Cyber Troopers Virtual-On

n/a

Model 2 NTSC-U/PAL NTSC-J Windows PC
Cyber Troopers Virtual-On
System(s): Sega Model 2B CRX, Sega Saturn, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows PC, PlayStation Now
Publisher: Sega Enterprises, Ltd. (JP) Samsung (KR) Kama Entertainment (KR) Sega of America (US) Sega Europe (EU) Sega Corporation Sega Games
Developer: Sega AM3 CRI Sega PC
Distributor: Ecofilmes (PT) Tec Toy (BR) Wizard Soft (KR) Worldwide Enterprise (TW) Matrix Interactive (CN)
Sound driver: SCSP/CD-DA (26 tracks)
Peripherals supported: Saturn Twin-Stick, Sega Saturn Modem, Saturn Backup Memory
Genre: Robot Action (ロボットアクション), Action
Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code JP 1996-01 ¥? ? US 1996-05 $? ? JP 1996-11-29 ¥5,800 (5,974)5,800e GS-9099 JP (SegaNet) 1996-12-31 ¥2,8002,800 GS-7106 JP (SegaNet Pack) 1996-12-31 ¥15,80015,800 GS-7107 US 1996-11-08 $49.9949.99 81042 EU 1997-01 MK81042-50 DE 1997-01 MK81042-50 PT 199x UK 1996-12-05 £49.9949.99 MK81042-50 PL 1997 AU 199x FVIR23SSC BR 199x 191x65 KR (Samsung) 1996 GS-9612J MK-81042-08 KR (Kama Entertainment) 1997 MK-81042-08 JP 1997-06-13 ¥8,800 (9,240)8,800 (9,240) HCJ-0123 JP (Ultra 2000 Series) 2000-11-10 ¥2,000 (2,100)2,000e MKV-123 US 1997-02 85072 US (Expert Software) 199x UK (Expert Software) 1999 691501.201.UK CN 199x KR 199x TW 199x JP ▼ 2013-02-13 ¥762 (800)762 (800) NPJB-00321 JP ▼ 2013-02-13 800MSP800 JP ▼ (Otameshiban) 2013-02-13 FREEfree JP 2015-09-16

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On, known as Dennou Senki Virtual-On (電脳戦機バーチャロン) in Japan, is an arcade game initially created created for the Sega Model 2B CRX arcade platform by Sega AM3 in 1995.

The release of sequels (specifically the Xbox 360 version of Dennou Senki Virtual-On: Force) has seen this entry in the series retroactively subtitled Operation Moongate (shortened to OMG). While the term is briefly used within the game to describe the plot, it does not refer to itself with this subtitle.

Story

“	The Virtual Century has Begun The world is under new management. It is the age of economic feudalism; governments have been privatized, multinational conglomerates have carved the world into enterprise zones and sprawling business entities stretch their tentacles into every sector of public and private life. V.C. 0084 The delicate balance of power maintained by the rival trade consortiums was thrown awry when a lunar-core mining survey commissioned by the DN Group uncovered an extensive ruined outpost of incredible complexity and indeterminate age beneath the desolate surface of earth's moon. The DN Group appropriated esoteric machinery from the lunar ruins and implemented a revolutionary R&D program under the tightest security blanked - OT (OverTechnology) Systems. Years of secret research culminated in the development and release of a new line of neurally-directed combat droids with battleground precision and attack capabilities far beyond any mechanized warriors produced by the competition. OT Systems gave DN Group a total monopoly, cementing its dominance of the world economy. But, more disturbingly, the internal security programs of the lunar base were accidentally re-armed by DN Group technicians, unleashing virtual pandemonium on the surface of the moon. "Operation Moongate" was initiated to shut down the base before the chaos could extend to earth. V.C. 00 a. 0 (Present Day) The battle for control of the moon is underway, with OT Systems combat machines arrayed against the formidable remnants of the lunar complex defense forces. The DN Group forces have numerical superiority but are being tactically outclassed by the experienced droids defending the base. In a desperate effort to recruit talented virtual pilots, the DN Military Support Division has opened a Test and Training program designed to cultivated maximum combat skills in the shortest possible time. As one of thousands of test candidates, you must prove yourself in simulation warfare against increasingly powerful DN test droids before qualifying for the Mindshift into real-time combat in the lunar theater.	„
— US manual

Gameplay

In Cyber Troopers Virtual-On, players assume one of eight armed "Virtuaroids" in one-on-one fighting matches (best of three rounds), similar to a traditional versus fighting game. Unlike Sega's previous 3D fighting games however, combat is played from a third-person perspective across a three-dimensional field, and attacks primarily involve projectile weapons. The objective of the game is to destroy all of your opponents in succession.

