X-Men: Children of the Atom

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X-Men: Children of the Atom
System(s): Sega Saturn
Publisher: Capcom (Japan), Acclaim Entertainment (US, Europe)
Developer:
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[1][2]

















Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Saturn
JP
¥5,8005,800 T-1203G
Sega Saturn
US
$59.9959.99[5] T-8108H
ESRB: Kids to Adults
Sega Saturn
EU
T-8108H-50
ELSPA: 3+ OK
Sega Saturn
DE
T-8108H-50
USK: 12
Sega Saturn
PT
STJAK0136
Sega Saturn
UK
£44.9944.99[7][8] T-8108H-50
ELSPA: 3+ OK
Sega Saturn
PL
Sega Saturn
AU
OFLC: M15
Non-Sega versions

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

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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

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Character select

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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 one-on-one fight. Matches are played to the best of three rounds. If a battle goes more than three rounds without a victor (because of draws and/or double ko's), 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 special moves that have multiple attack directions to only one direction and causes all attacks, even normal moves, to inflict a small amount of damage when blocked. Automatic blocking also only lasts for one battle against a single opponent or against the CPU. Once the player wins a match, the game will switch to Manual blocking.

Characters can move with Left and Right; neutral jump with Up, and jump behind and ahead with Up-left and Up-right. They crouch with Down. Punches are done with X (light), Y (medium), and Z (strong) and kicks are done with A (light), B (medium), and C (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.

L and R 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 RightRight 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 LeftLeft or Left together with all three P buttons (alternatively press Left 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 Down then Up in quick succession, or by pressing all three K buttons together; characters can be steered during a Super Jump by pressing Left or Right on the D-Pad.

Throws and Holds

Throws and grabs are done by holding Left or Right 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 Down with all three punch buttons. Or characters can roll away or toward an opponent after being thrown by pressing Left or Right 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 each point, an aura effect begins to surround the player's character until the gauge reaches "Level Max", where the gauge is full and begins to flicker. The X-Power gauge levels are retained between rounds but reset after battles.

X-Power

Also known as X-Ability, X-Power is a set of abilities that can activate a character's mutant power in exchange of using a portion of the X-Power Gauge. These powers allow the character to use certain special abilities, such as flying, stat boosts to a character's speed/attack power, and so on. Meter requirements for perform a X-Power vary from character to character, with some characters requiring that the X-Power Gauge is filled close to reaching or at Level 2.

Hyper-X

Hyper-X are Hyper Combos that can be performed when the gauge is at Level Max. Hyper-X inflicts a great deal of damage and generally consumes all of the gauge. All characters have access to at least 1 Hyper-X.

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, Left and Right should be reversed. P refers to any of the punch buttons, while K refers to any of the kick buttons.

