Gunbarich is a 2001 arcade title developed by Psikyo that blends the “brick-breaking” mechanics of Arkanoid with the fast-paced action of a pinball-shmup hybrid. It is a spin-off of Psikyo’s popular Gunbird shooting series and features its main protagonist, the young witch Marion, alongside a original character named Grutan. 

Core Gameplay Mechanics

• The Paddle-Flippers: Unlike standard block breakers with flat paddles, you control a pair of pinball flippers. Tapping a button flips them, allowing you to launch the “puck” at high speeds and control its trajectory more precisely.
• Combat Focus: Stages are filled with blocks, moving enemies, and environmental hazards. You can repel enemy bullets back at them with your flippers to deal massive damage.
• Boss Battles: The game includes frantic boss encounters at the end of themed environments, requiring you to use the ball to deplete their health bars.
• Characters:
  • Marion: A magician focused on magic and speed.
  • Grutan: A pirate-themed character focused on power. 

In Gunbarich, the story follows two young aspiring magicians who must prove their worth through a series of magical trials. Unlike typical brick-breakers, the game provides narrative context through short, kooky intermissions and character-specific dialogue. 

The Plot

The powerful witch Marjorie (sometimes translated as “Majoria”) has set up a series of magical tests to find “the great magician”. To succeed, the protagonists must navigate seven themed worlds, clearing block-filled arenas and defeating large, whimsical bosses. 

Characters

• Marion: The protagonist of the Gunbird series and a young witch from England. She is thrill-seeking and often accompanied by her talking rabbit, Pom-Pom. In this game, she is training to master magic and speed.
• Grutan: A newcomer to the series, he is a young pirate boy who wears skull-themed clothing and has a pet parrot. His motivation in the trials is driven by raw power. 

Ending

As is typical for arcade titles of this era, the story concludes with character-specific endings once the final world is cleared. While the tone is “sugar-sweet” and lighthearted, the gameplay difficulty scales significantly toward the final encounter with the high-witch Marjorie.