Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram - Temjin 1CC
0This game is so, so much fun. This is another game I was lucky enough to have encountered the actual cab for. Did you pilot for DNA, or RNA??
I enjoyed this game so much, I even went and grabbed a Saturn Twin Stick controller and a Saturn-to-DC to play this game and Operation Moongate proper. It's a WORLD of difference!
So, I'm not the best player by any means, but I enjoyed the game enough that I figured I'd at least get good enough to conquer it with a 1CC. Def easier said than done though! Luckily, I did pick up a few tricks of the years that helped with fighting my way through the game.
Of note, if you're trying to pick up this game, it def helps to know how to quick-target, and Watari-dash:
-Quick-targeting is simple enough; jumping in the air allows you to re-target and orient yourself toward an opponent in the event you lose track of them, and you can cut your jumps short by tilting the sticks inward during a jump (it's a quick out-then-in motion)/pressing the assigned button (usually A). It's much faster as well as safer!
-The Watari-dash/"Vertical Dash" is a maneuver that allows you to change direction mid-dash to dodge around attacks and flank an opponent to counterattack! Basically, during a dash, reset the sticks to neutral then flick them in a direction that's 90 degrees from the direction you originally dashed in. In other words, you'll want to form an L with your inputs, setting the stick to neutral before every change of direction. You can also keep changing direction within the same dash, as long as you keep making Ls with your movements.
Watari-dashing in particular is super important to know because this game becomes significantly easier once you get a feel for each Virtuaroid's attacks, and the rhythm of dodging then then punishing as you maneuver around the opponent and their attacks. Essentially, you dash out of the way of the enemy's attack, then Watari-dash forward to keep closing in on the opponent. Once you're close enough, a well-timed Watari-dash will position you beside or behind the opponent, where you can get a clean, punishing hit in!
... oh? Why is it called "Watari-dash"? It's named after the producer of VOOT, Juno Watari, who was the first to demonstrate the technique!
Overall, I'm SUPER excited to finally showcase this game for you guys! It's got giant robot battles, laser beams and explosions everywhere, and a super synthy arcade soundtrack! It's peak video game! Peak!!
Played on Dreamcast, Normal difficulty.