Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram

One of arcade elite arrives on Xbox 360 via Xbox LIVE, bringing tears to the eyes of arcade-goers of the late 1990s.

The mech (a.k.a. robot) fighter Virtual-On emerged from an era where SEGA’s other flagship battler Virtua Fighter was top dog in the arcades. Realism wasn’t an option as it is now. In 1998 the aesthetic of brightly-lit polygonal characters was enough to make gamers giddy, and in Japan especially the manga-style ‘Virtuaroids’ of the loftily titled Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram became an instant hit.

A couple of interesting points about the existing fan base in the UK. Or maybe more, let’s see. First of all there were never very many of them, they either owned a SEGA Saturn when everyone else PlayStation, or later a SEGA Dreamcast instead of a PlayStation 2. They were committed gamers, the more complicated the better, loved SEGA especially and – truth be told – more likely than not to have a bit of the Japanophile about them. None of which adds up to mass market success.

These guys have already bought Virtual-On OT from Xbox LIVE Marketplace, guaranteed. And good for them too – they know a great thing when they see one, and “VOOT” as it is more affectionately known is after all a real class act. Our task for the next couple of hundred words is to convince you that it’s actually very accessible, incredibly exciting, still looks cool in a stylised kind of way and is a perfect versus opportunity for anyone committed to obtaining glory via Xbox LIVE.

Let’s skip past the part where we tell you that this is the M.S.B.S.Ver.5.66 edition of VOOT! Well, okay, this basically means we have the ultimate iteration for Xbox LIVE Arcade. The only thing you don’t have (not yet) is a pair of futuristic ‘Twin Sticks’ with grip-mounted buttons and triggers for missiles, guns and turbo boosts. The Xbox 360 controller will have to do for now, and it does well enough so don’t worry… unless you’re one of those guys mentioned above, in which case you’re already losing sleep.

VOOT is a one-on-one fighting game, featuring colossal but amazingly versatile robots that duke it out within strategically designed arenas. The degree of control you have over these things via twin sticks and four buttons is astounding, almost like virtual puppetry in the hands of the world’s best players. Sadly the Xbox 360 controller isn’t ideal for players used to ‘high-level’ tournament standard tricks and flicks. For you and me though the experience of piloting one of 15 Virtuaroids is still not to be missed. It’s very easy to get into, difficult to walk away.

You’ll think it’s easy to begin with – the lock on system keeps the enemy in your sights at all times, and auto locks every time you jump. If your Virtuaroid is agile you can skip around the outskirts of arenas launching missiles and only occasionally breaking a sweat if the other guy is wise to your game. It’ll take a little while getting used to positioning after turbo boosting but you’ll soon appreciate how this can save your shiny robo hide before using it as an attack option.

VOOT starts to get exciting with a human opponent, even if they’re as crap at the game as you are. Learning the moves of each Virtuaroid is a journey all by itself, and with a basic understanding you’ll soon by standing toe to toe trying to knock big lumps of metal out of each other. The graphics do a spectacular job of depicting the ensuing fireworks and the sound-effects were always designed to be attention grabbing in their overblown awesomeness. VOOT is a game that delivers more than most people will ever be able to devote time and remains compelling for as long as you’re in the mood for fast-paced, and we do mean SPEEDY, robot battle action.

At 1200 Microsoft points you’ll need some reassurance that this a cut above the usual Xbox LIVE Arcade fodder. Take it from us, VOOT really is that special.

4 out of 5