Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram Ver.5.66

 Xbox 360
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Apr 29, 2009
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Edge Magazine
    70
    For beginners and intermediate level players, Oratorio Tangram presents an unmatched experience, a bright and energetic burst of fantasy combat, still quite unlike anything else in videogames.
  2. Metro GameCentral
    70
    A fairly straightforward arcade conversion, but still a unique mix between fighter and shoot 'em-up.
  3. PALGN
    70
    Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram should only be considered if you're willing to take on the multiplayer and a lot of time to learn the subtle intricacies.
  5. Console Monster
    70
    With no major update to the visuals or sound and a lack of online players, you really have to ask the question; is it worth it for a few mechs? If you are a cult fan of the series, then yes it is. But for the new players and the guys sitting on the fence, there are far better things to spend a tenner on.
  6. Eurogamer Italy
    70
    You'll love or hate it, no doubts. Great concept, great mechs, old school.
  7. Thunderbolt
    70
    A bright and cheery Mech’em’up with a bright charm and nostalgic gleam that despite its problems is worth checking out, provided you agree with the price.
  8. 1UP
    67
    Although VOOT's endemic control woes aren't impossible to overcome, it keeps the game from being the truly pleasurable adrenaline blast it should be.
  9. Game Revolution
    67
    There's no denying Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram has a lot of charm - it's a robot fighting game. While the controls could've been less finicky, there's certainly something special about going against your friends on Xbox Live and just button mashing just for the hell of it.
  10. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    60
    A short, hard, occasionally clumsy niche game. [Aug 2009, p.104]
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  11. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    60
    A classic game spoiled by the controls. [July 2009, p.96]
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  12. X-ONE Magazine UK
    60
    Not even the warm blanket of nostalgia provided by robots with Dreamcast backpacks and VMU save icons can save it from "dedicated fans only' territory. [Issue#47, p.101]
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Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. wspark
    Dec 14, 2019
    10
    Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram (VOOT) is a an absolute masterclass one-on-one fighter. It accomplishes the rare feat of combining blazing fastVirtual On: Oratorio Tangram (VOOT) is a an absolute masterclass one-on-one fighter. It accomplishes the rare feat of combining blazing fast action and deep strategy at the same time. Add awesome mech designs, great looks at sounds, and it combines for an absolutely awesome one-on-one mech fighting game.

    Graphics and mech designs are fantastic, and for its time oozed with style. And unlike a lot of 3D games from this era, the rather sharp-and-flat shades of polygon used here have actually aged very well to this day. The music is a mix of electronics or techno-bop generally fits the game well.

    The gameplay moves along at breakneck pace and never drops a pace, and you will be rapidly dashing, jumping, shooting, slashing, all while thinking about your next best move. Some tactics to consider include jump-cancelling, dash vectoring, melee vs long-range attacks, big-hits vs small chip-away hits, etc. This is a games where if you try to button mash against even a semi-skilled player, you will absolutely lose 100 out of 100 times. But once you get a handle on the depth of the game, it allows for some incredible, heart-beat raising, one-on-one fights.

    However, this game is NOT for everyone. It is definitely for the hardcore crowd, as it requires some commitment from the player to get the most out of its gameplay. On top of this, to get the best out of the experience, it requires a set of very expensive twin stick controllers.

    In all, I can easily understand a casual player who's not committed to this niche giving this game a score of around a 5 or 6. However, I think players that would enjoy fast action while not being afraid of getting into deep mechanics should really get on with this game. Though I rarely ever give out perfect ratings, this is one game deserving of its 10/10 score.    … Full Review »
  2. MegWhiteley
    Mar 22, 2012
    10
    Incredible sorprise. This game of SEGA is really amazing, addictive, funny, interesting, is a geat fighting game. Virtual On: Oratorio TangramIncredible sorprise. This game of SEGA is really amazing, addictive, funny, interesting, is a geat fighting game. Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram Ver.5.66 is amazing. Good job.… Full Review »
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