GUNBIRD 2 is a vertical-scrolling shooter released in arcades in 1998 and later ported to PC. Players control one of six distinct characters on a treasure hunt involving a magical potion, dodging enemy fire while collecting power-ups and battling bosses across seven stages. The game emphasizes precise shooting, bomb usage for clearing bullets, and high-score chasing in a lighthearted yet demanding style typical of Psikyo titles.
Gameplay
Core mechanics revolve around collecting P items to upgrade the main shot and unlock sub-weapons, while B items provide bombs that clear enemy projectiles and offer brief safety. A super shot delivers concentrated damage, and a close-range attack trades safety for high power output. Each of the six characters brings unique movement and firing patterns that influence survival and scoring strategies. Two-player sessions feature character-specific dialogue that shifts based on pairings, adding personality during stages and boss encounters. The second loop increases bullet density and introduces revenge bullets from defeated foes, raising the challenge after the initial seven stages.
Game Modes
Arcade mode forms the foundation, with seven selectable difficulty levels ranging from beginner-friendly to Hard and Very Hard settings that test endurance and skill. Players can adjust starting lives from one to nine and continues from zero to unlimited. Score Attack mode locks difficulty and lives for focused high-score runs, supporting direct competition through online rankings visible in the options menu. Local rankings track performance across all difficulties and character choices. Vertical screen orientation recreates the original arcade layout, with additional filters and key bindings for shot, auto-shot, and bomb functions. Horizontal play remains available as an alternative perspective.
Characters and Progression
Six pilots stand ready: Marion the young wizard, Tavia the German honors student, Alucard the Romanian vampire, Valpiro the Russian military robot, Hei-Cob the Arabian fighter, and the mysterious naked samurai. Each offers distinct plane handling that rewards repeated playthroughs. Stages feature randomized early selections in the first loop, with the missing stage appearing in the second loop. Boss fights include mid-stage dialogue and multiple forms, while intermission scenes expand on the comical potion quest. Power-up systems encourage aggressive item collection to maintain firepower throughout longer runs.
Customization and Features
Options allow fine-tuning of screen filters, orientation, and controls to suit different play styles. The port preserves the original three-button layout while adding modern conveniences like online leaderboards for global score comparisons. Two-player co-op supports simultaneous play with dynamic dialogue changes. No ongoing seasons or post-launch content updates exist beyond the base port features.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player reception on the PC release stands at Very Positive, with 93 percent approval from 83 reviews. The game suits those seeking classic vertical-scrolling shooter action with score attack depth and adjustable difficulty. It delivers satisfying runs for shmup enthusiasts who enjoy character variety, bomb timing, and loop challenges without modern additions. Availability centers on single-player and local two-player sessions, making it a solid choice for focused, replayable arcade-style sessions rather than broad multiplayer experiences. Those who appreciate precise dodging and high-score competition will find the systems rewarding.
