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!]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-23-2008 @ 6:41PM
Mr.ESC said...
"You play as a producer that must work with a variety of underaged pop idols".
Good night to everyone.
(No NSFW tag?)
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7-23-2008 @ 7:05PM
Kylock said...
Contrary to popular belief, not every thing Japanese involving underage girls is sexual.
7-24-2008 @ 12:25AM
Mr.ESC said...
NO WAII Get out of here.
7-23-2008 @ 8:22PM
Jacksons said...
Pop Star Tycoon or something? Weird.
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7-24-2008 @ 10:36AM
raindogtoo23 said...
Yea.
They haven't done pop star tycoon yet.
It comes with a gold leisure suit, bedazzled aviator sunglasses, and a big cigar.
7-23-2008 @ 9:02PM
cafecito said...
LOL. I wish I could play these games. Maybe then I'd get why the japanese love em so much.
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7-23-2008 @ 9:24PM
Hotaru Tomoe said...
I just wish either this one or the 360 version would somehow luck its way to the US. I really should learn Japanese.
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7-23-2008 @ 11:58PM
Fiefdom said...
Three versions, each focusing on one of the characters? Does that mean that none of the other characters are represented or are they spread out over the three games? If the PSP versions are watered down ports, then it's probably better to get one of the Xbox versions. T_T I guess we'll see (assuming someone else on this website cares, haha).
Also, 'The iDOLM@ATER SP' at the beginning of the second paragraph should be 'The iDOLM@STER SP'. ;)
Heh, I have trouble imaging this on the PSP: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O2dQ5e3tdc
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7-24-2008 @ 1:04AM
Jacksons said...
...What does the player do?
7-24-2008 @ 8:38AM
Fiefdom said...
Heh, I just read the sourced article and it explained my concern about the dispersal of characters; there's three per game.
Jacksons, the player plays through a series of minigames to make the idol not suck on stage. I think there's a tutorial demonstration video on Youtube or Gametrailers (or somewhere like that...) if you're interested.
7-24-2008 @ 4:34PM
Jacksons said...
Ahh, I see. I'll head over to YouTube to slay my curiosity. As for making this possible on the PSP, Namco Bandai has quite a task at hand.
7-24-2008 @ 1:26AM
NukeAssault said...
Damn three versions? They sure a milking it. But i know if i were i fan id HAVE to but them all... Really wish they made ones for the US. =|
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7-24-2008 @ 12:48PM
Alien said...
Fiefdom : it could very well be pre-rendered ...
Well I cant say that this was unexpected :?
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7-24-2008 @ 5:31PM
gurbinder said...
In your face microsoft!
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7-24-2008 @ 5:50PM
merc25 said...
At first glance, I read the thing as "Idol Molester."
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8-23-2008 @ 9:32PM
blake steel said...
I would defidently get the one with Yukiho in it. I just can't ever iqnore her because she is so cute. *sigh* if only they would release the Idolm@ster to the U.S.
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