Virtuaroid

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Virtuaroids, or VR's for short, are immense mech robots that the player utilzes in the Sega action game Virtual On. There are many types of VR's and many of them have different attributes, weaknesses , and strengths, that help a player format to his/her own playstyle. Also pertaining to this fact, VR's have different statistics conforming to their attacks; how they perform in melee battles, long range battles, medium range, short range, and their mobility. The games rank the statistics on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the highest, 5 being average, and 1 being the lowest.

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] Origin

The development of VIRTUAROID originates from the discovery of the nonhuman ruins near the base of DN Co. on the moon surface in Virtual Century (V.C.) 0084. DN Co. showed a great interest in the ruins and got started with the full-scale excavation of it. A gigantic human-shaped object (eventually called the BAL-BAS-BOW unit later) resembling arms was found and dug out during the excavation. A restoration of the body itself was almost impossible, but there was a good possibility of partial restoration. DN Co. got started on a restoration of the BAL-BAS-BOW unit in earnest.

The V converter was developed as a control system for the newly excavated unit. The V converter is a black box originated from the ruins OT (Over Technology) whose core is the V crystal, based on the feedback data of the analysis result regarding the system of the ruins so far. However, the BAL-BAS-BOW unit was very difficult to deal with. The restoration ran into difficulties unexpectedly, and some serious accidents occurred. The damage was very serious and people were made to realize how optimistic an outlook they had.

[edit] Birth of Virtuaroid

As a countermeasure, they decided to develop the experimental machines for incorporating the V converter as well as make various basic experiments on them. Two types of machines were selected for this planning. The V converters were incorporated in both machines rather smoothly, and the basic experiments were repeated on them went steadily.

The project, which seemed to be going smoothly, experienced many twists and turns, and finally came to a deadlock because of the problem of budget. To continue the project, it was necessary to develop the profitable products, the weapons. DN Co. changed the specifications of XMU-04-C (PROTO TEMJIN) and XMU-05-B (PROTO RAIDEN) which were under development at that time, and put them into a practical battle experimentally to test their real-world performance.

Although both machines were far from being perfect, they made better military gains than expected. Being pleased with this result, the executives of DN Co. made a decision to put TEMJIN and RAIDEN into practical use. The initial policy of restoring and utilizing the ruins arms turned into the policy of developing the robot arms based on the preceding experimental machines. And these machines were officially called Virtuaroid.

[edit] Operation Moongate

In 00a0 V.C. (Virtual Century is notated in hexadecimal), the Moon Base itself ran out of control and aimed the Solar Cannon super weapon toward Earth. DN Co. execute the Operation Moon Gate to destroy the Moon Base and took various measures to increase the number of operative arms as much as possible.

One of those schemes were put into practice. DN Co. embedded the Virtuaroid remote control system which was developed confidentially into the M.S.B.S.(Mind Shift Battle System) of Virtuaroids, and opened it to public as a common battle game VIRTUAL ON. They schemed to utilize the ordinary players as military force unawares. Although the Virtuaroid is certainly very powerful arms, the pilots must have some aptitude (VIRTUAL-ON positive/VO+) to control it well.

[edit] Second Generation

While the Operation Moon Gate went successfully and the Solar Cannon was destroyed, it distracted DN Corporation long enough to let their opposing organization known as RNA to acquire equal resources and technology. The war between both side is virtually endless. The critical event of this war is the mysterious disappearance of 9th Plant Tangram, a facility that was said to have ability to control time and space. Both DN Co. and RNA searched for Tangram, believing that it could be use to their advantage against the other.

The second generation Virtuaroids were developed by various factions; most are based on the existing first generation Virtuaroids. Second generation Virtuaroids feature new versions of M.S.B.S. that allow the pilot to perform more complex movement such as the air dash. They also feature V-Armor, which make them much more durable compared to their predecessors. Some of second generation Virtuaroids also feature a unique natural ability, such as ability to growth into giant of RVR-68 Dordray

[edit] Third Generation

It was discovered in war on Mars that most of second generation Virtuaroids unable to operate due to Mars Crystal's influence that effect V crystal use in V converter. Only the basic Temjin 707 able to operate in Mars front and still suffer from greatly decrease performance. The third generation Virtuaroids are develop in order to overcome the effect of Mars Crystal. Many of these third generation are actually inferior to their ancestor in term of performance (in Marz, this was reflex in-game by slower responses of all Virtuaroids and lack of various special ability that featured in Force). The first third generation Virtuaroid are VOX series develop at 3rd Plant Adax. Many of second generation Temjin 707 also got modifed to be more effective under influence of Mars Crystal.

