Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram Ver. 5.66

 

In spite of poor controls and a brief tutorial, Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram remains a very saisfying title to play.

 

 

 

Developer: Sega AM2, Sega AM3

Publisher: Sega, Activision

 Release date:  December 9 1999 (Dreamcast, JP), June 1 2000 (Dreamcast, US), April 29 2009 (Xbox 360)

Platform(s): Arcade, Dreamcast, Xbox 360

Genre: Shooter/Fighting hybrid

 

 

Another XBLA re-release of a game that should be familiar to those who frequented the arcades, Virtual On: Oratio Tangram is the second instalment in Sega's Virtual On series of arena-based, one on one combat Mecha combat. Witnessing a release in Japanese arcades in 1998 and a re-release on the Sega Dreamcast in 2000 across both Japan and North America, VOOT finally brings its magic to the XBLA.

For those unfamiliar with the game's predecessor or successor, VOOT places the player in the role of a giant robot or 'Virtuaroid' before pitting them up against either the AI or another player (via Xbox Live) operating their own Virtuaroid. The two combatants then proceed to best one another within an allotted time limit. There are a total of fifteen Virtuaroids to choose from, each which their own set of attacks and statistical parameters. The combat itself comes in the form of fast-paced action that sees the players dashing, jumping and sprinting around the arena frantically trying to lock on to their opponent and line them up for a carefully timed ranged or melee attack. This emphasis on the need for agility and quick reactions on the part of both parties is ultimately both a blessing and a curse for VOOT.

The frantic pace of the battles is VOOT's strongest asset. Each Virtuaroid is capable of executing four different attacks, one of which being suited for melee combat. Attacks executed using the Virtuaroid's right weapon are typically weakest of the four, but possess the highest rate of fire, while those performed using the robot's left weapon are usually explosive in nature and cover a wide area. The exact form of attacks performed using both weapons vary from robot to robot, with some Virtuaroids utilizing a powerful beam attack or launching a single, particularly large missile, while others use less conventional tools such as 'firing a dragon' at the enemy. Learning when to attack and from which direction without leaving oneself vulnerable to their opponent is a key aspect of every match, and experimenting with each Virtuaroid to discover new tactics and ways to fight the enemy is only part of the fun.

With a tutorial consisting of a mere few videos demonstrating only the most basic aspects of gameplay, VOOT provides little opportunity for players new to the franchise to acquaint themselves with the game's unique style of gameplay and (rather awkward) controls. This issue is not helped by VOOT's steep learning curve that can punish inexperienced players time and time again, which is likely to scare off a considerable number of potential fans. Those who persevere and manage to overcome that curve will find a game that presents players with a very deep set of combat mechanics.

Unfortunately this positive aspect of the game is greatly offset by its clunky controls. VOOT features a pair of control schemes resembling the original scheme utilized by the arcade version of the game. These enable the player to control their Virtuaroid through the use of both sticks, which each stick governing the operation of either side of the robot. This essentially causes the Virtuaroid to handle in a similar manner to a tank, as the player uses the left stick to control the left side of the robot, and right stick to control the right side. Turning on the spot is handled by pushing the sticks in vertically opposite directions, whilst jumping is made possible by moving the sticks in horizontally opposing directions. The positioning of the Xbox 360's sticks make this control scheme clumsy and imprecise, which will lead most players to opt for the more standardized control scheme reminiscent of the typical controls found in a shooter. This scheme assigns all movement to the left stick, whilst leaving the right stick for orientation and aiming. Jumping is in turn mapped to the A button by default. While it is possible to re-map these controls, piloting the Virtuaroid still feels like a battle in itself, regardless of which control scheme the player chooses and of the degree to which they decide to customize the controls.

Graphically VOOT is very impressive for a title originally released in 1999. Environments are littered with bright colours and the Virtuaroids themselves are reminiscent of the robots one would expect to find in a 1980's anime show. The upbeat nature of the soundtrack is also a major contributor to the overall, joyful feel of the game.

VOOT is a title that should find favour with long-time fans of the series, as well those who do not mind investing a significant amount of time learning the game's mechanics, possibly through a process of trial and error. Despite being hampered by poor controls, an inadequate tutorial and a lack of support for local multiplayer, Oratio Tangram is highly enjoyable for the most part, and players willing to put up with the above flaws should find a deep and highly rewarding experience.

 

 

 

Rating 80/100