VR Troopers

From Sega Retro

For the unreleased Sega 32X version, see VR Troopers (32X).

n/a

  • Mega Drive
  • Game Gear

VRTroopers title.png

VRTroopers GG Title.png

VR Troopers
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Sega Game Gear
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Supporting companies:
Distributor: Ecofilmes (PT), Tec Toy (BR)
Licensor: Saban Entertainment
Sound driver:
Sega Mega Drive
Sega Game Gear
Martin Walker
Peripherals supported: Six Button Control Pad
Genre: Action[1]

















Number of players:
Sega Mega Drive
1-2
Sega Game Gear
1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
US 		1576
ESRB: Kids to Adults
Sega Mega Drive
US ▼
(Sega Channel) 		SUBsub
Sega Mega Drive
EU 		1576-50
ELSPA: 3+ OK
Sega Mega Drive
EU ▼
(Sega Channel) 		SUBsub
Sega Mega Drive
PT 		MDJSE0141
Sega Mega Drive
UK 		1576-50
ELSPA: 3+ OK
Sega Mega Drive
BR 		046950
Tectoy: Todas as Idades
Sega Game Gear
US 		2559
ESRB: Kids to Adults
Sega Game Gear
EU 		2559-50
ELSPA: 3+ OK
Sega Game Gear
FR
Sega Game Gear
UK 		2559-50
ELSPA: 3+ OK
Sega Game Gear
BR 		077270
Tectoy: Todas as Idades

VR Troopers is a versus fighting game based on the VR Troopers television show by Saban (a "sister" show to the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers). It was released for the Sega Mega Drive and Sega Game Gear in 1995.

Story

VR Troopers MD, Introduction.png

Introduction

The VR Troopers are three teenagers in their late teens: JB Reese, Kaitlin Star, and Ryan Steel. They regularly attend and are teachers at Tao's Dojo, a karate studio. Professor Hart, who is a friend of Ryan's father Tyler, has developed an advanced virtual reality technology. A creature known as Grimlord rules the VR world with his army of mutants who want to conquer reality.

An arcade cabinet has mysteriously been delivered to the dojo. While investigating it, it zaps the protagonists into the virtual reality world, and the VR Troopers must fight their way out.

Gameplay

Mega Drive version

The game is a fighting game based on the television series of the same name. Matches are fought to the best of three rounds. A round is won by draining the opponent's health bar or having more health than the opponent when the timer reaches zero.

In the Story Game mode, the player can choose to play as any of the three VR Troopers and faces a series of opponents in order, including evil clones of the VR Troopers, with story scenes in between battles. After each fight, the player must play a "Battle Grid" stage and survive against multiple Skug opponents for a duration (initially 10 seconds, but increasing another 10 seconds each time). If defeated, the player must fight the previous opponent again. The player can change characters before each opponent and can continue only three times if defeated (not counting by Skugs). There are five difficulty levels for computer-controlled opponents (Kids, Easy, Moderate, Hard, and Manic). There is also a Vs. Battle mode, where two players can pick any character and any stage and fight each other, and a single-player CPU Duel mode, where one player can choose any character and stage to play and any character to fight.

Characters move with Left or Right and run with Left Left or Right Right. They jump with Up and crouch with Down. They punch with B and kick with C. Punches and kicks can be performed while standing, crouching, or jumping. Each character also has three special abilities that can be performed by pairing the attack buttons with particular directions. Attacks can be blocked by holding the D-Pad away from the opponent, which reduces (but does not entirely negate) the damage taken from attacks. Blocking can be done while standing or crouching as well as in midair. Some moves cannot be blocked.

In addition to these attacks, every character can perform a roundhouse kick with Up-left+C (or Up-right+C when facing left), a sweep kick with Down-left+C (or Down-right+C when facing left), and an uppercut with B when rising from a crouch. After jumping, characters can perform a "rocket air attack" with Right+C (or Left+C when facing left), which is a flying kick forward. All of these moves knock opponents over on impact. Characters can throw their opponents by holding the D-Pad toward a nearby opponent and pressing A. Throws cannot be blocked, but characters can only be thrown while standing and not while crouching.