[edit] TEMJIN series

Often considered the "hero mech" of series, the Temjin series is best described as "Jack-of-all trades" VR's and have high maneuverability, and above average melee skills. They are typically meant for beginning players, yet more effective in the hands of skillful VO+.

[edit] History and Technical note

One of first VR developed by DN Corporation. The MBV-04-G Temjin is armed with a dual purpose beam rifle/sword. The upgraded Temjin's since MBV-707-F Temjin 707 replaced that with more powerful multi purpose beam launcher/sword instead, though the old beam rifle/sword was still used by MBV-04-10/80. The 3rd genration Temjin, MZV-747 feature an exclusive Armour System, which is able to adapt to multiple operational purposes by installing various shell armoring. MZV-747-J, a basic configuration of Temjin 747 is equipped with lightweight yet tough Assault Armour. While the MZV-747-HII is equipped with Hold Armour aiming to compromise defense power and attack power, this machine does not line up with that of the former Temjin series at all. The Temjin 747 also features Mind Booster that restrains interfering effect of the Mars Crystal. One of the custom Temjin 747's, VR-747 Type a8 "Temjin 747 Type a8", belongs to the White Knight and is considered one of the most powerful Virtuaroids.

MZV-747-HII Temjin 747HII

VR-747 Type a8 "Temjin 747 Type a8" ("White Knight")

MZV-707-S Temjin 747J
Model Melee Short range Medium range Long range Mobility
MZV-707-S Temjin 707S 7 6 5 4 6
MZV-707-S/V Temjin 707S/V 7 6 6 4 6
MBV-04-10/80 adv Temjin 10/80 Advance 7 5 3 2 6
MZV-747-J Temjin 747J 7 7 7 6 5
MZV-747-J/V Temjin 747J/V 7 7 7 6 5
VR-747 Type a8 Temjin 747 Type a8 "White Knight" 7 9 9 8 9
Temjin 747-HII 5 5 5 6 5
MZV-747-HII/a Temjin 747-HII/a 5 5 5 6 6
MBV-707-J Temjin 707J 6 5 4 2 5
MBV-707-J SF Temjin 707J Special Force 6 5 4 2 6

[edit] Trivia

  • Seeing that all the original virtuaroids were designed by famous mecha designer Hajime Katoki, it is no surprise that this virtuaroid line resembles the fabled Gundams of the Mobile Suit Gundam series.

[edit] RAIDEN series

The Raiden series specialize in long range combat, having destructive laser and shell-based weaponry. However, they have low manueverablity, and feature weak melee efficiency. Their high armor makes up for this.

[edit] History and Technical note

One of first VR's developed by DN Corporation, ir was originally designed to intercept and destroy invading spacecraft before they entered the Earth's atmosphere. The earliest Raiden models, HBV-05-E, used laser cannons taken from battlecruisers that were disassembled after the war and mounted on Raiden's shoulders. Since the cost to manufacture a single Raiden is equivalent to manufacturing 20 Temjins, and there were only 26 battlecrusiers in the fleet, only 26 units of Raiden were produced. DN Corporation developed cheaper VRs based off of Raiden, the HBV-10-B DORKAS and SAV-07-D BELGDOR to replace Raiden.

However, Raiden became very popular among experienced pilots and DN Corporation decided to further develop Raiden. The HBV-502-H8 RAIDEN used a new model of laser cannons that could generate an energy net to ensnare its target. This improved model also has the ability to eject its armor. This risky tactic can provide Raiden with a speed boost that can even exceed high mobility VR like Fei-Yen Knight. During the events of Cyber Troopers Virtual On Marz, a group of elite pilot known as SHBVD (Special Heavy Battle Virtuaroid Division) used the custom Raiden which has speed equal to Temjin 707J. While earlier Raiden's alway used a hyper bazooka as a hand-carried weapon, the HBV-512-E Raiden 512E and SHBVD's custom machine can be switched with a beam gun.

