returning to the Xbox Live Arcade.  Today, Sega has officially confirmed the rumors stating that not only would the game find it's way to the Xbox Live Arcade with 2 player local and online co-op, but to the PlayStation Network as well.

Gunstar Heroes is currently slated for a summer release and will feature HDTV graphical options, online play and leaderboards, and several unlockable goodies.  For now enjoy the handful of screenshots Sega has released.  

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It appears another classic co-op game is going to make its way to the Xbox Live Arcade.  The Sega Genesis classic Gunstar Heroes has seen a leaked achievement list.  As with most previous games that have had their achievement lists leaked, it all but confirms an imminent release of the title.

Gunstar Heroes is a side scrolling shooter similar to Contra, but it has a few core differences.  For one players have a life meter, so instead of taking just one shot and dying they can take multiple shots.  There's also a bunch of different characters to choose from each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.  We fully expect the game to support online 2 player co-op like some of Sega's other offerings.

More information has it becomes available, for now enjoy some screens courtesy of Puredegarbanzos.

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