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Japan has some exclusive PSVR titles, but you're not missing much
Sony's lineup of games and demos is often slightly different depending on the region. It's something you may have noticed with PlayStation's VR debut in both Europe and the US -- and that's even more true for Japan. The virtual reality headset launched in Sony's homeland with several titles on the PlayStation Store that are not available elsewhere. While standalone (much less stand-out) games are few, there are still handful of experiences that are only playable with a Japanese PlayStation account. Fortunately for you, I've got one, and have played through some of this Japan-only content. From awkward teacher role-play with a Japanese schoolgirl, to anime J-Pop idol concerts, digitized musicians, Godzilla and virtual karaoke rooms (!), these regional exclusives very much cater to the locals. Here's how they fared over a weeklong playthrough. (Factoring in some time for Rez Infinite, of course.)
Namco's Idolm@ster games released on iOS in English (for $55 each)
Namco Bandai's Idolm@ster games have been exclusive to Japan since the series started, and for good reason: they're all about being a producer who recruits, trains, and promotes a girl group of "idol" performers. It's a huge sensation in Japan, and would meet mostly blank stares over here.And now, Namco is helping generate those blank stares, releasing three Idolm@ster games, in English, on the iOS App Store. The catch: they're rhythm game spinoffs, without any of the simulation aspects. The real catch: they're $54.99 each. They're the same, except each stars a different team of erstwhile idols and includes a different animated sequence.Square Enix just breathed a massive sigh of relief, as the pressure is off of its insane iOS pricing tendencies for a while.
DSi-enhanced Idolm@ster is region-locked
Since the DSi was first announced, it's been difficult to precisely determine its regional limitations. Rumor spread that everything would be region-locked -- that all Japanese games would be incompatible with an American DSi. That's not true. So far, only DSiWare has been proven region-locked, as a function of region-specific DSi Shops. In addition, Nintendo has said that DSi-exclusive games would be region-locked. But you can still play any normal DS game on any DS system, including the DSi.NeoGAFfer t3nmilez provides an account that helps clarify the DSi region-locking situation. He imported The Idolm@ster Dearly Stars, which has extra camera features when used in a DSi, and it didn't register in his American DSi; though it worked in an American DS Lite and a Japanese DSi. From this, we can infer that (if his DSi isn't busted) DSi-enhanced games are regionally encoded just like DSi-only games. So if you want to play The Idolm@ster, make sure you have either a Japanese DSi or a DS Lite.[Via GoNintendo]
One of the Idolmaster idols is a boy
The Idolm@ster: Dearly Stars is interesting for more than just being the first entry in Namco Bandai's rhythm game/management series on Japan's favorite console. It's notable in that it deals with some surprisingly complex topics for a bubbly anime-style game -- though, of course, they seem to be handled in the bubbliest, most anime-style way possible.A few days ago, it was revealed that idol Hidaka Ai is the daughter of a former idol who had to leave the business after becoming pregnant with Ai at age 16. Now, a new video reveals that another of the idols, Akizuki Ryo, is a boy disguised as a girl. Who knew these fictional idols had such complicated lives? The news has actually increased interest among users of Japan's Nicovideo site.The video, from Namco Bandai's own Idolm@ster channel on Nicovideo, is embedded after the break.
Idolmaster: Dearly Stars coming to DS
As you may or may not know, the Idolmaster rhythm game series is so popular in Japan that the most commonly selected name for newborns there last year was [insert some name from Idolmaster's Wikipedia entry here]. Now that it's -- according to some Famitsu scans -- apparently coming to DS in Idolmaster: Dearly Stars, we expect the Land of the Rising Sun to love it even harder. Look for it to be elected "King of Forever" by the fall.Also, congrats to Team Idolm@ster for coming up with the most awkward DS backronym yet.
PSP firmware 5.05 released, available on UMD only
Those that absolutely must have the latest PSP firmware update may want to import Idolmaster SP. The recently released Japan-only game features a new update that isn't available online. Without an official changelog, the effects of the firmware are unconfirmed -- any guesses? Some are speculating that it could be a simple security fix, while others believe the update is necessary for PlayStation Home connectivity. Either way, PSP owners need not lose sleep wondering what's in this new (but rather inaccessible) update.[Via CVG]
XBLM Deal of the Week: Foo's 'Colour and the Shape' Rock Band DLC
Following up on last week's discounted Legendary Map Pack for Halo 3, Major Nelson recently announced the latest Xbox Live Marketplace "Holiday Deal of the Week". For the next seven days, you can pick up one of the best pieces of Rock Band DLC to drop this year (in our most humble, Grohl-worshiping opinion) on the cheap. The full Foo Fighters album, The Colour and the Shape, is on sale for 1200 ($15), a discount of 400 ($5).Asian Xbox Live territories have their own unique discounts this week -- Japan's popular rhythm title The iDOLM@STER: Live For You knocked a few points off the price of one of its songs, while Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan can pick up the Guitar Hero III Foo Fighters Track Pack for 375. It's a global Foo-nomenon!
Namco's TGS line-up includes six PSP titles
If you regularly read this blog, then the following Namco line-up shouldn't be all that new. Namco is bringing six titles to show; these are namely: Idolmaster SP Perfect Sun, Idolmaster SP Wandering Star, Idolmaster SP Missing Moon, Macross Ace Frontier, Mobile Suit Gundam vs. Gundam and last but not least Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 2. See what we mean? You've probably heard about all these before in the past few months. There doesn't seem to be any new announcements on the table -- which, we must say, is just fine. Though, it would've been way more exciting if there was some mysterious project being worked on ... something like this morning's unannounced Sony games.
