Cyber Troopers Virtual-On

From Sega Retro

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Virtual On Model 2.png

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On
System(s): Sega Model 2B CRX, Sega Saturn, Windows PC, PlayStation Network
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Genre: Action

















Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code
Windows PC
JP 		¥8,800 (9,240)8,800 (9,240) HCJ-0123
Windows PC
US 		85072
Windows PC
US
(Expert Software)
Windows PC
KR
CERO
Missing Parameter!

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) - this is a name occasionally referred to in Japanese merchandising but not within the game itself (and not overseas).

Plot

“

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 balace 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 tighest security blanked - OT (OverTechnology) Systems. Years of secret research culminated in the development and release of a new line of neurally-directed combat droides 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 maxium combat skills in the shortest possible time. As one of thousands of test candidates, you must prove yourself in a simulation warfare against increasingly powerful DN test droids before qualifying for the Mindshift into real-time combat in teh lunar theater.

„

— US Sega Saturn Manual


Gameplay

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On is a versus fighting game featuring robots known as "Virtuaroids" who are armed with a variety of weapons. The game is played from a third-person perspective with players traversing across a three-dimensional field, attacking each other primarily with projectile weapons. Like other fighting games, the object of the game is to destroy all of your opponents in succession.

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On was designed to accommodate a "twin-stick" control scheme, similar in part to older arcade games such as Robotron 2084 and Smash TV.

Virtuaroids

{{{imagewidths}}} 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.
{{{imagewidths}}} 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.
{{{imagewidths}}} 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.
{{{imagewidths}}} 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.
{{{imagewidths}}} 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.
{{{imagewidths}}} 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.
{{{imagewidths}}} VR.APHARMD (MBV-09-C)
The Apharmd models are designed for use as guerilla shock-troops, with a paid 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.
{{{imagewidths}}} 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.

All Virtuaroids are powered by Sega Saturns.

History

Legacy

Virtual-On was an extremely popular arcade game atthe 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, of which the game was bundled with in Japan - this peripheral was not released in the West.

Two versions of Cyber Troopers Virtual-On exist for Windows PCs - a Japanese and North American port, with the former offering hardwre accelerated graphics. Both are derived from the Saturn version but sport higher resolution graphics, more akin to the arcade original.

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 and XB∀ND services.

The game was followed up by a sequel in Cyber Troopers Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram.

Production Credits

Arcade Version

Programming: Yoshihiro Sonoda, Masahiko Kobayashi, Takeshi Yamazaki, Kenji Yamamoto, Yoshifumi Ishihata
Character Design: Hajime Katoki
Graphics: Takeshi Sano, Hiroshi Yoshida, Koji Ono, Koichi Ozaki, Yasuhito Tanaka, Nobukazu Naruke, Kunio Watanabe, Michinari Terada, Atsushi Saitoh, Hiromi Itoh, Satoshi Kitahara
Music & Sound Effects: Kentaro Koyama
Mechanics: Yasuo Ishikawa, Masayoshi Yamada, Hidemi Takabayashi
Electric Works: Mitsuru Kawamura, Hiroki Koyama, Hideki Inoue
Cabinet Design: Yutaka Okumura, Minoru Matsuba
Product Promotion: Kazuko Hayasaka, Nobutaka Arii
Product Design: Koichi Ozaki
Game Design: Juro Watari
Directors: Juro Watari, Manabu Washio
Producer: Hisao Oguchi
Special Thanks to: Hisaki Nimiya, Kazunari Shimamura, Shinichi Nakagawa, Takashi Hasegawa, Junichiro Tanabe, Publicity Section AM#2, Staff of "Ikebukuro Gigo", "Kamata Cinemagic", "Shinjuku Sportsland #3", "Hi-Tech Sega Shibuya", All Members of AM R&D Dept. #3, and All The Players of "Virtual-On"
Presented by: Sega

Saturn Version

~In-game credits~

Staff

Chief Programmer: Toru Kujirai
Programmers: Hironobu Tsujikawa, Masayoshi Iwai, Kazunori Masuda, Yukinori Kaneko, Hajime Take, Takuo Kaneko
Chief Designer: Norihito Omoda
Designers: Masakazu Yanagida, Satoshi Fujinuma, Hiroko Katoh, Kazuya Suzuki
Planner: Yasuhiro Nishimoto
Music & Effects: Naoshi Kunisawa
Special Thanks: Hiroshi Aso, Hisao Oguchi, Masayuki Hasegawa, Nobutaka Arii, Jun Kasahara, Yoshimi Fujii, Hiroyuki Kashima, Yuuri Ohtake
Producer: Makoto Oshitani, Keisuke Chiwata
Director: Katsuhiro Hasegawa
Character Design: Hajime Katoki
Program Technical Advisor: Yoshihiro Sonoda
Design Technical Advisor: Hiroshi Yoshida, Kohichi Ozaki, Nobukazu Naruke
Music Advisor: Kentaro Koyama
Supervisor: Juro Watari

