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 Sega Model 3 arcade game that was later ported to the Sega NAOMI arcade system board and then later for the Dreamcast video game console in both Japan in 1999 and America in 2000. Oratorio Tangram is a 3D action game where the player assumes control of a giant humanoid robot, and is a sequel to Cyber Troopers Virtual-On: Operation Moongate. It was re-released on April 29th, 2009 for the Xbox 360 on the Xbox Live Arcade as a remake of the Ver 5.66. It is the most popular game in the series by far according to a SEGA poll taken in Japan.
Versions
There were actually three arcade versions released, each marked by the "Mind Shift Battle System" (M.S.B.S.) version: Ver 5.2, Ver 5.4, and Ver 5.66. Changes to the game were placed in 5.4 to better balance matches, largely altering short-range fighting and left-turbo weapons. The Dreamcast port, labeled as Ver 5.45, was based on 5.4 with a few additional arenas brought back from Operation Moongate. The Japanese version offered a customization mode for original color schemes and emblems, where the files were compatible with Ver 5.66. The Dreamcast version can also be played as Ver 5.2.
Arcade Ver 5.66 signaled the title's move from the expensive Model 3 hardware to the Dreamcast-based NAOMI board. It featured the addition of three new Virtuaroids, and the cabinets now housed VMU slots for customized color schemes made from the Ver 5.45. "Quick messages" was yet another addition, which were predefined text strings that could be mapped to the controls and displayed during matches. Because the three new Virtuaroids and quick messages were not a part of Ver 5.45 and could not be customized, a special demo GD-ROM was given out with an issue of the Dreamcast Magazine in Japan to edit these new additions, although the disk does not actually allow the player to control the three new Virtuaroids, merely customize their colors. A remake of Ver 5.66 was released on April 29, 2009 for the Xbox 360 on the Xbox Live Arcade and sells for 1200 Microsoft Points.
A special attraction based on Ver 5.2 enhanced with force feedback was specially created for Sega's Tokyo-based Joypolis game park.
Oratorio Tangram is widely considered the best in the series, due to its faster gameplay, deeper variety in tactics, and a balance that was refined through several iterations.
- 1999: Cyber Troopers: Virtual On Oratorio Tangram ver.5.2 (AM3, Model 3)
- 2000: Cyber Troopers: Virtual On Oratorio Tangram ver.5.4 (Hitmaker, Model 3)
- 2000: Cyber Troopers: Virtual On Oratorio Tangram ver.5.45 (Hitmaker, Dreamcast)
- 2000: Cyber Troopers: Virtual On Oratorio Tangram ver.5.66 (Hitmaker, Naomi)
- 2009: Cyber Troopers: Virtual On Oratorio Tangram ver.5.66 (AM2, Xbox 360)
M.S.B.S. Version 5.2
This is probably the most common version found in American arcades. Compared to the previous game in the series, the game mechanics and graphics are greatly enhanced.
The possible weapon input combinations has been greatly increased, with the ability of using the turbo button in combination with the weapon triggers to form "Turbo Attacks". Many of the attacks are further modified through the stance, with different actions during standing, crouching, jumping, dashing, moving, dash-crouching or air dashing.
The fight mechanics were further expanded where melee combat featured additions like side-stepping, strikes during dashes and jumping attacks for countering.
Also worth noting are special abilities for Virtuaroids ranging from special attack maneuvers to a death countdown that gave a short window of invulnerability.
M.S.B.S. Version 5.4
Changes in relation to 5.4
- Both (yours and the opponent's) V-Armor values are shown on screen.
- Rowing bugs are removed.
- Infinity bugs are removed.
- A minor glitch involving a transparent floor on the Public Port stage was fixed.
M.S.B.S Version 5.45 
Changes in relation to 5.45
- New arenas added, including ports of a few Operation Moongate stages.
- A special FMV ending was added, only after completing the game with every VR without continuing.
- Ajim added as a hidden character.
M.S.B.S. Version 5.66
New features and distinctions
- Switched to NAOMI arcade board.
- 3 new VRs were added, although they were more variants than new models.
- VMU support for custom coloring and emblems.
- "Quick messages" are available for customization.
- The extra stages featured in the Dreamcast Ver 5.45 were included.
