Gatling Groink

Gatling Groink
Appears in	Pikmin 2
Scientific name	Megaplod calibersi
Family	Unknown
Areas	Wistful Wild
Caves	Subterranean Complex, Cavern of Chaos, Dream Den
Challenge Mode stages	Collector's Room, Three Color Training, Secret Testing Range, Sniper Room
2-Player Battle stages	None
Attacks	Fires explosive mortars

The Gatling Groink is an enemy in Pikmin 2. It is a large biomechanical creature resembling a rotund goldfish with what appears to be a windshield between its two forward-facing eyes, two long, slender legs, two upward exhaust pipes, a rotatable tail, and a mouthplate which covers both its underside and a cannon that fires mortar rounds. The origins of the mechanical parts are unknown, much like the Man-at-Legs.

Groinks can usually be seen patrolling caves and are known to actively hunt the active captain and his Pikmin. A stronger variation of the Groink is found on top of hard-to-reach towers, giving it a wide attack range, which is especially annoying when they are in possession of a treasure and cannot merely be avoided. There are two behaviors, one for standing still and shooting enemies below at long range, one for walking around, shooting at short range. This is evidenced by the fact that if a tower-standing Gatling Groink is taken down and left to be revived, it will not move from its spot. It attacks by initiating a cannon from its mouth and fires either one large or three small mortars (with very little time between firings). When the shells hit the ground, they explode and scatter any of the Pikmin in range and kill those at the absolute center of the blast. If used correctly and carefully, the Gatling Groink's cannon can be used to kill other enemies and even airborne enemies. To do this, the Gatling Groink must fire at the active captain while he is standing near or under an enemy. If this is done correctly, it should be able to kill most large ground enemies in three to four shots. The shells will not harm the Gatling Groink itself, however.

Fast Gatling Groink

In Challenge Mode's Secret Testing Range, if a Gatling Groink is allowed to regenerate after it dies, it will sometimes come back as a sped up version that walks and shoots four times faster than normal.

Notes

Olimar's notes

“This beastly predator's aggressive ejection of high-speed projectiles makes it one of the most fearsome creatures in the ecosystem. Its body seems to comprise of both biological and mechanical components, and represents one of the most evolutionarily advanced specimens ever observed. The chamber within its torso gives it rapid-fire bio-pellet launch capabilities. What appears to be a tail fin is in fact the base of its counter-weight and ammunition cylinder, so immobilizing this appendage will prevent the groink from attacking...at least in theory. Confirmation of this suspicion remains elusive, as nobody has volunteered to test it.”

Louie's notes

“Remove the cannon and ammo stockpile, then vigorously tenderize the meat with a heavy mallet. Stir-fry with caramelized onions and figwort sprouts. Spoon over a steaming bowl of fluffy white rice and douse with chili sauce.”

File:Gatlinggroink.jpg

Artwork of a Gatling Groink

Killing Strategy

The best method to attack it is to throw Pikmin onto its sides and back, as the front has a protective shield. Certainly the most effective strategy is to pummel it with heavy Purple Pikmin, as each one carries a chance of stunning the creature, preventing it from fighting back. Once defeated, this beast will begin to regenerate its health, just as the Spotty Bulbear does, making it crucial to carry it to the Onion, or Research Pod if underground. If not, it will revive within about two minutes, and then continue its attack. It is said in Olimar's notes that if its tail were incapacitated, it would be incapable of attacking; in fact, if Pikmin are thrown on the tail, it will be unable to use its mortar, but will attempt to shake them off. However, in the Cavern of Chaos, they are accompanied by many Dwarf Red Bulborbs, in which case using an Ultra Bitter Spray would be wise due to the Bulborbs. In the case of patrolling Gatling Groinks, it is also possible to attract the Groink's attention, and then move to a position in which a bottomless chasm is between the leader and the Groink. The Groink's stride is often high enough to step over the safety barriers that ordinarily stop leaders, pikmin, and other monsters from falling into the chasms. In this case, the body will be irretrievable, although any treasures it may have been carrying will fall onto a random location on the map. If there are two Gatling Groinks then let each of them shoot eachother adn when one has been taken out, then take out the other one with advised Purple Pikmin.