HBV-512-E1 Raiden 512E1
Model Melee Short range Medium range Long range Mobility
HBV-512-E2 Raiden 512E2 3 6 7 9 3
HBV-512-E1 Raiden 512E1 3 5 6 8 3
SVT-GFK 512E1 Raiden(GFK) 512E1 3 5 6 8 6
SVT-GFK 512E2 Raiden(GFK) 512E2 3 6 7 9 6

[edit] Trivia

  • The Raiden Virtuaroids are sometimes noted as being similar to the MS-09 Dom from Mobile Suit Gundam. Both mecha carry bazookas as their standard armament, and move across the ground by "skating" rather than running. The design of Raiden, as well as its successor Dorkas, also greatly resemble R-2 from the Super Robot Wars series.
  • The laser cannons of the original Raiden models were scavenged from battleship cannons. These guns were said to be able to hit targets in orbit.

[edit] VOX series

The VOX series incoporate the heavy armor and low mobility of the Raidens, but are geared more to short and medium range combat.

[edit] History and Technical Note

The huge Plant "Adax" (The name of 3rd Plant "Moony-Valley" since VCa6). conducted self initiative marketing development and had been keeping an eye on Mars, an abandoned planet. However, the Mars Crystals discovered here obstructed the activity of the V.Converters mounted on VRs, thus the fact that existing 2nd generation VRs would not achieve full performance had become clear. Here they launched the development of new VRs with no defects, even under the influence of the crystals. This series of machines, which are known as "Vox", were the first group to be put into practice among the 3rd generation VRs. Inherited from the 2nd generation VRs "Vok" series' concept, which are made from the same plant, the Unit Skeleton System (USS) was adopted. The flexibility of the line of machines is unparalleled. With this structural advantage, it developed the most variations among the 3rd generation VRs.

Support type VR. A solid machine with excellent cost-performance, it is being used in large quantities in all battlefields. Teamed with other "Vox" series it shows definite fighting capabilities at the Mars front, thus being a threat to other new combat units from the Terrestrial Realm.

Vox "Dan"

L-48 Vox Lee
Model Melee Short range Medium range Long range Mobility
D-101 Vox Dan 3 6 7 9 3
D-101 SF Vox Dan Special Force 1 5 7 7 5
J-500 Vox Joe 3 5 7 3 5
J-500 SF Vox Joe Special Force 3 6 7 3 6
J-504 Vox Jane 3 6 7 3 5
B-240 Vox Bob1 4 6 7 3 3
B-242 Vox Bob2 4 6 7 3 2
L-48 Vox Lee 1 2 3 2 6
L-43 Vox Loo 1 3 4 3 6

[edit] Trivia

  • The VOX-series virtuaroids have two variants that emulate Dorkas from Operation Moongate and Dordray of Oratorio Tangram.

[edit] APHARMD Series

The Apharmd series are bulit for close range and Melee combat, and also boast a high mobility. However, their long range weaponry is quite weak.

[edit] History and Technical Note

Originally, MBV-09-C Apharmd was developed by DN Corporation as a main battle virtuaroid based off Temjin. Armed with pair of beam tonfas, Apharmd is more powerful at melee combat. It also feature better armor and higher output generator, which provide higher accelerate speed. However, its range weapons are inferior to Temjin's. It's more of a shock trooper than a general purpose machine, as intended.

After Operation Moongate, the development of Apharmd continued by DN Corporation's opposing force, RNA. Several variants of Apharmd were deployed; the most notable of these second generation Apharmd were RVR-33 Apharmd the Striker, which features even more protective armor and better long range weapons, but less its speed and no beam tonfas, and RVR-39 Apharmd the Battler, which is closer to original Apharmd.

The traditional close combat decisive battle type machine is the "Apharmd" series. Because its newer design includes a more compact fuselage than the original VR, its positive handiness in the operational aspect has improved in each step compared to the same second generation systematic type. It is highly praised as a masterpiece machine for its high mobility and definitive combat capability.

