Zoids Info

Gunbluster

—

A Helic Republic Ankylosaurus-type Zoid developed to counter the powerful Zoids unleashed by the Guylos Empire (Dark Army) [45]. Equipped with the Hyper Rolling Cannon, which combined more than a dozen types of guns into one system, it came to be known as the “strongest artillery Zoid in history” [44]. With high performance in both offense and defense, plus cutting-edge radar, Gunbluster functioned as the backbone of the Republic’s ground forces [48].

After the Republic Army’s failure in its first Dark Continent landing operation during the First Intercontinental War, Gunbluster was deployed as a new force in the second landing, contributing greatly to success [49]. In the Second Intercontinental War, following lessons learned from battle against Elephander, it was revived by the Republic’s technical division and returned to the front lines [50][Note 13].

—

(Old) refers to names used during the First Intercontinental War (Phase 1). (New) refers to names used during the Second Intercontinental War (Phase 2).

Hyper Rolling Cannon The Gunbluster’s primary dorsal cannon [Note 14]. A total of 20 barrels, including three triple-barrel rotary guns, capable of amplifying energy output to the maximum [45]. By altering each beam’s frequency, its shots could bypass any E-Shield [48][Note 15]. At close range, it possessed such tremendous destructive power that it could easily penetrate even giant Zoids [51].

During the First Intercontinental War it was nicknamed the “Golden Cannon” [52], delivering salvos of 1,000 rounds per second for a sustained 3,000-shot barrage [53]. This overwhelming firepower destroyed Dark Horns [54], modified Iron Kongs [53], and even modified Deathsaurers in a single strike [52].

In the Second Intercontinental War, it gained a full-barrage attack called Hyper Rolling Thunder, but this technique required post-use cooling, leaving the Zoid temporarily weakened [47].

Super Electromagnetic Shield Horns 24 horns protruding from the sides of the body. They generated a super electromagnetic shield to block enemy attacks. By the Second Intercontinental War, the shield had such durability that it could withstand a direct charged particle cannon blast from a Geno Saurer-class for over 10 seconds [48].

In the First War, it managed to block a Black Kong’s Beam Smasher once, but collapsed immediately afterward [55]. It also interfered with Grancher’s Jamming Wave, halving its effectiveness [50].

Energy Charger Mounted on the Zoid’s back [54][Note 16].

3D Sensor (old) / 3D Radar (new) Mounted in the horns on the head.

Cooling Exhaust Vents Located on the limbs [54].

Rear Surveillance Radar Mounted on Gunbluster’s tail.

Electron Bite Fang (new) Installed in the mouth. Functions as sharp fangs capable of crushing enemy machines [54].

—

The kit is powered by one AA battery. The power unit has a single shaft for the walking mechanism and another output shaft above it for linked movements. A plate-shaped component in the waist functions as the power switch, sliding forward/back to toggle the motor.

The walking system drives only the hind legs directly, with the forelegs moving in follow-up motion similar to a wind-up Zoid. This walking is linked to rotation of the dorsal Rolling Cannon (upper three shafts only) and to opening/closing of the lower jaw (via linkage from the left foreleg), synchronized with walking.

Manual gimmicks: Only cockpit hatch opening/closing. Unlike other new Zoids of this period, which normally had both a Power Connector (for custom parts) and a Power Emblem (combat strength plate), Gunbluster uniquely lacked a connector and came only with the emblem.

RPZ-11 Gunbluster Released July 1989. Colors: blue and white armor, silver horns and claws, gold-plated eyes and cannons (befitting the “Golden Cannon” nickname).

RZ-52 Gunbluster Released September 2001. Colors: two-tone blue armor, gold horns and claws, German gray cannons, and orange pre-painted eyes. The dorsal power pipes were omitted, and the battery cover changed to screw-fastened.

*Zoids Battle Story* (Shogakukan) First appears in *New Zoids Battle Story*. In June, ZAC 2052, during the Republic Army’s Second Dark Continent Landing Operation of the First Intercontinental War, the unit piloted by Air Force Second Lieutenant Krüger made its combat debut. Using the Hyper Rolling Cannon, it instantly destroyed ten Deadborder units in the opening battle, shredded the successive waves of Guylos Zoids, and cleared the path forward for the Republic forces [49].

