THE iDOLM@STER 2 Gameplay Thread

[Elixir]

Actually they're based on prefectures.
If you want one specifically you should aim for auditions etc in a certain prefecture; you have some control over getting what you want.

Someone linked to this map before so I will use this one.
http://i.imgur.com/HvFea.jpg

The DA one is in 14, VI is in 20 and VO is in 36 at 27.9k money each.

Also, one could look at the prices; charms with similar effects have the same cost and charms who don't all have different costs.


There's also the list on the JP wiki for reference
http://www44.atwiki.jp/idolmasterim2/pages/15.html

Thanks so much, I've already managed to get あわんこ and にくワン due to this. So glad they aren't random.

Nikuwan is really useful as I'm currently visual/dance.

[KIRBYSIM]

Even if you keep doing auditions in the same region you should just buy them all when you're there.

There are like, what, 8 prefectures in each region? I'm not sure if they randomly pick an amulet or if it's a fixed order. But in either case, buying all the crap stuff will ensure that you get the good amulets sooner, as buying a crap one removes it from the random pool/fixed order.

[BT2]

They aren't random nor in a fixed order; if you win in Kanagawa you'll always be allowed to buy nikuwan and nothing else, unless you have said charm already.
If you do, you'll skip the shopping for souvenirs thing altogether and go back to the office directly.
When scheduling just look for a slightly raised marker, this marker indicates the prefecture the action takes place in.

[KIRBYSIM]

... ... oh yeah, you're right! Huh, interesting. I never realised that the map zooms in when you're picking an activity so you can figure out where you're going to be. :-0

Thanks for the tip!

Now it totally makes sense why they let you toggle event description on/off.

[Himoto]

I have a scenario that has confused me...

To get a Break, it has to have been 10 weeks since the song was released if I am reading the info correctly. In that case, why in god's name did a single that I just got released appear with a Super Break symbol on it?

I haven't even done a Fes with this song!

I am assuming I'm reading something wrong here, but if I'm not then I'm even more confused. Anybody have a clue how I got myself this really nice surprise?

[Cael K.]

... ... oh yeah, you're right! Huh, interesting. I never realised that the map zooms in when you're picking an activity so you can figure out where you're going to be. :-0

Thanks for the tip!

Now it totally makes sense why they let you toggle event description on/off.

Yeah. Make sure you figure out where your promotions are as you take them, and make sure you can identify it on the blocky map of Japan if you need to.

Alternatively, I just noticed that I went to Tohoku for a promotion, but forgot to check my prefecture before I went. However, at the bottom right corner of the screen, before I had to answer where the promotion was, the game told me I was at Iwate.

Someone might want to look into if there's a correlation between the place you go to before you have to answer and the correct answer, because I just guessed Iwate then, and was right. It seems too easy...

Someone above asked about the Awareness and fans drop. The translation is correct. If awareness (the most smiling face) is not at the highest level, the number of fans in that area will drop.

If you're talking about the translation I whipped up real quick, then that's a relief on my side. I was wondering about whether or not I was hammering those things down right.

Oh yeah, and...

The problem with this game is that it just didn't tell you a lot of things upfront.

... Played any SaGa games? They are notorious for this. ^_^;

[hotsoup]

I have a scenario that has confused me...

To get a Break, it has to have been 10 weeks since the song was released if I am reading the info correctly. In that case, why in god's name did a single that I just got released appear with a Super Break symbol on it?

I haven't even done a Fes with this song!

I am assuming I'm reading something wrong here, but if I'm not then I'm even more confused. Anybody have a clue how I got myself this really nice surprise?

Super break is different from break. It applies only to the song that is going to be released. According to the JP wiki, it seems to have a chance of activating if you managed to have a successful quintet live for that song during the 4-week preparation period of the song. I myself managed to get it to activate once and the song went on to sell over 2 million copies.

[Katsuyuki-P]

Quick question.

I'm on about Week 30+ is it possible to cause a 'Revival' at this point? The first two songs are my song and Me ga Au Toki, with my unit currently producing 'shiny smile'. Also, how can I tell if a single has triggered any of these special statuses?

[Cael K.]

Oh yeah, translation hints for anyone that needs it.

グー = Rock
チョキ = Scissors
パー = Paper

Quick question.

I'm on about Week 30+ is it possible to cause a 'Revival' at this point? The first two songs are my song and Me ga Au Toki, with my unit currently producing 'shiny smile'. Also, how can I tell if a single has triggered any of these special statuses?

I'd imagine you'd have to do an audition with one of your old songs (10+ weeks after release). If it's anything like getting a Break, there'll be a symbol in the little box on DOTOP TV (the one that tells you the producer and whether or not you can press Y to see a PV for the song) that'll say Revival or something.

Otherwise, you can just look for the song that jumped up in sales.

[Elixir]

... Played any SaGa games? They are notorious for this. ^_^;

Although iM@S2 evidently wants you to lose a few times and learn the game as you go along, I don't think it's anywhere near as difficult as SaGa games. I recall the developer saying something like "if the bosses can't kill you in a single hit, they're not bosses".

Anyway, I have all amulets suggested in this thread and I've been grinding promotions for money (and using lessons as a bonus, but going at full power) so hopefully my fourth playthrough will actually get me a good ending.

[BT2]

However, at the bottom right corner of the screen, before I had to answer where the promotion was, the game told me I was at Iwate.

I use this.
It's pretty easy as well if you get  shown a prefecture and 3 names if you use a cheatsheet :|

[Elixir]

Is there a list of all the reporters and what they influence somewhere?

[hotsoup]

JP wiki has it. The game also tell/hint you what their effects are when you have a reporter on you.

安宅 純    increases voltage gauge gain
有明 仁    increases fans number by 40%
小柴 徹    increases lesson effectiveness
金丸 大蔵    increases money gain by 40%
山原 太郎    increases fans number and money gain by 20%

[hamuzou961]

almost done with my first playthrough. i dont think my rank will be that great... looking forward to the second run.

side note: the painting accessory looks ridiculous

[Cael K.]

Anyone know if Bursting and Memory Appeals really help your Hako-Yure level in Live Stages? If they give the same amount as regular appeals, I'd think you'd just be lowering the amount of beats you can Perfect, so I'd like to know.