Unboxing [JP]: The iDOLM@STER Platinum Stars - Standard Edition (PS4)

A new game imported from Japan. This one had a slight delay due to customs but it's finally here.

The iDOLM@STER Platinum Stars (アイドルマスター プラチナスターズ) is the fourth main instalment for the popular idol franchise. The series actually began as an Xbox 360 exclusive but due to the console not performing well in Japan, they eventually moved to PlayStation 3 with the sequels. Idolmaster 2 and Idolmaster: One for All both were released on the PlayStation 3 but Platinum Stars is the first for the current generation consoles and with a few other tweaks in the mix.

For starters, the artstyle is actually different. In the previous games, the models were doll-like which can put many people off but in this instalment the models are now based on the illustrations that were on the game's cover art and the anime adaptations. Since the game runs on a PlayStation 4 the gameplay is also in 1080p and 60 frames per second.

Now this is actually pretty hard to explain because this is technically not import friendly. There is a ton of dialogue that will make no sense if you don't understand Japanese since the Idolmaster franchise is all about training the idols and watching them perform. The game does feature some rhythm sequences which is why I considered picking this game up and they're during the songs.

(Note: Once I've played enough of the game I'll update this post with extra photos showcasing the menus etc.)

Format: PlayStation 4

Version: Japan

Exclusive: Yes

Local Players: 1

Online Players: 0

Resolution: 720p/1080i/1080p

HDD Space: 4.63GB

Trophies: Yes

The game was released back in July 2016 and is still available at standard prices. I ordered the game from Solaris Japan because the UK rate fares better with the Japanese yen than the US dollar. It was also way cheaper than Play Asia.