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On was designed to accommodate a digital "twin-stick" control scheme, similar in part to older arcade games such as Robotron 2084 and Smash TV, but with two buttons on each stick. Each Virtuaroid has three weapons, one activated by the trigger on the left, another by the trigger on the right, and a third activated when both triggers are pressed simultaneously. While most weapons are projectile based, some are close-range attacks, and some double up as both. A second button on both sticks allows the player to "dash" to avoid enemy fire.

In arcade mode, the player takes on each Virtuaroid in-turn. The first five stages are considered part of a training "simulation", with the next three taking place on the moon. Once all eight Virtuaroids are defeated, the player battles a boss, Z-Gradt, which needs to be defeated within the time limit in order to finish the game.

Should the player take too long during the initial simulation fights, he/she will have to fight a mid-boss, Jaguarandi before going to the moon.

Virtual-On supports up to 32 projectiles from each player on-screen at once, meaning a maxiumum of 64.

Twin-stick controls

Left stick	Right stick	Effect
		Move forwards
		Move backwards
		Strafe left
		Strafe right
		Rotate clockwise
		Rotate anti-clockwise
		Jump
		Guard

Virtuaroids

	VR.TEMJIN (MBV-04-G)
	The Temjin was the first prototype to be developed by the DN Group. This machine was made for stability and performance. An all-around fighting machine, what the Temjin might lack in advanced technologies, it makes up for with its reliability. Left weapon: Bomb Right weapon: Beam rifle Centre weapon: Beam sword
	VR.DORKAS (HBV-10-B)
	The product of early experimentation with a stronger armored structure, the Dorkas is built slower than other droids, but packs a heavier punch. The long-range and obstacle-clearing power of its hammer attack make it a particularly tough customer in broken-field arenas. Left weapon: Hammer Right weapon: Fire ball Centre weapon: Phalanx
	VR.Fei-Yen (SRV-1-A)
	The Fei-Yen is the fastest of the DN Group droids, sleek and streamlined for high-speed maneuverability. The R&D team had to cut back on armor and heavy weapons, but the Fei-Yen is rumored to have a devastating secret attack system for last-ditch defense. Left weapon: Bowgun Right weapon: Fire ball Centre weapon: ♥ beam
	VR.BELGDOR (SAV-07-D)
	Based on the popular Raiden battle-droid, the Belgdor is a slightly more mobile variant with a formidable homing missile system. The Belgdor doesn't have the one-punch KO capability of a Dorkas or Raiden, but it beats them both in speed and jumping range. Left weapon: Napalm Right weapon: Grenade Centre weapon: Homing missile
	VR.VIPER II (TRV-06K-H)
	Developed for fast tactical deployment, Viper II extends the Temjin prototype to a new level of quickness and agility. Sacrifices were made in the Viper II armor and close-range arsenal, but most machines have trouble getting close enough to hit one. Left weapon: 7-way missile Right weapon: Homing beam Centre weapon: Vulcan
	VR.BAL-BAS-BOW (XBV-13-T11)
	The Bal-Bas-Bow was released well after the other DN Group battle droids, and it represents a new direction in virtual warfare tech-droids. With longer sustained jumping power and next-generation smart guidance weapons systems, the Bal-Bas-Bow may be the newest stage in battle-droid evolution. Left weapon: Floating mine Right weapon: Hand bit Centre weapon: Ring laser
	VR.APHARMD (MBV-09-C)
	The Apharmd models are designed for use as guerilla shock-troops, with a pair of beam tonfas especially suited for hand-to-hand combat. Turbo speed and sturdy armor make the Apharmd droid a force to be reckoned with on any battleground. Left weapon: Bomb Right weapon: Shotgun Centre weapon: Tongfer
	VR.RAIDEN (HBV-05-E)
	Raiden droids are feared equally for their dual laser cannons and their strontium-alloy armor. If these machines have a weak point, it's a lack of speed and jumping ability, but they don't need to spend much time trying to get out of anything's way.. Left weapon: Ground bomb Right weapon: Bazooka Centre weapon: Laser
	VR.JAGUARANDI
	Z-GRADT

All Virtuaroids are powered by Sega Saturns.