The X-Men

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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 Up-left, Up, or Up-right 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 Down Down-right Right P Storm summons a cyclone that moves quickly along the ground. The player can control the speed of the typhoon with Left or Right or direct its ascent it with Up or Down.
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 Down Down-left Left + all three P buttons simultaneously Storm enters into flight mode. While flying, Storm can move around in any direction
Summon Wind, Pull Down Down-left Left + all three K buttons simultaneously Storm summons a wind that pulls her opponent toward her.
Summon Wind, Push Down Down-right Right + 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 Down Down-right Right + two P buttons simultaneously Storm shoots bolts of lightning in all eight directions around her.
Hail Storm Down Down-right Right L Storm flies to the corner of the screen and summons a hail storm to batter her opponent, which covers the whole screen.
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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 Up, Up-left or Up-right 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 Down Down-right Right 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 (ライジングアッパーカット) Right Down Down-right 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 Right Right+ 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 Right Right+ 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 Down-left or Down-right+ 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 Down Down-right Right + any two P buttons simultaneously Cyclops shoots a wide optic blast that covers a large area and hits multiple times.
Super Optic Blast Down Down-left Left P Cyclops fires a wide optic blast that can be directed with Up or Down. This move can be performed in midair.
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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 Right Down Down-right 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 Down+ 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 Down-right+ MP  Wolverine slides along the ground with his claws first.
Move list (X-Power)
Name Command Description
Berserker Charge Down Down-left Left + 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 Down Down-right Right + all three K buttons simultaneously Wolverine regenerates a portion of his vitality bar.
Move list (Hyper-X)
Name Command Description
Berserker Barrage Down Down-right Right + two P buttons simultaneously Wolverine charges forward with a barrage of slashes. Pressing P repeatedly does additional hits.
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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 Down Down-right Right 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 that can fall in three directions. This move also can be performed in midair.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Freeze Grab Right+ MP  (close) Iceman freezes his opponent for a duration.
Ice Boulder Down+ HP  in midair Iceman throws an ice boulder down.
Slash Kick Down+ HK  in midair Iceman kicks with a long ice blade.
Move list (X-Power)
Name Command Description
Ice Fist Down Down-left Left + 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 Down Down-right Right + two P buttons simultaneously Iceman summons a barrage of ice shards to strike his opponent. this move can also be done in midair.
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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 (Character abilities)
Name Command Description
Pick Up (つかみ上げ) Down  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.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Giant Swing Down Down-right Right P Colossus dashes forward and grabs his opponent, then swings them around in a circle before tossing them.
Power Tackle Down Down-right Right 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 . Left 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
Colossus Punch Right  HP  Colossus does a swinging punch attack that can inflict a downed stun to the opponent on hit.
Downward Punch Down  HP  while in midair Colossus performs a downward hammer punch while in midair.
Move list (X-Power)
Name Command Description
Super Armor Down Down-left Left + 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 Down Down-right Right + 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 Down P during the rising part. This move can also be performed while in midair.
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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 Up, Up-left or Up-right 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 Down Down-right Right 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 Down Down-right Right 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 L 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 Right+ MK  Psylocke does a forward jumping bicycle kick.
Rolling Kick Right+ HK  Psylocke flips forward and comes down with an axe kick.
Backhop Rolling Kick Left+ HK  Psylocke does a backhop and leaps forward with an axe kick.
Move list (X-Power)
Name Command Description
Ninjutsu (忍術) Down Down-left Left 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 Down Down-right Right + 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

