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Zero Gunner 2

When you consider how much the Dreamcast version of Zero Gunner 2 changes hands for on the secondary market these days, the fact that you can download a superior version on your Switch for a tiny fraction of that cost is worth celebrating; in that regard, you might want to purchase the game purely to feel smug about the amount of (hypothetical) cash you're saving. Perceived value aside, this is a refreshingly unique take on the shmup genre which has some neat ideas but also builds on Psikyo's other good work – the amazing transforming bosses the company is famous for reach their pinnacle here. The biggest problem is that Zero Gunner 2 lacks longevity, even when you take the two-player mode, multiple difficulty levels and (offline) high score table into account. With that said, it's still an essential download for shooter fans and is creative enough to be recommended to those who have a passing interest in the genre but want something a little different.
Zero Gunner 2 Game Cover
65%Game Brain Score
Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics
Most mentioned negative aspects:music, story
74% User Score Based on 34 reviews
Critic Score 75%Based on 2 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchPCXbox Game PassCloudPlaystation 4Xbox OneXbox Cloud GamingXboxDreamcastSteam DeckWindowsPlayStation
Zero Gunner 2 Game Cover

About

Zero Gunner 2 is a single player and multiplayer arcade shooter game. It was developed by CITY CONNECTION and was released on December 20, 2020. It received mostly positive reviews from both critics and players.

Famous for its cool world and innovatively omnidirectional shooting system, ZERO GUNNER 2 is coming back as ZERO GUNNER 2-. Blast every enemy plane from various sides of your screen. Fans who have enjoyed Psikyo Shooting will definitely enjoy this new ZERO GUNNER 2-. The compilation of Psikyo shooting game, ZERO GUNNER 2-, is reviving now!

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74%Audience ScoreBased on 34 reviews
gameplay8 positive mentions
story1 negative mentions

  • Unique 360-degree rotation mechanic offers a fresh and engaging shoot-'em-up experience requiring skill and adaptability.
  • Faithful remake with polished visuals, vibrant environments, and impressive transforming bosses that create memorable battles.
  • Includes modern features such as adjustable difficulty, save states, online leaderboards, and multiple helicopters with distinct playstyles.
  • PC port suffers from control configuration issues, lack of keyboard remapping, awkward default controls, and inconsistent controller support.
  • Short overall length with only 7 stages and minimal story or extra content, limiting appeal for players seeking depth or replay value beyond scoring.
  • Music and sound design receive mixed reactions, with some finding it outdated or unmemorable, and occasional frame rate drops or bugs reported.
  • gameplay

    25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Zero Gunner 2 offers a distinctive arcade-style shooter experience centered on a unique 360-degree rotation aiming mechanic that adds strategic depth and freedom to its fast-paced, bullet-hell gameplay. While the controls may feel awkward initially, mastery rewards players with satisfying precision and engaging boss battles, making it a standout title for fans of skill-based shmups. Though relatively simple and brief, its gameplay remains enjoyable and memorable, especially in co-op mode.

    • “At its core, Zero Gunner 2 remains a high-intensity, arcade-style experience built around short, explosive stages, giant mechanical bosses, and a scoring system designed to reward precision and survival.”
    • “What makes it fascinating is how it marries the chaos of bullet-hell gameplay with a distinct sense of control and freedom, allowing players to carve their own path through the battlefield in ways most shooters never allow.”
    • “The big difference here is the 'aim point' mechanic, allowing you to control the direction and angle that you are shooting, and this is a critical mechanic to fight the bosses in this game.”
    • “The controls, while faithful to the original, can feel awkward at first on modern controllers, especially when mapping the rotation mechanic.”
    • “It looks and plays like a lot of the shmups of the early 2000s but it has an awkward pivoting mechanic that takes some getting used to.”
    • “[For some strange reason, there's no way to configure the controls, extremely short with no extras, gameplay could use a bit more complexity.]”
  • graphics

    11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics retain the early-2000s arcade aesthetic with polished 3D models and effects, offering clean colors and smooth frame rates, though textures can appear basic or dated up close. While not a major overhaul, the visuals hold up well today, especially with the widescreen HD presentation, providing a faithful and enjoyable experience that balances nostalgia with solid graphical quality.

    • “The 3D models and effects have been polished, though not overhauled, preserving that distinctive early-2000s arcade aesthetic.”
    • “"Zero Gunner 2" is an early 2000s shooter that holds up well by today's standards: graphics look great, frame rate and gameplay are smooth, and there are ample continues and adjustable difficulty to accommodate all players.”
    • “Solid remake of the Dreamcast/NAOMI original, with widescreen HD graphics that look quite good (as long as you don't see the textures up close).”
    • “The visuals clearly show the game’s age.”
    • “While the re-release doesn’t reinvent the game or address every technical shortcoming—such as dated visuals and occasional frame inconsistencies—it remains a faithful recreation of an underappreciated classic.”
    • “The original game is from 2001, so don't expect mind-blowing graphics.”
  • music

    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is generally well-received for enhancing the action and atmosphere, with energetic electronic and memorable tracks praised by some players. However, opinions are mixed, as others find the soundtrack acceptable but forgettable or not to their taste, expressing a desire for remixes or improved variety. Overall, the music effectively complements the gameplay but may not stand out significantly for all players.

    • “The sound design complements the visuals well, with thumping electronic music that drives the action forward and sharp audio cues that help you anticipate incoming threats.”
    • “The music is amazing, and the game has tons of charm and soul.”
    • “My favorite arcade shooter with an awesome soundtrack and some of the best yet simplest mechanics ever with the hold button to rotate, best enjoyed in 2 player co-op.”
    • “The soundtrack is acceptable but not particularly memorable.”
    • “I don't like how the music sounds.”
    • “The few minor criticisms I have of 'Zero Gunner 2' are: forgettable late 90's nightclub dance music accompanied by the occasional guitar.”
  • story

    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story is minimal and primarily serves as a backdrop for continuous combat missions across varied environments. While the fast-paced action appeals to score chasers and genre fans, players looking for a deeper or more expansive narrative may find it lacking.

  • humor

    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is praised for its humor, which complements the action-packed shooting gameplay, providing an entertaining and lighthearted experience.

  • monetization

    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization is widely viewed as a disappointing cash grab, negatively impacting the overall experience.

    • “Sad cash grab state of development here.”
  • stability

    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game suffers from significant stability issues, with frequent bugs impacting the overall experience.

    • “Very buggy game.”
  • replayability

    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Replayability could be enhanced by adding dual-stick controls, allowing turn functions to be bound to the right stick for improved playability.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Zero Gunner 2 is a arcade shooter game.

Zero Gunner 2 is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and others.

Zero Gunner 2 was released on December 20, 2020.

Zero Gunner 2 was developed by CITY CONNECTION.

Zero Gunner 2 has received mostly positive reviews from both players and critics. Most players liked Zero Gunner 2 for its gameplay but disliked it for its music.

Zero Gunner 2 is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

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