UlasanAnime.com – The author expresses a strong desire to take a break from blogging to immerse themselves in playing iM@S 2 for the PS3. They also encourage readers to consult another source to understand the appeal of iM@S.
The author reveals they were on the verge of purchasing a copy of Dearly Stars but ultimately decided against it, though they admit to having started playing the game a week prior. They are now considering waiting for a copy of iM@S SP Perfect Sun instead.
A peculiar “one more turn” syndrome, similar to that experienced in 4X games, has taken hold with iM@S 2. The author feels they have mastered the basic mechanics, such as the rock-paper-scissors element, and can even decipher some non-verbal cues. Distinguishing voice actresses is challenging but not insurmountable, especially with prior experience. However, the inability to understand Japanese remains a significant hurdle.
Despite the language barrier, the availability of online resources, like a specific website mentioned, makes it possible to navigate the game. The author likens this situation to the era of imported games, where a tablet or smartphone could serve as a real-time translation tool, reminiscent of their past experience with Sakura Taisen on the PC.
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The core gameplay experience is paramount, with the anime adaptation serving as supplementary content. The author likens the anime to whipped cream on a pie, enjoyable on its own but best as a topping for the game. This is a notable distinction from adaptations of visual novels like Kanon or Fate Stay Night, where the anime and game offer similar narrative experiences. The Idolmaster, with its arcade roots, offers a deeper “game” element that elevates it beyond a typical visual novel presentation.
The author ponders if there’s a character in the iM@S anime equivalent to “Nayuki Minase,” someone who consistently faces misfortune. This leads them to consider re-reading a fan’s analysis of the series, questioning whether a deeper understanding of the characters would alter their perception of certain pairings.
A mistake was made in attempting to “get the game out of their system” by playing it excessively. The author now realizes this approach is futile and anticipates that, like many 4X games, the novelty will eventually fade due to the repetitive nature of the gameplay. Even the appeal of well-animated characters cannot completely mask the endless cycle of selecting the highest-scoring options. While timing “memory appeals” offers some variation, the core strategy remains constant once deciphered. Thus, the focus shifts from whether they can escape the game’s grip to how deeply they are entrenched.