Characters

Note: Move lists assume that the character is facing right. When facing left, Left and Right should be reversed.

P Punch
K Kick
 THROW  Throw

On the Kids and Easy difficulty levels, each character's special abilities are mapped to the X, Y, and Z buttons and have had their recovery times removed.

Heroes

The VR Troopers are playable in every mode, including the Story Game.

VR Troopers MD, Characters.png
 JB Reese
JB is the "computer wizard" of the group.
Move list
Name Command Description
Laser Lance Right+P JB thrusts a laser lance that stretches to the other end of the screen.
Dive and Roll Left Left+P+K JB dashes forward and rolls along the ground.
Turbine Kick Down+K in midair JB spins diagonally downward from the air like a drill.
VR Troopers MD, Characters.png
 Kaitlin Star
Kaitlin Star is a photographer and budding reporter for the local newspaper.
Move list
Name Command Description
Power Ring Right+P Kaitlin shoots a fast, ring-shaped projectile across the screen.
Punch and Kick P+K Kaitlin punches, then does an axe kick.
Use Pistol Left+P Kaitlin shoots a laser across the screen with her pistol.
VR Troopers MD, Characters.png
 Ryan Steel
Ryan is the most focused martial artist of the group.
Move list
Name Command Description
Atomic Shuriken Right+P Ryan shoots an energy shuriken across the screen.
Lazer Rush Left Left+P+K Ryan charges across the screen while throwing an energy-infused punch.
Overdrive Hold  THROW +P+K for 2 seconds Ryan glows, moving and attacking faster for 5 seconds. He also gains increased resistance to melee attacks (but not projectiles).
Villains

These characters appear as opponents in the Story Game and as playable characters in the Vs. Battle and CPU Duel modes.

VR Troopers MD, Characters.png
 Tankotron
Tankotron is an armored tank robot.
Move list
Name Command Description
Blast Right+P Tankotron shoots a fire blast across the screen.
Hard Shell Hold  THROW +P+K for 2 seconds Tankotron glows, increasing his resistance to melee attacks (but not projectiles) for 5 seconds.
Mine Left+P Tankotron drops a mine on the ground, which explodes after a moment or when it touches an opponent. This move is unblockable.
VR Troopers MD, Characters.png
 Decimator
Decimator is an expert swordsman and one of Grimlord's key lieutenants.
Move list
Name Command Description
Power Slice Right+P Decimator swings his sword, sending a tall energy wave across the screen.
Switchback Left Left+K Decimator disappears and reappears on the other side of the opponent with a sweep kick.
Stomp Down+K in midair Decimator falls with a stomp.
VR Troopers MD, Characters.png
 Kongbot
Kongbot is large gorilla robot.
Move list
Name Command Description
Bark Blast Left Left+P Kongbot spits an energy blast across the screen.
Charge Down+P+K Kongbot charges across the screen. He is invulnerable while doing this.
Spin HOLD PUp Up-left Left Down-left Down Kongbot rushes forward while spinning like a tornado.
VR Troopers MD, Characters.png
 Darkheart
Darkheart is a mutant who is actually Ryan's father, Tyler, after being captured by Grimlord.
Move list
Name Command Description
Blast Right+P Darkheart kneels and shoots a fire blast across the screen.
Cloak Down+P+K Darkheart becomes invisible for 5 seconds. He can still be hit in this state.
Shield Hold  THROW +P+K for 2 seconds Darkheart glows, damaging and knocking over opponents that touch him for 5 seconds. He is invulnerable to melee attacks while the effect is active, but he can still be harmed by projectiles. His damage is also increased and his normal attacks are unblockable for the duration.
VR Troopers MD, Characters.png
 The Magician
The Magician is a robotic magician and ninja.
Move list
Name Command Description
Magic Globe Left Left+P The Magician shoots a magical orb across the screen from his hat.
In Hat HOLD PDown Down Down The Magician collapses to the ground under his hat, becoming invincible (but also unable to attack) for 3 seconds. He can pass under his opponent while in this state. The hat jumps before the duration ends.
Switcheroo Left Left+P+K The Magician throws his hat across the screen. If it hits his opponent, both players are transformed into random other characters for 10 seconds.
Unplayable

These characters appear only as opponents in the Story Game.