- The empty player side no longer has a live view of the battle taking place on the playing side.
- The freezing problem caused by 60 floating mines was fixed.
- Improved sound and music quality.
M.S.B.S Ver.5.66 (Xbox Live Arcade remake)
New features and distinctions
- Transparent floor version of the Public Port stage is re-added.
- 1-on-1 network play added.
- Graphical improvements made to accommodate the 360's capabilities.
- Re-rating from Teen to Everyone 10+.
- Split-Screen play removed.
- Leaderboard replays (no XBL Gold required)
- Score Attack mode added.
- Character color customization.
- Graphical bloom effects option added. Affects the look of certain weapons and environment [patch update].
- Observers feature added for party lobbies [patch update]
Virtuaroids
MBV-707-G Temjin
A hot favorite among beginners and experts alike. The new Temjin features generally well-balanced long and short ranged capabilities. Its forward dashing beam rifle and gliding ram can easily turn the tide of the game. It is regarded by most as the series' helm ship character. It is the "Ryu" of the VO series in that it is a jack-of-all-trade, master of none. In other words, it is a solid all-around fighter with no real weaknesses but no corresponding advantages and is recommended for those new to the game due to his ease of use.
Special Attack - Blue Slider, Mega Spinning Sword
Bugs - The RW basic attack can be cancelled into an infinity Machine gun beam rifle.
RVR-39 Apharmd B
The original Apharmd was split into two separate VRs, specialized in close-ranged combat and long-ranged combat. Apharmd the Battler is the close-range variant, retaining the trademark beam tonfas of the original Apharmd and features very high close-combat damage, suited for combat at close to mid-range.
The original Apharmd was split into two separate VRs, specialized in close-ranged combat and long-ranged combat. Apharmd the Battler is the close-range variant, retaining the trademark beam tonfas of the original Apharmd and features very high close-combat damage, suited for combat at close to mid-range.
Special Transformation - Hyper Mode (can only be used once per match)
Special Attack - Leap Kick.
Bug - Infinity Sonic Ring bug.
RVR-33 Apharmd S
The original Apharmd was split into 2 separate VRs, specialized in close-ranged combat and long-ranged combat. Apharmd the Striker is the long-range variant. The Striker variant is slightly slower speed and the projectile shots give it a lower firing rate but a much higher attack power at a distance. The tonfas are replaced with a combat knife, giving a limited close-combat range and significantly less attack power. The variety from its range of long-distance weapons and a comparatively fast speed are the defining characteristics of its play style.
Special Transformation - Hyper Mode (can only be used once per fight).
Special Attack - Flying Punch.
RVR-14 Fei-Yen Kn
An advanced model of the original Fei-Yen, it follows its predecessor's role as the fastest Virtuaroid among the cast, but still features weak armor. However, it also possesses superhuman agility and its terrifying ground speed is matched only by the Cypher. The majority of attacks are suited for mid-range combat. Because of its weak defenses, once its life gauge drops below 50%, it will transform into Hyper Mode, and change into a golden color. In this form, this feminine Virtuaroid gains yet an extra speed boost, and the attack power increases as does its ground speed.
Fei-Yen Kn makes an appearance in Super Robot Wars Alpha 3 and Super Robot Wars K as a playable character, voiced in Alpha 3 by Chieko Higuchi.
Special Transformation - Hyper Mode at half or less life gauge.
Special Features - She can cancel her Left Weapon and its Turbo Shots via her "Musical Song" combo chains.
RVR-42 Cypher
A descendant of Viper II from the first game, the Cypher now features a frame that can transform into a sort-of fighter plane form. The S.L.C. ram from Viper-II makes a return, and the Virtuaroid still houses very strong mid to long-range projectiles, but are now all beam-based weapons. It can even fight relatively well at close ranges, with the trade-off for speed and versatile combat abilities being minimal defenses. It has the weakest physical defense and the second weakest V-armor in the game, second to the non-Hyper Mode Fei-Yen and her 'sisters'.
Special Transformation- Fighter jet Mode.
Special Attack- 'She Lost Control'(S.L.C.) Ram.
Special Abilities- Double aerial attacks. Aerial Close-range attack.
