Virtuaroid

Virtuaroids, or VR's for short, are immense mech robots that the player utilizes 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.

Plot History

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.

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.

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.

Second Generation

In the end, it turned out the activation of the Moongate was a farce, an elaborate plot conceived by Anber IV, DN Co.'s wealthiest stockholder, in order to distract them long enough in order to sell off the 9 Virtuaroid plants to opposing factions. Shortly afterwards, DN Corporation collapsed, splitting into two rival factions; the DNA Army, primarily composed of the remnants of DN. Corp, and RNA, primarily made of those who sided with Anber IV. A war shortly ensued between the two, neither holding a significant advantage. Shortly after the split, the core of the mysterious 9th Plant, "Tangram", which is said to be able to control all time and space, vanished from reality. Panicking after realizing its potential, a desperate hunt by both DNA and RNA ensued to capture and claim the Tangram as their own.

Due to Anber IV's deceit, second generation Virtuaroids were developed by various factions; most are based on the existing first generation Virtuaroids. After the Moongate incident, DN's Virtuaroids went public, and the need for control through arcade terminals ended. Pilots now controlled Virtuaroids from within through direct reverse-conversion of the pilot's brain into the Virtuaroid's V-converter. 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

Third Generation

Shortly after the Oratario Tangram War ended, DNA, RNA and several minor Virtuaroid armies changed their focus onto the Martian terrain, where a new form of V-crystal, the Jupiter Crystals, were discovered. On the Mars Front, reports came in that many of the 2^nd Generation Virtuaroids' suffered from compromises to their operating systems. The source of this problems stemmed from interference from the Jupiter Crystal on the Virtuaroids' V-Crystal, an initial component in the V-Converters used on board Virtuaroids. All, but the Temjin-707 models, were deemed inoperable; yet, even the Temjins suffered from drastic reductions in efficiency and performance. In light of this, a 3^rd Generation of Virtuaroids were put into development, with the goal of overcoming the interference of Jupiter Crystals. Soon the preliminary test results were in, and they were less than stellar. The performance of many of the 3^rd Generation Virtuaroids failed to surpass their predecessors in the areas of performance and versatility. But despite lackluster results, development went as scheduled and soon the first of 3^rd Generation was completed: The "VOX" series, developed at 3rd Plant "Adax". (formally known as "Moony Valley until its restructuring.) Many of second generation Temjin 707 also got modified to be more effective under influence of Jupiter Crystals.

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+.

History and Technical note

One of first VR developed by DN Corporation and later helmed by the 8th Plant "Flesh Refoe".The first operational model of the Temjin series, MBV-04-G, is armed with a dual purpose beam rifle/sword that makes it equally at home in ranged and melee combat situations. The upgraded Temjin's since "MBV-707-F Temjin 707" replaced that with more powerful multi purpose beam launcher/sword instead, though a more compact version of the old weapon became the standard issue for "MBV-04-10/80". The 3rd generation Temjin, "MBV-747" feature an exclusive Armour System, which is able to adapt to multiple operational purposes by installing various shell armoring. MBV-747-J, a basic configuration of Temjin 747 is equipped with lightweight yet tough "Assault Armour". While the MBV-747-H 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 Jupiter Crystals. Further developed versions of the Temjin series became standard issues for the "White Knights" and later the special law enforcement unit "MARZ"- MARZ units received the "MZV" prefix, and White Knight units use the "VR" prefix. Particularly, those belonging to the White Knights are considered the most powerful Virtuaroids of their times.

Trivia

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

APHARMD Series

Originally built by DN Corporation and later helmed by the First Plant "Storage Depot", the Apharmd series are built for close range and Melee combat, and also boast a high mobility. However, their long range weaponry is quite weak.

