Software:Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram

From HandWiki
Short description: 1999 video game
Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram
Developer(s)Sega AM3
Sega AM2 (XBLA remake)
Publisher(s)
SeriesVirtual On
Platform(s)Arcade, Dreamcast, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4[1]
ReleaseArcade
  • WW: March 1998[2]
Dreamcast
  • JP: December 9, 1999
  • NA: June 7, 2000[3]
Xbox 360
April 29, 2009
PlayStation 4
Genre(s)Action, Shooter, Fighting
Mode(s)Single player, multiplayer
Arcade systemSega Model 3 (first edition)
Sega NAOMI (second edition)

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram (電脳戦機バーチャロン オラトリオ・タングラム, Dennō Senki Bācharon Oratorio Tanguramu) is a 1998 arcade action game from Sega, a 3D fighting game where the player assumes control of a giant humanoid robot. It was developed initially on the Sega Model 3 arcade hardware (M.S.B.S. Ver.5.2). Updated versions (Ver.5.4/5.45) were ported to the Dreamcast home console in 1999 and to North American arcades in 2000. A third update (Ver.5.66) was developed on the NAOMI board in 2000 and was ported to the Xbox 360 in 2009. Oratorio Tangram is part of the Virtual On series and is the sequel to Software:Virtual On: Cyber Troopers (1995); it was followed by the Japan-exclusive Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Force (2001).

Gameplay

As with its predecessor Software:Virtual On: Cyber Troopers, Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram uses two joysticks for its controls.[5]

Plot

The game starts 20 years after the events of Virtual On: Cyber Troopers. After the defeat of Z-Gradt, the mightiest VR and the final boss of the first game, humans continued to battle in their VRs, searching for supremacy. However an unknown AI known as Tangram has awakened and became self-conscious. With the directive to destroy humanity, Tangram infects Earth's mother computer with a virus called "Tangram Virus" and hacks into all VR systems, except for the player's VR. It plans to use the infected VRs to destroy the last human colonies that survived the previous war. The player character begins the mission to defeat all VRs and destroy Tangram.

After defeating all VRs, the player character is teleported to the Earth's mother computer system to fight Tangram. Depending on the final battle outcome, there are two endings.

In the good ending, Tangram is erased from the computer and the player's VR is teleported back to Earth's stratosphere, where its armour is critically damaged during the fall but is saved by VRs that came on the Floating Carrier. Fei-Yen is saved by Angelan or the opposite and the others (Temjin, Raiden, Dodray, Bal-Bados, Specineff, Cypher, and Apharmd) are saved by the same model VRs. Alternatively, If the player's time counter reaches 0, Tangram hacks into the player's VR system and shuts it down, resulting in a Game Over screen.

Development

The new Virtuaroids were all designed by Hajime Katoki.[5]

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram was unveiled at the 1997 JAMMA show, at which six Virtuaroids were playable: Temjin, Raiden, Apharmd, Fei-yen, Grys-Vok, and Cypher.[5] The game was also exhibited at the February 1998 AOU Show, where it drew large crowds.[6]

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
DreamcastXbox 360
AllGameStarStarStarStarHalf star[10]N/A
Edge7/10[12]7/10[13]
EGM8.5/10[14]N/A
EurogamerN/A8/10[16]
Famitsu39/40[17]N/A
Game Informer7.25/10[18]N/A
GameFan(AC) 100%[19][20]
(AC2) 98%[21]
97%[22][lower-alpha 1]		N/A
GameRevolutionB[23]B−[24]
GameSpot(JP) 8.4/10[25]
(US) 8.1/10[26]		7.5/10[27]
GameSpy7.5/10[28]N/A
IGN(JP) 9.3/10[29]
(US) 8/10[30]		7.5/10[31]
Next GenerationStarStarStar[32]N/A
Teletext GameCentralN/A7/10[33]
Aggregate scores
GameRankings80%[7]75%[8]
MetacriticN/A73/100[9]

The Dreamcast version received favorable reviews, while Ver.5.66 received "average" reviews, according to the review aggregation websites GameRankings and Metacritic.[7][9] Stephen Frost of NextGen called the Japanese import of the Dreamcast version "an impressive game, and practically a perfect conversion, marred by difficult controls and a lack of 'compatibility' with the standard Dreamcast controller. However, if you're willing to invest the necessary time, you'll eventually discover that the game provides one of the most addictive and deep gaming experiences currently available on Dreamcast."[32] Jake The Snake of GamePro said in one review, "For dedicated gamers longing for a fast-paced clast of metal, Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram will deliver many hours of mech-smashing mayhem."[34][lower-alpha 2] In another review, Cheat Monkey called it "a must buy-if you have the Twin Sticks. If not, the game will still be fun, but it will not feel quite right to arcade veterans."[35][lower-alpha 3] GameZone gave the same Dreamcast version seven out of ten, saying, "If there were Twinsticks or cerebral implants available in the US for use with the Dreamcast, then it would have scored higher. As it stands, it's another in a long series of arcade games that have been shoehorned onto a console to make a buck."[36] Later, Retro Gamer gave the Xbox 360 version 72%, calling it "a great port of the DC conversion [that] looks incredible with its hi-def sheen, but the 360's analogue stick just doesn't do the game justice."[37]