Achievements

Main article: Cyber Troopers Virtual-On/Achievements.

History

Legacy

The success of the arcade game led to Cyber Troopers Virtual-On becoming a well established franchise in Japan, with plastic models, original soundtracks, trading figurines, light novels and audio drama CDs being among the merchandise released in this region.

Virtual-On was also released as Sega Ages 2500 Series Vol. 31: Cyber Troopers Virtual-On in Japan with improved graphics, a better quality soundtrack and various other extra features. Two player online versions of the game were also released for the Sega Saturn version in America and Japan for the Sega NetLink (as Cyber Troopers Virtual-On NetLink Edition]) and XB∀ND services.

The game was followed up by a sequel in Cyber Troopers Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram. The arcade version is also fully playble as a mini-game in Yakuza Kiwami 2.

Sega Logistics Service announced it would end service on the arcade machines on March 31, 2017.

Versions

Virtual-On was an extremely popular arcade game at the time of release, which led to the game being ported to the Sega Saturn with significant cutbacks the following year. The Saturn version makes cutbacks to accommodate the weaker graphical hardware over the Model 2 arcade board, but also adds a variety of modes not found in the arcade version.

For the authentic arcade feel, Sega manufactured the Saturn Twin-Stick, with which the game was bundled in Japan. While the control scheme can be replicated on a standard control pad, all six face buttons are utilised in addition to and . Conversely, the shape of the Twin-Stick means it is easier for players to understand which actions move their Virtuaroid, and which buttons fire. The Twin-Stick was never released outside of Japan, however plans seem to have been in place at one stage to release the peripheral in North America as a separate product, as it is both advertised and its control scheme listed in the US manual.

The Saturn version of the game aims for a 30FPS refresh rate (half that of the arcade) and uses an in-house engine not reliant on the Sega Graphics Library. Most, though not all, of the underlying code (and to a lesser extent assets) were brought directly from the arcade version. Like Sega's Model 2-to-Saturn fighting game conversions, 3D polygonal backgrounds were replaced with 2D variants. The Saturn version also includes two split screen options, both "horizontal" and "vertical".

In 1997 another verion of the game was released that was compatible with Netlink, like all other Netlink games can now be played over a high speed internet connection with Voip

1997 also saw a Windows PC release derived from the Saturn game, however unlike previous Sega PC games, Virtual-On required a 166MHz Pentium MMX processor to run, which at the time was only available as part of high-end machines. Despite this, the game was unable to hit a stable frame rate with the recommended hardware, and 3D accelerator cards were not supported (though a separate Dennou Senki Virtual-On for Power VR port was released in Japan). In most of Europe, the PC version went unreleased, with only the United Kingdom receiving a circa 1999 release by Expert Software.

While the PC version technically runs at 640x480, unlike with many of Sega's PC games, most of the action takes place in a 496x384 (Model 2 resoluton) window surrounded by black borders. While a lower resolution mode is offered, this increases the border further; neither modes operate in full screen.

Furthermore, no Twin-Stick-esque peripherals were available for PC owners at launch, meaning players usually had to resort to the keyboard or joystick (or combinations of the two). This can cause problems for cheaper keyboards, as these often only support a limited amount of simultaneous key presses.

Localised names

Also known as

Language	Localised Name	English Translation
English	Cyber Troopers Virtual-On	Cyber Troopers Virtual-On
English (US)	Cyber Troopers Virtual-On	Cyber Troopers Virtual-On
Japanese	電脳戦機バーチャロン	Dennou Senki Virtual-On
Korean	버철 온	Virtual On

Comparisons

Main article: Cyber Troopers Virtual-On/Comparisons.

