Overview

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On is the first instalment of a moderately successful mecha fighting series developed by Sega for Arcades and consoles. Its score by Kentaro Kobayashi blended techno, rock, and pop elements to create a suitable instrumental score. The results simultaneously sound mechanical, action-packed, yet also endearing. The Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Original Soundtrack was released concurrently with the Sega Ages 2500 re-release of the game. Compared with the initial album release, it features a number of exclusive original tracks and even a couple of brand new arrangements...

Body

First of all, it seems pertinent to mention some presentation issues concerning the Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Original Soundtrack. Though the original score features some 37 tracks, a large proportion of these are not worth listening to. There are many short tracks used in menu screens and cinematic sequences that comprise little more than a few drum machine rolls, a synthpad chord sequence, or an abrupt victory fanfare. These are even more numerous in the reprint soundtrack. Furthermore, a large proportion of tracks on the score feature voice samples from a robotic young female voice, despite a voice collection being included. While these samples are intended to immerse listeners into a futuristic world, they actually sound very dated nowadays and are quite annoying too. They are particularly disruptive at the introduction and prevent a definitive start to the soundtrack.

Despite these problems, there are a number of highly enjoyable tracks on Cyber Troopers Virtual-On. "In the Blue Sky" is regarded as a classic for fans of the game and for good reason. The track defines the type of light-hearted technopop to expect from the album with its fast-paced electronic beats and jubilant synth melodies. Structured in a typical pop format, the verse section is highly lyrical, yet also somewhat ridiculous with its uncontrolled runs, while the chorus is more stable and anthemic. Plenty of other tracks adopt a similar format to this track, ranging from the hyperactive "Everything Merges with the Night" to the rocking "Higher Ground" to the carefree "The Wind is Blowing", always to delightful effect. "She's Lost Control" deserves special mention for really defining that motivating fighting sound.

Though largely a light-hearted soundtrack, there are nevertheless some intense moments to diversify the experience. "Alice in the Wonderland" is probably the darkest track on the soundtrack, contrary to expectations raised by its name. While Kobayashi clearly focused on offering a frivolous feel to most of the score, it is clear he is capable of offering brooding, uncompassionate soundscapes too. Exclusive to the reprint soundtrack, the three "hypotension" tracks also have a darker quality to them and are quite welcome too. "Ruins" and "Fade to Black" meanwhile remind one of the boss battle themes featured in certain classic RPG soundtracks. Their blend of rock and techno is certainly encouraging, but there is an undeniable epic and tragic quality contained within their melodies. Somehow their unique lyrical quality ensures they sound like they firmly belong in the Virtual-On universe nevertheless.

There are several bonus arrangements at the end of the soundtrack of perhaps the most popular themes on Cyber Troopers Virtual-On, two of which are exclusive to the reprint soundtrack. "The Wind is Blowing" and "Everything Merges with the Night" are conventional but enjoyable arrangements that bring out the lyricism of the original tracks. Made in 2007, the latter offers considerably better implementation than its partner and even offers some live guitar work. Finally, "In the Blue Sky" receives two renditions, a laidback synthetic rendition by Kobayashi and a performance by Sega's new in-house band [H.]. The band performance is especially enjoyable. The members manage to capture plenty of nostalgia about the Virtual-On series and Sega in general, while still offering high production values. The integration of voice samples is actually well done for once here too.

Summary

Overall, Cyber Troopers Virtual-On features an enjoyable score. It's impressive how Kentaro Kobayashi managed to define the franchise with a unique hybridised sound and also incorporate plenty of memorable anthemic tracks. That said, this album is let down by its presentation and there are far too many short tracks and voice samples that detract from the experience. The reprint soundtrack nevertheless offers plenty of exclusives and highlights to nevertheless be seriously worth considering.