RVR-36-F Apharmd T Type F

MVZ-36-T ("Apharmd The Hatter")

RVR-24-C Apharmd J Type C
Model Melee Short range Medium range Long range Mobility
RVR-24-C Apharmd J Type C 9 6 3 1 5
RVR-24-C (AC) Apharmd J Type C Alpha Commando 9 6 3 1 6
RVR-20-A Apharmd J Type A 5 5 6 4 5
RVR-36-F Apharmd T Type F 4 4 7 7 3
RVR-36-F(AC) Apharmd T Type F Alpha Commando 4 4 7 7 4
MVZ-36-T Apharmd The Hatter 10 2 1 1 7

[edit] YZR Series

This series focuses on speed and medium range combat. These VR's also have the uncanny ability to transform into "SLC" attack mode, a tranmogrification resembling a F-16 fighter plane, which allows fast attacks and air combat.

[edit] History and Technical Note

Entrusting his alliance Colonel Mathew's fleet, Dr. Yzerman of the 6th Plant "Satchel Mouth" advanced to Mars with an early vision on the value of Mars Crystal. The primary VRs of Mathew's fleet are various types of Myzr series which were designated with transformation mechanism and high mobility as its most prominent features. Being the ghostly "fang" of the same fleet its undisputed power is demonstrated.

Forced-assault type Myzr. Having little changes on the outer fittings compared to others, the construction of its inner skeleton is significantly strengthened. As a result, it is able to switch into various SLC attack mode according to different situations, and it is fearsome when it steps up for hit-and-run strategy.

YZR-8000 Myzr Δ

YZR-XIII Sin Specineff 13 "Sin"
Model Melee Short range Medium range Long range Mobility
YZR-8000 "Delta" Myzr Delta 5 7 4 5 5
YZR-8000 "Delta" IV Type R Myzr Delta IV "Fair Bianca" -->Captain Silvie Fang Custom 5 7 4 5 6
YZR-8000 "Delta" CL Myzr Delta I "Charlotte" -->First Lieutenant Jennifer Poison Custom 5 7 4 5 6
YZR-8000 "Delta" EV Myzr Delta I "Evelyn" -->First Lieutenant Deora Byte Custom 5 7 4 5 6
YZR-XIII Sin Specineff 13 "Sin" 7 6 5 3 4

[edit] Trivia

  • The SLC attack mode is an acronym for "She's lost control", the last words of the test pilot who first accidentally activated it.
  • The Myzr's ability to transform into a fighter mode makes it similar to the many transforming mobile suits of the Gundam series, notably the Z Plus series from Gundam Sentinel which also design by Hajime Katoki.

[edit] BAL series

A VR series based on in-direct combat and levitation features, this series is meant for experts and are best used as support unit(s) due to their terrain battle nature. The Bal series uses traps and computer-controlled mini-VR's to attack the enemy from afar.

[edit] History and Technical notes

Being a test bed of the latest OS "M.S.B.S.ver.7" series which was developed for unhindered VR operations even under the influence of a Mars Crystal, the machine was developed by the 8th Plant "Flesh Refoe". The same plant seems to have reached some form of agreement with the International War Corporation and monopolized the supply system of the OS. Essentially it is not a machine for use with battle, but the attack ability of its E.R.L. (Ejectable Remote Launcher) in some way surpasses that of the regular type VRs.

The first of the 3rd generation "Bal" series being developed. In order to cut off the obstructing effect of Mars Crystal, a booster part which utilizes the potential of the V.Converter to the maximum is installed at its lower torso. As a result, a special and strange form of legless type is displayed.

XBV-821m-N "Bal d Meora"
Model Melee Short range Medium range Long range Mobility
XBV-821m-N Bal d Meora 5 7 4 5 5

[edit] Trivia

  • The Bal series of Virtuaroids is similar in shape to the original excavated mecha that formed the basis of the Virtuaroids. Since some of Bal series are legless, combine with their ability to detach both arms, make them resemble MSN-02 Zeong from Mobile Suit Gundam

[edit] LLN Series

Special series of VR's that, like the Bal series aren't meant for one-on-one combat, and are more efficient in teamwork. However, unlike other series, the LLN's have special capabilities that outstrip other models. These include Hyper mode (A process which dramaticallly increases attack capabilities), Self-repair options, and many others.

