X-Men: Children of the Atom

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NTSC-U/PAL NTSC-J
X-Men: Children of the Atom
System(s): Sega Saturn
Publisher: Capcom (Japan), Acclaim Entertainment (US, Europe)
Developer: Rutubo Games
Distributor: Roadshow Interactive (AU)
Licensor: Marvel Characters
Original system(s): Capcom CP System II
Developer(s) of original games: Capcom
Sound driver: SCSP/CD-DA (28 tracks)
Genre: Fighting, Action
Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code JP 1995-11-22 ¥5,8005,800 T-1203G US 1996-04-03 $59.9959.99 T-8108H EU 1996-04-12 T-8108H-50 DE 1996-04-12 T-8108H-50 PT 1996 STJAK0136 UK 1996-04-12 £44.9944.99 T-8108H-50 PL 1996 AU 199x
Non-Sega versions No results

X-Men: Children of the Atom (エックス・メン チルドレン オブ ジ アトム) also called as just X-Men (エックスメン), is an arcade fighting game developed by Capcom. Originally released for the Capcom CP System II arcade board in 1994, it was ported to the Sega Saturn in 1995.

Based on the X-Men comic book, it is the first fighting game produced by Capcom using characters under license from Marvel Comics. It is unrelated to the later comic book series of the same name. The game was widely praised for its gameplay and colorful graphics and for the quality of the port.

The game introduced multi-tiered fighting environments in which when either characters fell into the ground multiple times, the ground would crumble and characters would fall into lower parts of the level. These concepts and the fast pace of the game would provide the basis for Capcom's Marvel vs. Capcom series, which started with the game's successor X-Men vs. Street Fighter.

Story

Introduction

The game is loosely based on the "Fatal Attractions" storyline. Magneto plans to unleash an electromagnetic pulse on Earth that will disrupt the magnetic fields and create havoc on the world's electrical systems, ushering in a Dark Age for Earth's non-mutant population. With the promise of a mutant-run planet, the X-Men's most formidable foes join forces with Magneto.

Released around the time of the mid-1990s X-Men animated series, the game features voice actors from the series reprising their roles.

Gameplay

Character select

Gameplay

The game is a fighting game that follows the same fighting game controls and conventions Capcom previously established with the Street Fighter II games and the original Darkstalkers. Players control one of the X-Men or one of their enemies in a fight against the villain Magneto. Matches are played to the best of three rounds. If a battle goes more than three rounds without a victor (because of draws or double knock-outs), the next round is a "Sudden Death" round where characters are knocked out in a single hit. The game saves records such as high scores and wins/losses to the console's internal memory.

Children of the Atom adds a combo system that features long combos that can even be performed in midair. Also featured in the game are various tactical maneuvers, including the ability for characters to roll.

After selecting a character, the player can choose between Manual or Automatic blocking. However, using automatic blocking limits directional special moves to only one direction and causes all attacks, even normal moves, to inflict a small amount of damage when blocked.

Characters can move with and ; neutral jump with , and jump behind and ahead with and . They crouch with . Punches are done with (light), (medium), and (strong) and kicks are done with (light), (medium), and (strong). Light attacks are faster and hard attacks deal more damage. Special moves for each character are done by pairing specific directional combinations with an attack button. Guarding is done by holding the D-Pad away from the opponent.

and are "Special Buttons", which can be configured to in the Options menu to perform Special Actions; by default these two buttons are set to "NONE".

Dash

Quickly tapping or pressing all three P buttons (or alternatively pressing any two P buttons) makes the characters dash forwards. Forward dashing adds momentum, which can add extra stun power, change juggle arcs, and make forward jumps go farther. And by quickly tapping or together with all three P buttons (alternatively press plus any two P buttons) makes the characters dash backwards. Each character has their own particular type of forward dash and backward dash.

Super Jump

Super Jump is a special type of jump that can go many times higher than a normal jump. A Super jump is performed by pressing then in quick succession, or by pressing all three K buttons together; characters can be steered during a Super Jump by pressing or on the D-Pad.

Throws and Holds

Throws and grabs are done by holding or when near the opponent and pressing a or kick button. Characters can perform a reversal when being thrown with the same command. When the X-Power gauge reaches at least level 2, characters can land safely with by holding with all three punch buttons. Or characters can roll away or toward an opponent after being thrown by pressing or and then a punch button repeatedly. Breaking one's fall from a throw or performing a counter-throw consumes a portion of the X-Power gauge when performed.

