Software:Gunbird 2

From HandWiki
Gunbird 2
Developer(s)Psikyo
Kuusoukagaku, Mobirix, APX Soft, Google Play (Android)
Publisher(s)Capcom
Dreamcast
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows
City Connection
Producer(s)Shinsuke Nakamura
Designer(s)
  • Hiroshi Yamada
  • Hideyuki Oda
  • Norikazu Takemori
  • Yoko Tsukagoshi
  • Emi Taniguchi
  • Keizou Fujita
  • Kunio Asahara
  • Masashi Kajikawa
  • Shinji Nohara
  • Naozumi Yorichika
Programmer(s)
  • Shiori Saito
  • Kenichi Fujita
  • Kunihiko Nogomi
  • Katsuhiro Nishida
  • Katsuya Shikanouchi
Artist(s)Masato Natsumoto
Composer(s)Masaki Izutani
SeriesGunbird
Platform(s)Arcade, Dreamcast, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
ReleaseArcade
  • JP: December 1998
Dreamcast
  • JP: March 9, 2000
  • NA: November 15, 2000[1]
  • PAL: February 2, 2001
Android
  • KOR: 2014
  • WW: April 7, 2016
iOS
May 31, 2016
Switch
June 21, 2018
Windows
June 10, 2020
PlayStation 4, Xbox One
August 3, 2022
Genre(s)Scrolling shooter
Mode(s)Single-player, two-player co-op
Arcade systemPsikyo SH2

Gunbird 2 (ガンバード2, Ganbādo 2) is a 2D scrolling shooter developed by Psikyo and published by Capcom as a sequel to the original Gunbird. It was originally released in Japanese arcades in 1998, and was later ported to the Dreamcast in 2000 and released worldwide. An Android version was released in Korea in 2014, before it came out worldwide on both Android and iOS in 2016.[2] The arcade game was also included in Gunbird Special Edition for the PlayStation 2. A version was released on Nintendo Switch in June 2018,[3] Microsoft Windows in June 2020, and PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in August 2022.

Gameplay

Arcade version screenshot, showing Marion battling the England stage boss.

There are seven stages in each game loop (two loops total). The first three stages are randomly chosen from possible four. At the second loop, enemies fire denser bullet patterns moving at faster speeds. Stage 2-1 takes place at the only stage not available in 1st loop, instead of the 1-1 counterpart. After completing the first loop with only one player, player can choose one of two choices for a wish with magic potion, with unique ending for each choice. If 1st loop is completed with two players, a combination-specific ending is played.

This was the first Psikyo shooter to feature medal-chaining:[2] picking up 2,000 point medals (when they flash) repeatedly results in a slight point increase and a coin chain, recorded separately from the score. This was later featured in Strikers 1945 III/Strikers 1999.

The arcade game supports both English and Japanese languages, chosen via arcade board dip switch settings. The language setting is Japanese if dip switches are set to Japanese, English otherwise.

Two exclusive playable characters in the Sega Dreamcast port of Gunbird 2, released in 2000, includes Morrigan Aensland from the Darkstalkers series and Aine from the Samurai Aces series. Other new features include Internet ranking, gallery, and voices during intermission.[4]

Plot

Seven warriors are challenged to head on a quest to find three powerful elements of Sun, Moon and Stars. Whoever brings the elements to God will be rewarded the legendary Almighty Potion and all its magical powers.[5]

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
DreamcastiOSNS
AllGameStarStarHalf star[8]N/AN/A
EGM6.5/10[10][lower-alpha 1]N/AN/A
Famitsu29/40[12]N/AN/A
Game Informer5.5/10[13]N/AN/A
GameFan93%[14][lower-alpha 2]
(E.M.) 90%[15]		N/AN/A
GameRevolutionB−[16]N/AN/A
GameSpot5.8/10[17]N/AN/A
GameSpy8.5/10[18]N/AN/A
IGN8.4/10[19]N/AN/A
Next GenerationStarStarStar[20]N/AN/A
Nintendo LifeN/AN/A8/10[21]
TouchArcadeN/AStarStarStarHalf star[22]N/A
MaximStarStarStar[23]N/AN/A
Aggregate score
Metacritic64/100[6]N/A73/100[7]