In the battle at a Dark Army secret base, even after its Super Electromagnetic Shield was destroyed, it managed to block the Black Kong’s Beam Smasher and then defeated the Black Kong [55].

In October, ZAC 2053, during the Republic air raid by Gilvader, Air Force Captain Graham piloted a Gunbluster. He opened anti-air fire on Gilvader, but when his subordinate Krüger’s Salamander F² was ambushed by escorting Redlers, Graham shifted his aim to target the Redler. Seizing that momentary lapse, Gilvader fired its Beam Smasher, cleaving Gunbluster in half and killing Captain Graham [56].

*Zoids Battle Story* (School Magazine Edition) A secret island factory developing the Gunbluster was attacked by the Dark Army, where the unit saw its first battle. It is said to have been completed in the midst of the desperate defense by the factory garrison and relief forces [57].

In *Zoids Official Fan Book 3*, it appears in August, ZAC 2101, on the Wigrid Plains of the Nyx Continent. Transported by Salamander Cargo to reinforce the Rayforce Division, which was trapped in a crisis against the Eisen Dragoon (Iron Dragon Cavalry Corps), Gunbluster neutralized Berserk Führer’s E-Shield with the Hyper Rolling Cannon and inflicted damage on the Berserk Führer itself, turning the tide of battle [50].

In *Zoids Official Fan Book 4*, during the Eisen Dragoon’s advance into the Central Continent in December, ZAC 2101, Gunbluster units deployed for the defense were destroyed by the Dark Spiner and Sturm Führer [58].

In early spring, ZAC 2106, Gunbluster demonstrated its power in the Cook Fortress assault operation, making full use of its twenty-barreled main cannon [59].

—

*Zoids Battle Card Game* Appeared in Booster Pack Vol.4 (released March 2001), preceding the release of the RZ-series kit. The body color followed the 1989 RPZ-11 scheme, but with light gray gun barrels as a unique variation. This card was given the special ability “Full Barrage.” The still photo used for the card was later repurposed in the Battle Story [60]. Meanwhile, a card with the RZ-52 color scheme was included as a first-release limited bonus with the RZ-52 kit in September 2001.

*ZOIDS FIELD OF REBELLION* Appears as a playable medium-class Zoid [61]. While the game’s setting is based on *ZOIDS concept art*, the Gunbluster design closely followed that of the original kits, and both RPZ-11 and RZ-52 color versions were implemented. Within the story, it is piloted by Logan Heimdall, a former Republic officer nicknamed the “Demon Commander.”

A remodeled machine of *New Zoids Battle Story*. It was modified for bipedal walking, improving its mobility. It can also engage in close combat with the claws on its forelegs. Its primary role is long-range support fire from the rear [62].

Its first appearance was in *Shogakukan’s “Third Grade Elementary School”*, November 1989 issue. In that publication, it was described as a modification for anti-aircraft fire [63].

During the Republic capital air raid by Gilvader, it played an active role. With anti-air fire, it shot down all the escorting Redlers, and its bombardment forced Gilvader into evasive maneuvers that caused it to exhaust its energy. In the end, it was destroyed by the Beam Smasher, but succeeded in driving Gilvader back to the Dark Continent [63].

A remodeled Gunbluster published in *Dengeki Hobby Magazine*, December 2001 issue. To make better use of the low-mobility Gunbluster, it was given urban camouflage for ambush tactics against invading enemies. A camouflage cover that also functions as improvised armor is attached to the Hyper Rolling Cannon section, and during combat it is purged with explosives. Deployed on the Republic mainland, it achieved results in ambushes during visual-range combat in urban areas [64].

Published in *Shogakukan’s “Third Grade”*, November 2001 issue, and *Shogakukan’s “Fourth Grade”*, November 2001 issue. It mounts the main cannon set from Cannon Tortoise along with a large-caliber beam cannon onto the Gunbluster [65][66].

In the manga *Zoids Battler Raiga*, it played an active role in the Battle of Hell’s Gate. With a wire trap laid on the field, it captured the Liger Zero Panzer and destroyed it with a simultaneous volley [67].

Published in *Shogakukan’s “Fifth Grade”*, December 2001 issue, and *Shogakukan’s “Sixth Grade”*, November 2001 issue. It modifies the Gunbluster by equipping it with Gojulas Cannons and parts from Liger Zero X (Electron Drivers and their cooling fins) [68][69].