X-Power Gauge

The player has an X-Power gauge (similar to the Super Combo gauge in Super Street Fighter II Turbo and the Special gauge in Darkstalkers) that builds as the player hits the opponent with normal attacks or by performing special moves. X-Power gauge starts at level 1 (blue) and reaches level 2 (orange) when it becomes half-full; at this point, an aura effect begins to surround the player's character until the gauge becomes full and reaches "Level Max". When the X-Power gauge is blue, only normal and special moves are allowed. When the X-Power gauge is orange, characters can perform an X-Ability, a special ability that consumes a portion of the X-Power gauge. When the gauge is full and begins to flicker, characters can perform a Hyper-X ability, which inflicts a great deal of damage but consumes a large portion of the gauge. The X-Power gauge levels are retained between rounds but reset after battles.

Modes

The game has multiple modes:

• Arcade Mode: A single-player mode where the player faces six of the other characters in the game in best of three one-on-one matches before battling Juggernaut and Magneto. A second player can challenge the first by pressing  START , with the victor of the match continuing the game. There are eight difficulty levels for computer-controlled opponents.
• Versus Mode: A two-player mode where players can choose their characters and battle each other in best of three one-on-one matches, with the ability to set a handicap for each player and choose any stage.
• Survival Mode: A single-player mode where the player fights as many opponents as possible on a single vitality bar. Some vitality is restored between battles.
• Group Battle Mode: A two-player mode where players choose one to five players each and compete in a set of one-round matches. Each player tries to eliminate all of their opponent's fighters. Characters do not recover vitality between battles.

Characters

Note: Move lists assume the player is facing right. If facing left, and should be reversed. P refers to any of the punch buttons, while K refers to any of the kick buttons.

