Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram
{{Short description|1999 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram
| image = Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram arcade flyer.jpg
| developer = Sega AM3
Sega AM2 (XBLA remake)
| publisher = {{vgrelease|WW|Sega|NA|Activision (DC)}}
| engine =
| series = Virtual On
| platforms = Arcade, Dreamcast, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4{{cite web |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2018/10/virtual-on-virtual-on-oratorio-tangram-and-virtual-on-force-coming-to-ps4 |title=Virtual-On, Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram, and Virtual-On Force coming to PS4 [Update] |first=Sal |last=Romano |date=October 18, 2018 |website=Gematsu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331043355/https://www.gematsu.com/2018/10/virtual-on-virtual-on-oratorio-tangram-and-virtual-on-force-coming-to-ps4 |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=September 18, 2023}}
| released = Arcade
{{vgrelease|WW|March 1998{{cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/ArcadeGameList1971-2005/page/n133 | title=アーケードTvゲームリスト国内•海外編(1971-2005) | date=2005 }}}}Dreamcast
{{vgrelease|JP|December 9, 1999|NA|June 7, 2000{{cite web |url=http://www.activision.com/investor/pressreleases/227.html |title=Activision Ships Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram[,] the Explosive Sega Dreamcast Sequel to Arcade Hit Virtual-on |first=Julia |last=Roether |date=June 7, 2000 |website=Activision |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010107205300/http://www.activision.com/investor/pressreleases/227.html |archive-date=January 7, 2001 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 22, 2019}}}}Xbox 360
April 29, 2009
PlayStation 4
{{vgrelease|JP|November 27, 2019{{cite web |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2019/09/cyber-troopers-virtual-on-masterpiece-19952001-for-ps4-launches-november-27-in-japan |title=Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Masterpiece 1995~2001 for PS4 launches November 27 in Japan |first=Sal |last=Romano |date=September 13, 2019 |website=Gematsu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610155809/https://www.gematsu.com/2019/09/cyber-troopers-virtual-on-masterpiece-19952001-for-ps4-launches-november-27-in-japan |archive-date=June 10, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=September 18, 2023}}}}
| genre = Action, Shooter, Fighting
| modes = Single player, multiplayer
| arcade system = Sega Model 3 (first edition)
Sega NAOMI (second edition)
}}
{{nihongo|Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram|電脳戦機バーチャロン オラトリオ・タングラム|Dennō Senki Bācharon Oratorio Tanguramu}} is a 1998 arcade action game from Sega, a 3D fighting game where the player assumes control of a giant humanoid robot. It was developed initially on the Sega Model 3 arcade hardware (M.S.B.S. Ver.5.2). Updated versions (Ver.5.4/5.45) were ported to the Dreamcast home console in 1999 and to North American arcades in 2000. A third update (Ver.5.66) was developed on the NAOMI board in 2000 and was ported to the Xbox 360 in 2009. Ortario Tangram is part of the Virtual On series and is the sequel to Virtual On: Cyber Troopers (1995); it was followed by the Japan-exclusive Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Force (2001).
Gameplay
As with its predecessor Virtual On: Cyber Troopers, Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram uses two joysticks for its controls.{{cite magazine |first=Warren |last=Harrod |title=Coin-Operated: Cyber Troops Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram|magazine=Sega Saturn Magazine|issue=26|publisher=Emap International Limited|date=December 1997|page=88}}
Plot
The game starts 20 years after the events of Virtual On: Cyber Troopers. After the defeat of Z-Gradt, the mightiest VR and the final boss of the first game, humans continued to battle in their VRs, searching for supremacy. However an unknown AI known as Tangram has awakened and became self-conscious. With the directive to destroy humanity, Tangram infects Earth's mother computer with a virus called "Tangram Virus" and hacks into all VR systems, except for the player's VR. It plans to use the infected VRs to destroy the last human colonies that survived the previous war. The player character begins the mission to defeat all VRs and destroy Tangram.
After defeating all VRs, the player character is teleported to the Earth's mother computer system to fight Tangram. Depending on the final battle outcome, there are two endings.
In the good ending, Tangram is erased from the computer and the player's VR is teleported back to Earth's stratosphere, where its armour is critically damaged during the fall but is saved by VRs that came on the Floating Carrier. Fei-Yen is saved by Angelan or the opposite and the others (Temjin, Raiden, Dodray, Bal-Bados, Specineff, Cypher, and Apharmd) are saved by the same model VRs. Alternatively, If the player's time counter reaches 0, Tangram hacks into the player's VR system and shuts it down, resulting in a Game Over screen.