History and Technical Note

Originally, MBV-09-C Apharmd was developed by DN Corporation as a main battle virtuaroid based on Temjin. Armed with pair of beam tonfas known as "tongfers", 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 splinter faction, RNA, after commissioning the First Plant to further development. 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 tongfers, and RVR-39 Apharmd the Battler, which is closer to original Apharmd, retaining the tongfers but lacking the far-range capability. Late in the Oratorio Tangram wars, a third model was introduced, the RVR-12 Apharmd C. This model served as a true successor to the original Apharmd, using a shotgun and machete to balance its combat skills.

After moving onto the Martian Front, the Apharmd series split further into different categories. From the Apharmd the Battle model descended the "Apharmd J" series. The Apharmd J at its core has very little armor, but high speed, making it ideal for close range combat, but unfit for far range. (Although several variations adjust this issue). From the Apharmd the Striker Model descended the "Apharmd T" series, a bulkier, tougher series with low speed but high firepower. While these new series, like the other third generation VRs, pale in comparison to the older models, the sheer number of variations within the series make up for it.

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
*The Bal series are notorious for being extremely hard to use. They are often considered for elite players and AIs and are often devastating when used properly.

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 dramatically increases attack capabilities), Self-repair options, and many others.

The first of the LLN series was developed by child prodigy L'Ln Plajiner. This unit, "Fei-Yen" was created in the image of a young girl. During its development however, the Fei-Yen's V-converter absorbed an intense amount of emotion from its young creator, causing it to become semi-sentient. The Fei-Yen escaped before it could be completed, causing DN Corporation to lose faith in Plajiner and mass-produce the existing Fei-Yen plans without her involvement. The final product, while only half as powerful as the original Fei-Yen, proved to be a success. After DN Corp's collapse, The Fei-Yen design was seized by the 8th Plant "Flesh Refoe", which eventually produced a similar second and later third generation version.

After the mysterious Crystal Virtuaroid A-jim appeared, the Fourth Plant "TSC Drammen" owned personally by Anber IV, commissioned Plajiner to create a new Virtuaroid to contain A-jim for study. A reluctant Plajiner created the Angelan, a new female VR designed in the image of a young witch. Using a dress-type armor and a staff imbued with "ice magic", Angelan proved to be a highly capable Virtuaroid on its own. However, when used to capture and contain A-jim, the experiment ended in failure. Despite this, Angelan units continued to be produced, eventually becoming guards on the Fourth Plant.

Shortly after the discovery of the Jupiter Crystals, the bug discovered in the Virtual On Arcade control terminals "Jaguarandi" was discovered to have somehow materialized in physical time and space. Desperate for a solution to this disaster, the plants collectively called on Plajiner to create a new Virtuaroid to contain Jaguarandi, similar to Angelan's purpose of containing A-jim. The result was Guarayakha, created in the image of a girl younger than Fei-Yen and Angelan. In a touch of playfulness, Plajiner designed Guarayakha in the image of a magical girl, as well as giving it minor sentience. Sadly, just as its older sister had done, Guarayakha failed in its attempts to contain Jaguarandi. Rather, Jaguarandi now used Guarayakha as a means of manifesting itself more easily into reality.

TANGRAM series

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 DYMN/Dymon had found 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. Interestingly 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.

Other

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. He sealed the soul of a powerful samurai within the V-converter of Kagekiyo units, copying it as the units were mass-produced.

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. Unlike other special attacks, the Dordray can only grow to a massive size only once per game (not per opponent).

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

Belgdor/Grys-vok

As HBV-05-E Raidens turn out to be too expensive for mass production, DN Corporation developed other VRs based on 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 (note that the Nuclear ICBM is used as a last-ditch attack, effectively a self destruct mechanism). Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram arcade with M.S.B.S Ver5.66 also feature SBV-328-B Stein-Vok which is Grys-Vok's variant that utilise beam weapons instead of missile.

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

External links

* [http://www.ooyashima.net/db/vr.htm www.ooyashima.net/db/vr.htm] - A site with a complete list of Virtuaroids, include those from side stories.
* [http://www.occn.zaq.ne.jp/vc/ Virtual-Century] - A database of every Virtuaroid and information on the storyline.