The X-Men

	Storm
	Storm is the leader of the X-Men's Gold Team. She is a powerful mutant who possesses the ability to control the weather and atmosphere. Move list (Character abilities) Name Command Description Air Dash Any two P or any two K buttons + any direction Storm can air dash in all 8 directions while in midair and during flight mode. If no direction is pressed, Storm will air dash forward by default. Float hold , , or while in midair By holding any upward direction on the D-Pad, Storm can slow her descent while in the air. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Whirlwind P Storm summons a cyclone that moves quickly along the ground. The player can control the speed of the typhoon with or or direct its ascent it with or . Lightning Attack Simultaneously press P and K of the same strength + any direction Storm flies in any direction while empowering her hand with lightning. Storm can also perform a second one by repeating the same motion. Move list (Command normals) Name Command Description Lightning Ball  MP  + any direction while in midair By holding any direction on the D-Pad while in midair or during flight mode, Storm can control the direction where the lightning balls are shot. Storm can fire the lightning balls in 3 directions; forward, diagonally upwards and diagonally downwards. Move list (X-Power) Name Command Description Flying + all three P buttons simultaneously Storm enters into flight mode. While flying, Storm can move around in any direction Summon Wind, Pull + all three K buttons simultaneously Storm summons a wind that pulls her opponent toward her. Summon Wind, Push + all three K buttons simultaneously Storm summons a wind that pushes her opponent away from her. Move list (Hyper-X) Name Command Description Lightning Storm + two P buttons simultaneously Storm shoots bolts of lightning in all eight directions around her. Hail Storm Storm flies to the corner of the screen and summons a hail storm to batter her opponent, which covers the whole screen.
	Cyclops
	Cyclops is the first member and leader of the X-Men. He can emit destructive beams of energy from his eyes, which he controls with a visor made of ruby quartz. Move list (Character abilities) Name Command Description Double Jump , or in midair Cyclops jumps again in midair. It works after a jump and also when falling or during bounce recovery. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Optic Blast P Cyclops shoots a laser blast from his eyes that covers the entire width of the screen. When used with  LP , Cyclops fires the blast straight ahead while crouching. When used with  MP , Cyclops fires the blast straight ahead while standing. When used with  HP , Cyclops fires the blast at a diagonal upward angle while standing. He can also perform the move in midair, which is always fired straight ahead. Rising Uppercut P Cyclops performs a rising uppercut, which ends with a upward optic bullet. Pressing PPPPP does additional hits. Move list (Command normals) Name Command Description Spin Kick  HK   HK  Cyclops kicks and follows up with a jumping spin kick. Rapid Punch + LP + LK  Cyclops performs a running mini-combo, which by rapidly tapping any of the attack buttons, reaches up to 6 hits. The combo starts with 2 elbow strikes, then 2 knee strikes followed by crouching  MP  and standing  HP . Neck Breaker Drop + HP + HK  Cyclops pauses for a few seconds, then charges at the opponent; if this move connects, Cyclops performs a running bulldog at the opponent. Leg Throw or + MK  or  HK  (close to opponent) Cyclops grabs his opponent with his legs and throws them to the respective direction pressed. Move list (Hyper-X) Name Command Description Mega Optic Blast + any two P buttons simultaneously Cyclops shoots a wide optic blast that covers a large area and hits multiple times. Super Optic Blast P Cyclops fires a wide optic blast that can be directed with or . This move can be performed in midair.
	Wolverine
	Wolverine is a mutant with animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, a regenerative ability known as a healing factor, and three retractable claws in each hand. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Tornado Claw P Wolverine performs an upward claw slash, then leaps forward, spinning his claws in a circular motion. PPPPP does additional hits. Drill Claw Simultaneously press P and K of the same strength + any direction Wolverine flies in any direction while spinning and holding a claw out. He can momentarily stick to the side of the screen if he drills into it, then perform another Drill Claw by holding a direction on the D-Pad and P or K. This move can be performed in midair. Taunt (ニヤリ)  LP   MK   MK   HP   MP  Wolverine taunts his opponent, which increases the X-Power Gauge by a small amount. Move list (Command normals) Name Command Description Rebound D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Wolverine can jump off the edges of the screen. Nail Kick + MK  in midair Wolverine performs a downward dive kick. Double Kick  MK   MK  Wolverine does a hopping knee strike then follows with a handstand kick. Double Claw  MP   MP  Wolverine combos his standing  MP  with a second slash with his other hand. Sliding Claw + MP  Wolverine slides along the ground with his claws first. Move list (X-Power) Name Command Description Berserker Charge + all three P buttons simultaneously Wolverine gains increased movement speed. His motions are followed by afterimages, which allow him to land more hits. Healing Factor + all three K buttons simultaneously Wolverine regenerates a portion of his vitality bar. Move list (Hyper-X) Name Command Description Berserker Barrage + two P buttons simultaneously Wolverine charges forward with a barrage of slashes. Pressing P repeatedly does additional hits.
	Iceman
	Iceman is a mutant with the ability to manipulate ice and cold by freezing water vapor around him. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Ice Beam P Iceman shoots an ice blast from his hands that covers the entire width of the screen. When used with  LP , Iceman fires the blast diagonally downward. When used with  MP , Iceman fires the blast straight ahead. When used with  HP , Iceman fires the blast at diagonally upward. He can also perform the move in midair, which is fired in the same directions with the same buttons. Ice Avalanche P and K of the same strength Iceman creates a giant ice boulder and throws it at his opponent. This move can be performed in midair. Move list (Command normals) Name Command Description Freeze Grab + MP  (close) Iceman freezes his opponent for a duration. Ice Boulder + HP  in midair Iceman throws an ice boulder down. Slash Kick + HK  in midair Iceman kicks with a long ice blade. Move list (X-Power) Name Command Description Ice Fist + all three P buttons simultaneously Iceman encases one of his hands in a large ice ball, which increases the damage of his punches while it lasts. Move list (Hyper-X) Name Command Description Arctic Attack + two P buttons simultaneously Iceman summons a barrage of ice shards to strike his opponent. this move can also be done in midair.
	Colossus
	Colossus is a mutant who is able to transform himself into a metallic form, making him the physically strongest of the X-Men. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Giant Swing P Colossus dashes forward and grabs his opponent, then swings them around in a circle before tossing them. Power Tackle K Colossus charges with his shoulder. He charges across the ground with  LK , into the air with  MK , and high into the air with  HK . K cancels this move. Combination Kick (コンビネーションキック)  LP   MK   HP  Colossus performs a mini-combo consisting of his standing  MP  quickly followed by a forward jumping knee thrust. Move list (Command normals) Name Command Description Pick Up (つかみ上げ) + MP  or  HP  on a downed opponent Colossus picks up a downed opponent and holds it above his head. From this move, Colossus can move around and or perform other throws. Colossus Punch + HP  Colossus does a swinging punch attack that can inflict a downed stun to the opponent on hit. Move list (X-Power) Name Command Description Super Armor + all three P buttons simultaneously Colossus empowers himself in armor that reduces the damage he takes and prevents him from being knocked down. Move list (Hyper-X) Name Command Description Super Dive + two P buttons simultaneously Colossus rises high into the air and at the peak height, he dives back head first at a diagonal angle; Colossus can dive early by pressing P during the rising part. This move can also be performed while in midair.
	Psylocke
	Psylocke is an agile assassin and a telepath who can focus her power into the form of a "psychic blade". Move list (Character abilities) Name Command Description Double Jump , or in midair Psylocke jumps again in midair. It also works after a jump and also when falling, but not during bounce recovery. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Psi-Blast P Psylocke shoots a psychic energy beam that moves slowly across the screen. When used with  LP , Psylocke fires the blast diagonally downward; when used with  MP , Psylocke fires the blast straight ahead; when used with  HP , Psylocke fires the blast at a diagonal upward angle. She can also perform the move in midair, which is fired in the same directions with the same buttons. Psi-Blade Spin K Psylocke spins in the air while generating psychic energy blades. She moves forward with  LK  and diagonally upward with  MK  or  HK . This move also can be performed in midair. Taunt Psylocke taunts her opponent with a hand gesture, which increases the X-Power Gauge by a small amount. Psylocke continues gesturing until the player moves her. Move list (Command normals) Name Command Description Flip Kick + MK  Psylocke does a forward jumping axe kick. Rolling Kick + HK  Psylocke flips forward and comes down with an axe kick. Backhop Rolling Kick + HK  Psylocke does a backhop and leaps forward with an axe kick. Move list (X-Power) Name Command Description Ninjutsu (忍術) P or K Psylocke creates four duplicates of herself to confuse her opponent. The button used determines which one is the real Psylocke, with  LP  placing her leftmost and  HK  placing her rightmost. Move list (Hyper-X) Name Command Description Psi-Thrust + two P buttons simultaneously Psylocke surrounds herself in a cone of psychic energy and flies straight across the screen. The player can decide the direction that she flies by holding any direction on the D-Pad when she is about to do the move. She can perform a second Psi Thrust by pressing P at the end of the maneuver (with the player again able to determine the direction).