Skugs
Skugs are Grimlord's foot soldiers. After each opponent in the Story Game, the player must survive against endless waves of two Skugs at a time until time runs out. If defeated, the player does not have to use a continue but must fight the previous opponent again. The player cannot use special moves in these fights.

In matches against other VR Troopers, a Skug transforms into a clone of the Trooper before the match begins.

VR Troopers MD, Characters.png
 Kamelion
Kamelion is the final boss of the game. It is a robot that can transform into the other characters in the game and use their special abilities.

Stages

Stage are played in order in the Story Game mode (with the Battle Grid fights having their own backdrop). Some stages have a color variation. Players can choose the stage in the other modes (but not the Battle Grid stage or the color variations).

VR Troopers MD, Stage 1.png

The Swamp
Tankotron is fought here.

VR Troopers MD, Stage 2.png

The Forest 1
Decimator is fought here.

VR Troopers MD, Stage 3.png

Ziktor Skyline 1
Darkheart is fought here.

VR Troopers MD, Stage 4.png

The Scrapyard
Kongbot is fought here.

VR Troopers MD, Stage 5.png

Ziktor Skyline 2
The Magician is fought here.

VR Troopers MD, Stage 6.png

VR Skyjet 1
Clone JB is fought here.

VR Troopers MD, Stage 7.png

The Forest 2
Clone Kaitlin is fought here.

VR Troopers MD, Stage 8.png

VR Skyjet 2
Clone Ryan is fought here.

VR Troopers MD, Stage 9.png

Grimlord's Lair
Kamelion is fought here.

VR Troopers MD, Battle Grid.png

Battle Grid
Skugs are fought here.

Game Gear version

The game is a fighting game, similar to the Mega Drive version but only supporting a single player. The player can choose from two game modes, Story Game and Battle Game. In Story Game, the player can choose from the three VR Troopers and fights against Grimlord's minions, with brief story scenes in between fights. After some fights, the player plays a "Battle Grid" stage, which is a bonus stage where the player character fights against an endless Skugs until time runs out. In Battle Game, the player can select from eight characters and fights against every other character in the game. In both modes, players can change the playable character after each fight. Matches are fought to the best of three rounds (changeable to five rounds) and have a 60-second timer (changeable to 15, 30, or unlimited). The game ends if the player loses a match in either mode (with no continues). There are five difficulty levels (Very Easy, Easy, Normal, Hard, and Very Hard).

Characters move with Left or Right, jump with Up, and crouch with Down. They punch with 1 and kick with 2, which can be done while standing, crouching, or jumping. Every character also has two or three special moves performed with special button combinations. Attacks can be blocked by holding the D-Pad away from the opponent when standing or crouching, though blocked attacks still do some damage.

In addition to these attacks, every character can perform a roundhouse kick by pressing Right+2 (or Left+2 when facing left), a sweep kick with Down+2, and an uppercut with Left+1 or Right+1 when rising from a crouch. After jumping, characters can perform a "rocket air attack" with Right+2 (or Left+2 when facing left), which is a flying kick forward. All of these moves knock opponents over on impact. Characters throw by pressing Left+1 or Right+1 when next to an opponent, which cannot be blocked.

Characters

Note: Move lists assume that the character is facing right. When facing left, Left and Right should be reversed.

P Punch
K Kick
Heroes

The VR Troopers are playable in both Story Game and Battle Game.

