First three Virtual-On games coming to PS4 in Japan, “Twin-Stick Project Z” by TANITA also announced

After receiving the strange crossover A Certain Magical Virtual-On, SEGA is going back to the basics for their Virtual-On series. Recently announced is that the first three games in the series, respectively Cyper Troopers Virtual-On, Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram, and Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Force, will all be coming to the Playstation 4 in the future. These games will be based on their respective arcade versions, along with the most recent version “Ver. 5.66” in the case of Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram. It’s currently unknown if there will be any additional features available, along with other details such as a pricing or release date. Also the omission of Virtual-On MARZ is strange, but they likely wanted to stick with the games that were made for the arcades.

Virtual-On is an arena robot fighting game that originally used twin sticks to jump, dash, and shoot. Naturally for those that want an authentic experience, this may cause some concern. Luckily, a third party manufacturer under the name TANITA is going to produce a brand new twin stick controller that was originally planned for A Certain Magical Virtual-On. It was originally funded using a Campfire campaign under the name “Twin Stick Project Z”, which as of this writing has surpassed it’s intended goal of 44,600,000円. Currently there’s no word on when this controller will enter full production.

It’s not known if any of these games or the controller will receive a release outside of Japan as of this writing, but keep in touch for any future updates.

[Source: SEGA Japan Twitter / Tanita]

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Sonic Free Riders and Virtual-On Force go platinum in Japan

Takashi Iizuka: A Platinum Collection release of Sonic Free Riders? (laughs) …Yes!

Yes, believe it or not, the often criticized Sonic Free Riders will receive a Platinum Collection release in Japan tomorrow. Perhaps the game was actually pretty enjoyable and warranted the sales, and most of the vitriol came from those who just love to hate on games they never actually played? Or maybe the Japanese just like to support titles from Japanese developers when it comes to XBOX releases in Japan. For those who don’t know, Platinum Collection titles are games considered by Microsoft to have sold considerable units since release. These select titles are given new packaging and are sold at a lower price. So kudos to SEGA for not one, but TWO Platinum Collection releases. The second game to be released tomorrow is Virtual-On Force, which will receive a cute upgrade to the game’s cover. Check that out after the break.

Virtual-On Force confirmed region free, also in English


Hardcore SEGA fans with a 360 rejoice, you can import the Virtual-On Force if you really want to, since it has just been confirmed that it is region free, not only that it comes in English.

Play-Asia has the import friendly games, even a cheaper Asia version if you don’t want to shell out a ton of money for the Japanese edition. SEGA West has not announced a release over here and I doubt we will get one.

[Source: Siliconera]

Virtual On Force shows off its options

Check out that screenshot, look at all those options! What do they all say? Don’t worry we got your back.

  • Background music volume – Put the music as loud as you want, maximum volume yields maximum results.
  • Sound effect volume – Self explanatory. You can make explosions mute, so you won’t wake up your mom.
  • Voice volume – Same as above, only with voices.
  • Autosave – You can set off or on for Autosave, I suggest leaving it on.
  • Brightness – Want your bright robots to be brighter?
  • Graphic arrange
  • Seat setting – Replicates playing 4 players arcades, setting Virtualoid colors (which matched seats).
  • Stage Background Music – Lets you switch around background music, choosing classic Virtual On music instead of the Force soundtrack

Sure, nothing amazing in a game. But if you are pre-ordering, you sort of have to know this stuff. What else will SEGA feature on the disc, come December 22nd?

Virtual On Force limited edition detailed

The main reason that Virtual On Force became a retail title and not a downloadable, according to SEGA, was to make a limited edition to honor Virtual On’s 15th year anniversary.

The Limited Edition will be called the “Virtual On Force Memorial Box 15”. It will come with a soundtrack CD that spans six discs and 218 tracks. It also comes with a booklet that has 140 pages, this includes arcade and console product images, promotional art, pre-design images for mechs, past interviews with Jurou Wataru (series producer) and Hajime Katoki (mechanical designer).

That is not all, SEGA is also packing two Tangram-themed super balls into the package. The boxart for the limited edition is also diffrent, being done by Hajime Kotaki. The limited edition isn’t cheap, costing at ¥12,900 (about $156 USD).

[Source: AndriaSang]

Virtual On Force bonus unlocked in Border Break


SEGA is running a promo for Japanese consumers that are SEGA Mech fanatics. The first run of Virtual On Force, starndard or collectors edition, will be packed  with a DLC code for Border Break: Air Burst.

The product code will be used to unlock a ‘rare’ paint color for your mechs in Border Break: Air Burst. Worse of all?  To use the code you have to be a member of BorderBreak.NET, a monthly pay service.

SEGA Japan has not given out images of this super rare paint color, but who cares? I mean, would have been cool to unlock a Virtual On Force mech in the game. Forget it, just port Border Break on PSN/XBLA.

[Source: AndriaSang]

SEGA’s TGS 2010 line-up confirmed


SEGA has let their ‘official’ line up out of the bag, of course, they have a surprise or two they don’t want to reveal yet. This is their ‘expect to be there’ and playable games.

  • Vanquish (PS3/360)
  • Virtual On Force (360)
  • Sonic Colors (Wii/DS)
  • Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity (PSP)
  • Black Panther New Yakuza  Chapter (PSP)
  • Shining Hearts (PSP)
  • K-On After School Live (PSP)

Of course they will most likely have a new Phantasy Star related product (anniversary game?) and for sure the new Yakuza PS3 game.

[Source: Joystiq]

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Virtual-On Force screens and website

So SEGA’s countdown has come to a close, reveals the game is Virtual-On Force; then it takes you to the official site. As I expected, the countdown clock finished at four, not one. This has to do with their message about how its not what we expect.

The site opens up with a blog post by Watari, that says Virtual-On Force will be released on disc, not XBLA. The reason for this is because 2010 is the 15 year anniversary of the first Virtual-On game, they wanted to release something that the fans can keep forever. He also said SEGA is looking into releasing a ‘limited edition’ version of the game.

Also, Xbox’s marketing team, “Xbox 360 Special Force Division”, celebrates another success with the announcement of the game. You can view that here.

Virtual-On Force coming to retail, not XBLA

The Famitsu scans have revealed that the game will be heading to retail, not XBLA like last time.

SEGA has stated it would upgrade the game to HD and add Xbox Live support. Which is not really new, since the XBLA title featured this. Maybe they will re-do the textures? They will also have a mission mode where you can pick up items, though what they do is not specified. Mission Mode is made for single player, but can be played co-op. Also co-op boss fights.

Game, as of now, is 30% complete and is slated for a winter release in Japan. As for the west, no news if we will be getting it. I think this is just SEGA Japan cashing off the success of VOOT, would not be shocked if a cheaper, XBLA version is announced for the west.

[Source: AndriaSang]

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Force coming to XBLA

VOOT on XBLA was a big seller, after everyone saw the news of their blog closing and announcing a profit, then a short time after a countdown to a new game for Xbox 360; we all sort of put the pieces together.

This game will have 2 vs. 2 player battles, offline 4 player split screen support and over a dozen mechs to choose from (including Temjin).

The Famitsu scan is on top, SEGA’s countdown clock is still going however.

[Source Siliconera]