SEGA U.S. Credits

Producer: Steve Hutchins
SOJ Liaison: Ryoichi Hasegawa
Product Manager: Andrew Stein
Asst. Producer: Michael S. Jablonn
Lead Tester: Tony Lynch
Assistant Leads: Lance Nelson, Fred Selker, Alan Tan
Thanks To: Granillo, Stolar, Taka, Lindstrom & SEEDY
Reprogrammed by: CSK Research Institute Corp. (CRI)
Presented by: Sega

~Other credits~
Testers: Rey Alferez, Nicolas J. Azizian, Anthony Borba, Jesse Caceres, Anthony Chau, Marc Dawson, John Diamonon, David Dodge, Jeff Hedges, Jeff B. Junio, Lloyd Kinoshita, Michael Kwan, Dennis Lee, Christopher Lucich, Grant Luke, Dan Madar, Marcus Montgomery, Mark Paniagua, Dave Portera, Sean Potter, Todd Slepian, Carl Street, Fernando Valderrama, Ferdinand Villar, Polly Villatuya, Peter Young, Michael Weavil
Packaging Design: Robert Schonfisch, Eric Smith, Sarah Wittmer
Manual: Doulas Sipp
Thanks to: Matt Dunbar, Manny Granillo, Mark Lindstrom, Anne Moellering, SEEDY, Undyne Stafford, Bernard Stolar, Tak

PC Version

Chief Programmer: Toshinori Suzuki
Programmers: Takahiro Nagata, Hitoshi Ohta, Noritaka Yakita, Yoshihiko Toyoshima, Kei Takashima
Graphic Designers: Katsufumi Yoshimori, Tomoharu Tanaka, Hisayoshi Yoshida, Tomonori Saguchi
Director and Planner: Jun-etsu Kakuta
Sound Data Convert Engineer: Masaru Setsumaru
Producer: Shun Arai, Toshinori Asai
Publicity: Hiroyuki Otaka
Marketing: Yasuo Koike, Yasuhide Nagasawa, Ryosuke Kaji
Character Design: Hajime Katoki
Program Technical Adviser: Yoshihiro Sonoda
Design Technical Adviser: Hiroshi Yoshida, Koh-ichi Ozaki, Nobukazu Naruke
Music Adviser: Kentaro Koyama
Supervisor: Juro Watari
Testers: Youichiro Inoue, Tomohisa Nakayasu, Kazuyuki Hagiwara, Noriko Hori
Special Thanks: Original "Virtual-On" Staff, Sega AM#3 Dept., "Virtual-On" Saturn Version Staff, Sega Digital Media Planning & Development Dept., Human Interface Communications (HIC), Yasushi Nagumo, Jun Kasahara, and ALL The Players of "Virtual-On"
Presented by: Sega

Gallery

  • Twin Cabinet

Promotional Material

  • Model 2 US flyer

  • Model 2 JP flyer

  • CTVO Saturn US PrintAdvert.jpg

    Saturn US print advert

  • Saturn JP flyer

  • Saturn JP flyer (SegaNet)

Physical Scans

Model 2 Version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
90 AllGame
80 №169, p74/75
85 №41, p47
Arcade
 85
Based on
3 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Arcade
 N/A
Based on
0 reviews