VR Troopers GG, Characters.png
 Ryan Steel
Ryan is the most focused martial artist of the group.
Move list
Name Command Description
Atomic Shuriken P+K Ryan shoots an energy shuriken across the screen.
Lightning Hand Right+P+K Ryan charges across the screen while throwing an energy-infused punch.
VR Troopers GG, Characters.png
 JB Reese
JB is the "computer wizard" of the group.
Move list
Name Command Description
Laser Lance Left+P+K JB thrusts a laser lance that stretches to the other end of the screen.
Dive and Roll Right+P+K JB dashes forward and rolls along the ground.
Turbine Kick P+K in midair JB spins diagonally downward from the air like a drill.
VR Troopers GG, Characters.png
 Kaitlin Star
Kaitlin Star is a photographer and budding reporter for the local newspaper.
Move list
Name Command Description
Power Ring Right+P+K Kaitlin shoots a fast, ring-shaped projectile across the screen.
Punch and Kick P+K Kaitlin punches, then does an axe kick.
Use Pistol Left+P+K Kaitlin shoots a laser across the screen with her pistol.
Villains

These characters appear as opponents in the Story Game and as playable characters in the Battle Game.

VR Troopers GG, Characters.png
 Tankotron
Tankotron is an armored tank robot.
Move list
Name Command Description
Blast Right+P+K Tankotron shoots a fire blast across the screen.
Hard Shell Left+P+K Tankotron flashes and becomes immune to damage for 5 seconds (though he can still be knocked down or thrown).
Mine P+K Tankotron drops a mine on the ground, which explodes after a moment or when it touches an opponent. This move is unblockable.
VR Troopers GG, Characters.png
 Decimator
Decimator is an expert swordsman and one of Grimlord's key lieutenants.
Move list
Name Command Description
Power Slice P+K Decimator swings his sword, sending a tall energy wave across the screen.
Switchback Left+P+K Decimator disappears and reappears on the other side of the opponent with a sweep kick.
Stomp P+K in midair Decimator rises higher, then falls with a stomp.
VR Troopers GG, Characters.png
 Kongbot
Kongbot is large gorilla robot.
Move list
Name Command Description
Bark Blast P+K Kongbot spits an energy blast across the screen.
Charge Right+P+K Kongbot charges across the screen. He is invulnerable while doing this.
Spin Left+P+K Kongbot spins in place like a tornado.
VR Troopers GG, Characters.png
 Darkheart
Darkheart is a mutant who is actually Ryan's father, Tyler, after being captured by Grimlord.
Move list
Name Command Description
Blast P+K Darkheart kneels and shoots a fire blast across the screen.
Cloak Up+P+K Darkheart becomes invisible for 5 seconds or until he is hit.
Shield Down+P+K Darkheart flashes and becomes invulnerable for a second. While in this state, he knocks over opponents that touch him and his attacks are unblockable.
VR Troopers GG, Characters.png
 The Magician
The Magician is a robotic magician and ninja.
Move list
Name Command Description
Magic Globe P+K The Magician shoots a magical orb across the screen from his hat.
In Hat Down+P+K The Magician collapses to the ground under his hat for a second before reappearing. While in this state, he cannot be attacked and can move quickly (including under his opponent).
Switcheroo Up+P+K The Magician throws his hat across the screen. If it hits his opponent, both players are transformed into random other characters for 5 seconds.
Unplayable

These characters are not playable in either mode.

VR Troopers GG, Characters.png
 Skugs
Skugs are Grimlord's foot soldiers. After some matches in the Story Game, the player must survive against endless Skugs until time runs out. They are fought one at a time, with a new one replacing one immediately when it is defeated. These matches are fought for points, and there is no penalty if the player is defeated in one.
VR Troopers GG, Characters.png
 Kamelion
Kamelion appears multiple times as an opponent, including as the final boss, in both modes. It is a robot that can transform into the other characters in the game and use their special abilities.

