Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Cyber Troopers Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram puts you in the cockpit of a colossal Virtuaroid for intense one‐on‐one battles that demand split‐second reactions. With twin‐stick controls inherited from the arcade original, each throttle of forward movement or strafing maneuver feels fluid and immediate. The core loop revolves around anticipating your opponent’s next move while juggling an arsenal of weapons—ranging from rapid‐fire cannons to devastating plasma hammers—that suit different playstyles.

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The game features eleven unique Virtuaroids, each boasting its own loadout of secondary weapons and specialized abilities. Fast‐moving units like Temjin excel at hit‐and‐run tactics, while heavier models such as Fei‐Yen can absorb more punishment and unleash powerful close‐range attacks. This diversity encourages experimentation as you learn which combinations of speed, defense, and firepower align with your strategy.

Battlefields are more than just static arenas. Whether you’re duking it out in the zero‐gravity chambers of a space station or weaving beneath pressure domes in an undersea base, stage hazards and elevation changes keep you on your toes. Mastering the dash, back‐dash, and jump mechanics is crucial to evading powerful beam attacks or setting up your own ambush. The result is a high‐octane dance of lock‐ons, evasive maneuvers, and counter‐strikes that never feels repetitive.

Graphics

Although Cyber Troopers Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram hails from the late 1990s era of 3D graphics, it still manages to evoke a crisp, polygonal style that highlights the machines and arenas with clarity. The Virtuaroids are rendered in bold, eye‐catching color schemes, ensuring each model stands out whether you’re zoomed in on its cockpit or watching from a wide camera angle.

Environmental details shine through simple but effective textures: the sleek metal panels of orbital platforms, the rippling water around undersea bases, and the ominous glow of energy conduits tied to the mysterious gate. Particle effects such as rocket trails, flamethrower bursts, and shield impacts inject moments of visual flair during heated exchanges.

Performance remains remarkably stable, even when both fighters unleash a volley of missiles or trade rapid beam fire. The secure frame rate is vital for a game where timing is everything, and jumping between arenas—from desert landscapes scarred by past battles to industrial facilities surrounded by colossal machinery—adds enough visual variety to keep the presentation from feeling stale.

Story

Set in a distant future, Oratorio Tangram unfolds around the discovery of an enigmatic gate capable of forging massive Virtuaroids. Nine resource‐rich plants connected to this gate become focal points in a sprawling corporate conflict. When the gate’s original owner vanishes without a trace, rival conglomerates move in to claim the factories, turning each plant into a war zone.

Though the narrative primarily serves as a backdrop for mech combat, each Virtuaroid pilot receives a brief introductory sequence that sheds light on their motivations—be it loyalty to a corporation, personal vengeance, or a quest for power. These vignettes, accompanied by stylized anime‐inspired art, lend personality to otherwise impersonal machines.

Unlockable endings further explore the political intrigue and ethical quandaries of wielding such destructive power. While the plot never becomes the game’s main attraction, the hints of corporate espionage and the gate’s true nature provide enough thematic substance to enrich every duel with purpose.

Overall Experience

Cyber Troopers Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram remains a standout for fans of high‐speed mech combat. Its fast learning curve—and even steeper mastery curve—rewards players who invest time in understanding each Virtuaroid’s strengths and weaknesses. Local multiplayer duels offer some of the most thrilling couch competitive moments you’ll find, though the absence of online matchmaking may disappoint those seeking remote challenges.

The game’s blend of precise controls, varied weapon systems, and dynamic stages results in an experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly tactical. Even after repeated sessions, you’ll discover new attack patterns or strategic dashes that keep one‐on‐one showdowns endlessly engaging.

For prospective buyers, Oratorio Tangram is a must‐try if you appreciate mechanical depth, instant‐action thrills, and a distinct retro aesthetic. While modern gamers accustomed to extensive story campaigns or online communities might find it stripped down, those who relish skill‐based combat will find themselves drawn back to the arena time and again.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10