idolm@ster

Culture

These IDOLM@STER Figures Cannot Sing

1:00PM Brian Ashcraft | That’s okay. They can stand very, very still. They are figurines, you know. That’s what figurines do. More »

New iDOLM@STER DLC Makes Us Uncomfortable

8:00PM Brian Ashcraft | If it wasn’t enough that the ages of virtual idols for Namco Bandai popstar title THE iDOLM@STER: Live 4 U. The new DLC for the Xbox 360 offers a pre-school type “Child Smock” and matching “Child Hat”, sandbox pale and shovel, and a band-aid to boot. Available in separate packs, all the kiddy contents totals 1800 Microsoft Points. That’s right, DLC to make the teenage singers look younger. galleryPost('imasdlc', 3, 'Preschool'); バンダイナムコ、可愛い園児に変身!? [Game Watch Impress] More »
News

Sing Along to New iDOLM@STER: L4U Trailer

4:00PM Brian Ashcraft | Excited about THE iDOLM@STER: Live for You’s impending release later this month? We certainly are! Here’s the latest trailer and color pallet. The newest song even features man-chanting. Yes, MAN-CHANTING. There are two words for this, and they are “bone chilling.” [Thanks, Muu!] More »

Red Ring of Death, Naughty Faceplate

5:00PM Brian Ashcraft | Red Ring of Death sucks. Those who’ve seen the mark know the feeling of having to send their console back in hopes of getting it fixed — or better yet, a new one. But some people don’t want a new one. Perhaps they are attached to their console and have fond memories of it. They want their machine fixed. One Japanese Xbox 360 owner (and iDOLM@STER fan) sent his off to repairs and made this short clip when it got back. He writes: My bride came back.! My Xbox 360 is back from Repairs and I couldn’t be any happier. I was so happy… I decided to make a very simple very short video showing my wonderful Xbox and how it is after getting back from the repair And how does he know its his? The serial number and, well, his topless teen faceplate. Yep. Oh, sorry about the clip size. You’re going to have to squint. But, really, perhaps that’s for the best. Thanks, Muu for the tip! sm2127319 [NicoNico] More »

Japan Downloads iDOLM@STER Content Big Time

5:00PM Brian Ashcraft | Wallets open! At a recent Namco press conference, it was announced that music idol managing sim THE iDOLM@STER has sold over 100,000 copies since going on sale last January in Japan. That’s not so impressive (it is an Xbox 360 game, though). Here is what’s impressive: It’s number 3 in the world for downloadable content, selling $US 3 million worth. That means the DLC per copy rate is VERY HIGH. What’s more, this is only Japan. Free downloadable demos also clock in at 1.2 downloads. The entire iDOLM@STER market size for arcades, merchandise (CDs, etc) and whatnot is supposedly around $US 56 million dollars. What’s THE iDOLM@STER? It’s nerd heroin. Press Conference [IT Media Thanks, muu!] More »

Japan To Get The IDOLM@STER: Legendary Edition

8:40AM Michael McWhertor | Cat helmets? Who needs ‘em? Not the Japanese. They’re fare more interested in “playing” a largely hands-free sequel to The IDOLM@STER on the Xbox 360. They’re also sure to line up for the ultra limited edition release of the Xbox 360 exclusive, known as The IDOLM@STER: Live For You! which will come with a special doll of virtual pop star Miki Hoshii. Only 3,000 units of the game’s high-end edition will be shipped and at a premium price of 26,040 yen. That’s about $US 230. Yes, that’s expensive. No, that doesn’t include a console. The premium package does come with an anime-stuffed DVD and a pre-paid exclusive card. Fortunately, the doll also comes with detachable cat ears, which seem perfect for placing on the head of one of your tinier, less fortunate pets. Full-sized pics of the Miki doll, ideally suited for men who like dolls, at Game Watch. The IDOLM@STER: Live For You! [Impress Game Watch] More »

IDOLM@STER Sequel Goes Hands-Free

6:40AM Michael McWhertor | The latest issue of Famitsu reveals that the first IDOLM@STER for the Xbox 360 was so successful with Japanese otaku, the kind that like watching mostly underage anime girls dance about to J-pop tunes, it warrants a sequel. IDOLM@STER: Live For You! is, according to 1UP’s interpretation of the article, less of a hands-on experience, dropping the management aspects of the first and becoming more of a video customisation tool. Simply pick the grating tune, the thigh-revealing costume and hit the play button. A quick clean up afterward and you’re ready for the next session. Sorry, America, no word of a stateside release for you yet. Idolmaster Follow-up Dances on 360 [1UP] More »

THE iDOLM@STER Clumps to Beautiful Katamari

2:00PM Brian Ashcraft | I went through a phrase, a phase in which I was doing posts on popstar sim THE iDOLM@STER — sometimes every day. I’ve slowed down and only to only once or twice a month. And with that, I bring you this month’s iDOLM@STER post… Katamari is known for its catchy tunes. Beautiful Katamari should be no exception! The Bandai Namco’s current Xbox 360 exclusive features a sugary sweet song from another Bandai Namco Xbox 360 exclusive, THE iDOLM@STER. Above, that’s it in-game in the Japanese version. No reason to doubt its in the English-language one. Can anyone confirm this? Hit the jump for the song and idols clumping together. More »

The Best Beautiful Katamari Display in Akihabara

8:00PM Brian Ashcraft | Posters are boring! If you are going to capture savvy Tokyo shoppers’ wallets, you must capture their imagination. What better way than to do that through crazy in-store displays. Later this week, Beautiful Katamari will go on sale in Japan. To whip Akihabara shoppers up into a frenzy, Sofmap has a display case with a katamari made from figurines. Besides the ubitiquitus iDOLM@STER toys, there are figurines of girls wearing sailor uniforms and swimsuits. The sign on the display reads something like: That’s mine…!! A katamari of evil corruption!! AKA a big ball of nerd heroin! Close up after the jump. More »