Development
The new Virtuaroids were all designed by Hajime Katoki.
Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram was unveiled at the 1997 JAMMA show, at which six Virtuaroids were playable: Temjin, Raiden, Apharmd, Fei-yen, Grys-Vok, and Cypher. The game was also exhibited at the February 1998 AOU Show, where it drew large crowds.{{cite magazine |first=Marcus |last=Webb |title=Sequel Mania at London and Tokyo Expos |magazine=Next Generation|issue=41 |publisher=Imagine Media |date=May 1998|page=33}}
Reception
{{Video game reviews
| SDC = true
| X360 = true
| na = true
| GR_SDC = 80%{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/256512-cyber-troopers-virtual-on-oratorio-tangram/index.html |title=Cyber Troopers Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram for Dreamcast |website=GameRankings |publisher=CBS Interactive |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505065331/https://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/256512-cyber-troopers-virtual-on-oratorio-tangram/index.html |archive-date=May 5, 2019 |url-status=dead |access-date=October 10, 2020}}
| MC_X360 = 73/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/cyber-troopers-virtual-on-oratorio-tangram/ |title=Cyber Troopers Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram (X360) |website=Metacritic |publisher=Fandom |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918195916/https://www.metacritic.com/game/cyber-troopers-virtual-on-oratorio-tangram/ |archive-date=September 18, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=September 18, 2023}}
| Allgame_SDC = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=24085 |title=Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram (DC) [review wasn't archived before December 12, 2014] |website=AllGame |publisher=All Media Network |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114101037/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=24085 |archive-date=November 14, 2014 |url-status=dead |access-date=October 11, 2020}}
| CNG_SDC = 9/10{{cite web |url=http://www.gamecenter.com/Consoles/Dreamcast/Voot/ |title=Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (DC) |first=Eric |last=Franklin |date=June 8, 2000 |website=Gamecenter |publisher=CNET |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818162900/http://www.gamecenter.com/Consoles/Dreamcast/Voot/ |archive-date=August 18, 2000 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 19, 2023}}
| Edge_SDC = 7/10{{cite magazine |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/b/b4/Edge_UK_081.pdf |title=Virtual On Oratorio Tangram (DC; Import) |author=Edge staff |magazine=Edge |publisher=Future Publishing |issue=81 |date=February 2000 |pages=76–77 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707191558/https://retrocdn.net/images/b/b4/Edge_UK_081.pdf |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=September 18, 2023}}
| Edge_X360 = 7/10{{cite magazine |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/review-virtual-on-oratorio-tangram |title=Review: Virtual On Oratorio Tangram (X360) |author=Edge staff |date=April 29, 2009 |magazine=Edge |publisher=Future plc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502003808/http://www.edge-online.com/features/review-virtual-on-oratorio-tangram |archive-date=May 2, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=October 11, 2020}}
| EGM_SDC = 8.5/10{{cite magazine |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/b/b5/EGM_US_133.pdf |title=Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (DC) |first=Greg |last=Sewart |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |publisher=Ziff Davis |issue=133 |date=August 2000 |page=148 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530061712/https://retrocdn.net/images/b/b5/EGM_US_133.pdf |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=September 18, 2023}}
| EPD_SDC = 8/10{{cite web |url=http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=2677&full=1#mr_toppy |title=Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (DC) |first=Scott |last=Steinberg |date=June 29, 2000 |website=The Electric Playground |publisher=Greedy Productions Ltd. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020704011901/http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=2677&full=1#mr_toppy |archive-date=July 4, 2002 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 19, 2023}}
| EuroG_X360 = 8/10{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/virtual-on-oratorio-tangram-review |title=Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (Xbox 360) |first=Dan |last=Whitehead |date=May 4, 2009 |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521064630/https://www.eurogamer.net/virtual-on-oratorio-tangram-review |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=September 18, 2023}}
| Fam_SDC = 39/40{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=3929&redirect=no |title=ドリームキャスト - 電脳戦機バーチャロン オラトリオ・タングラム |language=ja |magazine=Famitsu |publisher=Enterbrain |volume=915 |date=June 30, 2006 |page=38 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918223446/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=3929&redirect=no |archive-date=September 18, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=September 18, 2023}}
