Sunset Riders screenshot

Release year: 1992

Sunset Riders

Category: ActionArcadePlatformerRun-and-Gun

Sunset Riders on SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive lets you saddle up for a classic Wild West shootout, now fully playable online right in your browser. Originally released in 1992 by Konami, this side-scrolling run-and-gun game puts you in the boots of bounty hunters Billy and Cormano as they chase down the most wanted outlaws in the West. Choose your gunslinger - Billy with his twin revolvers or Cormano with his booming shotgun - and bring justice to the frontier.

Each stage is a wild ride through Western towns, saloons, and dusty plains filled with enemies, stampeding cattle, ambushes, and crumbling buildings. The gameplay is fast-paced and arcade-like, with responsive controls and power-ups like rapid fire and dual shots that give you the edge during intense shootouts. Every level ends in a showdown with a boss outlaw, complete with their own quirks and attacks, making each encounter feel fresh and memorable.

While the Genesis version is a simplified port compared to its arcade counterpart, it retains the charm that made Sunset Riders a fan favorite - colorful graphics, catchy music, and satisfying action. You can even team up in two-player co-op mode for a true cowboy adventure. Whether you're revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, you can now play Sunset Riders online directly on our website and ride into pixelated glory anytime you like.

Start
Start / Pause in game
Joystick
Movement
A
Shot 1
B
Shot 2
C
Jump
Save / Restart / Load

🔓 Hidden Cheats & Tricks

Even the Wild West has its tricks - Sunset Riders on SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive includes a few hidden mechanics and cheat codes that can give you the upper hand in your outlaw hunt.

How to get 99 credits in Sunset Riders on SEGA Genesis

How to Unlock 99 Credits

Don't feel like restarting the game every time you run out of lives? Follow these steps to activate a hidden cheat for 99 credits:

  1. Go to the Options menu on the title screen.
  2. Select Sound "0E" and press K to play it.
  3. Move the cursor to Exit and press K to return to the main menu.
  4. Start the game and select your character by pressing K.
  5. Done! You'll now have 99 credits to keep going after defeat.
Player character next to a saloon door in Sunset Riders

Grab Power-Ups from Saloon Doors

As you move through the dusty streets and lively towns of the Wild West, keep a close eye out for swinging saloon doors tucked into the background. When you spot one, press Up while passing by - your character will quickly dash inside, disappearing for a second. Moments later, they'll burst back out through the doors, and right on the doorstep, a valuable power-up will appear. This could be rapid fire to speed up your shots, a gun upgrade for more firepower, coins for extra points, or even an extra star for bonus rewards. These surprise bonuses often appear during the heat of battle, and grabbing them at the right time can give you a crucial advantage. So whenever you see a saloon door, don't just run past - step in, gear up, and keep riding strong.

🤠 Fun Facts from the Wild West

Sunset Riders might look like a straightforward run-and-gun shooter, but it's packed with quirky details and little surprises that make it even more fun for those who pay attention:

  • đŸŽ¯ In the original Japanese version, Cormano's full name is Cormano Wild, giving him an extra dose of cowboy flair.
  • 🐂 During the stampede levels, bulls aren't just deadly obstacles - if timed right, they can actually take out enemies for you.
  • 🎩 One of the later bosses, Sir Richard Rose, dramatically loses his hat when you damage him - only to reveal that it was hiding an extra phase of the fight.
  • 🎮 The SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive version only includes two of the four arcade characters (Billy and Cormano), but retains their unique weapons and playstyles.
  • 🔄 Some enemy names were changed during localization. For example, "Paco Loco" was renamed "Chief Scalpem" in Western versions, a move that sparked controversy due to stereotypes.

These hidden touches give Sunset Riders more personality than most 16-bit games, especially when replaying and noticing things you missed the first time.

🎮 SEGA Genesis vs. Arcade: What's the Difference?

The Genesis version of Sunset Riders brings the arcade experience home, but there are some key differences between the two versions - both in content and presentation:

  • The arcade game features four playable bounty hunters (Billy, Cormano, Steve, and Bob), while the Genesis version limits your choice to just Billy and Cormano. Still, their distinct weapons - dual revolvers and shotgun - offer satisfying variety.
  • Several levels from the arcade were removed or heavily simplified on Genesis. The Native American camp stage, for example, is missing entirely in the home version.
  • The arcade version boasts richer animation, more detailed backgrounds, and more enemies on-screen, while the Genesis makes some sacrifices due to hardware limitations - but still keeps the core action tight and visually appealing.
  • The arcade allows up to four players at once. On Genesis, co-op mode supports two players, which still delivers a strong sense of teamwork.
  • Many voice clips and sound effects from the arcade were replaced or cut due to cartridge space. Genesis versions use shorter, more compressed samples.

Despite these differences, the Genesis port captures the fast-paced chaos and Western spirit of the original. It stands on its own as a solid entry in the SEGA library - perfect for players looking for a true 16-bit shootout.

🕹ī¸ Legacy and Reception

Sunset Riders for SEGA Genesis may not be a one-to-one port of the arcade original, but it left a lasting impression all the same. Released in 1992 by Konami, this version was praised for capturing the spirit of the Wild West with its bold colors, fast-paced action, and memorable characters - all packed into the limitations of a 16-bit cartridge.

While some players missed the full four-character roster and voice lines from the arcade, many appreciated the Genesis version's smoother controls and streamlined experience. Magazines at the time, like Electronic Gaming Monthly, complimented the game's colorful visuals and cooperative gameplay, calling it "a wild and exciting ride through the Old West."

Over the years, Sunset Riders has become something of a cult favorite. Fans still remember it for its charm, catchy music, and unique setting - blending Western tropes with arcade-style mayhem. Even today, it's often listed among the best run-and-gun titles on the Genesis, holding a special place in the hearts of retro gamers who grew up dodging bullets and collecting bounties.

Now that you can play it online right from your browser, a new generation of players has the chance to saddle up and see what made Sunset Riders such a classic. Whether you're chasing nostalgia or discovering it fresh, this game still delivers that unmistakable Konami flair.