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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 Right Right or all three P buttons or any two P buttons while in midair Omega Red can dash forward in midair.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Carbonadium Coil Down Down-right Right 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 Down Down-right Right 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 Down Down-right Right 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  Down  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 Down-left, Down, or Down-right+ HK  Omega Red stabs his coils into the ground, and they shoot out elsewhere: near with Down-left, halfway across the screen with Down, and far with Down-right.
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 Down Down-right Right + two P buttons simultaneously Omega Red lashes his coils out from himself in all directions.
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Sentinel
Sentinels are giant robots that were programmed to hunt mutants. They attack with a variety of weapons.
Move list (Character abilities)
Name Command Description
Pick Up (つかみ上げ) Down+ 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.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Rocket Punch Down Down-right Right 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 Down Down-right Right K The Sentinel calls forth mini-Sentinels. When used with  LK , the mini-Sentinels attack at a downward angle and can be directed with Up or Down. 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
High Kick Up+ MK  in midair The Sentinel does a up-forward kick version of his jumping  MK .
Forward Kick Right+ MK  in midair The Sentinel does a forward kick version of his jumping  MK .
Downward Kick Down+ MK  in midair The Sentinel does a downward kick that hits lower than the regular jumping  MK .
Spinning Body Press Down+ 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 Down Down-left Left + 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 Down Down-right Right + 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.
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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) Down Down-right Right P Silver Samurai throws a giant shuriken across the screen that can hit multiple times. The shuriken can be directed with Up or Down 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 Right Down Down-right 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 Right Right.
Move list (X-Power)
Name Command Description
Mekuramashi (目くらまし) Down Down-right Right 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) Down Down-left Left  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) Down Down-left Left  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) Down Down-left Left  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) Down Down-left Left + 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) Down Down-right Right + 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) Down Down-left Left + two P buttons simultaneously Silver Samurai throws three giant shurikens across the screen. The shurikens can be directed with Up or Down after they are thrown.
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Spiral
Spiral is a six-armed warrior sorceress from Mojo World.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Dancing Sword Right Down-right Down Down-left Left + 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 Down Down-right Right 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 Down Down-right Right 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 Down Up+ 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 Down+ MP  in midair Spiral punches downward with three arms.
Scratch Punch Down+ HP  in midair Spiral dives down while holding all six arms in front of her.
Upward Kick Up+ MK  Spiral kicks high into the air.
Move list (X-Power)
Name Command Description
Reversal Dance Down Down-left Left  LP  Spiral switches positions with her opponent.
Teleport Dance Down Down-left Left  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 Down Down-left Left  HP  in midair Spiral quickly drops down to the ground. This move does not use up any X-Power Gauge.
Power Dance Down Down-left Left  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 Down Down-left Left  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 Down Down-left Left  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) Down Down-right Right + two P buttons simultaneously This move is also known as Metamorphosis. Spiral does a quick flash which can hit the opponent, then enters a temporary state where she glows in multiple colors, and her punches cause her to grab the opponent and transform into every character in the game as she pummels her opponent. Spiral can grab the opponent while standing, midair or when crouched.
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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) Down+ 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 Down Down 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 Down Down-right Right P Juggernaut punches in front of him with both fists.
Earthquake Punch Right Down-right Down P Juggernaut hits the ground, which sends a shockwave towards the opponent.
Taunt Left Down Down-left P Juggernaut taunts his opponent, generating some X-Power.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Juggernaut Body Press Down+ HP  in midair Juggernaut performs a body splash while in midair, which can inflict a downed stun state if it hits the opponent.
Move list (X-Power)
Name Command Description
Cyttorak Power-Up Down Down-left Left P Juggernaut performs a charge move that makes him glow orange, temporarily increasing the damage of his attacks.
Move list (Hyper-X)
Name Command Description
Juggernaut Headcrush Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P Juggernaut charges head first at his opponent.
X-Men Children of the Atom, Characters.png
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.
Super Street Fighter II Turbo, Sprites, Akuma.gif
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 Down Down-right Right P Akuma focuses energy through his palms and fires a surging punch across the screen.
Zankuu Hadouken (斬空波動拳) Down Down-right Right P in midair Akuma shoots two single-handed Hadoukens at a diagonal angle downward in midair.
Shakunetsu Hadouken Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P Akuma shoots a more powerful variant of the Hadouken that can hit the opponent multiple times and engulf them on flames.
Gou Shoryuken Right Down Down-right 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 (竜巻斬空脚) Down Down-left Left K Akuma hops forward and spins around an axis with his leg extended, hitting the opponent multiple times.
Kuchuu Tatsumaki Zankuukyaku (空中竜巻斬空脚) Down Down-left Left K while in midair Akuma spins around an axis with his leg extended during any jump arc, which can juggle his opponent on air multiple times.
Tenma Kuujin Kyaku Down Down-right Right K in midair Akuma divekicks diagonally downward. If the divekick hits the ground, Akuma bounces backward.
Move list (X-Power)
Name Command Description
Ashura Senkuu (Forward) Right Down Down-right + 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) Left Down Down-left + 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) Down Down-left Left 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 Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right P Akuma fires a version of the Gou Hadouken fireball that can hit his opponent multiple times.
Messatsu Gou Shoryuu Down Down-right Right Down Down-right 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.

X-Men Children of the Atom, Stages, On the Blackbird.png

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.

X-Men Children of the Atom, Stages, Danger Room.png

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

X-Men Children of the Atom, Stages, Savage Land.png

Savage Land
Stage of Wolverine. This stage takes place on a moving piece of land in a river of lava, which stops scrolling after reaching a certain point.

X-Men Children of the Atom, Stages, Ice on the Beach.png

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.

X-Men Children of the Atom, Stages, Mutant Hunting.png

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.