The Dreamcast and Nintendo Switch versions received "mixed or average reviews" according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[6][7] IGN's Anthony Chau said of the former console version: "I hope that most of you that decide to get Gunbird 2 are those that know the excitement of weaving between enemy fire, appreciate 2D artistry, and respect classic gameplay that never gets old. If that's you, you'll definitely be satisfied."[19] GameSpot's Steven Garrett, however, was much more critical of the same console version, opining, "If a good 16-bit shooter is what you're looking for, you could do a lot better elsewhere."[17] Electronic Gaming Monthly and Game Informer gave said console version mixed reviews, nearly two months before it was released Stateside.[10][13] Tokyo Drifter of GamePro called it "a fantastic shooter with tremendous replay value, and is highly recommended for fans of the genre."[24][lower-alpha 3] Jeff Lundrigan of NextGen said of the same console version, "If you want a ridiculously high level of pure twitch-response challenge, look no further. If you don't, well, move along."[20] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of 29 out of 40.[12]

Also in Japan, Game Machine listed the arcade version in their January 1, 1999 issue as the fourth most-successful arcade game of December 1998.[25]

Legacy

Gunbird Special Edition

Main article: Software:Gunbird Special Edition

A compilation including both Gunbird games was released for the PlayStation 2 in Japan in 2004 and Europe in 2005. The version of the game included was based on the arcade version.

Cancelled PlayStation Portable remake

An enhanced remake, titled Gunbird 2 Remix was announced by PM Studios for the PlayStation Portable in 2009. It was slated for an early 2010 release exclusively in digital format.[26] No news has been heard since then, and it is considered vaporware.

Notes

  1. ↑ Three critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the Dreamcast version each a score of 7/10, 7.5/10, and 5/10 in an early review.
  2. ↑ In GameFan's viewpoint of the Dreamcast version's Japanese import, three critics gave it each a score of 89, 94, and 96.
  3. ↑ GamePro gave the Dreamcast version two 4/5 scores for graphics and control, 3.5/5 for sound, and 4.5/5 for fun factor.