Bugs- "Rowing" bug in the air, allows rapid movement in the air. Infinity Daggers bug.
RVR-87 Specineff
A new VR to the series, the demonic-looking Specineff has great ground dashing speed and is marked by a range of indirect attacks, like disabling one of the three weapon gauges on an enemy machine. Generally, his movements are slow and makes use of the burst of speed from its dash, and impressive ranged weapons. It has a trademark energy scythe that can fire a tall slash wave of energy for long distances and fighting at close-range. It is the only Virtuaroid in the game to feature a Center Turbo Attack.
A new VR to the series, the demonic-looking Specineff has great ground dashing speed and is marked by a range of indirect attacks, like disabling one of the three weapon gauges on an enemy machine. Generally, his movements are slow and makes use of the burst of speed from its dash, and impressive ranged weapons. It has a trademark energy scythe that can fire a tall slash wave of energy for long distances and fighting at close-range. It is the only Virtuaroid in the game to feature a Center Turbo Attack.
Special Mode - Death Mode: A 13-second countdown of invulnerability. If Specineff fails to destroy the enemy before the countdown runs out, it dies.
Special Attack - Will-o-the-Wisp: The Specineff spins around and fire a series of energy spheres with slight homing towards the opponent. Power slide. Scythe Spin.
Bugs - "Rowing" bug on the ground, allows rapid movement on land.
SGV-417-L Angelan
Where Specineff is the new devil to Virtual-On, Angelan is the new 'angel'. It is the sister-unit of Fei-Yen, with ice-based attacks, and is the second feminine-form Virtuaroid in the series. But Angelan is vastly different from Fei-Yen in its low speed and minimal close-range combat abilities, which affords it some of the strongest V-Armor and impressive ranged attacks, many with strong auto-homing capabilities and some with strong defensive strategic value.
Special Transformation - Eclosion Mode.
Bugs - "Rowing" bug on the ground and air, allows rapid movement.
SAV-326-D/9 Grys-Vok
A Virtuaroid armed to the teeth with a full set of physical projectile weapons. The two giant missile pods on the side give it an appearance of having four arms. It has multiple ways to fire many projectiles in a short period of time. The unit is suited for fights against slow-moving VRs and/or those with a strong V-Armor. It is a descendant of the Belgdor VR, and no longer has the high center of gravity problem that affected the balance of its predecessor. Despite being a heavier Virtuaroid, it has surprisingly decent speed.
A Virtuaroid armed to the teeth with a full set of physical projectile weapons. The two giant missile pods on the side give it an appearance of having four arms. It has multiple ways to fire many projectiles in a short period of time. The unit is suited for fights against slow-moving VRs and/or those with a strong V-Armor. It is a descendant of the Belgdor VR, and no longer has the high center of gravity problem that affected the balance of its predecessor. Despite being a heavier Virtuaroid, it has surprisingly decent speed.
Special Attack - I.C.B.M: A huge missile, with one fire per game until the next continue.
Bugs - "Rowing" bug on the ground, allows rapid movement on land.
XBV-819 Bal-Series
Oratario Tangram offers three distinct versions of the Bal series that appear in different stages. On land, it is the Bal-Bados (XBV-819-TR), with legs as the lower torso. In underwater environments, it is the Bal-Baros (XBV-819-TM), with a submarine-like lower torso. The variant at the space-like final stage is the Bal-Keros (XBV-819-TS), with yet another legless lower body. There are minor differences in attacks for all three forms.
Like its predecessor the Bal-Bas-Bow, Bal-Bados is marked by the variety of attacks and the floating bit arms. Because of the vast number of available attacks, it is one of the hardest virtuaroids to master. It could launch well over 500 projectiles in a single battle. In addition to the 2 original ERLs adapted into its arms, it has 2 additional ERLs mounted onto its thighs. The ERLs can now be stationed at parts of the stage to provide attack from different angles. The placement of ERLs plus special button combinations produce some of the most powerful special attacks in the game.
Special Attack - Reflective Laser, Laser Pyramid, Black Hole Bomb.
Bugs - "Rowing" bug on the ground, allows rapid movement. If over 60 mines are present on the field at any given time, the game freezes.