The Villains

	Omega Red
	Omega Red is an experimental Soviet "Super Soldier" who can absorb the life force of his victims. He has tentacles that he uses like whips in combat. Move list (Character abilities) Name Command Description Air Dash or all three P buttons in midair Omega Red can dash forward in midair. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Carbonadium Coil P Omega Red throws his metal whip towards the opponent, which can ensnare them on hit. When used with  LP , Omega Red throws the whip directly in front of him; when used with  MP , Omega Red throws the whip at a 45° angle upward; and when used with  HP , Omega Red throws the whip directly above him. Holding a direction while pressing P throws the opponent. This move can also be performed in midair. Downward Carbonadium Coil K in midair Omega Red throws his metal whip at three downward angles towards the opponent while in midair, which can ensnare them on hit. When used with  LK , Omega Red throws the whip directly in front of him; when used with  MK , Omega Red throws the whip at a 45° downward angle; and when used with  HK , Omega Red throws the whip directly below him. Holding a direction while pressing P throws the opponent. Omega Strike K Omega Strike uses his metal cables to vault himself into the air. When used with  LK , he vaults himself forwards. When used with  LK , he vaults himself at a 45° angle. When used with  HK , he vaults himself upwards. He vaults farther if the button is held for longer. Taunt  MK   LP   LK   MP  Omega Red taunts his opponent, which increases the X-Power Gauge by a small amount. Move list (Command normals) Name Command Description Coil Reveal Strike , , or + HK  Omega Red stabs his coils into the ground, and they shoot out elsewhere: near with , halfway across the screen with , and far with . Move list (X-Power) Name Command Description Death Factor PPPPP while the opponent is ensnared by Carbonadium Coil (both versions) Omega Red drains the opponent's vitality. Energy Drain KKKKK while the opponent is ensnared by Carbonadium Coil (both versions) Omega Red drains the opponent's X-Power Gauge. Move list (Hyper-X) Name Command Description Omega Destroyer + two P buttons simultaneously Omega Red lashes his coils out from himself in all directions.
	Sentinel
	Sentinels are giant robots that were programmed to hunt mutants. They attack with a variety of weapons. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Rocket Punch P The Sentinel shoots its rocket-propelled arm across the screen. When used with  LP , the Sentinel shoots the arm diagonally downward; When used with  MP , the Sentinel shoots the arm straight ahead; When used with  HP , the Sentinel shoots the arm diagonally downward. If performed in midair, the Sentinel fires in the same directions with the same buttons. Sentinel Force K The Sentinel calls forth mini-Sentinels. When used with  LK , the mini-Sentinels attack at a downward angle and can be directed with or . When used with  MK , the mini-Sentinels fly across the screen stacked on top of each other. When used with  HK , the mini-Sentinels fly overhead and drop bombs when  HK  is released. Move list (Command normals) Name Command Description Pick Up (つかみ上げ) + MP  or  HP  on a downed opponent The Sentinel picks up the downed opponent and holds him above its head, being also able to move around while holding the opponent. Pressing P throws the opponent; in order to perform this move a Level 2 X-Power Gauge is required. High Kick + MK  in midair The Sentinel does a up-forward kick version of his jumping  MK . Forward Kick + MK  in midair The Sentinel does a forward kick version of his jumping  MK . Downward Kick + MK  in midair The Sentinel does a downward kick that hits lower than the regular jumping  MK . Spinning Body Press + HP  in midair The Sentinel stops midair and performs a downward spinning body press. This move can inflict a downed stun state if it hits the opponent. Move list (X-Power) Name Command Description Flying + all three P buttons simultaneously The Sentinel enters into flight mode, being able move around in all directions while flying. Sentinel can also enter flight mode while in midair. Move list (Hyper-X) Name Command Description Plasma Storm + two P buttons simultaneously The Sentinel generates a plasma ball and fires it. PPPPP fires multiple plasma rounds (up to a maximum of three), while holding P charges up the move.
	Silver Samurai
	Silver Samurai is a master swordsman who can channel mutant powers through his sword. