One of Bandai Namco's iconic video game franchises, THE IDOLM@STER, has celebrated its 20th anniversary. Started out as an arcade game launched on July 26, 2005, THE IDOLM@STER has grown into a mixed-media franchise spanning console and mobile games, TV anime, live performances, and more.
With that, it's time for a super-quick history lesson on all things IDOLM@STER.
 |
| THE IDOLM@STER Series 20th Anniversary |
July 2005 - THE IDOLM@STER was launched as an arcade game. In this game, players can choose one of the ten available idols: Haruka Amami, Chihaya Kisaragi, Yukiho Hagiwara, Yayoi Takatsuki, Ritsuko Akizuki, Azusa Miura, Iori Minase, Makoto Kikuchi, Ami Futami, and Mami Futami. Their goal is to train their chosen idols and master various songs. Simple as that.
2007 - Two years after the iM@S arcade game was launched, the XBOX 360 version of THE IDOLM@STER was launched in January 2007. In addition to the ten idols, an additional idol, Miki Hoshii, was added.
Also, in April 2007, Namco collaborated with Sunrise for a TV anime inspired by the world of THE IDOLM@STER. Titled IDOLM@STER XENOGLOSSIA, the series centers on Haruka Amami as she gets tangled in an intergalactic warfare, and she becomes humanity's last hope as the Xenoglossia pilot.
2008 - A definitive version of THE IDOLM@STER Xbox 360 game, titled THE IDOLM@STER: Live For You!, was launched in February 2008, featuring an original anime DVD and additional content.
2009 - THE IDOLM@STER hits PSP for the first time with THE IDOLM@STER SP. Launched in February 2009, it was offered in three different versions featuring different idols to choose from in each version. The Wandering Star version features Ami and Mami Futami, Yukiho Hagiwara, and Iori Minase. The Perfect Sun version features Makoto Kikuchi, Haruka Amami, and Yayoi Takatsuki. Finally, the Missing Moon version features Azusa Miura, Ritsuko Akizuki, and Chihaya Kisaragi. Each version has one member of the villainous 961PRO's Project Fairy to defeat. Perfect Sun has Hibiki Ganaha, Perfect Sun has Miki Hoshii, and Missing Moon has Takane Shijou.
A spin-off game of THE IDOLM@STER seriestitled THE IDOLM@STER Dearly Stars was launched for the Nintendo DS in September 2009. In this game, players assume the role of the producer of 876PRO with the task of raising three idols.
2010 - In December 2010, a mobile phone game called THE IDOLM@STER Mobile Area Game was launched. This location-based game uses the GPS function of a feature phone to travel around Japan and produce idols. Local voice calls and wallpaper images are also available.
2011 - PROJECT iM@S' 2nd Vision has commenced with the launch of THE IDOLM@STER 2. Initially launched on the Xbox 360 in February 2011, it became available for the first time on the PS3 in October 2011 with exclusive content.
In July 2011, fans' wishes for a proper IDOLM@STER anime came true with the TV anime adaptation of THE IDOLM@STER made in cooperation with Aniplex. This 26-episode anime centers on the life and times of 765PRO ALLSTARS at the hands of the producer who holds their fate.
In November 2011, THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls was launched as a mobile social game. In addition to the familiar 765PRO ALLSTARS, Cinderella Girls features a roster of over a hundred idols to choose from.
2012 - The year 2012 not only saw the launch of THE IDOLM@STER Mobile i for Apple iPhone, as well as the Pachislot game, but also another PSP game called THE IDOLM@STER Shiny Colors. Offered in three different versions, Funky Note, Honey Sound, and Groovy Tune, it's a rhythm-based game where players can master hit IDOLM@STER songs.
2013 - The year 2013 not only welcomed a net anime series titled Puchimas - Petit Idolm@ster - but also a third sub-brand of THE IDOLM@STER franchise titled THE IDOLM@STER Million Live! In addition to the familiar 765PRO ALLSTARS, Million Live features 765PRO's newest recruits to train and idolize.
2014 - 765PRO ALLSTARS has hit the big screen with THE IDOLM@STER MOVIE, set after the events of the TV series. In addition to 765PRO's movie escapade, the journey continues with the newest PS3 game titled THE IDOLM@STER One For All. As the 765PRO ALLSTARS continue to elevate, a fourth entry to the franchise, titled THE IDOLM@STER Side M, was launched. Side M features a roster of male idols from the all-familiar Jupiter trio, who used to work for the villainous 961PRO, to some new additions.
