the first part just explains who the interviewee is and i think we all know who he is lol
anyways here the interview with GamiP on im@s2
-Please share with us the process of developing "Idolm@ster 2"
"Idolm@ster" was originally made for the arcade, but in 2007 we've released the title onto the xbox 360 console, and on top of that we've released "Idolm@ster Live for You!" in 2008, and while receiving many messages from players out there, I've been always thinking on what would bring the most entertainment to everyone.
After trying few different things, I believe that the message "Lets get along, and work together!" has a strong impact on the game. Along with players, being a producer of idols such as myself, we've also came up with a key quote 「俺らが一致団結(danketsu)して盛り上げていこう!」 "Let us unite and bring excitement!" became a natural feeling to us, and that quote brought us the theme danketsu(to unite). With that theme, I'd like to create our new idolm@ster game.
-Succeeding the original title, is there any enthusiasm for bringing the game to Xbox 360?
When it came to releasing The Idolm@ster for home consoles, high definition was only available for the Xbox 360 at the time, so this time I would like to release the sequel only for the Xbox 360 as well.
-Will you share with us the new changes and aspects of the game?
I'm not allowed to share with you much information yet, but the biggest change we've made in the game as you can see; now you produce idols solely in groups called "National idol unit producing". Previously you were able to produce idols as a solo, duo and trio unit, but now we've changed that so when you first start the game you're only able to produce as a trio unit and up. As you start the game, you chose the leader of your trio unit, and as you progress in game, the unit overcomes their tension, drama, and other issues and aims towards top idol in unity.
I cant share with you the deep fundamentals of the game, other than the game play you've seen up to now, you'll feel as if you've experienced something anew as we added additional new elements to the game.
on the other hand, we've simplified the game for people whom are familiar with "idolm@ster"
-Are there any changes to the story?
In the previous game, the idols were younger, but this time we've made is so that you're producing the idols half a year after they've debuted on their own. Each idol is a year older, so basically this is a "parallel world" kind of feeling.
-Please tell us the changes in the characters
The first change in the character are that they're a year older, and they've gained more experience during that year. Even though there are some girls are completely unchanged lol, The most obvious changes are as you can see; the hair styles of the characters. I thought that after half a year, during that time the girls would be thinking about various things, for example "Kikuchi Makoto" the girl who's self conscious on how boyish she looks, and wants to be more feminine thought "Maybe if i grew out my hair longer, I'd look a little more feminine". With that fact I've came to construct the appearance of the characters.
-Please tell us about the new additional characters
There are 2 new characters. First is Shijou Takane; a majestic, princess-like character. A girl with a mysterious past, with silver hair, and who is outstandingly good at singing. Next up we have Ganaha Hibiki, a character from Okinawa, who is an outgoing and cheerful girl, yet a little slow sometimes. She's a very energetic, animal-loving character.
-Are there any improvements in graphics and animation?
Well, we've completely remade the whole entire model and changing the faces and proportion. In the previous games there were times where shadows were too dark and bold, so we've made it a little more shallow, also adding more highlights and changing the graduation... instead of making it realistic CG, we've focused more on realistic in toon rendering animation. Comparing the stages to the previous game, the performances are strongly upgraded.
Also, we've put much effort in motion, as you can see you organize up to 5 idols on stage at once, and with 5 idols on stage we were thinking of adding a stage scene, and so when the idols dance on stage they'll give each other high fives, hold hands and try new and challenging dance combinations on stage with each other.
Technically we also have new and experienced staff members who've worked on different video games... or more like they've just piled up at our front door and said "I want to work on IM@S!" lol. Its very difficult to work on these motions and I think its going to be pretty exciting, so please stay tuned for more.
-What kind of build are you guys going to have on Xbox Live?
Including today's announcement, if there is anything I'd like to share, I'd like to share it on Xbox Live Marketplace. Transcending the release date, so far I haven't thought of anything for DLC yet lol, but the last game's DLC was well reviewed so I'd like to consider something around that area.
-Lastly, send the nation wide producers a message!
It's been 5 years since idolm@ster has been born into this world, I've very happy to announce the sequel of this game. I'd like to show my support for everyone not only in words, but through the product as well. Combining the idols strength, the "newly-made 765pro" will be restarted. Thank you everyone for your support!
