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the idolm@ster

namco bandai

iDOLM@STER For PSP Announced

Until now, nerds who wanted to play Namco's pop idol sim THE iDOLM@STER had two choices: Play the arcade versions or play the Xbox 360 versions. But not every owns an Xbox 360 in Japan. (Shocking, we know.) Good news! There's a new option as Namco Bandai is releasing the game on the PSP. Dubbed THE iDOLM@STER SP, this one player game almost looks like a port of the arcade version with PSP-tweaked graphics. There is a new "mail check" system where players have to check the idol's email from magazine writers, stylists and fans. Since Namco Bandai won't be able to make a killing on DLC like it has with the Xbox 360, the company is releasing three versions of the game with three characters spliced into each one. Maximum profits! The three versions (with characters) are:

More »

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Pop Idols Sim Mated With The Matrix

Total. Nerd. Meltdown. Here's Bandai Namco's idol singer sim THE iDOLM@STER mixed with The Matrix Reloaded for this viral-type iDOLM@STER promo. What's this imagery mash-up called? Yep, THE iM@TRIX.

business

THE iDOLM@STER Singing Its Way onto Windows Live

Microsoft isn't sorta behind Xbox 360 exclusive THE iDOLM@STER: Live For You! Microsoft is totally behind it. So much so that the company is using the virtual pop star sim idols for MS messenger. Windows Live now has an official iDOLM@STER theme pack, complete with cutesy icons. A second theme pack has been announced! Word has it that apparently Microsoft will even be releasing "voice packs" for Windows Live using the game's voice talent. Not sure if this will help, but okay!
THE iDOLM@STER [Windows Live Thanks, Muu!]

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Sing Along to New iDOLM@STER: L4U Trailer

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!]


only in japan

Red Ring of Death, Naughty Faceplate

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]


xbox 360

Japan Downloads iDOLM@STER Content Big Time

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!]

only in japan

IDOLM@STER To Emasculate Ace Combat 6 Jets

If you feel like your Ace Combat 6 fighter jet is giving off a bit too much of a testosterone vibe, why not take the masculinity down a few notches by adding a 16 year old anime girl to it? These soon to be released The IDOLM@STER decals for the F-117A Night Hawk feature all-singing, all-dancing fake idol Yukiho Hagiwara. Apparently, she's afraid of chihuahuas. If that doesn't lop the balls off your stealth fighter, I don't know what will. Maybe a heatseeking Louis Vuitton purse.

The IDOLM@STER skin is just one of six that will be available to Japanese gamers as downloadable content on December 20th.


otaku

THE iDOLM@STER Ace Combat 6 Plane

November 22nd brings a new bundle of downloadable Ace Combat 6 hits Xbox LIVE. So? Well, that bundle includes a Su-33 Flanker THE iDOLM@STER Miki. Yes, that means you can dogfight in an iDOLM@STER plane. Right there, that's Bandai Namco making nerd dreams come true!
Ace Combat 6 Planes [JAMZY, Thanks setuzoku!]

only in japan

Japan To Get The IDOLM@STER: Legendary Edition

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 $230 US. 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]


japan

Does Microsoft's One, Two, Three Punch Matter?

The last two days in Japan: a cheaper Xbox 360 goes on sale, a discounted THE iDOLM@STER goes on sale, and today, Ace Combat 6 goes on sale. For a console that didn't appeal to Japanese gamers, there seems to be a lot appealing about it of late: THE iDOLM@STER has a rabid hardcore fan base, while AC6 has an across-the-board built-in audience. Releasing them bang bang, right after each other, is aggressive on Microsoft's part. Do we think that these titles will hurt the PlayStation 3 in Japan? No. The PlayStation brand is way too strong. But do we think these titles will help sales? Definitely. Who knows—maybe this week, Microsoft might move five thousand Xbox 360s—six thousand maybe! The sky's the limit. Well, not really, but still.

Ace Combat 6 [AkibaOS]


clips

THE iDOLM@STER Clumps to Beautiful Katamari

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... More »

clips

The Flying Xbox 360 Japanese Anime

Flying Xbox 360 and Namco's THE iDOLM@STER! The above clip is a fan reworking of anime Kiteretsu Encyclopedia's opening. The anime was based on a Fujiko F. Fujio manga. (Fujio also created Doraemon, hence the similarities in character appearance.) Kiteretsu Encyclopedia followed a young science whiz named Kiteretsu, who built a robot buddy and travels in time. Hit the jump for the show's original opening, which is also pretty awesome — even without the flying Xbox 360. More »

sing it

The iDOLM@STER Gets Cheap in Japan

For those living in Japan and for those who own an Xbox 360, good news! Microsoft sent word that Bandai Namco's popstar sim THE iDOLM@STER is now available as part of the 360's budget "Platinum Collection" for a mere ¥2,940 (US $25) starting November 1st. That's nothing! The game is certified nerd heroin, boasting a million iDOLM@STER items downloaded via Xbox LIVE marketplace. That's a not a lot, it's a shit ton. Surely, enough for an English localization?

go my way

Is This Nerdom's iDOLM@STER Killer?

Pure nerd heroin. Don't think of PC game TimeLeap as a rip-off of Namco's pop idol sim THE iDOLM@STER. No, think of the erotic PC game as an expansion. For those who missed it, Namco's THE iDOLM@STER was by no means an erotic game (though, it did have some saucy dialogue and spicy costumes). A Japanese cult hit of sorts, the game did a decent showing on the Xbox 360 in Japan. TimeLeap hopes to capitalize on that. Besides the standard adult scenes of you-know-what, TimeLeap also features characters rendered in 3D much like THE iDOLM@STER. The pop music is pure saccharine, too. Hit the jump for look at TimeLeap.

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THE iDOLM@STER Makes Haruhi Dance All Creepy

In what can only be described as total nerd meltdown, here's a fan-made THE iDOLM@STER-meets-The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya clip. Remember when I could never be sick of this dance? I lied. This freakazoid clip has decimated any desire to see that dance ever again.

sex

THE iDOLM@STER-Inspired Sex Toys

Preface: Not sure if these are real, but apparently these sex toys feature images inspired by characters in Xbox 360 game THE iDOLM@STER. The one on the left features a Yayoi Takatsuki knock-off, while the right one is either Ami or Mami Futami. Dunno, cause they're twins! If you are interested in what the box says, hit the jump. The ick factor is SUPER high, so no asking what kind of sex toys these are. And apologies, mom! More »

the idolm@ster

Teen Idols, Plus Mechas

TV anime Idolm@ster: XENOGLOSSIA is not just a retread of THE IDOLM@STER. Oh, no, no. It's THE IDOLM@STER with giant robots. These young idols are actually pilots that control large mechas called "iDOLS" — Making them "Idolmasters." (Clever, eh?) Based on Bandai Namco's Xbox 360 game, the anime kicked off in Japan earlier this month! Robots plus teenage idols? Talk about knowing your audience. Bandai Namco so needs to make a game of *this*. More »

xbox 360

Clip: See, Hear, Shudder! THE IDOLM@STER Live

Curiosity killed the cat. Earlier we did a post on THE IDOLM@STER live concert. And I wondered: What would THE IDOLM@STER be like live? This is what would be like. Minus the heavy stench of oily sweat.