Stages

In the Story Game, the player fights Tankotron in the Swamp, Skugs in the Battle Grid stage, Kongbot in the Swamp, Kamelion in Grimlord's Lair, Skugs in the Battle Grid stage, Decimator in the Forest, Darkheart in Ziktor Skyline, Skugs in the Battle Grid stage, Kamelion again in Grimlord's Lair, the Magician in the Swamp, Skugs in the Battle Grid stage, and Kamelion one last time in Grimlord's Lair.

In the Battle Game, the player fights Decimator in the Scrapyard, Tankotron in Ziktor Skyline, Ryan, Kaitlin, and JB in the Battle Grid stage, Kamelion in Grimlord's Lair, the Magician in the Swamp, Kongbot in the Forest, Darkheart in the Scrapyard, and the Kamelion again in Grimlord's Lair.

VR Troopers GG, Stages, The Swamp.png

The Swamp
VR Troopers GG, Stages, The Swamp.png

VR Troopers GG, Stages, The Scrapyard.png

The Scrapyard
VR Troopers GG, Stages, The Scrapyard.png

VR Troopers GG, Stages, The Forest.png

The Forest
VR Troopers GG, Stages, The Forest.png

VR Troopers GG, Stages, Ziktor Skyline.png

Ziktor Skyline
VR Troopers GG, Stages, Ziktor Skyline.png

VR Troopers GG, Battle Grid.png

Battle Grid
VR Troopers GG, Battle Grid.png

VR Troopers GG, Stages, Grimlord's Lair.png

Grimlord's Lair
VR Troopers GG, Stages, Grimlord's Lair.png

Production credits

Mega Drive version

Developed in the U.K. for Sega of America by Syrox Developments Ltd.
  • Program Code: Rob Brooks, Dominic Wood
  • Program Graphics: Mark Knowles, Eric Bailey, Jock Green, Mickey Adams, Jim Studt
  • Graphics Support: Paolo Ulivi
  • Audio Compositions and Programming: Martin Walker
  • Original Design: Michael Latham, Syrox
Saban Interactive
  • Executive Producer: J. David Koch
  • Producer: Daniel E. Suarez
  • With special thanks to: Haim Saban and Peter Dang.
Source:
In-game credits
VR Troopers MD credits.pdf
[3]

Game Gear version

Developed in the UK by Syrox Developments
  • Programming Team: Dominic Wood, Rob Brooks
  • Art Team: Mark Knowles, Eric Bailey, Jon Green, Mickey Adams, Jim Studt
  • Assistant: Paulo Ulivi
  • Music and Sound: Martin Walker
Saban Interactive
  • Excutive Producer: J.David Koch
  • Producer: Daniel E. Suarez
  • Special Thanks: Haim Saban, Peter Dang
Source:
In-game credits
VR Troopers GG credits.pdf
[4]

Magazine articles

Main article: VR Troopers/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Game Gear Print advert in Hobby Consolas (ES) #51: "Diciembre 1995" (1995-xx-xx)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg

Artwork

  • Mega Drive US prototype cover

  • Game Gear US prototype cover

  • Game Gear US prototype cover (alt)

Physical scans

Mega Drive version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
50
[6]
Cool Gamer (RU)
30
[7]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
38
[8]
Fusion (US) NTSC-U
25
[9]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
73
[10]
Gamers (DE) PAL
47
[11]
Hobby Consolas (ES) PAL
70
[12]
MAN!AC (DE) PAL
52
[13]
Mega Force (FR) PAL
80
[14]
Mega Fun (DE) PAL
76
[15]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
83
[2]
Sega Magazin (DE) PAL
64
[16]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
75
[17]
Svet Igara (YU)
86
[18]
Tricks (RU)
70
[19]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
77
[20]
Video Games (DE) PAL
56
[21]
Sega Mega Drive
 62
Based on
17 reviews

