Bandai Namco Entertainment has officially unveiled The iDOLM@STER: Platinum Stars, the franchise’s first PlayStation 4 game announced to be in-development in 2013. Before, the only previously-shown footage of the project appeared at last year’s 10th anniversary concert.
Platinum Stars is set up to be a reboot or renewal for the series. To reflect this, the game sports a new redesigned iDOLM@STER logo. Additionally, the story is not a continuation of any existing game. The familiar 13 idol girls of 765 Productions, who retain their established character designs and personalities, return though. You play an up-and-coming producer meeting the girls for the first time, so building relationships with them is a major part of the gameplay and story. The girls have already made their debut, but it’s up the the you to make them stars for the biggest concert event named “Extreme Live.” The start of the game is at a training camp in the countryside, where you get prep them for the big time.
The debut trailer features the new song “Happy!” (written by Kanako Kakino, composed by Kyo) and new “Twinkle Star” outfits.
The power of the PS4 allowed the developers to push the performance and graphics to new heights for the franchise. A new technology named “Variable Tune” was made for Platinum Stars. The cel-shaded visuals are the most gorgeous and brilliant-looking yet in the series. All of the character models have been redone with a major emphasis on improving their expressions and “sense of softness.”
Concerts are bigger and feel more alive than ever before, featuring an improved camera with a wider view and up to 50,000 audience penlights. There’s even the option to adjust the movements and colors of the penlights to match with the music and idols as you like.
A “Stage for You” feature allows you to choose concert stages and freely arrange them.
As in previous entries, the gameplay follows a basic cycle. You select an idol to train through mini-games. Bonding with each one unlocks unique events, improving your relationship. Before a concert, you select your idols, their outfits, and song list to perform. Next, the the concert sequence features a rhythm game and your performance determines how much you level up.
The thirteen confirmed idols are (pictured left to right) Haruka Amami, Chihaya Kisaragi, Yukiho Hagiwara, Yayoi Takatsuki, Ritsuko Akizuki, Azusa Miura, Iori Minase, Makoto Kikuchi, Ami Futami, Mami Futami, Miki Hoshii, Takane Shijou, and Hibiki Ganaha.
View dozens of screenshots here in our gallery.
Development on The iDOLM@STER: Platinum Stars is 60% complete and will release in Japan this year, in 2016. No western release has been announced. However, with Bandai Namco bringing more unexpected Japanese titles to the West in the past few years, it’s not impossible!
Sources: Bandai Namco , Famitsu magazine via Doki Doki Kusoge, Gematsu [1] [2] [3], Siliconera