X-Men: Children of the Atom (エックス・メン チルドレン オブ ジ アトム) is an arcade fighting game developed by Capcom. Originally released for the Capcom CPS-2 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 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. The game introduced multi-tiered fighting environments in which 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.
Characters move with and and dash with and (or ++). They jump upward with and jump behind and ahead with and . Characters can Super Jump high into the air with (or ++). 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.
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 performs regular or special moves. X-Power gauge starts at level 1 (blue) and reaches level 2 (range) when it becomes half-full; at this point, an Aura 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 colors, 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.
Throws and grabs are done by holding or when next to an opponent and pressing a medium or hard punch or kick button. Characters can perform a reversal when being thrown with the same command. When the X-Power gauge is at 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. Guarding is done by holding the D-Pad away from the opponent.
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, inflict a small amount of damage.
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
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 one of the leaders of the X-Men. She is a powerful mutant who possesses the ability to control the weather and atmosphere.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Typhoon
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
Any direction + P and K of the same strength
Storm flies in any direction while empowering her hand with lightning.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Float
, , or in midair
Storm can slow her descent while in the air.
Move list (X-Power)
Name
Command
Description
Levitation
+ all three P simultaneously
Storm flies for a short while. She cannot block while flying.
Summon Wind, Pull
+ all three K simultaneously
Storm summons a wind that pulls her opponent toward her.
Summon Wind, Push
+ all three K simultaneously
Storm summons a wind that pushes her opponent away from her.
Move list (Hyper-X)
Name
Command
Description
Lightning Storm
+ two P simultaneously
Storm shoots bolts of lightning all around her.
Hail Storm
+
Storm flies to the corner of the screen and summons a hail storm to batter her opponent.
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 (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.
Gene Splice
P
Cyclops performs a rising uppercut. Pressing P repeatedly does additional hits.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Two-Step Jump
in midair
Cyclops jumps again in midair. It works after a jump and also when falling or spinning.
Leg Throw
+ MK or HK or + MK or HK (close)
Cyclops grabs and slams his opponent with his legs.
Spin Kick
HK HK
Cyclops kicks and follows up with a jumping spin kick.
Neck Breaker
+ HP + HK
Cyclops tackles and body slams his opponent.
Move list (Hyper-X)
Name
Command
Description
Mega Optic Blast
+ two P simultaneously
Cyclops shoots a tall optic blast that covers a large area and hits multiple times.
Control Beam
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 jumps into the air while rotating and slashing his claws. Pressing P repeatedly does additional hits.
Drill Claw
Any direction + P and K of the same strength
Wolverine flies in any direction while spinning and holding a claw out.
Taunt
LP MK MK HP MP
Wolverine taunts his opponent, generating some X-Power.
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.
Dive Kick
+ MK in midair
Wolverine holds a straight leg in a head stomp.
Head Kick
MK MK
Wolverine stands on one hand and kicks at head height.
Double Claw
MP MP
Wolverine combos a second slash with his alternate 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 simultaneously
Wolverine moves much faster. His motions are followed by shadow clones, which allow him to land more hits.
Healing Factor
+ all three K simultaneously
Wolverine regenerates a portion of his vitality bar.
Move list (Hyper-X)
Name
Command
Description
Berserker Barrage
+ two P 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 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 simultaneously
Iceman summons a barrage of ice shards to strike his opponent.
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.
Shoulder Charge
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 .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Dead Lift
+ MP or HP on downed opponent
Colossus picks up a downed opponent and performs a piledriver.
Move list (X-Power)
Name
Command
Description
Super Armor
+ all three P 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 simultaneously
Colossus rises high into the air and dives back down head first.
Psylocke
Psylocke is an agile assassin and a telepath who can focus her power into the form of a "psychic knife."
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Psi-Blast
P
Psylocke shoots a psychic energy beam 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. This move can be performed in midair.
Taunt
Psylocke taunts her opponent, generating some X-Power.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Rolling Kick
+ MK
Psylocke flips forward and comes down with an axe kick.
Move list (X-Power)
Name
Command
Description
Ninjutsu Split
+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 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 with or 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 (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Carbonadium Coil
P
Omega Red ensnares his opponent with a metal whip. 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. When used with HP , Omega Red throws the whip directly above him. When the opponent is ensnared pressing P drains their vitality while pressing K drains their X-Power gauge. Holding a direction while pressing P throws the opponent. This move can be performed in midair.
Downward Carbonadium Coil
K in midair
Omega Red ensnares his opponent with a metal whip. 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° angle downward. When used with HK , Omega Red throws the whip directly below him. When the opponent is ensnared pressing P drains their vitality while pressing K drains their X-Power gauge. 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, generating some X-Power.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Air Dash
in midair
Omega Red can dash in midair.
