Here’s some surprising news: Sega recently announced that it would be releasing a brand-new Virtual-On game for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita. However, that’s not all that makes it surprising–the game, called A Certain Magical Virtual-On, is a crossover between the series and Dengeki Bunko’s Toaru Majutsu no Index (“A Certain Magical Index”) light novel and anime series.
Released in 1996, Cyber Troopers Virtual-On represented a break from the 3D fighting games of the time, featuring unique twin analog stick controls and an over-the-shoulder perspective. Despite this–or maybe because of it–the series has gained a dedicated following, while garnering high praise; Evo co-founder Seth Killian has stated that it was the “best example” of a 3D game that implemented the values that fireballs bring to traditional 2D fighters.
As for how all this relates to A Certain Magical Index, well it seems that the game’s story (written by A Certain Magical Index author Kazuma Kamachi) sets up Virtual-On as a actual sport in that series’ world. Characters from the series such as Touma Kamijou and Mikoto Misaka will be piloting Virtuaroids around Academy City. As part of this, the special abilities of these characters in the series will now be a part of the arsenal these Virtuaroids can use.
As for how the game actually plays: sadly Sega has yet to release any gameplay footage. However, they do state that the they intend to make use of all the experience they’ve gained working on the series to maintain the “high speed battle action” that it is known for.
A Certain Magical Virtual-On is set to release on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita sometime in 2018. In the meantime, here’s Sega’s announcement trailer for the game.