References

  1. ↑ Justice, Brandon (October 31, 2000). "Cannon Spike Firing; Gunbird 2 in Flight in 2000". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on January 18, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230118202928/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/01/cannon-spike-firing-gunbird-2-in-flight-in-2000. Retrieved November 2, 2023. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Cauterize (April 15, 2014). "Psikyo's Shmup 'Gunbird 2' Blasts Onto iOS & Android". Archived from the original on April 17, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140417213411/http://www.retrocollect.com/News/psikyos-shmup-gunbird-2-blasts-onto-ios-a-android.html. Retrieved December 29, 2021. 
  3. ↑ "GUNBIRD2 for Nintendo Switch". https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/gunbird2-for-nintendo-switch. Retrieved September 15, 2018. 
  4. ↑ Laidlaw, Mike (March 10, 2001). "Gunbird 2 Dreamcast review". NewWorld.com, Inc.. http://www.avault.com/reviews/dreamcast/gunbird-2-dreamcast-review/. Retrieved July 29, 2016. 
  5. ↑ Gunbird 2 Dreamcast manual.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Gunbird 2 critic reviews (DC)". Fandom. Archived from the original on December 30, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211230042112/https://www.metacritic.com/game/dreamcast/gunbird-2. Retrieved November 2, 2023. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Gunbird 2 critic reviews (NS)". Fandom. Archived from the original on December 30, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211230042111/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/gunbird-2-for-nintendo-switch. Retrieved November 2, 2023. 
  8. ↑ Thompson, Jon. "Gunbird 2 (DC) - Review". All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 16, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141116062637/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=25285&tab=review. Retrieved December 30, 2021. 
  9. ↑ D'Aprile, Jason (December 27, 2000). "Gunbird 2 - Dreamcast Review". CNET. Archived from the original on January 26, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010126141000/http://www.gamecenter.com/Dreamcast/Reviews/Gunbird2/. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Johnston, Chris; Sewart, Greg; Mielke, James "Milkman" (October 2000). "Gunbird 2". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (135): 174. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230406193325/https://retrocdn.net/images/2/21/EGM_US_135.pdf. Retrieved November 2, 2023. 
  11. ↑ Nash, Jeff (December 18, 2000). "Gunbird 2 (DC)". Greedy Productions Ltd.. Archived from the original on September 10, 2002. https://web.archive.org/web/20020910151511/http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=4729&full=1#mr_toppy. Retrieved November 2, 2023. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "ガンバード2 [ドリームキャスト"] (in ja). Famitsu (Enterbrain). Archived from the original on December 30, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211230050619/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=12753&redirect=no. Retrieved November 2, 2023. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Gunbird 2". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (90). October 2000. 
  14. ↑ Rodriguez, Tyrone "Cerberus"; Ngo, George "Eggo"; Weitzner, Jason "Fury" (June 2000). "Gunbird 2 (DC; JP Import)". GameFan (Shinno Media) 8 (6): 13. https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_8_Issue_06/page/n13/mode/2up. Retrieved December 30, 2021. 
  15. ↑ Mylonas, Eric "ECM" (June 2000). "Gunbird 2 (DC; JP Import)". GameFan (Shinno Media) 8 (6): 84–85. https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_8_Issue_06/page/n85/mode/2up. Retrieved December 30, 2021. 
  16. ↑ Sparks, Shawn (December 2000). "Gunbird 2 Review". CraveOnline. Archived from the original on September 30, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150930083643/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/gunbird-2. Retrieved December 30, 2021. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Garrett, Steven (June 15, 2000). "Gunbird 2 Review (DC) [JP Import"]. Fandom. Archived from the original on June 24, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230624042438/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/gunbird-2-review/1900-2588926/. Retrieved July 29, 2016. 
  18. ↑ Mr. Domino (January 11, 2001). "Gunbird 2". IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on February 25, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090225091802/http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/gunbird2/. Retrieved December 30, 2021. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Chau, Anthony (November 20, 2000). "GunBird 2 [sic (DC)"]. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on August 8, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220808062955/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/21/gunbird-2. Retrieved November 2, 2023. 
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Lundrigan, Jeff (December 2000). "Gunbird 2 (DC)". NextGen (Imagine Media) (72): 108. https://archive.org/details/NextGen72Dec2000/page/n109/mode/2up. Retrieved December 30, 2021. 
  21. ↑ Frear, Dave (July 11, 2018). "Gunbird 2 Review". Hookshot Media. Archived from the original on November 29, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221129065624/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/gunbird_2. Retrieved November 2, 2023. 
  22. ↑ Carter, Chris (September 13, 2016). "'Gunbird 2' Review – Classic Cute 'em Up". TouchArcade.com, LLC. Archived from the original on April 14, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220414112347/https://toucharcade.com/2016/09/13/gunbird-2-review-classic-cute-em-up/. Retrieved November 2, 2023. 
  23. ↑ Fryman, Avi (2000). "Gun Bird 2 [sic (DC)"]. Maxim (MaximNet, Inc.). Archived from the original on June 26, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010626145516/http://www.maximonline.com/articles/review_videogames.asp?videogame_id=571. Retrieved December 30, 2021. 
  24. ↑ Tokyo Drifter (February 2001). "Gunbird 2 (DC) [score mislabeled as "4/5" in the archived link"]. GamePro (IDG) (149): 79. Archived from the original on December 16, 2004. https://web.archive.org/web/20041216000713/http://www.gamepro.com/sega/dreamcast/games/reviews/7432.shtml. Retrieved November 2, 2023. 
  25. ↑ "Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - TVゲーム機ーソフトウェア (Video Game Software)" (in ja). Game Machine (Amusement Press, Inc.) (579): 29. January 1, 1999. 
  26. ↑ Fahey, Mike (December 17, 2009). "PM Studios Brings Gunbird 2 To The PSP". G/O Media. Archived from the original on October 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231012220437/https://kotaku.com/pm-studios-brings-gunbird-2-to-the-psp-5429093. Retrieved November 2, 2023. 

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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