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Shuriken (手裏剣) P Silver Samurai throws a giant shuriken across the screen that can hit multiple times. The shuriken can be directed with or after it is thrown, although this move can be hit out of the air by the opponent's normal attacks. This move also can be performed in midair. Hyakuretsutoh (百裂刀) PPPPP or P Silver Samurai furiously slashes his sword in front of him. PPPPP to continue performing the move and for additional hits. He can run forward while performing this move with . Move list (X-Power) Name Command Description Mekuramashi (目くらまし) K Silver Samurai momentarily disappears, then reappears in the same location, making him able to dodge attacks. This move also can be performed in midair. Touki (Lightning)  LP  Silver Samurai charges his sword with an electricity, which causes a electric effect on the opponent. He cannot build up his X-Power gauge while the effect lasts. Touki (Ice)  MP  Silver Samurai charges his sword with ice, which can freeze the opponent on hit. He cannot build up his X-Power gauge while the effect lasts. Touki (Fire)  HP  Silver Samurai charges his sword with fire which can engulf the opponent on flames on hit; which increases damage. He cannot build up his X-Power gauge while the effect lasts. Bunshin (分身) + two K buttons simultaneously Silver Samurai creates multiples of himself that duplicate his movements and do extra damage. Move list (Hyper-X) Name Command Description Raimeiken (雷鳴剣) + two P buttons simultaneously Silver Samurai raises his sword in the air, calling down lightning all around him. PPPPP for more hits. Chou Shuriken (超手裏剣) + two P buttons simultaneously Silver Samurai throws three giant shurikens across the screen. The shurikens can be directed with or after they are thrown.
	Spiral
	Spiral is a six-armed warrior sorceress from Mojo World. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Dancing Sword + any two P buttons simultaneously Spiral surrounds herself in six glowing orange swords, then she can throw a sword with any P button. This move also can be performed in midair. Sword Throw P When surrounded by Dancing Swords, Spiral can group the swords together in a circle and throw them directly downward (in midair) with  LP , straight ahead with  MP , or directly upward with  HP . This move can be performed in midair. Sword Spread K When surrounded by Dancing Swords, Spiral can throw them in a spread forward with  LK , in a spread downward with  MK , or seeking her opponent with  HK . This move can be performed in midair. Six-Hand Grapple + HP  Spiral grabs the opponent, jumps high up and throws them. This move can also be performed midair. Move list (Command normals) Name Command Description Downward Punch + MP  in midair Spiral punches downward with three arms. Scratch Punch + HP  in midair Spiral dives down while holding all six arms in front of her. Upward Kick + MK  Spiral kicks high into the air. Move list (X-Power) Name Command Description Reversal Dance  LP  Spiral switches positions with her opponent. Teleport Dance  MP  then P or K Spiral teleports around. The strength of the P or K buttons determines where she will appear; if no button is pressed, Spiral appears above her opponent's head by default. Quick Fall  HP  in midair Spiral quickly drops down to the ground. This move does not use up any X-Power Gauge. Power Dance  LK  Spiral does a short dance that temporarily makes her attacks more powerful, but she takes double damage from the opponent's attacks. Spiral glows red during this X-Power. Speed Dance  MK  Spiral does a short dance that temporarily makes her movement and normal attacks faster, and also lowers her jump height and makes it slower. Spiral glows white during this X-Power. Dimensional Dance  HK  Spiral does a short dance that makes herself temporarily invisible. Move list (Hyper-X) Name Command Description Metamorphose (メタモルフォーゼ) + two P buttons simultaneously This move is also known as "Metamorphosis". Spiral does a quick flash (which can damage the opponent), then enters a temporary state where she glows in multiple colors, and her punches cause her to grab the opponent and transform, cycling through every character in the game as she pummels her opponent. Spiral can grab the opponent while standing, midair or when crouched.
	Juggernaut
	Juggernaut is a human powered by a magic gem that gives him superhuman strength and durability. He is the penultimate boss of the game. He is not normally selectable, but he can be unlocked to play in the Versus Mode in the Japanese version of the game. Move list (Character abilities) Name Command Description Super Armor Automatically activates when hit while idle, moving or attacking Juggernaut can "absorb" the opponent's hits, not entering into hitstun. Pick Up (つかみ上げ) + MP  or  HP  on a downed opponent Juggernaut picks up the downed opponent and holds him above his head with one hand, being able to move around while carrying the opponent. Pressing P throws the opponent. Super Lift P Juggernaut can rip out a girder from some stages and use it as a weapon (though he cannot use any other special moves while holding the girder). He loses the girder if he is hit enough times or thrown. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Juggernaut Punch P Juggernaut punches in front of him with both fists. Earthquake Punch P Juggernaut hits the ground, which sends a shockwave towards the opponent. Taunt P Juggernaut taunts his opponent, generating some X-Power. Move list (Command normals) Name Command Description Juggernaut Body Press + HP  in midair Juggernaut falls down with a diving splash. Move list (X-Power) Name Command Description Cyttorak Power-Up P Juggernaut glows orange, increasing the damage of his attacks for a duration. Move list (Hyper-X) Name Command Description Juggernaut Headcrush P Juggernaut charges at his opponent head first.
	Magneto
	Magneto is a mutant with the ability to generate and control magnetic fields. He is the final boss of the game. He is not playable in this version of the game.

