UlasanAnime.com – The mobile free-to-play rhythm game IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Starlight Stage, often abbreviated as Deresute or SS, recently launched after a period of anticipation. Players who pre-registered for the Android version can now claim in-game currency using a redemption code. While the iOS version is still pending release, pre-registration for it is open, and the same bonus will be applied upon its launch.
A prevailing sentiment is that Deresute heavily borrows from Love Live! School Idol Festival (LLSIF). For instance, instead of LLSIF’s “love gems,” Deresute features “star jewels.” The pricing is comparable, with approximately 50 star jewels equivalent to one love gem. A 10-pull in Deresute costs 2500 heart jewels, and all such pulls come with a guaranteed SR or higher rarity card.
The card system in Deresute mirrors that of the original Mobamas game, categorizing cards into N, R, SR, and SSR. Players can “awaken” cards by maximizing their affection level and then using specific items required for the awakening process. This awakening process increases the card’s maximum affection and level caps.
Beyond these similarities, Deresute functions as a rhythm game where players consume stamina to perform “lives.” However, the core gameplay loop diverges significantly from LLSIF. The remaining aspects of the game represent a logical fusion of a free-to-play rhythm game with the mechanics of Mobamas.
It’s crucial to note a significant disclaimer: the game has not yet introduced its first event. Events are typically the central focus of these free-to-play games. Therefore, this early assessment is inherently incomplete and serves primarily as an initial observation.
The aim here is to highlight how Deresute enhances the LLSIF formula, as well as pinpoint areas where Deresute deviates and aligns more closely with the original Cinderella Girls mobage. This comparison is made between a two-day-old free-to-play platform and a two-year-old one.
- Deresute offers notification support, primarily for level timers in the chibi room and when stamina is full. LLSIF currently lacks comparable features.
- The guaranteed SR pull is a consistent offering in Deresute, unlike LLSIF, which, despite having a wider variety of pulls now, including direct UR acquisition, doesn’t offer this guarantee as readily.
- Deresute refines the Mobamas formula by retaining the affection system but removing the two-card “kakusei” (awakening) rule, thus introducing an additional layer of gameplay.
- SSR cards in Deresute boast actual background artwork, a feature also present for SR cards. This visual presentation significantly outshines LLSIF in this regard.
- The “chibi floor,” or its equivalent, adds a unique interactive element.
- The graphics in the 2D live mode are perceived to be superior to LLSIF’s, let alone the 3D mode. While the 3D mode is visually appealing, it primarily serves as eye candy.
- The game utilizes BNID for game data portability, allowing play across multiple systems. Despite some drawbacks, this feature is a major advantage for players who have previously lost their LLSIF accounts.
- LLSIF’s story mode does not feature autoplay, nor does it provide access to audio logs, both of which are available in Deresute.
- Deresute includes a skippable tutorial, a minor but relevant point for players who engage in re-rolling.
- The game emphasizes equality in representation among idols (excluding the few unvoiced ones), leading to more developed individual stories once unlocked. In contrast, LLSIF’s tiered system focuses on the core nine idols, leaving less depth for the remaining characters. While LLSIF benefits from its age with more content, the extent to which Deresute will catch up is a point of interest.
These features might not seem groundbreaking, but LLSIF, despite being two years old, felt dated even in 2014. While an overhaul improved it, time has continued to advance. Deresute is now providing a comparable experience, setting a new standard for what such games should offer.
Naturally, Deresute also has its disadvantages when compared to LLSIF. The player base is smaller, and the sheer volume of obtainable cards in LLSIF, with over 200 available compared to SS’s current roster, is a significant difference. LLSIF also boasts a considerably larger song library and more diverse gameplay modes outside of events. However, considering Deresute is only two days old, it shows immense potential to catch up and potentially surpass LLSIF within approximately six months.
A crucial factor for Deresute’s future success is its current JP-only status. The possibility of an international port is high, especially given trademark filings and Bandai Namco’s potential strategy to replicate LLSIF’s global success. Anyone familiar with the overseas expansion of IDOLM@STER properties would likely anticipate its eventual release outside of Japan.
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Ultimately, Deresute appears to be a strong contender with the potential for significant success, provided that its development and management remain on course.
