Cyber Troopers Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram

Overview

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram, also known as Den'nou Senki Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram, is a 3D sci-fi third-person mecha combat game developed by Sega AM3 and released by Sega for arcades (using their Model 3 hardware) on March 1998.

The first sequel to the 1995 game Virtual-On: Cyber Troopers, Oratorio Tangram features a new selection of Virtuaroid mecha to fight one-on-one battles with, along with several new maneuvers (such as being able to dash in the air and enhanced "Turbo Attacks").

Set 20 years after the events of the original game (or "Operation Moongate"), the game's story involves a sentient A.I. known as "Tangram", who has infected systems all over the world with its "Tangram Virus". The player's system is somehow the only one not infected, and they must use their Virtuaroid to defeat all the others and destroy Tangram.

It later received multiple updates, as well as a home conversion for the Dreamcast. It later received an enhanced digital-only Xbox 360 port, and was included in the PS4 Japan-only compilation Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Masterpiece 1995~2001. It was superseded by Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Force.

Updates & Ports

The game later received two enhanced updates, with the original known as "M.S.B.S.Ver.5.2". The "M.S.B.S.Ver.5.4" release in 1999 has several gameplay and balance updates (including being able to cancel certain animations). The "M.S.B.S.Ver. 5.66" release in 2000 is based on the home Dreamcast release and switches the arcade hardware to DC-based NAOMI hardware, further updating the gameplay balance while adding new Virtuaroids and bonus VMU support (allowing players to use customized mecha colors from the home version, with the new mecha customizable with Dreamcast software included in the Dreamcast Magazine). The original version also received a limited-release dedicated simulator-style cabinet in 1999.

The game received a home release for the Dreamcast, released in Japan on December 9, 1999 and in North America (by Activision) on June 7, 2000. Based on "Ver.5.4" (with "Ver.5.2" as an unlockable), this port features two-player split-screen multiplayer, several customization options (including Virtuaroid colors and avatar emblems), and online multiplayer (Japanese version only).

It later received a digital release for the Xbox 360 (via Xbox Live Arcade) worldwide on April 29, 2009. Based on the "Ver.5.66" release, it features the color edit functionality of the Dreamcast release while adding Xbox Live online multiplayer and a 720p HD display.

Virtuaroids

In home versions of the game, both Temjin and Raiden have hidden "prototype" versions based on their original Virtual-On counter-parts, which deal additional damage at the cost of removing the new maneuvers (such as air dashing and turbo shots).

• HBV-502-Hb "Raiden"
• GAV-326-D/9 "Grys-Vok"
• SBV 328-B "Stein-Vok" - Added in Ver.5.66.
• MBV-707-G "Temjin"
• MBV-04-10/BDSP "10/80 Special" - Added in Ver.5.66.
• XBV-819-TR4 "Bal-Bados"
• SGV-417-L "Angelan"
• RVR-87 "Specineff"
• RVR-33 "Apharmd S" - Also known as the "Apharmd Striker".
• RVR-39 "Apharmd B" - Also known as the "Apharmd Battler".
• RVR-12 "Apharmd C"- Added in Ver.5.66. Also known as the "Apharmd Commander".
• RVR-42 "Cypher"
• RVR-14 "Fei-Yen Kn"
• RVR-68 "Dordray"
• CVT-001 "Ajim" - Hidden sub-boss that is fought if the player wins a certain amount of matches through time (as a "penalty"). It is playable in home versions of the game.
• CB-99 "Bradtos" - Mid-boss. Unplayable.
• 9th PLANT Final Reactor "Tangram" - Final boss. Unplayable.