Hidden

Main article: X-Men: Children of the Atom/Hidden content.

Akuma

Akuma is a secret character, appearing with sprites lifted from Super Street Fighter II Turbo. He can be fought in the single-player mode under a set of certain circumstances. He can also be played in the two-player mode by entering a cheat code. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Gou Hadouken P Akuma focuses energy through his palms and fires a surging punch across the screen. Zankuu Hadouken P in midair Akuma shoots two single-handed Hadoukens at a diagonal angle downward in midair. Shakunetsu Hadouken P Akuma shoots a more powerful variant of the Hadouken that can hit the opponent multiple times and engulf them on flames. Gou Shoryuken P Akuma rises off the ground while punching upwards. Hits up to two times with a medium punch or three times with a fierce punch. Tatsumaki Zankuukyaku K Akuma jumps into the air and spins around an axis with his leg extended, knocking down his opponent on impact. This move can be performed in midair. Tenma Kuujin Kyaku K in midair Akuma dive kicks diagonally downward. Move list (X-Power) Name Command Description Ashura Senkuu (Forward) + all three P or all three K buttons simultaneously Akuma glides forward. He is invulnerable in this state. He moves across the entire screen with P or half the screen with K. Ashura Senkuu (Backward) + all three P or all three K buttons simultaneously Akuma glides backward. He is invulnerable in this state. He moves across the entire screen with P or half the screen with K. Shoryuu Rengoku (昇龍煉獄) P Counterhit technique. Akuma extends his arm up and if the opponent hits it, he will parry the hit and counter with a Shouryuuken. Move list (Hyper-X) Name Command Description Messatsu Gou Hadou P Akuma fires a version of the Gou Hadouken fireball that can hit his opponent multiple times. Messatsu Gou Shoryuu P Akuma performs a low Shouryuuken while moving across the screen, culminating in a high Shouryuuken.