In Japan, Famitsu gave the same Dreamcast version a score of three tens and one nine for a total of 39 out of 40.[17][38] Game Machine listed the arcade version in their May 15, 1998 issue as the second most-successful dedicated arcade game of the month.[39]

The Dreamcast version was a runner-up for the "Game No One Played" award at IGN's Best of 2000 Awards.[40]

Notes

  1. ↑ In GameFan's viewpoint of the Dreamcast version's Japanese import, three critics gave it each a score of 98, 99, and 95.
  2. ↑ GamePro gave the Dreamcast version 4.5/5 for graphics, two 4/5 scores for sound and fun factor, and 3.5/5 for control in one review.
  3. ↑ GamePro gave the Dreamcast version two 4.5/5 scores for graphics and fun factor, 4/5 for sound, and 3/5 for control.

References

  1. ↑ Romano, Sal (October 18, 2018). "Virtual-On, Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram, and Virtual-On Force coming to PS4 [Update"]. https://www.gematsu.com/2018/10/virtual-on-virtual-on-oratorio-tangram-and-virtual-on-force-coming-to-ps4. 
  2. ↑ "アーケードTvゲームリスト国内•海外編(1971-2005)". 2005. https://archive.org/details/ArcadeGameList1971-2005/page/n133. 
  3. ↑ Roether, Julia (June 7, 2000). "Activision Ships Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram[, the Explosive Sega Dreamcast Sequel to Arcade Hit Virtual-on"]. http://www.activision.com/investor/pressreleases/227.html. 
  4. ↑ Romano, Sal (September 13, 2019). "Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Masterpiece 1995~2001 for PS4 launches November 27 in Japan". https://www.gematsu.com/2019/09/cyber-troopers-virtual-on-masterpiece-19952001-for-ps4-launches-november-27-in-japan. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Harrod, Warren (December 1997). "Coin-Operated: Cyber Troops Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram". Sega Saturn Magazine (Emap International Limited) (26): 88. 
  6. ↑ Webb, Marcus (May 1998). "Sequel Mania at London and Tokyo Expos". Next Generation (Imagine Media) (41): 33. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Cyber Troopers Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram for Dreamcast". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/256512-cyber-troopers-virtual-on-oratorio-tangram/index.html. 
  8. ↑ "Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram Ver.5.66 for Xbox 360". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/958356-virtual-on-oratorio-tangram-ver566/index.html. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Cyber Troopers Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram (X360)". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/cyber-troopers-virtual-on-oratorio-tangram/. 
  10. ↑ "Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram (DC) [review wasn't archived before December 12, 2014"]. All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=24085. 
  11. ↑ Franklin, Eric (June 8, 2000). "Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (DC)". CNET. http://www.gamecenter.com/Consoles/Dreamcast/Voot/. 
  12. ↑ Edge staff (February 2000). "Virtual On Oratorio Tangram (DC; Import)". Edge (Future Publishing) (81): 76–77. https://retrocdn.net/images/b/b4/Edge_UK_081.pdf. Retrieved September 18, 2023. 
  13. ↑ Edge staff (April 29, 2009). "Review: Virtual On Oratorio Tangram (X360)". Edge (Future plc). http://www.edge-online.com/features/review-virtual-on-oratorio-tangram. Retrieved October 11, 2020. 
  14. ↑ Sewart, Greg (August 2000). "Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (DC)". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (133): 148. https://retrocdn.net/images/b/b5/EGM_US_133.pdf. Retrieved September 18, 2023. 
  15. ↑ Steinberg, Scott (June 29, 2000). "Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (DC)". Greedy Productions Ltd.. http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=2677&full=1#mr_toppy. 
  16. ↑ Whitehead, Dan (May 4, 2009). "Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (Xbox 360)". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/virtual-on-oratorio-tangram-review. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "ドリームキャスト - 電脳戦機バーチャロン オラトリオ・タングラム" (in ja). Famitsu (Enterbrain) 915: 38. June 30, 2006. https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=3929&redirect=no. Retrieved September 18, 2023. 
  18. ↑ "Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (DC)". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (88). August 2000. 
  19. ↑ Chau, Anthony (December 13, 1999). "REVIEW for Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (Import)". GameFan (Shinno Media). http://www.gamefan.com/repre.asp?g=1138&t=r. Retrieved October 11, 2020. 
  20. ↑ Chau, Anthony "Dangohead" (March 2000). "Cyber Troopers Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (Import)". GameFan (Shinno Media) 8 (3): 72–75. https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_8_Issue_03/page/n71/mode/2up. Retrieved October 11, 2020. 