HBV-502 Raiden
Named after the Japanese word for "thunder", the trademark of this Virtuaroid are the two giant laser cannons folded onto its shoulders. They are one of the most devastatingly powerful single-shot weapons among the VR cast - second only to the Apharmd's beam tonfas and the Grys-vok's homing missiles, not to mention the boss units' arsenals - at the cost of horrid homing potential. The lasers can now be cancelled and the player can also choose to fire just one of the two beams to trade damage and beam width for a quicker recharge. It is not the slowest VR anymore, and is quite agile for its class.
Special Transformation - Armor Break: Removing all defense armaments to trade for extreme speed gain, making it the fastest Virtuaroid in the game.
RVR-68 Dordray
The Dordray is a descendant of Dorkas, but bears little resemblance to the compact VR, now with a massive body marked with wide shoulders and a flat plateau top. It features the heaviest physical defense and the strongest V-Armor of all the Virtuaroids in the game - the amount of punishment it can take may seem impossible, or at least extremely difficult, to comprehend. The hammer of Dorkas has been supplanted with a drill, which can penetrate into physical barriers and obstacles. It retains the heavy-hitting and wide-ranged weaponry but its speed suffers as a result.
Special Transformation - Giant Mode.
Special Attack- Flame Charge. "CD" Charge. Whirlwind Attack.
Ajim
The crystal guardian appeared in response to the awakening of the Tangram. It is a pure V-Crystal manipulating energy from the Reverse-Conversion to craft a solid body. In its pure form, it is ludicrously powerful and, never one to be taken lightly, should be regarded with extreme caution - even for veteran pilots.
Like Jaguarandi in the first Virtual-On, Ajim is meant to punish players who played over defensively, leading to long overall play time in the first half of the game. The AI Ajim is unfairly overpowered in nearly every aspect, compared to the playable version, featuring stronger weapons, speed and vastly improved V-armor. Ajim is also a time released character, being a very powerful character, and allows the user to set its speed-to-armor ratio. A long-range missile projectile is an important part of Ajim's attacks, but it does varying damage, and may even replenish enemy life by chance. The random nature of Ajim makes it a potentially powerful choice, but very hard to use. The playable version has the weakest V-armor in the entire game, whereas the AI-controlled has ludicrously heavy protection.
CB-97/99 Bradtos
Bradtos is the Earth Crystal Restraint System built at the 4th Plant "TSC Dramen", and is invulnerable until it exposed the Earth Crystal inside.
Bradtos can be immediately recognized as two bottom halves of the final boss from Operation Moongate, Z-Gradt, stacked top-to-top on each other, encasing the Earth Crystal inside. It is powered by eight artificial V-Crystals.
Tangram
Beyond the 8th Plant "Flesh Refoe" lies the "space time continuum mechanism", the 9th Plant "Tangram," and it is the last boss of the game. It is a giant sphere made up of small triangles suspended in a massive space with no ground. Tangram has a wide range of attacks, and can even duplicate the player's Virtuaroid to obscure attacks. It has a nearly impenetrable surface with the weakness being a section that opens up, revealing a red eye, before it fires a giant laser. If the player is unable to defeat Tangram within the time limit, the game ends without the opportunity to continue.
M.S.B.S. Ver.5.66 Virtuaroid Update
MBV-04-10 10/80 SP
The "10/80 SP" is a mass-produced version of the original MBV-04-G Temjin from Operation Moongate in the first Virtual-On game. Compared to the old Temjin, it featured slightly sedated attacks, but comparatively better response. The pistol it holds is named as the C.G.S. type a1/c by the Hobby Japan novel installments.
Unfortunately, it suffers being modeled after a Generation I Virtuaroid, and, therefore, lacks the full range of turbo attacks as well as the ability to air-dash. Its speed is marginally adequate for the combats of Oratorio Tangram. It is often seen as a handicap machine, akin to Dan in the Street Fighter Alpha series.
The 10/80 was first featured in the One Man Rescue and subsequently The Wall of Truth novel installments in Hobby Japan magazine.
RVR-12 Apharmd C
A third Apharmd model released to accompany the split Battle and Striker models is the Commander model. It is more balanced between long and short range fights than the others, and is likened to a descendant of the original Apharmd. It has an arm-mounted removable machete instead of tongfers and a shotgun, similar to that used by the original Apharmd.