Stages

Each character has his or her own stage where matches are hosted. The stage can be manually chosen in the two-player modes.

On the Blackbird

Stage of Storm. This stage takes place atop the Blackbird on an aircraft carrier in the ocean. This stage features three times of day.

Danger Room

Stage of Cyclops and Akuma. The background can change to jungle, ocean, and space scenes.

Savage Land

Stage of Wolverine. This stage takes place on a moving piece of land in a river of lava, so the background scrolls.

Ice on the Beach

Stage of Iceman. This stage takes place on a moving ice platform in the South Pacific, so after the first round ends, the ice platform will start to drift on the sea.

Mutant Hunting

Stage of Colossus. A battle on the streets of Los Angeles; the ground breaks after falling on it several times, dropping onto a boat.

Moon Night

Stage of Psylocke. This stage takes place on a moving platform that scrolls around destructible girders.

The Deep

Stage of Omega Red. This stage takes place on an underwater elevator, so the background scrolls.

Genosha

Stage of Sentinel. The large red Sentinel in the background is destroyed if Sentinel loses on this stage.

Samurai Shrine

Stage of Silver Samurai. This stage takes place in a temple in Osaka that has some destructible elements.

Mojo World

Stage of Spiral. This stage has four separate layers that can be broken through.

Spaceport

Stage of Juggernaut. This stage contains metal girders that Juggernaut can pick up and use as weapons. Juggernaut can also cause debris to fall.

Avalon

Stage of Magneto. Magneto has an ability that changes the background to three other areas during the fight.

History

Development

Capcom's contract with Marvel stipulated that Capcom include a character from the Street Fighter franchise in the game. As the development team wanted to focus on the X-Men proper, they included Akuma as a secret character rather than using Ryu or Ken.

According to Tatsuya Minami, Capcom's senior manager of the Product Planning and Design Section, the biggest difficulty with converting the game to the Saturn was the memory restrictions. The Saturn (as well as the PlayStation) has only 2 megabytes of RAM, while the arcade version of X-Men: Children of the Atom used 32 megabytes for character data alone. Because of this, a third of the animation frames had to be cut for the Saturn version.

The home version of the game was originally a Saturn exclusive. While the Saturn version was ported by Rutubo Games, the PlayStation and IBM PC versions were contracted out to Probe Entertainment.

Legacy

The game was the first in a series of fighting games by Capcom featuring characters from Marvel Comics. Characters from X-Men: Children of the Atom would reappear in several subsequent Capcom fighters, including Marvel Super Heroes, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes, and Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes.

Versions

Following its 1994 arcade release, X-Men: Children of the Atom came to the Saturn and remained the only home version of the game for two years. While most of the game remains in-tact, the Saturn is forced to drop many frames of animation (something partially rectified in later games with the introduction of the Extended RAM Cartridge). Differing screen resolutions also mean the character portraits are placed below rather than beside the HUD in-game.

X-Men: Children of the Atom would come to the PlayStation in 1998 (after Marvel Super Heroes) and see more drastic cutbacks, swapping out its intro for a pre-rendered video and having both longer load times than the Saturn version and a lower average frame rate. It is also missing background animations present on the Saturn.

The Japanese release of the Saturn version allows players to play as the Juggernaut in the two-player Versus Mode via a cheat code. Capcom said that this was left in by mistake, hence why the ability to play as Juggernaut was not included in the North American or European releases or in the later PlayStation version. The PC version allows players to play as either the Juggernaut or Magneto.