TA-17B Angelan WM

TF-14A Fei-Yen with Vivid Heart

TG-11m Guarayakha
Model Melee Short range Medium range Long range Mobility
TA-17B Angelan WM 7 6 5 4 6
TF-14A Fei-Yen with Vivid Heart 6 5 4 6 6
TG-11m Guarayakha 6 3 5 3 5

[edit] Trivia

  • The LLN virtuaroids have a female body shape. The Fei-Yen virtuaroids in particular are often noted by fans to resemble Sailor Moon, while Angelan is sometimes said to resemble Belldandy from Oh My Goddess!. Guarayakha seems to resemble many of the younger magical girls, such as Sakura Kinomoto or Doremi, Hazuki, or Onpu of Ojamajo Doremi.
  • Guarayakha has ability to transform into Jaguarandi in Cyber Troopers Virtual On Force, but this ability was removed in Cyber Troopers Virtual On Marz.

[edit] OMEGA series

The omega series consists of specially made VRs that far surpass the limits and capabilities of a normal VR. It is unknown how they are transmogrified to attain such power, but they are not mass-produced models and serve only Tangram or their own interests. Unlike normal, piloted VRs, the Omega series VRs are sentinent and also serve as the game's bosses.

Jaguarandi

Guerlain
Model Melee Short range Medium range Long range Mobility
Jaguarandi 6 6 5 8 9
Ajim 1 5 4 9 8
Guerlain 1 3 5 3 8

[edit] Trivia

  • The OMEGA series is infamous for being "penalty bosses" that punish players that play chicken and win by having more health than their opponent when time runs out. Should a pilot play cowardly, they would have to face these extremely powerful VRs. Jaguarandi did this job in Operation: Moongate, while Ajim took on the role in Oratorio Tangram and onwards (Jaguarandi did not appear in Oratorio Tangram). Ajim was joined by Guerlain in Force and Marz.
  • Jaguarandi's appearance changes throughout the Virtual-On series. In Operation Moongate, it resembled a heavily modified Raiden. By Force, Jaguarandi had the features of both its previous form and the features of Guarayakha, most notably the hat and color scheme. This is because, according to the story, Guarayakha was supposed to contain Jaguarandi, but failed miserably, mutating into Jaguarandi itself under certain circumstances. Finally, Jaguarandi is enormous in Force and Marz, easily dwarfing any normal virtuaroid, while in Operation Moongate, was the size of a Raiden or a Belgdor. It should be noted, however, that in the beta versions of Operation Moongate, Jaguarandi was enormous.
  • Ajim and Guerlain appeared when Tangram awakened, and fight to protect things called the Jupiter Crystals. Their bodies are supposed to be pure V-crystal.

[edit] SHADOW series

A shadow series VR is a Virtuaroid taken over by a Tangram virus program. It changes the outer construction of the VR to a black and red coloration, and renders the VR unable to discern its former allies. The virus also traps the pilot in the cockpit, leaving the VR semi-sentinent. A shadow VR retains the original aspects and battle capabilities before its infestation but adds additional armor, faster reaction times and more powerful attacks.
Model Melee Short range Medium range Long range Mobility
Shadow VR N/A (Same as original model) N/A (Same as original model) N/A (Same as original model) N/A (Same as original model) N/A (Same as original model)

[edit] TANGRAM series

Tangram

MLTN FF

STRTS

Z-GRADT

Daiman Orb

MLN TF
Model Melee Short range Medium range Long range Mobility
Tangram N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Z-GRADT N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
STRTS N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Daimon Orb N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Daimon Arm N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Daimon Worm N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
MLTN FF N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
MLN TF N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