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On

Model 2, US
Model 2, JP

Saturn Version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
90 AllGame
79 №24, p96/97/98
82 №61, p130/131
100 №182, p86/87/88/89
80 №41, p87
83 №52, p34/35
83 №105
92 №51, p38/55/56/57[1]
82 №71, p94/95
93 №15, p66/67
86 №93
Sega Saturn
 86
Based on
11 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
CD Consoles (FR) PAL
80
[2]
Consoles + (FR) PAL
82
[3]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
100
[4]
Digitiser (UK)
72
[5]
Edge (UK) PAL
80
[6]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
79
[7]
Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
80
[8]
Freak (IL)
89
[9]
Fun Generation (DE) PAL
60
[10]
GameFan (US) NTSC-U
95
[11]
Game Power (IT)
90
[12]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
70
[13]
Game Informer (US) NTSC-U
67
[14]
GMR (US)
70
[15]
Hacker Plus (HR)
70
[16]
Intelligent Gamer (US)
100
[17]
MAN!AC (DE) PAL
60
[18]
Mega Force (FR) PAL
76
[19]
Mega Fun (DE) PAL
75
[20]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
92
[1]
Next Generation (US) NTSC-U
75
[21]
Player One (FR)
82
[22]
Saturn Fan (JP) NTSC-J
82
[23]
Saturn Fan (JP) NTSC-J
76
[24]
Saturn Fan (JP) NTSC-J
82
[25]
Saturn+ (UK) PAL
83
[26]
Secret Service (PL)
80
[27]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
89
[28]
Sega Saturn Magazine (UK) PAL
93
[29]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
83
[30]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
88
[31]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
93
[32]
Super Power (FI)
80
[33]
Total Saturn (UK) PAL
86
[34]
Video Games (DE) PAL
65
[35]
Sega Saturn
 81
Based on
35 reviews

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On

Saturn, US
VirtuaOn Saturn US Box Back.jpgVirtuaOn Saturn US Box Front.jpg
Cover
VirtualOn Saturn US Disc.jpg
Disc
Virtualon sat us manual.pdf
Manual
Saturn, US (NetLink Edition)
VirtuaOn Saturn US Box Back Netlink.jpgVirtuaOn Saturn US Box Front Netlink.jpg
Cover
Virtualonnetlink sat us manual.pdf
Manual
Saturn, EU
Virtua On Saturn EU Box.jpg
Cover
Virtual On Saturn EU Disc.jpg
Disc
Saturn, JP
VirtuaOn Saturn JP Box Back.jpgVirtuaOn Saturn JP Box Front.jpg
Cover
VirtualOn Saturn JP Spinecard.jpg
Spinecard
VirtualOn Saturn JP Disc.jpg
Disc
Virtual On Sega Saturn Japan Manual.pdf
Manual
Virtual On Sega Saturn JP Inlay.jpg
Inlay
Saturn, JP (SegaNet)
VirtuaOn Saturn JP Box Back SegaNet.jpgVirtuaOn Saturn JP Box Front SegaNet.jpg
Cover
DennouSenkiSegaNetSaturnJPSpine.jpg
Spinecard
VirtualOn Saturn JP Disc SegaNet.jpg
Disc
Saturn, BR
VirtualOn Saturn BR Box Front.jpg
Cover
Saturn, KR
VirtualOn Saturn KR Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngVirtualOn Sat KR cover.jpg
Cover

PC Version

PC, US
VirtualOn PC US Box Back.jpgNospine.pngVirtualOn PC US Box Front.jpg
Cover
VirtualOn PC US Box Back JewelCase.jpgVirtualOn PC US Box Front JewelCase.jpg
Jewel Case
PC, US (Expert Software)

VirtualOn PC US Box JewelCase Front Expert.jpg
Jewel Case
PC, JP
VirtualOn PC JP Box Front.jpg
Cover
PC, JP (Ultra 2000)
VirtualOn PC JP Box Front Ultra2000.jpg
Cover
PC, KR