Production credits

• Game Planners: Nin, Poo, Hiratou "X68K" K-Suke, Kiyo, Fuji, Otouto Tomita
• Programmers: Aoi-Tokimeki, Tarabar - Black, K.nishi-Man, Sailor-Ponkichi, O.G.T.-Iron Liver, Mo.Suzuki-Memorial, MiN-T3, Hard.Yas -466P+K-, Kaw.Hiroshima
• Object Designer: S.Yamashita, Ino, Kuriotoko, Yue, Minobe, M.Nakatani, Ari, Eripyon, Miwazo, M.Sato, Kamonohashi Sato, Kazuko Kawanaka Pyo!, Dway Nishimura, Igami, Youjirou, Sagat, Ta, Jun Matsumura 26, Nishio "VIP.T2", G.Kamina, Ushi, H.Yoshino, Eiji, N.Fukuda, H.S, Manish, Shinya Kitamura
• Scroll Designer: Fukumoyan, Yamapuu, May, Devil Ohnishi, Kazu, Akiko.O, Hiroko.N, Iwai, Kisabon, RK
• Music Composers: Anachey "Takapon", Syun Nishigaki, Hideki OK, Isao "oyaji" Abe
• Sound Designers: Hiroaki "X68K" Kondo, Toshio Kajino
• Voice Actor: Mr. George Buza, Ms. Catherine Disher, Mr. Cathal Dodd, Mr. Dan Hennessey, Mr. Norman Spencer, Ike-Bomb
• Special Thanks:
  • Capcom USA: Mr. Alex Jimenez, Mr. Eric Luther, Mr. Phillip Reed
  • Marvel Entertainment: Mr. Mark Erickson, Mr. Dana Morshead, Mr. Mike Thomas, Mr. John Conroy
  • Marvel Japan: Mr. Paul T. Takaki, Ms. Kumino Asakura
  • Mr. Shiraiwa
• Special Thanks to Acclaim Black Team
• Travis Williams (PAX), Tyrone Miller, Douglas Yellin, Mike Archer, Michael Weiner, Carol Caracciolo, Harry Reimer, John F. Gonzales, Howard Perlman, Robert Coffey, Paui.S.Lindsay, Jim Dunn, John P. Cooper, Steven C. Mattocks, Peter Sanflippo

And All Capcom Staff

• Presented by: Capcom

Source:

In-game credits

Magazine articles

Main article: X-Men: Children of the Atom/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Print advert in Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) #81: "April 1996" (1996-xx-xx)
also published in:

• Next Generation (US) #18: "June 1996" (1996-05-21)
• GamePro (US) #93: "June 1996" (1996-xx-xx)

Print advert in Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) #1995-10: "October 1995" (1995-09-08)

Print advert in Sega Saturn Magazine (UK) #7: "May 1996" (1996-04-24)

Print advert in Hyper (AU) #31: "May 1996" (1996-xx-xx)

Artwork

• 

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average
Publication Score Source GamesMaster (UK) 91

	91
Based on 1 review

Sega Retro Average

Publication Version Score 576 KByte (HU) 91 Consoles + (FR) 97 Computer & Video Games (UK) NTSC-J 95 Computer & Video Games (UK) 50 Edge (UK) 80 Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J 63 Fun Generation (DE) 70 GameFan (US) 81 Game Players (US) NTSC-U 72 GamePro (US) NTSC-U 95 GamesMaster (UK) PAL 89 Game Informer (US) NTSC-U 81 Hobby Consolas (ES) 88 Intelligent Gamer's Fusion (US) NTSC-U 83 MAN!AC (DE) NTSC-J 82 Maximum (UK) 100 Mega Force (FR) PAL 90 Mega Fun (DE) NTSC-J 84 Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL 94 Player One (FR) 94 Saturn Fan (JP) NTSC-J 78 Saturn+ (UK) PAL 89 Sega Magazin (DE) 83 Sega News (CZ) 85 Sega Power (UK) NTSC 90 Sega Pro (UK) PAL 92 Sega Saturn Magazine (UK) PAL 94 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J 80 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J 81 Total Saturn (UK) PAL 85 Ultimate Future Games (UK) NTSC-J 90 Última Generación (ES) 88 Video Games (DE) NTSC-U 83 VideoGames (US) NTSC-U 80

	85
Based on 34 reviews

X-Men: Children of the Atom

Saturn, JP
Cover
Spinecard Disc Manual

Saturn, US
Cover
Disc Manual

Saturn, EU
Cover
Disc

Saturn, PT
Cover
Disc

Saturn, AU
Cover
Disc

Technical information

Main article: X-Men: Children of the Atom/Technical information.