2015 - The year 2015 marked 10 years of THE IDOLM@STER. To kick off the anniversary year, THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls has finally hit TV screens with the TV anime, which was split into two seasons. The first season aired in January 2015, and the second in July 2015. The lives and times of 346 Production idols, along with the producer behind them, are showcased. Not only did the Cinderella Girls get their own TV show, but also a smartphone app game titled THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Starlight Stage. Oh yeah, did you know that THE IDOLM@STER series team up with Taiko no Tatsujin to create THE IDOLM@STER Must Songs for the PSVita? This two-version game features some of the franchise's greatest hits.
2016 - A new era for THE IDOLM@STER franchise kicked off with THE IDOLM@STER Platinum Stars, launched for the PS4 in July 2016. Not only did this game feature a brand new logo for the franchise, but it also featured refreshed looks of 765PRO ALLSTARS thanks to the PS4's capabilities. Come October 2016, PSVR users can get to experience their favorite Cinderella Girls' performances with THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Viewing Revolution.
2017 - That year saw more new IDOLM@STER-related anime on the TV screen, such as Cinderella Girls Gekijo and THE IDOLM@STER Side M. Not only that, a K-drama inspired by THE IDOLM@STER franchise was aired in April 2017. Titled THE IDOLM@STER.KR, this K-drama centers on a scandal-ridden producer whose life changed when he encountered a young girl who happened to be the twin sister of the celebrity who died in a car accident. This sparked the clash between rookies and newcomers, who would later form themselves as the Real Girls Project. On the gaming side, two new IDOLM@STER-related smartphone apps were launched, such as THE IDOLM@STER Million Live! Theater Days and THE IDOLM@STER Side M LIVE ON ST@GE! Wrapping up the year is another IDOLM@STER PS4 game titled THE IDOLM@STER Stella Stage, where the 765PRO ALLSTARS are facing a new threat: Shiika.
2018 - The fifth entry of THE IDOLM@STER franchise was launched in the first half of 2018. Titled THE IDOLM@STER Shiny Colors, it started out in life as a browser game by enza, pitting players into the role of a 283 Production producer, holding the fate of the agency's idols. On the anime side, a 3rd season of Cinderella Girls Gekijo shorts and a new anime shorts series featuring Side M idols were aired.
2019 - In addition to the final season of Cinderella Girls Gekijo aired on TV, a smartphone app titled THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Starlight Spot was launched.
2020 - The pandemic didn't stop the franchise from celebrating its 15th anniversary.
2021 - Three new IDOLM@STER games were launched, such as the POP LINKS puzzle game, THE IDOLM@STER Side M GROWING STARS app game (which served as the replacement for the LIVE ON ST@GE app game), and the crossover game on the PS4 and PC via Steam, titled THE IDOLM@STER Starlit Season. This game saw the 765PRO ALLSTARS teaming up with some of the best idols from Cinderella Girls, Million Live, and Shiny Colors to form Project Luminas. Together with a mysterious new idol, Kohaku, they're battling against 961PRO's triple threat consisting of One For All's Leon, Stella Stage's Shiika, and new rival idol Aya.
2022 - With three years left before the franchise's 20th anniversary, THE IDOLM@STER franchise outlined its "3.0 VISION" under the tagline "CRE@TE POWER WITH YOU!" A sign of future expansions for the franchise to come.
2023 - PROJECT IM@S 3.0 VISION has begun. Not only did this year welcome an armada of new animes such as THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls U149, THE IDOLM@STER Million Live!, and THE IDOLM@STER Shiny Colors, but the franchise entered the Vtuber business with PROJECT IM@S vα-liv, featuring vtubers named Manaka Tomori, Cosmo Kamizuru, and Letora. The year 2023 will be forever remembered by fans of both THE IDOLM@STER and the Love Live series with the crossover concert held at Tokyo Dome from the 9th to the 10th of December, 2023. Titled IJIGEN FES - THE IDOLM@STER & Love Live Uta Gassen, the crossover concert event features most but not all idols from both THE IDOLM@STER and Love Live! franchises.
2024 - The sixth entry to THE IDOLM@STER franchise, titled Gakuen IDOLM@STER, was launched. This game, made in collaboration with QualiArts, pits players in the role of the producer of Hatsuboshi Gakuen with the task of raising school idols of the said campus. On the anime side, The IDOLM@STER Shiny Colors TV anime aired on TV Tokyo with the first season in April 2024 and the second season in October 2024.
2025 - THE IDOLM@STER Series' 20th anniversary
The IDOLM@STER series has celebrated 20 years of success and continues to reach new heights. With six distinct brands and over 345 idols, the franchise exemplifies excellence in idol management. Bandai Namco has proven that for two decades, the IDOLM@STER series will forever be recognized as the M@STERS OF IDOL WORLD.
Happy 20th Anniversary!
No comments:
Post a Comment