External Links



Games in the Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Series
Cyber Troopers Virtual-On (for Power VR) (1995) | Cyber Troopers Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram M.S.B.S. Ver. 5.2 (Ver. 5.4 | Ver. 5.66 | Special) (1998-2000) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On: Force (2001) | Cyber Troopers Virtual-On: Marz (2003) | Sega Ages 2500 Series Vol. 31: Cyber Troopers Virtual-On (2007)
Dennou Senki Virtual-On x Toaru Majutsu no Index: Toaru Majutsu no Virtual-On (2018)
Compilations
Dennou Senki Virtual-On Masterpiece 1995-2001 (2019)
Cyber Troopers Virtual-On related media
Music
 Dennou Senki Virtual-On Official Sound Data (1996) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram Official Sound Data RNA Side (1999) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram Official Sound Data DNA Side (1999) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram For Dreamcast Official Sound Data (1999) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram For Dreamcast Club Trax Sound (2000) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Force Official Sound Data Ver 7.5 (2001) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Marz Official Sound Data (2003) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Original Sound Track (2007) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Official Sound Data 4x6 (2010) | Cyber Troopers Virtual-on Official Sound Data 18 (2018)
Music
 Dennou Senki Virtual-On "Cyber Net Rhapsody": Episode‏‎ 14 (1996) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Episode 16: Counterpoint 009A (1997) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Force Official Sound Data: Marsinal (2002)
Book
 Arcade Game Hisshou Hou Special: Dennou Senki Virtual-On (1996) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Dennou Kouryaku Manual (1996) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Virtuaroid Technical Manual (1996) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Operating Manual (1996) | Arcade Game Hisshou Hou Special: Dennou Senki Virtual-On More Advanced Book (1996) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Ace Pilot Yousei Text (1996) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Pilot Manual for Saturn (1997) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Perfect Guide (1997) | Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Graphics Perspective (1997) | Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Reference Schematic (1997) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram (1998) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram Ultimate Mission (1998) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram Official Guide (1998) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram Perfect Guide: Weapon & Technique Hen (1999) | Dreamcast Hisshou Hou Special: Dennou Senki Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram Perfect Playing Manual (2000) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram: The Book of Cyberspace Divers (2000) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram Perfect Guide: Network & Battle Hen (2000) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram Shinjitsu no Tama (2000) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Force Handbook (2002) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Marz: The Complete Guide (2003) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Marz Koushiki Guide Book (2003) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Marz Perfect Book (2003) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On: Marz TEMJIN 747J Modeling Support CG Shuu: Detail -TEMJIN 747J- (2004) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Force Masters Guide (2010) | Toaru Majutsu no Index x Dennou Senki Virtual-On: Toaru Majutsu no Virtual-On (2016)
Film
 Sega Official Video Library Vol. 3: Dennou Senki Virtual-On (1996) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram Manual or Visual (2000) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On 10th Anniversary We are the Champions (2006)
Template:MODEL Kotobukiya | Kaiyodo | Wave | Hasegawa
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 File:MeanMachinesSega51UK.pdf, page 38 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:MeanMachinesSega51UK.pdf_p38" defined multiple times with different content
  2. ↑ CD Consoles, "Janvier 1997" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 96
  3. ↑ Consoles +, "Janvier 1997" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 130
  4. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "January 1997" (UK; 1996-12-11), page 86
  5. ↑ Digitiser (UK) (1997-01-15)
  6. ↑ Edge, "January 1997" (UK; 1996-12-27), page 87
  7. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "January 1997" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 61
  8. ↑ Famitsu, "1996-12-06" (JP; 1996-11-22), page 1
  9. ↑ Freak, "1/97" (IL; 1997-xx-xx), page 1
  10. ↑ Fun Generation, "01/97" (DE; 1996-12-18), page 111
  11. ↑ GameFan, "Volume 5, Issue 1: January 1997" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 22
  12. ↑ Game Power, "Gennaio 1997" (IT; 199x-xx-xx), page 77
  13. ↑ GamePro, "February 1997" (US; 1997-xx-xx), page 84
  14. ↑ Game Informer, "January 1997" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 44
  15. ↑ GMR, "October 2003" (US; 2003-xx-xx), page 90
  16. ↑ Hacker Plus, "Travanj 1998" (HR; 1998-xx-xx), page 20
  17. ↑ Intelligent Gamer, "January 1997" (US; 1996-xx-xx), page 52
  18. ↑ MAN!AC, "01/97" (DE; 1996-12-11), page 98
  19. ↑ Mega Force, "Janvier/Février 1997" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 62
  20. ↑ Mega Fun, "01/97" (DE; 1996-12-11), page 64
  21. ↑ Next Generation, "February 1997" (US; 1997-01-xx), page 130
  22. ↑ Player One, "Janvier 1997" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 94
  23. ↑ Saturn Fan, "1996 No. 24" (JP; 1996-11-15), page 187
  24. ↑ Saturn Fan, "1997 No. 1" (JP; 1996-12-27), page 200
  25. ↑ Saturn Fan, "1997 No. 2" (JP; 1997-01-17), page 70
  26. ↑ Saturn+, "Issue 5" (UK; 1996-12-19), page 6
  27. ↑ Secret Service, "Luty 1997" (PL; 1997-xx-xx), page 68
  28. ↑ Sega Power, "January 1997" (UK; 1996-12-19), page 46
  29. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "January 1997" (UK; 1996-12-17), page 66
  30. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "1996-20 (1996-11-22)" (JP; 1996-11-08), page 213
  31. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "Readers rating final data" (JP; 2000-03), page 11
  32. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "Readers rating final data" (JP; 2000-03), page 10
  33. ↑ Super Power, "2 1997" (FI; 1997-0x-xx), page 38
  34. ↑ Total Saturn, "Volume One Issue Four" (UK; 1996-12-29), page 64
  35. ↑ Video Games, "1/97" (DE; 1996-12-18), page 105
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