Coil Strike
+ HK , + HK , 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 (Hyper-X)
Name
Command
Description
Omega Destroyer
+ two P 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.
Sentinel Force
K
The Sentinel calls forth mini-Sentinels that bomb the area. When used with LK , the mini-Sentinels attack at a downward angle. When used with MK , the mini-Sentinels attack at an upward angle. When used with HK , the mini-Sentinels attack directly in front of the Sentinel.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Dead Lift
+ MP or HP on downed opponent
The Sentinel picks up a downed opponent. Pressing P throws the opponent.
High Kick
+ MK in midair
The Sentinel kicks high into the air while jumping.
Move list (X-Power)
Name
Command
Description
Flight
+ all three P simultaneously
The Sentinel flies for a short while. It cannot block while flying.
Move list (Hyper-X)
Name
Command
Description
Plasma Storm
+ two P simultaneously
The Sentinel generates a plasma ball and fires it. Rapidly pressing P generates a larger plasma ball.
Silver Samurai
Silver Samurai is a master swordsman who can channel mutant powers through his sword.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Shuriken
P
Silver Samurai throws a giant shuriken across the screen. The shuriken can be directed with or after it is thrown. This move can be performed in midair.
100 Tearing Blades
PPPPP or P
Silver Samurai furiously slashes his sword in front of him.
Move list (X-Power)
Name
Command
Description
Blink
K
Silver Samurai momentarily disappears, then reappears in the same location. This move can be performed in midair.
Katana
K
Silver Samurai charges his sword with an element. He cannot build up his X-Power gauge while the effect lasts. Using LP charges the sword with lightning, which increases damage. Using MP charges the sword with ice, which freezes opponents. Using HP charges the sword with fire, which increases damage.
Bushin
+ two K simultaneously
Silver Samurai creates multiples of himself that duplicate his movements and do extra damage.
Move list (Hyper-X)
Name
Command
Description
Singing Blade of Thunder
+ two P simultaneously
Silver Samurai raises his sword in the air, calling down lightning all around him.
Shuriken Burst
+ two P 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 Swords
+ two P simultaneously
Spiral surrounds herself in six glowing orange swords. She then throws a sword every time she punches. This move 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.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Downward Punch
+ MK in midair
Spiral punches downward with three arms.
Scratch Punch
+ HK in midair
Spiral dives down while holding all six arms in front of her.
Upward Kick
+ MK
Spiral kicks high into the air.
Six-Hand Grapple
+ HP
Spiral grabs an airborne opponent and slams them into the ground.
Quick Drop
HP in midair
Spiral quickly drops down to the ground.
Move list (X-Power)
Name
Command
Description
Reversal Dance
LP
Spiral switches positions with her opponent.
Teleport Dance
MP
Spiral appears above her opponent's head.
Strength Dance
LK
Spiral makes herself more powerful for a duration.
Speed Dance
MK
Spiral makes herself faster for a duration.
Dimensional Dance
HK
Spiral makes herself invisible for a duration.
Move list (Hyper-X)
Name
Command
Description
Metamorphosis
+ two P simultaneously
Spiral flashes, then her punches (in close range) cause her to transform, cycling through every character in the game as she pummels her opponent.
Juggernaut
Juggernaut is a massive human with 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 (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Double Fist
P
Juggernaut punches in front of him with both fists.
Earthquake
P
Juggernaut hits the ground, which sends a wave forward.
Taunt
P
Juggernaut taunts his opponent, generating some X-Power.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Body Press
+ HP in midair
Juggernaut falls down with a diving splash.
Dead Lift
+ MP or HP on downed opponent
Juggernaut picks up a downed opponent. Pressing P throws the opponent.
Girder 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 (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
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.
Akuma is a secret character, appearing in his Super Street Fighter II Turbo form. He can be fought in the single-player mode under 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 a single-handed Hadouken at a diagonal angle downward in midair.
Shakunetsu Hadouken
P
Akuma shoots a flaming variant of the Hadouken.
Gou Shouryuuken
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 K 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 K simultaneously
Akuma glides backward. He is invulnerable in this state. He moves across the entire screen with P or half the screen with K.
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 Shouryuu
P
Akuma performs a series of low Shouryuukens 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 on the back of a jet on an aircraft carrier in the ocean.
Danger Room
Stage of Cyclops and Akuma. The background changes 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 sea, so the background scrolls.
Mutant Hunting
Stage of Colossus. 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, so the background scrolls.
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 with 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.[9]
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.[10]
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.
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.
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