X-Men Children of the Atom, Stages, Moon Night.png

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

X-Men Children of the Atom, Stages, The Deep.png

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

X-Men Children of the Atom, Stages, Genosha.png

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

X-Men Children of the Atom, Stages, Samurai Shrine.png

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

X-Men Children of the Atom, Stages, Mojo World.png

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

X-Men Children of the Atom, Stages, Spaceport.png

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.

X-Men Children of the Atom, Stages, Avalon.png

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.

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
Source:
In-game credits
X-Men Children of the Atom Saturn credits.pdf
[11]

Magazine articles

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

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) #81: "April 1996" (1996-xx-xx)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) #1995-10: "October 1995" (1995-09-08)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Sega Saturn Magazine (UK) #7: "May 1996" (1996-04-24)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Hyper (AU) #31: "May 1996" (1996-xx-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg

Artwork

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
91 [14]
Sega Saturn
91
Based on
1 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
576 KByte (HU)
91
[15]
Consoles + (FR)
97
[16]
Computer & Video Games (UK) NTSC-J
95
[17]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
50
[7]
Edge (UK)
80
[18]
Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
63
[19]
Fun Generation (DE)
70
[20]
GameFan (US)
81
[21]
Game Players (US) NTSC-U
72
[5]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
95
[22]
GamesMaster (UK) PAL
89
[23]
Hobby Consolas (ES)
88
[24]
MAN!AC (DE) NTSC-J
82
[25]
Maximum (UK)
100
[26]
Mega Force (FR) PAL
90
[27]
Mega Fun (DE) NTSC-J
84
[28]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
94
[29]
Player One (FR)
94
[30]
Saturn Fan (JP) NTSC-J
78
[31]
Saturn+ (UK) PAL
89
[32]
Sega Magazin (DE)
83
[33]
Sega News (CZ)
85
[34]
Sega Power (UK) NTSC
90
[35]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
92
[36]
Sega Saturn Magazine (UK) PAL
94
[8]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
80
[37]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
81
[38]
Total Saturn (UK) PAL
85
[39]
Ultimate Future Games (UK) NTSC-J
90
[40]
Última Generación (ES)
88
[41]
Video Games (DE) NTSC-U
83
[42]
VideoGames (US) NTSC-U
80
[43]
Sega Saturn
85
Based on
32 reviews

X-Men: Children of the Atom

Saturn, JP
XmenCotA Saturn JP Box Back.jpgXmenCotA Saturn JP Box Front.jpg
Cover
XmenCotA Saturn JP Spinecard.jpg
Spinecard
XMenCoA Saturn JP Disc.jpg
Disc
X-Men Children of the Atom JP 取扱説明書.pdf
Manual
Saturn, US
XmenCotA Saturn US Box Back.jpgXmenCotA Saturn US Box Front.jpg
Cover
XMenCotA Saturn US Disc.jpg
Disc
Xmen sat us manual.pdf
Manual
Saturn, EU
XmenCotA Saturn EU Box.jpg
Cover
XMCotA Saturn EU Disc.jpg
Disc
Saturn, PT
XmenCotA Saturn PT cover.jpg
Cover
XMCotA Saturn EU Disc.jpg
Disc
Saturn, AU
XmenCotA Saturn AU Box.jpg
Cover
XMCotA Saturn EU Disc.jpg
Disc