| GI_SDC = 7.25/10{{cite magazine |title=Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (DC) |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=FuncoLand |issue=88 |date=August 2000}}
| GameFan_SDC = (AC) 100%{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamefan.com/repre.asp?g=1138&t=r |title=REVIEW for Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (Import) |first=Anthony |last=Chau |date=December 13, 1999 |magazine=GameFan |publisher=Shinno Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000619213452/http://www.gamefan.com/repre.asp?g=1138&t=r |archive-date=June 19, 2000 |url-status=dead |access-date=October 11, 2020}}{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_8_Issue_03/page/n71/mode/2up |title=Cyber Troopers Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (Import) |first=Anthony "Dangohead" |last=Chau |magazine=GameFan |publisher=Shinno Media |volume=8 |issue=3 |date=March 2000 |pages=72–75 |access-date=October 11, 2020}}
(AC2) 98%{{cite magazine |url=http://gamefan.com/repre.asp?g=2074&t=r |title=REVIEW for Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram |first=Anthony |last=Chau |date=June 6, 2000 |magazine=GameFan |publisher=Shinno Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000621004214/http://gamefan.com/repre.asp?g=2074&t=r |archive-date=June 21, 2000 |url-status=dead |access-date=October 11, 2020}}
97%{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_8_Issue_03/page/n11/mode/2up |title=Virtual On 2 [sic] |first1=Tyrone "Cerberus" |last1=Rodriguez |first2=George "Eggo" |last2=Ngo |first3=Eric "ECM" |last3=Mylonas |magazine=GameFan |publisher=Shinno Media |volume=8 |issue=3 |date=March 2000 |page=13 |access-date=October 11, 2020}}{{efn|In GameFan{{'}}s viewpoint of the Dreamcast version's Japanese import, three critics gave it each a score of 98, 99, and 95.}}
| GameRev_SDC = B{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/32257-virtual-on-oratorio-tangram-review |title=Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram Review (DC) |first=Brian |last=Gee |date=June 2000 |website=GameRevolution |publisher=CraveOnline |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040216034225/http://www.game-revolution.com/games/dreamcast/action/virtual_on.htm |archive-date=February 16, 2004 |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2020}}
| GSpot_SDC = (JP) 8.4/10{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/virtual-on-oratorio-tangram-import-review/1900-2540068/ |title=Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram (Import) Review [date mislabeled as "March 26, 2014"; platform mislabeled as "Arcade"; score mislabeled as "7"] |first=James |last=Mielke |date=January 19, 2000 |website=GameSpot |publisher=Fandom |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000303000305/http://videogames.gamespot.com/dream/shoot/voot/review.html |archive-date=March 3, 2000 |url-status=live |access-date=September 18, 2023}}
(US) 8.1/10{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/virtual-on-oratorio-tangram-review/1900-2583716/ |title=Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram Review (DC) [date mislabeled as "June 8, 2000"] |first=James |last=Mielke |date=June 7, 2000 |website=GameSpot |publisher=Fandom |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041212220509/http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/action/virtualonoratoriotangram/review.html |archive-date=December 12, 2004 |url-status=live |access-date=September 18, 2023}}
| GSpy_SDC = 7.5/10{{cite web |url=http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/virtualon2/ |title=Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram [Import] |author=Subskin |date=March 14, 2000 |website=PlanetDreamcast |publisher=IGN Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122221819/http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/virtualon2/ |archive-date=January 22, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=October 11, 2020}}
| IGN_SDC = (JP) 9.3/10{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/15/virtual-on-oratorio-tangram-import |title=Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (Import) (DC) |first=Colin |last=Williamson |date=December 14, 1999 |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318200316/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/15/virtual-on-oratorio-tangram-import |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=September 18, 2023}}
(US) 8/10{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/06/virtual-on-oratorio-tangram |title=Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (DC) |first=Anoop |last=Gantayat |date=June 5, 2000 |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724115824/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/06/virtual-on-oratorio-tangram |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=September 18, 2023}}
| NGen_SDC = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/NextGen63Mar2000/page/n87/mode/2up |title=Virtual On Oratorio Tangram [sic] (DC; Import) |first=Stephen |last=Frost |magazine=NextGen |publisher=Imagine Media |issue=63 |date=March 2000 |page=86 |access-date=October 10, 2020}}
| rev1 = Teletext GameCentral
