Gunbird 2

"This is more than enough for me!"

I first played Gunbird back in 1996 while trying out some import Saturn software. The things that got me into it were the combination of old school shooting and the anime drawn style of characters (back then at the age of 15, I was a big anime freak.) Sadly, it seemed that since it was never released over here, it seemed unlikely that I would never see anything like it again.

Fast-forward to now. I had heard Capcom planning on picking up Gunbird 2 from Psykio for a U.S. release. I can't believe I waited so long to pick it up, this game is incredible! Old school shooter fare with anime style characters and just the right amount of humor to top it off!

Graphics: 10/10
In each stage, your have your standard overhead view as you blast all sorts of mechanized creatures while you fly overhead. The detail is incredible though. You can even see little people running around on the ground below, and they actually look distinguishable! In between levels, you have little story scenes which make things a bit more interesting. Although they're mostly still framed, they're well drawn!

Sounds: 10/10
Although the voices are cutesey Japanese voiceovers (which I have nothing against actually, I'm just saying that sometimes English would be nice!) the rest of the game is great. The soundtrack has that right theme to it that it gets you tapping your foot to it, and you find yourself humming it from time to time. Complete with your standard fare of explosions and the like, and you've got a soundful shooting game!

Controls: 10/10
Well it's a shooter, what do you do? You shoot! OK, you can shoot and then hold the button to power up a special shot. You can also do a close range attack, and each character has his or her own type of full-screen 'bomb' attack. Of course you also have a button which allows rapid fire, so no more blisters!

Story: 10/10
Unique, and gets the job done right! Basically, there's a potion called the 'All-Purpose Potion,' and just about everyone wants it. With one method or another of flying around the world to find it, the characters often encounter an evil trio called the 'Queens Pirates.' It seems they always come back for more even after all their mechs are destroyed, and they want that potion too!

As for characters, you have seven, including Marion, a magician who's physically 9, but mentally 17. You have Alucard, a vampire (no relation to the Konami character.) You even have Morrigan guest starring as herself, complete with bat wings!

Replay: 10/10
It's one of those classic shooters, with seven levels of difficulty. Even at the easier settings, you'll find it gets rather difficult! Thankfully, you do have unlimited continues, although in the later stages, continuing throws you back to the beginning of the level, making you think twice! Plus there's a gallery mode to view the various character art within the game.

Overall: 10/10
The original never made it to U.S. shores, but that's OK. The sequel definitely proves that old school shooters haven't been shot down yet. Whether you're an old school senior, or a freshman in the genre, I suggest taking Gunbird 2 for a test flight today!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/12/01, Updated 07/16/01