PlayStation

Mastering Popstars In Skimpy Costumes

In Namco Bandai’s Idolm@ster series, you take on the role of a music producer and create and manage a group of teenage popstars. By mixing Japan’s idol and video game cultures, it is no surprise that this series has a fanatic following among Japanese otaku (geeks). But is this following deserved, or is The Idolm@ster nothing more than shameless pandering directed at an eager audience? Let’s dive in to The Idolm@aster 2 on PS3 to find out.


PlayStation

When Downloadable Content Loses Control

In Japan, one company has embraced the DLC business model more than any other: Namco Bandai. To anyone who has ever thought a piece of DLC was a bit pricey would be screaming in rage if the Japanese prices for Namco Bandai DLC were to become the norm. Click through the gallery to see some of the most egregious offenders. (Prices in yen have been converted to US dollars.)


May 9, 2012
PlayStation

Dance For Me My Pretties! (Two Hours With The Idolm@ster 2)

Among hardcore Japanese otaku (geeks) there are few games more popular than those of The Idolm@ster series. The premise is simple. As a music producer, it is your job to take a group of recently debuted teenage “idols” and turn them into Japan’s most popular popstars.


PlayStation

Music Minigames (And Not Much More)

The Idolm@ster series is (in)famous for giving gamers the ability to create and manage their own teenage female popstar group. But what exactly does that entail?


April 24, 2008
Uncategorized

Even More Planes For AC6 Tomorrow


November 28, 2007
Uncategorized

The Singing Idolmaster Girls Return

Miki Hoshii and the girls are back for more singing, dancing and idol mastering. Next February will see the release of THE iDOLM@STER: Live for You. We’re slightly excited about the game (and the in-concert button pressing). But know: There are people in Japan who are more excited. Way more.