Technical information

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

References

  1. File:XmenCotA Saturn JP Box Back.jpg
  2. 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/fb/segahard/ss/soft_licensee1.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-03-20 23:04)
  3. http://www.sega-saturn.com/saturn/other/april-n.htm (Wayback Machine: 1997-06-06 05:51)
  4. https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video.sega/c/uCMhsINntuE/m/6kWhYr6_ol0J
  5. 5.0 5.1 Game Players, "Vol. 9 No. 3 March 1996" (US; 1996-0x-xx), page 57
  6. Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1996-04-08), page 40
  7. 7.0 7.1 Computer & Video Games, "June 1996" (UK; 1996-05-09), page 88
  8. 8.0 8.1 Sega Saturn Magazine, "March 1996" (UK; 1996-02-24), page 70
  9. Maximum, "January 1996" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 71
  10. Mean Machines Sega, "February 1996" (UK; 1995-12-xx), page 19
  11. File:X-Men Children of the Atom Saturn credits.pdf
  12. Next Generation, "June 1996" (US; 1996-05-21), page 151
  13. GamePro, "June 1996" (US; 1996-xx-xx), page 7
  14. GamesMaster, "March 1996" (UK; 1996-02-15), page 40
  15. 576 KByte, "Május 1996" (HU; 1996-xx-xx), page 43
  16. Consoles +, "Janvier 1996" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 90
  17. Computer & Video Games, "February 1996" (UK; 1996-01-12), page 54
  18. Edge, "February 1996" (UK; 1996-01-12), page 84
  19. Famitsu, "1995-12-01" (JP; 1995-11-17), page 31
  20. Fun Generation, "01/96" (DE; 1995-12-20), page 65
  21. GameFan, "Volume 4, Issue 3: March 1996" (US; 1996-xx-xx), page 13
  22. GamePro, "March 1996" (US; 1996-xx-xx), page 56
  23. GamesMaster (UK) "Series 5, episode 18" (1996-01-18, 24:00) (+13:05)
  24. Hobby Consolas, "Febrero 1996" (ES; 1996-xx-xx), page 54
  25. MAN!AC, "02/96" (DE; 1996-01-10), page 37
  26. Maximum, "February 1996" (UK; 1996-xx-xx), page 138
  27. Mega Force, "Janvier 1996" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 92
  28. Mega Fun, "01/96" (DE; 1995-12-20), page 30
  29. Mean Machines Sega, "February 1996" (UK; 1995-12-xx), page 50
  30. Player One, "Février 1996" (FR; 1996-0x-xx), page 66
  31. Saturn Fan, "1996 No. 3" (JP; 1996-01-19), page 78
  32. Saturn+, "Easter/April 1996" (UK; 1996-03-07), page 46
  33. Sega Magazin, "Mai 1996" (DE; 1996-04-10), page 81
  34. Sega News, "Leden 1997" (CZ; 1997-xx-xx), page 14
  35. Sega Power, "March 1996" (UK; 1996-01-18), page 24
  36. Sega Pro, "February 1996" (UK; 1995-12-28), page 50
  37. Sega Saturn Magazine, "1995-13 (1995-12-08)" (JP; 1995-11-24), page 193
  38. Sega Saturn Magazine, "Readers rating final data" (JP; 2000-03), page 13
  39. Total Saturn, "Volume One Issue Four" (UK; 1996-12-29), page 69
  40. Ultimate Future Games, "February 1996" (UK; 1996-01-03), page 72
  41. Última Generación, "Febrero 1996" (ES; 1996-0x-xx), page 94
  42. Video Games, "2/96" (DE; 1996-01-24), page 80
  43. VideoGames, "April 1996" (US; 1996-03-19), page 62


X-Men: Children of the Atom

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Books: X-Men: Children of the Atom (1996)

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X-Men games for Sega systems
Sega Mega Drive
Spider-Man and the X-Men in Arcade's Revenge (1993) | X-Men (1993) | Wolverine: Adamantium Rage (1994) | X-Men 2: Clone Wars (1995) | X-Women: The Sinister Virus (unreleased)
Sega Game Gear
Spider-Man and the X-Men in Arcade's Revenge (1994) | X-Men (1994) | X-Men: GamesMaster's Legacy (1994) | X-Men: Mojo World (1996)
Sega Saturn
X-Men: Children of the Atom (1995) | X-Men vs. Street Fighter (1997)
Sega Master System
X-Men: Mojo World (1996)
Sega 32X
X-Men: Mind Games (Unreleased)
X-Men related media
Music
Sega Tunes: X-Men 2: Clone Wars (1996)
Unlicensed X-Men games for Sega systems
Sega Mega Drive
X-Men vs. Street Fighter (Mega Drive) (1998)