Production credits

Main article: Cyber Troopers Virtual-On/Production credits.

Downloadable content

Title and description	Links	Releases
Icon Pack 1 (アイコンパック1)	Xbox 360: JP	JP 2013-02-13 160MSP160
Icon Pack 2 (アイコンパック2)	Xbox 360: JP	JP 2013-02-13 160MSP160

Magazine articles

Main article: Cyber Troopers Virtual-On/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Main article: Cyber Troopers Virtual-On/Promotional material.

Artwork

• 

  Logo

• 

  Logo

• 

  Belgdor

• 

  Belgdor

• 

  Belgdor

• 

  Dorkas

• 

  Dorkas

• 

  Fei-Yen

• 

  Fei-Yen

• 

  Fei-Yen

• 

  Viper II

• 

  Viper II

• 

  Viper II

Photo gallery

• 

  Twin Cabinet

Physical scans

Model 2 version

Sega Retro Average
Publication Score Source

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Based on 0 review

Sega Retro Average
Publication Version Score Computer & Video Games (UK) 80 Game Informer (US) 83 Player One (FR) 92

	85
Based on 3 reviews

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On

Model 2, US

Model 2, JP

Saturn version

Sega Retro Average
Publication Score Source GamesMaster (UK) 83 №52, p34/35 Ultra Game Players (US) 86

	85
Based on 2 reviews

Sega Retro Average

Publication Version Score CD Consoles (FR) PAL 80 Consoles + (FR) PAL 82 Computer & Video Games (UK) 100 Digitiser (UK) 72 Edge (UK) PAL 80 Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U 79 Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J 80 Freak (IL) 89 Fun Generation (DE) PAL 60 GameFan (US) NTSC-U 95 Game Power (IT) 90 GamePro (US) NTSC-U 70 Game Informer (US) NTSC-U 67 GMR (US) 70 Hacker Plus (HR) 70 Intelligent Gamer (US) 100 MAN!AC (DE) PAL 60 Mega Force (FR) PAL 76 Mega Fun (DE) PAL 75 Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL 92 Next Generation (US) NTSC-U 75 Player One (FR) 82 Saturn Fan (JP) NTSC-J 82 Saturn Fan (JP) NTSC-J 76 Saturn Fan (JP) NTSC-J 82 Saturn+ (UK) PAL 83 Secret Service (PL) 80 Sega Power (UK) PAL 89 Sega Saturn Magazine (UK) PAL 93 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J 83 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J 88 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J 93 Super Power (FI) 80 Total Saturn (UK) PAL 86 Video Games (DE) PAL 65

	81
Based on 35 reviews

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On

Saturn, JP
Cover
Spinecard Disc Manual Inlay

Saturn, JP (SegaNet)
Cover
Spinecard Disc Manual

Saturn, US
Cover
Disc Manual

Saturn, EU
Cover
Disc

Saturn, DE
Cover
Disc

Saturn, PT
Cover

Saturn, AU
Cover
Disc

Saturn, BR
Cover

Saturn, KR (Samsung)
Cover
Spinecard

Saturn, KR (Kama)
Cover

PC version

Sega Retro Average
Publication Score Source

{{{{{icon}}}|L}}
Based on 0 review

Sega Retro Average
Publication Version Score Hacker Plus (HR) 70

	70
Based on 1 review

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On

PC, JP
Cover

PC, JP (Ultra 2000 Series)
Cover

PC, US
Cover
Jewel Case

PC, US (Expert Software)
Cover
Jewel Case

PC, UK (Expert Software)
Cover
Disc Jewel Case

PC, KR (Samsung)

PC, KR
Cover

PC, CN

PC, TW
Cover
Disc

Technical information

Main article: Cyber Troopers Virtual-On/Technical information.

External links

• Sega of America webpage: Saturn, PC
• Sega of Japan catalogue pages (Japanese): Saturn, PC
• Cyber Troopers Virtual-On on Xbox Marketplace: JP
• Cyber Troopers Virtual-On on PlayStation.com: JP
• Cyber Troopers Virtual-On on PlayStation Store: JP