This is a
metanode on the amazing
arcade game,
Virtual On. This game is easily distinguished from the rest, two
cockpit style seats with twin
joysticks to control your
VR (Virtuaroid), a
giant battle robot. This
game is really what I look for in an
arcade game. It is
fun,
challenging,
competitive (against other players), great
graphics, and almost an infinite number of strategies (unlike
Mortal Kombat, where the same
combos are recycled with mind-numbing
repetition).
Originating in Japan, this game remains extremely popular in Asia, but less so in the West probably due to its complex controls. Two player battles is the real "meat" in the game, after a while the computer is no challenge any more.
Here are the mechs available for use in this game:
Basic Instructions
Each VR has three basic attacks, as well as special hidden attacks. The left and right triggers each fire one weapon, and both triggers together fires the heaviest weapon. The weapons require time to charge, using an undercharged weapon is usually ineffective.
The secondary triggers activate the dash option, a drastic increase in speed for a brief time. When the dash ends, your are helpless for a brief second. A common mistake of newbies at Virtual On is the overuse of the dash.
Jumps can be performed by pulling the joysticks apart. You can then immediately pull them together to cancel a jump, but only if you didn't fire a weapon in the air. Jumping up then quickly down is the most basic evasion manuever in the game.
In close combat, you can execute direct melee attacks. For some mechs this is one trigger, others both. Melee attacks are some of the most destructive in Virtual On, especially Apharmd's Tongfer attack. They also make for some interesting acrobatics, when experts jump, block and circle to try to get one hit, as cowardice in close combat usually is punished (fellow Virtual On players would know what I mean here). The Circle Attack is effective. To execute this, hold both sticks to one side and fire off the melee weapon, you will quickly dash in a circle and attack from behind. Experts have even more advanced moves at their disposal.
This game has an easy learning curve at the beginning, but as I have learned, it steepens VERY drastically as you go on. I have seen experts in the game who are almost one with the game, they obviously play it way too much. I'm just an intermediate/advanced player. Don't look here for expert advice, look in the web instead. This game is all about practice and expecting your opponent's moves. The more you play, the more experience you get and the better you will be. Unforunately, I can't afford it.
For individual information on each mech, click on the links above.