Gun Sniper

The Gun Sniper (also written as Gunsniper) is a type of Zoid, a race of mechanical lifeforms from the fictional Zoids universe.

Overview

The Gun Sniper is a Velociraptor-type Zoid, created by the Helic Republic.

One of the first Helic Zoids created using the Organoid System, the Gun Sniper is considered to be one of the most intelligent Zoids in active service, capable of "learning" from its pilot. Light and agile, the Zoid is designed both to function as an infantry machine and for fire support.

The Zoid's primary weapon is a 144mm Sniper Rifle built into the Zoid's tail. Although it requires the Zoid to be immobilised in order to fire, the powerful weapon is capable of disabling far larger Zoids with a single shot. Secondary weapons include a respectable selection of both ranged weapons and close-combat claws and fangs, making the Gun Sniper very well armed for its diminutive size.

Battle Story appearances

Following the acquisition of the Organoid System technology, the Helic Republic began development of a new generation of Zoids to counter the newer Guylos designs, while supplementing their own forces. Designed to replace older infantry Zoids like the Godos, the Gun Sniper proved to be very effective. It was more then capable against similar Guylos designs, especially the newer Rev Rapter, which was considered to be its counterpart. By ZAC 2100, the Gunsniper had become the standard infantry Zoid of the Helic army.

Media appearances

Anime

Guardian Force

The Gun Sniper first appeared in Zoids: Guardian Force. Initially introduced as a brand-new Helic Zoid, the Gun Sniper quickly (and rather inexplicably) appeared en-masse in the hands of not only the Helic military, but also bandits and mercenaries. In one particularly glaring example, a professional assassin known as "Phantom" appeared to have been using the Zoid for longer then the Helic Army had.

New Century Zero

Two of the major characters in Zoids: New Century Zero used modified Gun Snipers during the series. After the destruction of her Dibison, Leena Toros purchased a modified Gun Sniper, that had been equipped with a large array of weapons. Besides a CP-13 Wild Weasel Unit, the Zoid also mounted two CP-03 Beam Gattling Cannons (each with Redhorn 3-Barreled Linear Cannons) and a quartet of missile pods (apparently Dibison parts). Like many of the custom Zoids from New Century, Leena's Gun Sniper was not available as a model and could not be built without considerable customisation.

Naomi Flugel also used a customised Gun Sniper equipped with a more powerful tail weapon, in addition to sporting a distinctive red paint scheme. Several other Gun Snipers appeared in the series, including a pair used by Naomi's two short-lived teammates.

Fuzors

Gun Snipers appeared in several episodes of Zoids: Fuzors, usually in supporting roles. Interestingly enough, all the Gun Snipers in Fuzors sported the same custom configuration as the one used by Leena in New Century.

Models

New Japanese Release

• Assembly required. (Snap-together, no glue needed. Scissors or X-acto knife recommended for trimming off excess plastic bits.)
• The model's colours are moulded into the plastic, and it does not need any paint.

The Gun Sniper comes on four frames, along with a small wind-up motor, a clear canopy, two pre-assembled missile launchers, four rubber caps, a small grey pilot, and label sheets. The Zoid is moulded in light and dark blue, with orange caps. The Gun Sniper was the fourth completely new design to be released as part of the New Japanese Release.

Construction of the Gun Sniper is relatively simple and straightforward. The Zoid uses a simple wind-up motor for its motion; once wound, the Zoid will walk forwards and wave its arms. The Gunsniper has suffered from consistently poor production quality, with many models being unable to walk.

A single upgrade kit has been released for the Gun Sniper. The CP-13 Wild Weasel unit consists of a replacement back plate mounting two outrigger pods, each containing two pairs of cannons, for a total of eight cannons. Contrary to common fan belief, in the Battle Story, use of the Wild Weasel unit does not disable the Sniper Rifle.

Gun Sniper Naomi

A limited edition version of the Gun Sniper was released in 2000, recoloured in red and black to match Naomi Flugel's Zoid from the New Century anime.

New American Release

A version of the model was released as part of the New American Release No changes were made aside from the packaging.

The NAR Zoid was also released as part of the New Pacific Release.

New English Release

The Gun Sniper was released in England in 2003 as a part of the New English Release.