Vic Viper
- This is about the supposed game bearing the same name. For the starship, go here.
| Vic Viper | |
|---|---|
| |
| Developer(s) | Konami |
| Publisher(s) | Konami |
| Designer(s) | {{{designer}}} |
| Engine | S.A.G. |
| Latest version | {{{version}}} |
| Release date(s) | 3rd quarter 1998 |
| Genre | Racing |
| Mode(s) | Single/multiplayer GP |
| Rating(s) | {{{ratings}}} |
| Platform(s) | Arcade, PlayStation™ |
| Media | CD |
| System requirements | 1.5 MB for save data (PlayStation) |
| Input | {{{input}}} |
| Monthly fee | {{{fee}}} |
| Active players | {{{players}}} |
“The points presented in this editorial seem perfectly legitimate for a product that doesn't exist, but I'll give the author credit for trying.”
Vic Viper is a racing game set in the Gradius universe which was released by Konami sometime in the year 1998. As expected, players select a starfighter from the series so far and race each other on various courses centered towards it. To those who are familiar, this concept of a title in the series with little to no combat whatsoever would be outrageous. However, it was done. Actually, Konami has passed some subtle hints towards this title as time went by.
The clues[edit | edit source]
One of the first and most important clues came from the manual of Life Force for the NES, which introduced many innovations that would help define the series as it is today. The passage states:
| “ | The people of Latis have always been known for their wondorous engineering skills, and the RoadBritish Space Destroyer proves it. In fact, this is the only starship in the galaxy to have beaten the Vic Viper during time trials. | ” |
Time trials are a regular in the world of motorsport and there's no doubt that they would appear in the near future. Like many other proses, this passage is open to ambiguation towards the future of the Gradius series and where it lies. Come to think about it, the potential is great and best enacted with patience and dedication. Then again, why would these people use the fighters for space races? Well, stay tuned and you'll find out soon.
Story[edit | edit source]
Every game we play or every movie/TV program that we watch comes to an end at some point in time and it asks us: "What happens next?" Well, sequels are meant for this but they usually don't take place directly after the endings of their predecessors. In this case, what happens after you beat the Bacterian overlord at hand? How do the people celebrate? How are the fighters kept in shape? In their spare time, inhabitants of the Metalion Star System would race each other in the ships with grand prix events boasting promises of big money and danger. You happen to be a participant in one of these events with those promises in mind. Choosing a planet, you represent it and prove your skills against the others in friendly competition. Upon victory, the planet in 2nd place will enact a request for the winner. The machines, similar to Final Lap, are capable of linking up with each other allowing for multiplayer chaos with 8 players. The success of this project has led itself to a sequel which bears faith to the original.
Roster[edit | edit source]
The various starfighters included are the eponymous Viper, Lord British, Alpinia, Jade Knight, Falchion Beta, and various others who are adjusted accordingly for variety and "balance". For example, the Blue Thunder M-24 and M-45 from Thunder Cross make an appearance along with other fighters at the time. Personal preference is a man's best friend here.
See also[edit | edit source]
