I got idolm@ster 2 but...

[Taylor_Omnom115]

Okay so i got o for my xbox 360 from amazon but when i tried to play it it said that the game is not in the correct region... what do i do...? should i return it back? I really wanna play that game sooooo bad but my xbox is region locked!!!!! (BTW im in the US and im using a US xbox)

[mariokirby]

Xbox 360 games are usually region locked.  So, you will need a JP Xbox 360 to play JP games.  JP and Asian games usually won't work on a US Xbox 360.

About 99% of PS3 games are region free.  So, if you have bought the PS3 version of Idolm@ster 2, then you could play it on your US PS3 with no problem.

The PS3 version of Idolm@ster 2 is the better version since it has more content than the Xbox 360 version.

I would say try to buy a PS3 because that's the only way to play Idolm@ster 2 and One for All.  Plus, the PS3 has a lot of good games, so it's a good investment.  Remember, nearly all PS3 games are region free so you can play JP, Asian, Europe, and US games on a US PS3.

I would say return the game if you can and get the PS3 version of Idolm@ster 2.  Also, if you can pick up the newest game which is One for All.


Off Topic:

Just letting you know that the main games take a lot of time and patience, so they aren't so easy.  There's somewhat of a learning curve.  So, it's going to require a large amount of commintment.

Plus, they have a lot of DLC content which cost a lot of money.  For example, in One for All you'll be spending much more money than the game itself just to complete the characters EX episodes story.  So, be prepared to spend a lot more money than any game you ever bought.

Of course, knowing Japanese helps a lot.  Obviously, you don't need to learn Japanese to enjoy the games.  I don't know Japanese, but I still played through them by using the online guides.

Here's the guide for Idolm@ster 2

http://imas2.wota.info/home

This is a supplemental guide for Idolm@ster 2 in case you need it.

http://imas.wikia.com/wiki/The_Idolm@ster_Gameplay_Wiki

And, here the guide for One for All if you decide to get it

http://idolmasterofa.wikia.com/wiki/IDOLM@STER_One_For_All_Wiki

[SakuraMaxX]

Japanese 360s aren't as expensive as they used to be but the shipping will kill you pretty hard (it was $80 for shipping alone for me).  Easiest option is to get a PS3, other option is to hunt for a Japanese 360 or get a modified 360 that can play region-locked titles.  Either way, newer games are on Sony platforms.

[animagic4u]

Hi there and welcome to the forums.

I would also recommend taking the ps3 route since both 2 and OFA are on that console.
If you don't have the commitment to learn Japanese yet or only import games, you can still get American games for the ps3 and play them together.

Once you've learned more about playing Japanese games and get comfortable with the language, I would recommend buying a Japanese console (if the console you want is region locked).
I've had a Japanese 3DS for about a year and I'm really loving getting to play titles before everyone else and it inspires me to move forward in my studies.
I also rather recently got a ps4 for which I have more import games than I do American region games.


Good luck~

[MetalPredat0r]

As everybody else already said, the Xbox 360 IS region-locked and to play Japanese games, you either need a Japanese 360 (which is costly) or to mod your console to remove the region lock (which requires certain skills in tech). I advise to check if a game is region-locked before importing so that you do not waste money on a game you cannot play.

I also agree that you are better off getting the PS3 version as it has more content AND is on a region-free console, which makes importing much easier. The only games you would really be missing out on this way are the original iDOLM@STER and Live for You. But you can play 2, OFA, and both series of G4U games.

[Taylor_Omnom115]

well if i get a japanese xbox would i be able to play it in the US

[MetalPredat0r]

well if i get a japanese xbox would i be able to play it in the US

Unless your TV requires special adjustments, it should be able to work. I don't own a Japanese 360, so maybe somebody who owns one can help elaborate for me?

[Cael K.]

well if i get a japanese xbox would i be able to play it in the US

Yeah. Japan uses voltage in the 100-120 range, same as the US, and all their beefy electronics have to take both 50 and 60 Hz current 'cause Japan is weird and uses both. They mainly use type A plugs, which are common in the States as well - those are the two-pronged plugs that fit into US three-pronged slots.

You can take a look at my sig for the link if you want to get pedantic. Electronics is the third post down.

Region locking is so dumb, though. I got myself a 3DS a while ago and remembered how Nintendo is about all their consoles and games. They region lock, they use their own connectors to charge... dang it, Nintendo, I'm starting to think I should've gotten your console used.

[SakuraMaxX]

I can't find new Xbox 360s on Amazon Japan anymore.  There's always Play-Asia but their markup is insane.

Also whoever you get to ship you the system, make sure they understand how to fill out customs forms.

[TheTanStar]

As stated before, unless you really want to play 1/L4U, I'd highly recommend getting a PS3. It'll end up being about the same price as a JP 360 after everything is said and done. Otherwise, look into getting a JTAG/RGH console; they're much easier to come by than importing an Asian/JP 360.

[animagic4u]

If you want to play 1 just get a PSP with one of the PSP games