  21. ↑ Chau, Anthony (June 6, 2000). "REVIEW for Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram". GameFan (Shinno Media). http://gamefan.com/repre.asp?g=2074&t=r. Retrieved October 11, 2020. 
  22. ↑ Rodriguez, Tyrone "Cerberus"; Ngo, George "Eggo"; Mylonas, Eric "ECM" (March 2000). "Virtual On 2 [sic"]. GameFan (Shinno Media) 8 (3): 13. https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_8_Issue_03/page/n11/mode/2up. Retrieved October 11, 2020. 
  23. ↑ Gee, Brian (June 2000). "Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram Review (DC)". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/32257-virtual-on-oratorio-tangram-review. 
  24. ↑ Reboucas, Eduardo (July 3, 2009). "Cyber Troopers Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram Version 5.66 [sic Review"]. CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/72397-cyber-troopers-virtual-on-oratorio-tangram-version-5-66-review. 
  25. ↑ Mielke, James (January 19, 2000). "Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram (Import) Review [date mislabeled as "March 26, 2014"; platform mislabeled as "Arcade"; score mislabeled as "7""]. Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/virtual-on-oratorio-tangram-import-review/1900-2540068/. 
  26. ↑ Mielke, James (June 7, 2000). "Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram Review (DC) [date mislabeled as "June 8, 2000""]. Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/virtual-on-oratorio-tangram-review/1900-2583716/. 
  27. ↑ Petit, Carolyn (May 6, 2009). "Virtual ON [sic Review"]. Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/virtual-on-review/1900-6209191/. 
  28. ↑ Subskin (March 14, 2000). "Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram [Import"]. IGN Entertainment. http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/virtualon2/. 
  29. ↑ Williamson, Colin (December 14, 1999). "Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (Import) (DC)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/15/virtual-on-oratorio-tangram-import. 
  30. ↑ Gantayat, Anoop (June 5, 2000). "Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (DC)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/06/virtual-on-oratorio-tangram. 
  31. ↑ Brudvig, Erik (April 30, 2009). "Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram Review (X360)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/04/30/virtual-on-oratorio-tangram-review. 
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Frost, Stephen (March 2000). "Virtual On Oratorio Tangram [sic (DC; Import)"]. NextGen (Imagine Media) (63): 86. https://archive.org/details/NextGen63Mar2000/page/n87/mode/2up. Retrieved October 10, 2020. 
  33. ↑ Jenkins, David (April 2009). "Virtual-On [Oratorio Tangram (360)"]. Teletext Ltd.. http://www.teletext.co.uk/gamecentral/features-reviews/5a6e601fd5c9e9dd87a9a6340a0b055b/Virtual-On+(360).aspx. 
  34. ↑ Jake The Snake (September 2000). "Virtual On [sic"]. GamePro (IDG) (144): 106. https://retrocdn.net/images/e/e4/GamePro_US_144.pdf. Retrieved September 19, 2023. 
  35. ↑ Cheat Monkey (August 17, 2000). "Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram Review for Dreamcast on GamePro.com". GamePro (IDG). http://gamepro.com/sega/dreamcast/games/reviews/6402.shtml. Retrieved October 11, 2020. 
  36. ↑ Kemuel (January 22, 2001). "Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram - DC - Review". https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/virtual_on_oratorio_tangram_dc_review/. 
  37. ↑ Jones, Darren (July 16, 2009). "Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram (X360)". Retro Gamer (Imagine Publishing) (66). 
  38. ↑ Kennedy, Sam (December 3, 1999). "VOOT Gets Near-Perfect Score [date mislabeled as "April 27, 2000""]. Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/voot-gets-near-perfect-score/1100-2447154/. 
  39. ↑ "Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - 完成品夕イプのTVゲーム機 (Dedicated Videos)" (in ja). Game Machine (Amusement Press, Inc.) (564): 21. May 15, 1998. 
  40. ↑ IGN staff (January 26, 2001). "IGN Dreamcast Best of 2000: Game No One Played". Snowball.com. http://dreamcast.ign.com/news/30623.html. 

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

On February 13, 2025, Freyholtz stepped down as the site lead to move onto new projects, leaving operations to Tracy Poff, a veteran coder on the site, and Atari staff.[18]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
  18. ↑ "An update on MobyGames leadership". 2025-02-13. https://www.mobygames.com/forum/3/thread/269628/an-update-on-mobygames-leadership/#post-269628. 
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