Yes, this is the Idolmaster trailer
Unless you're a truly hardcore otaku, it might be hard to understand the appeal of Idolmaster. This was a huge success in Japan, in spite of it being on Xbox 360. Imagine how well it will do when it arrives on Japan's most successful console right now. Yeah, we're thinking this is going to cause a massive surge of sales, one only rivaled by Monster Hunter.[Via Siliconera]
Xbox Japan's most popular game, Idolmaster, moves to PSP
For some crazy reason, Namco Bandai decided to release the very Japanese Idolmaster game exclusively on Xbox 360. It quickly became the system's most popular game ... but that doesn't say much for those that follow the Japanese charts every week. Looks like Namco Bandai realized that the franchise needed to jump ship to a much more popular platform. And it has -- the PSP.The iDOLM@ATER SP looks to be based on the arcade original, with downsized PSP graphics. You play as a producer that must work with a variety of underaged pop idols. To ensure maximum profitability, Namco Bandai is releasing three versions of the game, each with three characters. (Wondering Star will actually feature four. Terrific value!) Considering the incredible desire of nerds to manage anime pop stars, we have a feeling this will do very well when it debuts in Japan.[Thanks, Joe!]
Taiko Drum Master: So many guests
Taiko no Tatsujin: 7-tsu no Shima is turning into the Love Boat of DS rhythm games: a massive confluence of guest stars at various levels of notoriety. Also, much like The Love Boat, the music is great.Not only will Doraemon, the Oshiri Kajiri Mushi, and characters from Namco Bandai's own The Idolm@ster be popping in, but the seven titular islands will play host to even more game characters. Adorable little animate tiles from Mojipittan (a version of which is launching on WiiWare today) will dance, presumably to "Futari no Mojipittan," the game's signature tune. Characters from the horror/comedy manga (and, of course, DS game) GeGeGe no Kitarou spook it up, as do characters from the similarly gothy-cute Fukoumori. The Spelunker (of Spelunker) is no doubt happy to get a break from heights for a while.Finally, yes, those are the Power Rangers -- sort of. Our Power Rangers have undergone countless team, costume, and even show changes, because the Japanese shows from which they use footage (pretty much everything in costume) change. The latest such Japanese show, and the one represented here, is Engine Sentai Go-Onger.
Bandai Namco cheats on their own video game test
Our Video Game Certification is a collection of minigames based on old 8-bit Namco games, designed to test your skill in very focused retrogaming tasks. Therefore, you'd expect the old 8-bit Namco games to be old 8-bit Namco games. They've got a lot of the things, from Cutie-Q to Wonder Momo -- one of the largest libraries of classic games ever. So why the heck did they have to put together a fake 8-bit version of The Idolm@ster? Well, okay, we're not actually upset by the development. In fact, it's pretty cool that they mocked up a whole new scene for the collection when they really didn't have to. Do you think you can "grab her heart" (according to our awesome translation skills, but you get the idea) in thirty seconds?Other newly-revealed games in Our Video Game Certification include Xevious, Youkai Dochuuki, and Star Luster.
Idol Master downloads begin, otaku rejoice
Already established as a cult classic in Japan (albeit with a slightly creepy cult), NamcoBandai's Idol Master has moved a sizeable number of players from dingy arcades back to their dingy bedrooms. And now, thanks to yesterday's introduction of downloadable items, there's even more fodder (we're not saying for what) available to players of the Xbox 360 version of this teen girl coaching sim. Schoolwear (pictured), kimonos and other outfits are priced at 1000 Microsoft Points, as there seems to be a premium for such garb, while leopard skin skirts and equestrian accessories (whips not included) are priced at a more reasonable 500 points per item. Probably the best line to take on all this: no comment.
Today's ?????????????????????-iest video: The Idolmaster
Today's video featuring in-game footage from The Idolmaster is completely wacky and strange ... even somewhat bizarre. That is, unless you speak Japanese or have a universal translator handy. We've talked about this game for the Xbox 360 before, and this footage seems to confirm just how strange this thing really is.In fact, if you're anything like us, you might feel a bit brainwashed after seeing this video. It's enough to put you into a trance, while your brain says WTF over and over. Hopefully someone can translate this for us before we decide to worship these strange Japanese girls and form a cult.
Japanese release day highlights: 01.25.07
Today is an expensive day for the import crowd, and only slightly less expensive for gamers living in Japan. Thanks to Namco, Konami, From, Taito, and Nintendo, we have no choice but to blow a stash of Yen on these excellent new releases: Idol Master (Namco's 'teen girl pop sensation management sim', pictured, is possibly not as dodgy as it seems; Xbox 360) Parodius Portable (Konami's definitive collection of witty shmups, which includes the sublime Sexy Parodius; PSP) Salamander Portable (more Konami love, including Xexex; PSP) Twinbee Portable (thank Konami this includes Pop'N Twinbee; PSP) Enchant Arm (so good that From Software released it twice; PS3) Taito Memories 2, Vol. 1 (obscene love from Taito, ending with Bubble Memories; PS2) Picross DS (it's Picross, but cleverer; DS)
Namco's TGS 360 lineup, 4 whole games!
Bandai Namco has announced its lineup for the Tokyo Game Show being held this month. To put it bluntly, PS2 and PSP owners have a lot to look forward to. The 360 isn't left entirely out in the cold though, with four games on display. The four games to be shown are Culdcept Saga, Mobile Suit Gundam: Operation: Troy, Idol Master, and Trusty Bell. We don't know too much about these games other than Trusty Bell, the game starring a delusional Chopin and his musical companions. Also, we have to congratulate Bandai Namco: Mobile Suit Gundam: Operation: Troy may be the very first game to have two colons in its title. Seriously though, we're intrigued by Trusty Bell. Here's hoping for some Marketplace videos (or, heaven help us, a demo). [Via QJ] See also: Trusty media for Trusty Bell