VR Troopers

Mega Drive, US
VRTroopers MD US Box.jpg
Cover
VRTroopers MD US Cart.jpg
Cart
VRTroopers MD US Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, EU
VRTroopers MD EU Box.jpg
Cover
VRTroopers MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
VRTroopers MD EU Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, PT
VRTroopers MD PT Box Back.jpgNospine.pngVRTroopers MD PT cover.jpg
Cover
VRTroopers MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
VRTroopers MD GG Manual.jpg
Manual
VRTroopers MD EU Manual.pdf
EU Manual
Mega Drive, BR
VRTroopers MD BR Box.jpg
Cover
VRTroopers MD BR Cart.jpg
Cart

Game Gear version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Gamers (DE) PAL
47
[11]
Hobby Consolas (ES)
79
[22]
Mega Force (FR) PAL
80
[23]
Mega Fun (DE) PAL
76
[15]
Player One (FR) PAL
30
[24]
Sega Magazin (DE) PAL
64
[16]
Sega News (CZ)
65
[25]
Sega Game Gear
 63
Based on
7 reviews

VR Troopers

Game Gear, US
VRTroopers GG US Box Back.jpgNospine.pngVRTroopers GG US Box Front.jpg
Cover
VRTroopers GG US Cart.jpg
Cart
Game Gear, EU
VRTroopers GG EU Box Back.jpgVR Troopers GG EU BoxSpine.jpgVRTroopers GG EU Box Front.jpg
Cover
VRTroopers GG EU Cart.jpg
Cart
VR Troopers GG EU Manual.jpg
Manual
Game Gear, FR (blister pack)
VRTroopers GG FR blister back.jpgVRTroopers GG FR blister front.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, BR
VRTroopers GG BR Box.jpg
Cover
VRTroopers GG BR Cart.jpg
Cart

Technical information

Main article: VR Troopers/Technical information.

External links

References

  1. ↑ File:VRTroopers GG EU Box Back.jpg
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Mean Machines Sega, "February 1996" (UK; 1995-12-xx), page 83
  3. ↑ File:VR Troopers MD credits.pdf
  4. ↑ File:VR Troopers GG credits.pdf
  5. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Enero 1996" (ES; 199x-xx-xx), page 83
  6. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 331
  7. ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 233
  8. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "December 1995" (US; 1995-xx-xx), page 42
  9. ↑ Fusion, "Volume 1, Number 6: January 1996" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 102
  10. ↑ GamePro, "February 1996" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 72
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Gamers, "Dezember 1995" (DE; 1995-11-08), page 54
  12. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Diciembre 1995" (ES; 1995-xx-xx), page 114
  13. ↑ MAN!AC, "12/95" (DE; 1995-11-08), page 91
  14. ↑ Mega Force, "Décembre 1995" (FR; 1995-1x-xx), page 61
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Mega Fun, "12/95" (DE; 1995-11-21), page 70
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Sega Magazin, "Dezember 1995" (DE; 1995-11-15), page 77
  17. ↑ Sega Pro, "March 1996" (UK; 1996-01-25), page 62
  18. ↑ Svet Igara, "Jun 1996" (YU; 1996-xx-xx), page 60
  19. ↑ Tricks, "Vypusk 8" (RU; 1996-xx-xx), page 31
  20. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 220
  21. ↑ Video Games, "12/95" (DE; 1995-11-21), page 74
  22. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Febrero 1996" (ES; 1996-xx-xx), page 101
  23. ↑ Mega Force, "Mars 1996" (FR; 1996-0x-xx), page 83
  24. ↑ Player One, "Mars 1996" (FR; 1996-0x-xx), page 105
  25. ↑ Sega News, "Listopad 1996" (CZ; 1996-1x-xx), page 34


VR Troopers

VRTroopers title.png

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Sega Mega Drive
 VR Troopers (1995)
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 VR Troopers (unreleased)
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 VR Troopers (1995)
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