SBV-328-B Stein-Vok
A variant of the Grys-Vok. The basic body frame design is exactly the same as the Grys-Vok. While the Grys-Vok featured a full armament of missile weapons, the Stein-Vok replaces all the physical projectiles with high-density beam weapons. The beam weapons still feature the wide array of attacks, which is a trademark of the Grys-Vok, but the beam weapons often face a disadvantage against Virtuaroids with strong V-Armor. The beam attacks generally travel faster, but deal less damage. The Stein-Vok is relatively less popular among the cast of Virtuaroids.
Arcade
With this iteration of Virtual-On, I have never seen one of these arcade machines in person in my life to this day. I stumbled across this sequel on Dreamcast first. That being said, I can't write home much about any experiences with this version. From the information above, it sounds like it was as good as the original, just with a few extra bells and whistles. I wish I had a chance to play it when it was arcades like the original Cyber Troopers Virtual-On.
When my best friend was in Japan a few years ago, he mentioned that they had a few Virtual-On machines there, but it was Virtual-On Force (which is up in the air on whether I'll talk about this week or not since I've never played it) instead that features tag team-style 2v2 gameplay.
Home Releases
Sega Dreamcast
Back when I owned a Sega Dreamcast (or rather shared one with my older brother when we shared an apartment together after he came back from being deployed to Korea for a few years as part of the military), there were a ton of import and non-import games that I had "acquired" via the means of Swap Magic for the console. The two games that I played the most though were the original Soul Calibur and this game.
For those wondering, I mained Temjin (again), Fei-Yen Kn, Specineff, and Bal-Series for the most part in this sequel, but I eventually ran through Arcade Mode with almost every playable VR in the game to unlock the individual endings.
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| Twin Stick Controller for Sega Dreamcast |
Much like Cyber Troopers: Virtual-On's release on the Sega Saturn, Sega did release a Twin Stick controller for the Dreamcast. The Twin Stick was never released outside of its native Japan, although that doesn't stop it being compatible with both NTSC-U and PAL Dreamcast systems, but the incredibly small library of games that officially make use of it renders the Twin Stick something of a luxury. The oddest thing about the controller's exclusivity to Japan is that Virtual-On is the only game that it was advertised that it would work with despite the controller being recognized in the following list of titles for Dreamcast:
Virtual On (obviously)
Outtrigger
Frame Gride
Virtua Tennis
Rush Rush Rally Racing
Sega Rally 2
Soul Calibur
Rez
Ikaruga
For those wondering what the default controller layout looked like for the game, let's have a look at it below, shall we?
SEGA DREAMCAST CONTROLS INFORMATION
CROUCH
When used facing Tangram, acts a a downward dash. Also use this button to block against CQC attacks, although you must have a double lock to block; as well as in combination with any Trigger when you are in double-lock CQC range to produce low CQC attacks.
Twin Sticks Equivalent: Sticks togther.
RIGHT TURBO
Different attack variations are performed with Left Turbo and Right Turbo.
Twin Sticks Equivalent: Right Turbo Button.
LEFT TURBO
Different attack variations are performed with Left Turbo and Right Turbo.
Twin Sticks Equivalent: Left Turbo Button.
JUMP
Twin Sticks Equivalent: Sticks apart.
ANALOG UP / ANALOG DOWN
Twin Sticks Equivalent: Start Button.
ANALOG LEFT
Twin Sticks Equivalent: Left Stick down + Right Stick up.
ANALOG RIGHT
Twin Sticks Equivalent: Left Stick up + Right Stick down.
DIGITAL/DIRECTION PAD [Press desired direction]
Twin Sticks Equivalent: Both Sticks in the same desired direction. [ie: to run left- both Sticks left, run north east- both sticks up/right.]
Left TRIGGER
Twin Sticks Equivalent: Left Trigger.
RIGHT TRIGGER
Twin Sticks Equivalent: Right Trigger.
+
RIGHT TRIGGER + LEFT TRIGGER
Twin Sticks Equivalent: Left Trigger + Right Trigger.
