Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram | December 9, 1999

 Released in 1998, Cyber Troopers Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram is the second entry in the Virtual-On series and is considered a masterpiece, often regarded as one of the best games ever created by Sega. The game is affectionately known as 'Oratang,' and its arcade board initially used MODEL3 from Ver 5.2 to 5.4, later switching to NAOMI with version 5.66.

Compared to its predecessor, O.M.G., many new features were introduced, with the VR system expanding from 8 units to 9 (with one new unit added through the subdivision of Apamd) and eventually to 11 VRs. By the final version, M.S.B.S Ver.5.66, the total number of VRs reached 14. Hidden units like Azim and Gelan were not classified as VRs.

System-wise, many new elements were added, including "V Armor" for defense, "Turbo Attack" for more offense, "Air Dash" for improved mobility, and "Vertical Turn" for sharp direction changes. These innovations led to a more dynamic and visually captivating experience. However, advanced players often ended up in time-out matches due to the complex nature of the gameplay, which may have seemed like chaotic running and shooting for those unfamiliar with the game.

The music of Oratorio Tangram is also highly praised, with iconic tracks such as Temjin’s theme "Soldier Blue" becoming famous. The theme from the Payen stage was even used for a long time in a popular TV show.

Despite its strengths, the game became more niche due to its complex controls and the increased difficulty of maintenance, compounded by Sega’s lack of promotional effort. This resulted in Oratorio Tangram remaining a minor title in the end. After the release of Virtual-On Force, the game saw steady popularity, but the difficulty in obtaining NAOMI boards and the limited number of arcades offering it led to a decline in its player base.

The Dreamcast version, released as Virtual-On 5.45, included extra features such as VR customization and SEGANET for online multiplayer. The game also featured hidden units like Temjin 707A and Raiden 502B, and even had a special "Tanngram" ending.

Later, the 5.66 version was ported to the Xbox 360 and released as Cyber Troopers Virtual-On and Oratorio Tangram in 2008, allowing players to enjoy the game with additional elements such as Xbox Live multiplayer. The game was also made available on Xbox One through backward compatibility in 2017. In 2019, the Virtual-On series was re-released as part of a trilogy for the PS4.

Oratorio Tangram remains a masterpiece with its intricate strategies and intense action that still leave a lasting impact on players who enjoyed its deep mechanics.