Reviewed
05.26.2000
Publisher
Capcom
Developer
Capcom,
Psikyo
Format
GD
Origin
Import
Available
Mar.
7, 2000 (Japan)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
2D
View
Vertical
scroll
Genre
Shooter
Players
1-2
Options
Arcade
Stick
Backup
9
Internet
Requires
n/a
Importable
99% |
INTRO:
> Yes, I do still like 2D shooters after all these years. Psikyo's
latest rendition, converted by Capcom, of this classic genre is called
Gunbird 2. It's kind of a mixture of Vapor Trail (Genesis) and Sengoku
Blaede (Saturn, also by Psikyo). You control a flying human, instead
of an aircraft, in a vertical scrolling tour de force. Obviously,
the object is to blast everything into oblivion.
> Gunbird 2 is a cinch to import because of its genre. Almost everything
is is English except for a few menu selections. As of this review,
I haven't heard of it being released in America so stay tuned for more
information as it arrives.
GRAPHICS:
> Like GigaWing, Gunbird 2 is absolutely loaded
with stuff flying around the screen, especially when playing on Normal
or higher difficulty. Much to my dismay, this game uses about 2/3s
of the screen (flanked by black bars) to fully mimic the arcade version's
aspect ratio. I really wish developers would make shooters with televisions
in mind. Oh well, it's par for the genre. The only way to fill
the screen with action (no black bars) is to play the Arcade mode, which
rotates the action 45 degrees clockwise so that if you put the TV on its
side, you'll get the true arcade experience.
> Anyway, the locales seem familiar (city, water, snow, etc.) as do the
enemies (mechs, flying skulls, morphing bosses). The explosions are
plentiful, realistic, and well done. Although none of them really
impress me too much, each character has a super-bomb move which unleashes
mass destruction. A huge, multi-morphing boss awaits you at the end
of every level.
CONTROL:
> Pretty basic and tight. You get fire, rapid fire, hand-to-hand
attack, special attack, and super-bomb gameplay to contend with.
With so many bullets and enemies on screen at once, it's a wonder there
is no slowdown. Make sure to use the super-bombs to your advantage
because they immediately erase all enemy bullets.
SOUND:
> Sounds like an average arcade shooter to me (which is fine). Mostly
upbeat, sometimes atmospheric tunes with plenty of keyboards to keep you
going.
> Gunbird 2's sound effects are standard fare. You'll hear lasers,
explosions, some voice, and various boss attacks. Nothing new, but
nothing bad.
FUN:
> Aside from the choice of six characters, the addition of Morrigan (from
Vampire Savior for Saturn) as a playable character is cool. Gunbird
2 throws 7 long levels full of enemies and their bullets at you.
I thought the difficulty was set high, even though it's adjustable.
Well, if you're jonsing for more great 2D shooting, you'll surely like
Capcom's latest release.
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