| rev1_X360 = 7/10{{cite web |url=http://www.teletext.co.uk/gamecentral/features-reviews/5a6e601fd5c9e9dd87a9a6340a0b055b/Virtual-On+(360).aspx |title=Virtual-On [Oratorio Tangram] (360) |first=David |last=Jenkins |date=April 2009 |website=Teletext GameCentral |publisher=Teletext Ltd. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504082257/http://www.teletext.co.uk/gamecentral/features-reviews/5a6e601fd5c9e9dd87a9a6340a0b055b/Virtual-On+(360).aspx |archive-date=May 4, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=October 11, 2020}}
}}
The Dreamcast version received favorable reviews, while Ver.5.66 received "average" reviews, according to the review aggregation websites GameRankings and Metacritic. Stephen Frost of NextGen called the Japanese import of the Dreamcast version "an impressive game, and practically a perfect conversion, marred by difficult controls and a lack of 'compatibility' with the standard Dreamcast controller. However, if you're willing to invest the necessary time, you'll eventually discover that the game provides one of the most addictive and deep gaming experiences currently available on Dreamcast." Jake The Snake of GamePro said in one review, "For dedicated gamers longing for a fast-paced clast of metal, Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram will deliver many hours of mech-smashing mayhem."{{cite magazine |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/e/e4/GamePro_US_144.pdf |title=Virtual On [sic] |author=Jake The Snake |magazine=GamePro |publisher=IDG |issue=144 |date=September 2000 |page=106 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711185909/https://retrocdn.net/images/e/e4/GamePro_US_144.pdf |archive-date=July 11, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=September 19, 2023}}{{efn|GamePro gave the Dreamcast version 4.5/5 for graphics, two 4/5 scores for sound and fun factor, and 3.5/5 for control in one review.}} In another review, Cheat Monkey called it "a must buy-if you have the Twin Sticks. If not, the game will still be fun, but it will not feel quite right to arcade veterans."{{cite magazine |url=http://gamepro.com/sega/dreamcast/games/reviews/6402.shtml |title=Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram Review for Dreamcast on GamePro.com |author=Cheat Monkey |date=August 17, 2000 |magazine=GamePro |publisher=IDG |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041106170338/http://gamepro.com/sega/dreamcast/games/reviews/6402.shtml |archive-date=November 6, 2004 |url-status=dead |access-date=October 11, 2020}}{{efn|GamePro gave the Dreamcast version two 4.5/5 scores for graphics and fun factor, 4/5 for sound, and 3/5 for control.}} GameZone gave the same Dreamcast version seven out of ten, saying, "If there were Twinsticks or cerebral implants available in the US for use with the Dreamcast, then it would have scored higher. As it stands, it's another in a long series of arcade games that have been shoehorned onto a console to make a buck."{{cite web |url=https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/virtual_on_oratorio_tangram_dc_review/ |title=Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram - DC - Review |author=Kemuel |date=January 22, 2001 |website=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515210029/http://dreamcast.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r16980.htm |archive-date=May 15, 2008 |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2020}} Later, Retro Gamer gave the Xbox 360 version 72%, calling it "a great port of the DC conversion [that] looks incredible with its hi-def sheen, but the 360's analogue stick just doesn't do the game justice."{{cite magazine |title=Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram (X360) |first=Darren |last=Jones |magazine=Retro Gamer |publisher=Imagine Publishing |issue=66 |date=July 16, 2009}}
In Japan, Famitsu gave the same Dreamcast version a score of three tens and one nine for a total of 39 out of 40.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/voot-gets-near-perfect-score/1100-2447154/ |title=VOOT Gets Near-Perfect Score [date mislabeled as "April 27, 2000"] |first=Sam |last=Kennedy |date=December 3, 1999 |website=GameSpot |publisher=Fandom |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000229033052/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/99_12/03_vg_voot/index.html |archive-date=February 29, 2000 |url-status=live |access-date=October 10, 2020}} Game Machine listed the arcade version in their May 15, 1998 issue as the second most-successful dedicated arcade game of the month.{{cite magazine |title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - 完成品夕イプのTVゲーム機 (Dedicated Videos) |language=ja |magazine=Game Machine |publisher=Amusement Press, Inc. |issue=564 |date=May 15, 1998 |page=21}}
The Dreamcast version was a runner-up for the "Game No One Played" award at IGN{{'}}s Best of 2000 Awards.{{cite web |url=http://dreamcast.ign.com/news/30623.html |title=IGN Dreamcast Best of 2000: Game No One Played |author=IGN staff |date=January 26, 2001 |website=IGN |publisher=Snowball.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010207225009/http://dreamcast.ign.com/news/30623.html |archive-date=February 7, 2001 |url-status=dead |access-date=November 22, 2023}}
{{clear}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{KLOV game|id=10342}}
- {{moby game|id=/9795/cyber-troopers-virtual-on-oratorio-tangram/}}
{{Virtual On series}}
Category:Xbox 360 Live Arcade games