Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram

by Sega

Product Features

• disc only

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004TBGX
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches ; 3.2 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: May 31, 2000
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,379 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

Editorial Review

The first question we couldn't help asking ourselves after a few minutes of playing Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram was "Why?" More specifically, we asked why Activision would go to all the trouble of converting this game perfectly from its arcade counterpart only to stiff gamers by not letting them program the controller? Oratorio Tangram is all about perfect control--the arcade version uses a pair of sticks that allow for all types of moves--and this Dreamcast version contains only a handful of preset controller configurations. None of them work well, and it really hurts the gameplay.

Control issues aside, this is one of the most visually stunning Dreamcast titles available. The graphics are simply eye-popping, and the loud sound effects are perfectly appropriate for a giant-robot game like Oratorio Tangram. If you've ever wanted a title to show off your Dreamcast to friends, this game will do the job nicely, and it doesn't hurt that the two-player mode is more fun than the single-player game since both players suffer from the same controller limitations. With just one little addition (programmable controls), this game would have been near perfect. As it stands, the game is good-looking, but doesn't have it where it counts. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Stunning graphics
• Tons of mechs to play with

Cons:

• Inability to program the controller means many moves are impossible to pull off

Product Description

More than just a fast-paced fighting game, Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram is a pixel-by-pixel port of the arcade hit. A sequel in the popular Virtual-On universe, this game is set in a sci-fi future where virtuaroids are pitted against each other in battle. Armed with a variety of weapons, speed, strength, and combat techniques, each virtuaroid poses a different threat. You'll fight your way through a dozen of these (one is a secret character) to reach the final and most powerful enemy, Tangram.

Weapons on your hip--and attached everywhere else--include bazookas, swarm missiles, lasers, and more. You'll meet for battle in 17 venues, from desert bluffs to modernist gardens to postmodern cities. Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram offers single-player and two-player fights with both horizontal and vertical split-screen options. Also, to sharpen your skills, try the replay, training, and watch modes.

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fists of Rocket Fury, May 5, 2000

By A Customer

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (Video Game)

I bought the import version of this game, and considering the game is almost a year old in Japan, its amazing how fun this game is. If you like 3D fighting games, and you're a Japanese anime maniac, you're gonna really dig this game. You basically pick a virtuaroid(virtual robot), and lock horns with another opponent. One player mode will take you through 10 battles, with a boss at the end of the ground and space battles. Fire missles, beam weapons, super shots, fists, whatever it takes from long range. If your opponent is too crafty, rocket in close and engage in metal hand-to-metal hand combat. The action is extremely hyper paced as you use booster rockets to maneuver and evade salvo after salvo of enemy fire. There are boxes about the arena so you can take a quick breather, while you check all your nuts and bolts. You'll have to think about your attacks as all weapons must recharge at different speeds, forcing you to use better strategy and aim. There are some incredible special attacks. My favorite is Angelan's energy dragon--a huge dragon is summoned and soars toward your opponent showering virtual destruction upon them. The characters are mostly all unique with the exception of 2 identical 'bots that carry different weapons. The polygons in the characters are Virtua Fighter level, a little boxy which is okay since they are robots. Some of the designs are more slick than others. All are created by the designer for the Gundam cartoon series. Gameplay infinitely surpasses the intensity of a mecha duel from say...Macross, Gundam, etc... The arenas are graphically a little behind current dreamcast games, although they make up for it in the richness of colors, and diversity of locations. Perhaps the American version will spice up the scenery a little. There is a versus mode, internet play, and a customizable mode. The customizable mode allows you to choose your colors, and your logo. There are about 50 preset logos and you can use a painting feature to alter or create your own, which can be saved via VMU. Look for acclaim to possibly alter the controls some. Its a bit hard to do a stationary turn around sometimes with the standard controller. Since most Americans probably won't be into buying a $70 arcade twin stick control, its safe to assume this issue will be addressed. If not you'll make the turn with some practice and clever use of your booster rocket combined with the analog stick. Also the difficulty could be tweaked down just a little. I had it on the easiest setting (1-out-of-10) and have yet to beat the final boss "Tangram." What's a Tangram?(think of Unicron the planet killer from the Transformers animated movie back in the '80s). All in all this game should be a huge hit with American gamers who might not be familiar with mech fighters, and should spark up some feirce online gaming should it be available on the American version. Its already a classic in Japan.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun, but darnit, give me the twinsticks!, June 6, 2000

By A Customer

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (Video Game)

If you're a fan of big robot anime and fighting games, don't even bother reading the rest of the review - just go buy the game.

Still here? Okay, let me get my main complaint about the game out of the way first. The game was designed to be played in the arcade with a pair of joysticks referred to as twinsticks. The twinsticks are somewhat like dual sticks used to control a tank and without them, the game suffers. Supposedly some third party companies are looking into making them, but until they do, the control in Virtual On can be a little unwieldly.

On the plus side, however, it is a flashy and impressively deep robot combat game with bright graphics and a constant barrage of action in one-on-one duels. Fans of Gundam Wing and Robotech will certainly get their kicks here.

That's really what it boils down to. Fans of big robot anime will love this game unequivocably; fans of action games will love it and overlook its faults; easily frustrated gamers should rent first.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It is playable without the Twin Sticks, June 7, 2000

By A Customer

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (Video Game)

This is an awesome game and it probably will not disappoint the majority of you. I hear people complaining about not being playable without the twin sticks. I don't think that is true. Yeah, it doesn't beat the experience of the game with the twin sticks but the game is still very playable. You don't need to use analog stick to rotate because the game allows you to turbo and as soon as you shoot, it automatically turns you torwards the opponent. Same with jumping. This method is actually faster because if you just stand there and rotate, it's slower than dashing and shooting. Only problem is with moves that need you to rotate (temjins circular swing) are impossible to do at the right time since having to stand still will cause you to be a sitting duck. Other than those problems, the game is a blast. You might need to give the controls some time before you are used to them. Overall this is a great game (gameplay, graphics, sound all of it is awesome), 5 stars if they had the twinsticks but still enjoyable nonetheless.