Sega Saturn VirtualOn TwinStick [Import]
Platform:  Sega Saturn
Can also be used with Dreamcast via proper convertor
 
 
 
 

    Cyber Troopers VirtualOn was a game you either loved or hated, there really was no middle ground.  The greatest reason for this was the control method which was somewhat unique.  Instead of using a joystick and series of buttons or a steering wheel, VirtualOn used a pair of sticks similar to flightsticks from aviation games.  The two duplicate sticks were name, easily enough, TwinSticks - with the control peripheral being known as a TwinStick.  Each stick had a button on the top to control your Virtualoid's speed boost, with a trigger on each as well that controlled the weapon system.  The left trigger controlled the left weapon, the right trigger controlled the right weapon, and both triggers together activated the center weapon.  When VirtualOn came home on the Saturn, Sega knew that the conventional control pad simply would not bring the experience of the arcade home the way an authentic controller would.  Enter the VirtualOn TwinStick.

Although originally slated for an eventual US release, due to a number of logistics problems as well as slow public adaptation to the Saturn platform outside of Japan, the Saturn TwinStick never had an official release outside of Japan.  This is bad because it makes the TwinStick hard to find stateside, however since there was talk of a US release the US version of Cyber Troopers VirtualOn is set up to recognize the TwinSticks - even the instruction booklet has a section on them.  So if you import a pair of TwinSticks your US release copy of VirtualOn will work fine with them.

On the exterior a boxed TwinStick will greet you with some of the coolest peripheral box art to ever be created.  Big CG illustration of the Temjin Virtualoid, picture of the TwinStick, and a diagram of its features on the bottom of the box.  Inside is the TwinStick and a basic precautions booklet.  The TwinStick itself is based directly on the arcade originals.  It has a heavy metal base with rubber feet so it stays put and feels solid and durable as it should be.  The top is shelled with nice hard ABS plastic with a thick reinforced and protected vinyl sticker that composes the artwork on the top.  The artwork is very nice looking and mirrors the style of the artwork around the arcade controls.  Additionally the Start button has been moved to the upper right corner away from the sticks as opposed to between them as in the arcade - a welcome change for the home market since Start also acts as pause.  The sticks are sold and feel nicely weighted, each one uses four genuine arcade microswitches and the sticks make a nice clicking sound when used.  The buttons and triggers feel as they did in the arcade and provide perfect resistance and feedback.  The base is large enough to comfortably rest on a tabletop or firmly set atop a player's legs.

Once you're using the TwinStick it's exactly like playing with arcade controls.  Push both sticks forward and you move forward, both back and you move back.  One forward and one back and you rotate, both out cause your Virtualoid to jump, and so forth.  You get exact and accurate control with the TwinStick, something that is lacking with the standard Saturn control pad setup.  Things like jump and boost cancels, fast movements and quick retreats around corners all come back into play when using the TwinStick.  It really does bring the arcade sensation home and makes the game feel totally different, as if you are actually controlling a giant robot.

A Dreamcast version of the TwinStick was also released for the Dreamcast VirtualOn game, VirtualOn Oratorio Tangram.  However the Dreamcast TwinStick was made in far smaller quantities and it's no where as nice looking as the Saturn version - both in the packaging and controller design itself.  However you can pick up a Saturn to Dreamcast adapter (the "Total Control Saturn to Dreamcast Adapter") that will allow you to use your Saturn TwinStick with the Dreamcast VirtualOn game, it even has a port for a Dreamcast VMU.  I've also seen a few internal conversions of a Saturn TwinStick to work with the PS2 VirtualOn game, VirtualOn Marz - but that game sucked and would be a waste of a good TwinStick.

I bought my TwinStick used and have given it plenty of abuse yet it is still working perfectly.  They're built to last as any TwinStick owner will tell you.  If there is one gripe I have with the TwinStick it is that the cord isn't as long as I'd like it to be.  It's not short or anything, but it could stand to be a couple feet longer given how heavy the controller is - it weighs more than the Saturn itself so if the cord gets tangled in something the Saturn will go first.

It seems that most rarity guides (including the one at Digital Press at the time of this writing) list the value of the TwinStick at around $25, which is terribly lower than the actual street value.  Expect to spend at least $50 for a VirtualOn TwinStick before shipping.  Shipping from overseas alone may run you even more than that, it's usually about $60 - $70 via EMS to ship one from Japan to the USA.  Your best bet is to look for one in your country of origin.  I was able to find someone selling a TwinStick in the United States along with a complete copy of the US release of Cyber Troopers VirtualOn all for about $60 shipping included.  Honestly that's a little low compared to the current street value.  What's also cool is as the MAME arcade emulator expands to run more Sega Model 2 arcade games eventually you should be able to use your TwinStick (along with a Saturn to PC convertor) to play the actual arcade Cyber Troopers VirtualOn.

If you like VirtualOn and are serious about keeping this excellent franchise from the past alive, you owe it to yourself to pick up a VirtualOn TwinStick.  Compared to what current generation special peripherals are going for the price is very reasonable and still a good value.  Many should consider the purchase of a VirtualOn TwinStick as an investment, an investment in a peripheral that will last for many years and provide a unique gameplay experience.
 

Written on 11-30-05 by David, insanedavid@classicplastic.net

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