Truth be told, it took me a lot of time to get used to playing this on a normal controller after being accustomed to playing the original via the Twin Stick layout in arcades. I won't lie; this game has a steep learning curve - in terms of both learning the controls and getting the combat basics down. I never knew anyone else who had the game nor who wanted to run some local versus games, so I found myself settling for the single player modes for my long-time enjoyment of the game. The AI is pretty punishing until you get your general movement basics down, even more so with getting a hang of keeping a track of your enemy with lock-ons.
The best advice is I can give is to learn your VR's best range and practice optimizing consecutive hits - both while moving and stationary on moving targets, with all of your weapons and special moves. If you can learn how each of your attacks track/drift after being fired to successfully hit your opponent then that's half of the game right there. Advanced movement skills are learned over time and muscle memory. You will acquire that the more you generally play the game. That won't come overnight for sure.
Xbox 360 | Xbox Live Arcade (Re-Release)
In 2009, Sega re-released this game for Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Arcade. As previously mentioned, this is a remake of version 5.66 with online functionality added in and with a few balance changes and minor tweaks to the gameplay. The ability to play online with players around the globe was definitely a highlight, even though I know I don't have squat against the Japanese veteran players who have been excelling at this game at a high level for roughly a decade. The netcode for this game was essentially lagless and manages to still have players faithfully playing it online with a dedicated competitive fighting community for it as well. Just because you don't see this game on the EVO line-up doesn't mean that there's not an ongoing community for the game.
If I had any major gripe with this re-release is that they completely removed split-screen local versus play from this release. I can "kinda" understand why they went that route, but at the same time, it's pretty lame for people who would like to run tournaments in the game or play against friends on the couch setting.
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| Looks cool, but a bit too pricey for my taste. |
For players looking to experience the game like how it was configured in the arcades, Hori released a Twin Stick controller for the Xbox 360. At the time of the game's re-release on the console, the controller went for $300 and you will still pay roughly as much as that for one now off second-hand markets.
The question is though, is it worth it? Kotaku has an interesting article weighing in the pros and cons from both ends of the fence to help anyone decide whether or not it was worth the investment. In my honest opinion though, I say no. Majority of the players who have stuck with the game all of these years or those who have came into it as newcomers in 2009 with this re-release have learned the game on the standard controller and have little to no complaints.
In my personal opinion, it comes down to personal preference. By this point, I have played VOOT on the Sega Dreamcast for a few years, then Virtual-On MARZ on PlayStation 2 (we'll cover that tomorrow) for at least a few months and got those controls etched into my muscle memory. So by the time this came around to Xbox 360, I was fine with having to resort to the normal Xbox 360 controller. I have had my gripes with that controller in terms of other fighting games, but I felt it was absolutely fine for this game. Most veteran players of the game will tell you the same as it comes down to what feels more comfortable for you in the long run. Some advanced techniques are easier on the Xbox 360 controller while others are easier on the Twin Stick controller. Once again, it comes down to a matter of personal preference.
Players experiencing this game on Xbox One/Xbox One X via backwards compatibility are shit out of luck though as the console doesn't allow any support for peripherals from previous Xbox console(s), so you are left using the current generation Xbox One controller(s).
As of this posting (6/26/2019), I fired up my Xbox 360 and jumped onto the game for the first time within about the past ten years. It took me a few games, but I got back comfortable in the controls to the point where I was clearing Arcade Mode with no issues. The online scene seems to be completely dead or has moved onto Xbox One or the import sequels. I checked Ranked and Player Matches and there's no players coming up when you search for matches. That's a damn shame too when it was flooded with competition back when this first re-released. As a result of this, you're limited to just Xbox Live Matches against friends or the two single player modes of Arcade Mode or Score Attack to beat your high scores and/or best times clearing the game across multiple difficulty settings. If you want to get your bearings before heading into combat proper, the game has a traditional Training Mode for you can practice and test out your favorite VRs to your heart's content.
One last thing to note is that you can experience the game in it's original visuals or smoothed out/upscaled graphics for this version. It's as simple as toggling an option in the main menu.
That being said, I still adore this game a lot. It stands the test of time as one of the best mecha fighting games - if not the best, period. It's definitely the best in the series to date and Sega has fan poll results to prove that opinion is unanimous across the board.
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