[edit] Trivia

  • As strange as it may seem, Tangram has a voice, and is not simply a mindless destruction machine. In certain endings in Oratorio Tangram, Force, and Marz, Tangram speaks to the player after being defeated. The voice is provided by Kikuko Inoue, a seiyuu most famous for her role as the voice of Belldandy from Ah! My Goddess. In fact, she plays the non-evil half of Tangram, referred to as "Oratorio Tangram." Tangram has an evil, male side that fights you in Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram and Virtual On Force. In Virtual On MARZ, she even needed to be saved, after a fashion. DYMN/Daimon had found Oratorio and enslaved her, using her as a power source.
  • The designs of the MLTN series and STRTS are all recycled from the Z-Gradt, the boss at the end of Cyber Troopers Virtual On: Operation Moongate. The MLTN's base structure is taken from the disembodied top half of Z-Gradt, and STRTS' appearance is two copies of the bottom half of Z-Gradt. Intrestingly enough, STRTS takes its design directly from Bradtos, a boss from Oratorio Tangram. In Oratorio Tangram, Bradtos was a very unnatural-looking dark green and black instead of silver, purple, and black, and had much more firepower. In the middle was artificial V-crystals instead of a violet-and-black orb.

[edit] Other

[edit] Kagekiyo

A samurai-like VR. Kagekiyo first appears in Cyber Troopers Virtual On Force but absent from Marz. It is a creation of Dr. Yzerman, born from one of his more twisted experiments...

Kagekiyo
Model Melee Short range Medium range Long range Mobility
Kagekiyo N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

[edit] Dorkas/Dordray

As HBV-05-E Raiden turn out to be too expensive for mass production, DN Corporation developed another VR based-off its design. One of these VR is HBV-10-B Dorkas. It was supposed to have the same level of armor and firepower as Raiden, but it was later changed into more general purpose unit with less firepower. The left hand of Dorkas is hammer, which generate beam spikes to increase its attack power. This hammer is remote-controllable and could launch using H.L.S.(Hammer Launched System). Its right hand is large claw that can launch fireball and its right shoulder has built-in phalanx micro missile launcher. In addition to more well-rounded weaponry, Dorkas also has lower center of gravity than Raiden. This made Dorkas more mobile and harder to fall down.

After Operation Moongate, the successor VR of Dorkas was developed by RNA, RVR-68 Dordray. The Dordray has the hammer replaced with a large drill, which can go through obstructions and easily break the enemy's V-Armor. Its claw arm also enhanced with H.L.S., allow it to launch like its drill. The phalanx missile was removed, but Dordray got the ability to generate a hurricane. Dordray feature the toughest V-Armor among all second generation VR. It also has ability to growth into giant and stomp enemies with ease.

In the third generation of VR, J-500 VOX Joe greatly resemble Dorkas while B240 VOX Bob resemble Dordray.

[edit] Belgdor/Grys-vok

As HBV-05-E Raidens turn out to be too expensive for mass production, DN Corporation developed other VRs based off its design. One of these VR is the SAV-07-D Belgdor. Belgdor was designed as fire-support unit and armed with various explosive projectiles. These consist of a throwing napalm bomb that covers a large area, grenades, and very accurate homing missile. Its body was derived from Raiden, but has a lower output generator. It also uses lighter armor, giving it higher mobility than the Dorkas and the Raiden. However, its center of gravity is high because of the guidance systems for the homing missiles, and its running stability is quite low: Belgdor can fall down easily.

After Operation Moongate, DN Corporation continued to developed VR based-off Belgdor, SAV-326-D Grys-Vok. In order to improve its firepower, new construction frame known as Unit Skeleton System or USS was developed. Grys-Vok is combination of core, a small VR armed with hand-carries machine gun to protect itself at close range, and extra limbs which feature several box-launchers on its shoulders, these box-launchers contain various type of missile and grenade. It even has a nuclear ICBM, making its firepower even exceed that of the Raiden.

In the third generation of VR, D-101 VOX Dan greatly resemble the Grys-Vok.

[edit] External links

  • (Japanese) www.ooyashima.net/db/vr.htm - A site with a complete list of Virtuaroids, include those from side stories.
  • (Japanese) Virtual-Century - A database of every Virtuaroid and information on the storyline.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org../../../v/i/r/Virtuaroid.html"
In other languages