Ash
A young wizard and one of the game's playable adventurers.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Shot | Fire the main weapon |
|---|---|
Magic | Use the character's magic attack |
Bomb | Use a bomb for powerful damage and emergency defense |
Joystick | Move the character in eight directions |
Control notes
Arcade control labels can vary by cabinet and region.
The game supports one or two players.
How it plays
How does Gunbird play?
Gunbird is viewed from above in a vertically scrolling perspective. The player guides one adventurer through a fixed sequence of stages, destroys enemies, collects power-ups, and defeats a boss at the end of each stage. Enemy fire becomes denser as the game progresses.
The standard arcade setup provides rapid shooting, a character-specific magic attack, and bombs for emergency defense. Power-ups improve the main shot, while score items reward aggressive play. The game supports one or two players, with continues available according to the arcade machine's settings.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Gunbird?
Stay near the lower portion of the screen, but keep moving rather than hugging one position. Learn the timing of each boss pattern and preserve a bomb for moments when escape routes close.
Collect shot power-ups consistently and prioritize enemies that can create overlapping bullet patterns. For higher scores, destroy large enemies quickly and collect items before they leave the screen, but survival should take priority during later stages.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Marion
A young witch and playable character who uses magic alongside her firearm.
Valnus
A playable armored robot character with a distinct attack style.
Tetsu
A playable martial artist and adventurer.
Yuan Nang
A playable Chinese martial artist seeking the wish-granting mirror.
Hei-Cob
A playable bird-like adventurer associated with the game's fantasy cast.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use the character whose shot pattern is easiest for you to control.
- 2
Do not spend every bomb immediately; keep one for a dangerous boss pattern.
- 3
Memorize stage enemy entrances because many attacks begin from off-screen.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0