Gunbluster
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The Gunbluster is a type of Zoid, a race of mechanical lifeforms from the fictional Zoids universe.
- Note: Although incorrect in English, the spelling of Gunbluster is used by both the old and new Japanese model releases.
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OverviewThe Gunbluster is an Ankylosaurus-type Zoid, used by the Helic Republic in the various wars on Zi.Designed for fire support, the Gunbluster's most distinctive feature is the array of twenty-two cannons built into its back. These weapons are designed to be fired as one mass assault, allowing the Gunbluster to wipe out most anything that it faces. The Zoid is strong on defence as it is offence, being equipped with thick armour and a powerful omni-directional energy shield built into the twenty-four spikes along the side of its body. In addition to protecting the Zoid form weapons fire, the shield also provides protection against Electronic Warfare and jamming. While slow and bulky, the Gunbluster is surprisingly agile and able to traverse difficult terrain. Its only weakness is its lack of close-quarters defenses; the Zoid lacks melee weapons. Battle Story appearancesThe Gunbluster saw service in the early battles of the Helic Republic invasion of the Dark Continent in ZAC 2053. A squadron of Helic Gunblusters, lead by Shuu, used their sheer firepower to blast their way through the Guylos defenses. However, the Zoids were met by the Jet-Black Corps, a force of former Zenebas aces, lead by Störmer. Equipped with Darkhorns, they were able able to fight them to a standstill, Störmer and Shuu duelling for several hours and proving to be evenly matched.The Republican Gunblusters that survived the abortive attack on the Guylos Empire and the resulting counter-invasion were destroyed in the ZAC 2056 meteor shower. The design was not destroyed, and the Republic rebuilt the Gunbluster prior to the ZAC 2101 invasion of the Dark Continent. A large unit of Liger Zeroes and Shadow Foxes were intercepted by the Eisen Dragoons, equipped with the Berserk Führer and Grounchar units. The Helic Zoids were taking heavy casualties, and were on the verge of being wiped out, when a group of Gunblusters arrived to reinforce, driving off the Guylos elites. Media appearancesThe Gunbluster does not appear in any of the anime series'. It is acquirable in the Zoids Saga Game Boy Advance games.ModelsOriginal Japanese Release
The Gunbluster's assembly is not overly complex, with the most difficult part being the assembly of the weapons and the gears that cause them to rotate when the Zoid is activated. When activated, the Zoid also walks forward, while opening and closing its mouth while the weapon barrels spin. The motor is powered by a single "AA" battery. The Gunbluster was first released in July 1999. The Zoid is similar in design and appearance to other Grade Ups Zoids, but does not possess a Grade Up connector port. Several other versions of the Gunbluster have been released. These are detailed below. New Japanese ReleaseThe New Japanese Release Gunbluster is almost exactly identical in design to the original, except two small conduits moulded onto the body frames were removed. However, these conduits are depicted in the instructions and on the box art. The Gunbluster was recoloured in dark blue, grey-blue, dark grey, and gold. As the original model did not feature clear eyes, the peices of the eyes were painted orange on this version.New American ReleaseRenamed the Gunblaster, this Zoid was released in the United States shortly before the New American Release line was cancelled. The only changes to the model were made on the packaging.The Zoid was also re-released in Australia as a part of the New Pacific Release. Holotech GunblusterBefore the NAR line was cancelled, plans were made to release a Holotech Gunblaster. This model never reached production, and probably never advanced beyond a single prototype.
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