Topic: Best run'n'gun game

I am in the mood for a classic actionpacked platform shooter. But there seems to many interesting titles in the VC to choose from! I want one that is easy to get into while still providing valuable playing time, preferably with at least to difficulty settings. Oh, and great sound! Nothing can ruin a game like bad sound or annoying music.

Games like Contra III, Contra Rebirth, Alien Soldier, Gunstar Heroes, Mega Turrican, Super Turrican, Cybernator, Metal Slug 1 & 2, Vectorman seems interesting. Are there others? What is your favorite?

i think its obvious which is best...CONTRAAAA!!
metal slug is also a good way to go, but you should just get "metal slug anthology" for the wii instead
you may not call it a run'n'gun, but super metroid is also a great way to go

Others would be Super C and I can't think of any others after looking at what you (TC) listed. My favorite is probably Metal Slug, I like the humor thrown in those games.

Any of the Super Star Wars trilogy

do the mega man games and earthworm jim count as run and guns? if so, you should check those out^^

Metal Slug Anthology
Contra
Jurassic Park part 2 Chaos Continues (basically Contra with dinosaurs)

'Run and Gun' games are my favourite genre, the set-pieces and fast paced action is pure gaming at its best. I am a huge fan of lots of the games mentioned (Contra III, Metal Slug, Super Star Wars, Alien Soldier etc). I particularly like Konami's bright and colourful Western cowboy game, Sunset Riders and I have a real soft spot for Data East's inventive 1990 game, Midnight Resistance (please be an unlockable on the Wii Data East Collection).
I sit around all day and mumble in my girlfriend's ear "Why has Gunners Heaven (PSOne) not been release on PSN? !!!". lol.
If you ran at me and placed a 3-way, blobby bullet, spread gun at my forehead, shouting "What is the best run'n'gun game soldier?", I would probably mumble something about wanting to choose Wii Contra ReBirth, but ultimately deciding upon SNES Contra III: The Alien Wars.

I don't know what can be added, really. The best ones are already mentioned by the OP. So I just say that my personal favourites are Super Probotector (aka Contra III) and Mega Turrican (aka Turrican III for the Amiga).

@JamieO: Lol. Oh god. The poor girlfriend.

@Omega Ha, ha my girlfriend is my dedicated 'audience of one', when I am ranting about video games and bands. Whilst no one else would listen, she gives me all her attention and soaks up unnecessary game knowledge, when she has no actual interest in gaming (beyond button mashing Kirby in Smash Bros. or controlling a fiercely competitive Toad in 50cc Double Dash!!).
Regarding the Turrican run and gunners, I love the way Factor 5 transitioned their computer franchise to be consoletastic, with Mega Turrican and particularly for me, Super Turrican.
There is a tune in those games which sounds just like the chorus of Cheap Trick's song 'Surrender', where they sing "Mommy's alright, Daddy's alright, they just seem a little weird". Play either Mega Turrican or Super Turrican, listen out and see if you can hear the similarities.
This is Cheap Trick song 'Surrender' (45 secs into it):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sAm5UCJ9vA
This is Super Turrican absolutely brilliant tune (46 secs into it)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14gpqf8JP-Y

Yeah, these game music composers (this is Chris Hülsbeck, right?) sometimes must have been inspired by some pop/rock-music influences.

Thanks alot people! Seems like Contra is a no miss. So I got myself 3000 points and downloaded Contra III. First I couldn't find it, but it is called Super Probotector in Europe it seems. I also got Mega Man 2 and MUSHA, so now I have 800 points left, which I think will go to either Gunstar Heroes or Mega Turrican. Haven't decided yet
And thanks to briunj04 for mentioning the Metal Slug Anthology! That look like a great deal if I can find it somewhere.

@Omega I think it was Chris Hülsbeck, as well. A great composer of 8/16-bit tunes.
@jwl You got MUSHA too, superb mate! You can not really go wrong with Gunstar Heroes or Mega Turrican, but I would opt for Gunstar Heroes on that one, you will love Treasure's creativity and Mega Drive mastery in that game.

In my opinion the best run and gun is Contra Harp Corps (currently not on the VC)

If you want a VC game I would look at Metal Slug or Contra Rebirth

Metal Slug Anthology. Enough said.

It's a tie between Contra III: The Alien Wars and Gunstar Heroes. I'm almost inclined to prefer the latter, because Gunstar Heroes is more intense than Contra III. It's also more hectic, "the Metal Slug before there was a Metal Slug." Plus, no slowdown.
Regarding The Alien Wars, it's hard, it's manageable (on easy mode), but it's very brief, and the music sounds fantastic.
GH has four difficulty modes while TAW has, well, three. I love both titles, but I recommend Gunstar Heroes if you wish for the intensity. It's also fun with two players.

word.

Make it Gunstar. One of the best games in the genre.

@Adamant - True dat. I've only beaten it on Easy mode, I can't wait to finish Normal.

Alien Soldier! Best Run&Gunner out there.