clickbliss — THE iDOLM@STER: PLATINUM STARS REVIEW

THE iDOLM@STER: PLATINUM STARS REVIEW

THE iDOLM@STER: PLATINUM STARS
Developer - Bandai Namco
Publisher - Bandai Namco
PlayStation 4
Rating - CERO B

I’ve owned Platinum Stars since launch but I’ve never gotten to write anything about it. It wasn’t because I didn’t enjoy it – in fact I loved it. If PES 2017 and World of Final Fantasy didn’t come out this year this game would be my GOTY. I loved it so much that I’ve forgotten to write anything about it until I asked to do so.

Platinum Stars follows the story around the idols of 765 productions. You play as the producer overlooking 13 various idols and helping them reach their full potential . Now being a person with exquisite taste I chose Miki Hoshii to lead my rag tag group of idols who seem to flounder to the ground after each installment but only to rise up once again.

This game is even more enjoyable compared to older versions. Gone are the stressful deadlines so you can enjoy this game at your own pace. This game is more “casual” oriented than the previous console installments and depending on how you perceive that, it could be a good or bad thing.

So if you think that costume you just got is super adorable and Takane looks drop dead gorgeous in it, you better think twice about dressing her up in it. Knowing which costume and accessory combination is vital to having a tip top performance. There is a chance that you will fail a song if you place the wrong costume and accessory on your idols. You usually acquire new costumes and accessories after a performance (or if your bank account is deep enough, you can pay a visit to the PSN store). Another method of acquiring costumes would be through cards that you collect throughout the game. You bring these cards over to the tailor to “craft” new costumes. Should you get doubles of costumes and accessories you can head over to the tailor shop and boost up their stats.

There are more than 20 costumes to collect with 18 songs in the base game. At the time of this review, you can get nine more songs and three more costumes via DLC.

Compared to the previous installments, Platinum Stars is more of a traditional rhythm game while performing. Instead of pressing the buttons to the beat, the rhythm section is more laid out like a Hatsune Miku game. You press the proper buttons when they align with the target. The new style of play is what I love the most about Platinum Stars. Although don’t expect any sort of challenge from this, especially if you are already well versed in other rhythm games.

The visuals in this game is just gorgeous. The cell-shaded look really pop and makes every scene and character look vibrant.

Platinum Stars is a beautiful and charming game. Guaranteed to make you smile even if you fail a song. For those looking into getting into the series, this would be a great way to start. I do want to note though that you will need some knowledge of Japanese to fully immerse yourself in this game, but don’t let that stop you from leading 765pro to eternal stardom.