Gunbird
- February 1, 1994
- Psikyo
"Gunbird" is a vertically scrolling shoot 'em up game set in a fantasy world with steampunk elements. Players can choose between five characters, each with unique unorthodox vehicles, and must dodge bullets while collecting power-ups to increase firepower and clear the screen. The game features traditional genre gameplay with seven stages aimed at finding pieces of a magic mirror.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Web Browser
Windows
PlayStation
Playstation 3
Playstation Vita
PSP
Sega Saturn
Reviews
- Stellar art and character design, making it visually appealing.
- Smooth difficulty curve, making it accessible for newcomers while still providing a challenge for experienced players.
- Great port of a classic arcade shooter with solid controls and enjoyable gameplay.
- Lacks some features from previous console versions, such as an intro animation and full-screen options.
- Limited options for customization and practice, such as no level select or save states.
- Can become frustratingly difficult in later stages due to fast-moving bullets and a large hitbox.
- gameplay3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its simplicity, resembling the Strikers series, with a focus on basic mechanics and a brief arcade mode featuring a limited number of short stages. Players have noted that the charge shot mechanics disrupt the flow, and overall, there is little variation or replay value in the experience.
“The game features a brief arcade mode with a handful of short stages, offering basic gameplay with little variation.”
“I tend not to care for charge shot mechanics as they interrupt the flow of the game.”
“The gameplay in this title is the simplest of the Psikyo games, similar to the Strikers series.”
“The game only consists of a brief arcade mode with a handful of short stages, basic gameplay with little variation, and no extras or replay incentives.”
- humor2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Gunbird features a unique and bizarre sense of humor that may not resonate with everyone, but it doesn't detract from the game's excellent gameplay and satisfying controls. Players can appreciate the game’s mechanics even if the humor isn't their cup of tea.
“Gunbird is an excellent arcade shooter, but it helps to have a bizarre sense of humor.”
“The humor in this game is quirky and adds a unique charm to the overall experience.”
“The witty dialogue and absurd situations kept me laughing throughout my playthrough.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the shoot'em up game are praised for their impressive pixel art, showcasing a legacy of high-quality visual design that enhances the overall gaming experience.
“A legacy great shoot 'em up with stunning pixel artwork.”
“The graphics are absolutely breathtaking, with vibrant colors and intricate details.”
“The visual design is top-notch, creating an immersive and captivating experience.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its coolness, complementing the characters and overall artistic style, enhancing the immersive experience.
“The music perfectly complements the game's atmosphere, enhancing every moment.”
“I love how the soundtrack evolves with the gameplay, making each level feel unique.”
“The character themes are catchy and memorable, adding depth to their personalities.”
- story1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The story of Gunbird presents a lighthearted adventure where players seek pieces of a magic mirror that grants wishes, all while trying to outsmart a trio of bumbling pirates who are after the same prize.
“Gunbird is a somewhat lighthearted take on the genre, with the story centering on seeking out the pieces of a magic mirror that, when assembled, will grant the adventurer's wish, but the player has to keep a trio of clumsy pirates from getting it first.”
“The story feels disjointed and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
“While the premise is interesting, the execution of the narrative is weak and fails to engage the player.”
“The plot twists are predictable, and the overall storyline feels like a missed opportunity for something more compelling.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviewers note a desire for HD optimizations in the game, but acknowledge that such improvements may be unrealistic due to the game's age. Overall, the optimization is seen as acceptable given the context.
“The only thing I'd like to have seen was perhaps some HD optimizations, although given the game's age, that's not really doable.”
“The only thing I'd like to have seen was perhaps some HD optimizations; although given the game's age, that's not really doable.”
