Xbox Japan's most popular game, Idolmaster, moves to PSP

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 23rd 2008 at 6:00PM }

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!]

Tags: idolmaster, namco-bandai

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Mr.ESC @ Jul 23rd 2008 6:41PM

"You play as a producer that must work with a variety of underaged pop idols".

Good night to everyone.

(No NSFW tag?)

Kylock @ Jul 23rd 2008 7:05PM

Contrary to popular belief, not every thing Japanese involving underage girls is sexual.

Mr.ESC @ Jul 24th 2008 12:25AM

NO WAII Get out of here.

Jacksons @ Jul 23rd 2008 8:22PM

Pop Star Tycoon or something? Weird.

raindogtoo23 @ Jul 24th 2008 10:36AM

Yea.
They haven't done pop star tycoon yet.
It comes with a gold leisure suit, bedazzled aviator sunglasses, and a big cigar.

cafecito @ Jul 23rd 2008 9:02PM

LOL. I wish I could play these games. Maybe then I'd get why the japanese love em so much.

Hotaru Tomoe @ Jul 23rd 2008 9:24PM

I just wish either this one or the 360 version would somehow luck its way to the US. I really should learn Japanese.

Fiefdom @ Jul 23rd 2008 11:58PM

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

Jacksons @ Jul 24th 2008 1:04AM

...What does the player do?

Fiefdom @ Jul 24th 2008 8:38AM

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.