The Idolmaster 2 (title also recorded as The Idolm@ster 2) on the Xbox 360 is a music manager with elements of arcade and adventure games, which is the second installment of the series. The Idolmaster. A team of developers from Bandai Namco is responsible for creating the game. After the success of the console edition of the first The Idolmaster in Japan, the creators of the title continued to support the version of the arcade, while at the same time preparing to produce a fully-fledged continuation, this time from scratch, prepared for home platforms. The Idolmaster 2 develops the formula of the cycle with previously absent solutions and possibilities, which were created with fans and completely new players in mind.
### Story
Players take on the role of a beginner music producer, starting work in an artistic agency 765 Production. The boss instructs him to lead a three-person team of teenage idylls selected by us, who are under the care of the company. I have a total of 52 weeks to achieve success. Its determinant is being nominated for the Idol Academy awards and invited to the accompanying festival ceremony. Although in The Idolmaster 2 appears Virtually all the characters from the first installment of the cycle, the game presents a completely new story unrelated to the original. Among the nine available idols there are also completely new heroines. In the visual novel adventure segments, we get to know girls better. Our answers to their questions and requests influence the further course of history, as well as relations with the whole band and its achievements on stage.
### Mechanics
Starting with The Idolmaster 2 we choose three out of nine heroines who will be our charges. Players to meet the boss’s target for a total of 52 weeks. (plus three additional tutorial roles). Each week is divided into several days, on which we determine the schedule of classes. As in the first part of the game, the game is divided into several different segments. Players can send girls for lessons, auditions or, after meeting the relevant requirements, organize a concert or event. They can also talk and spend time with one of them.
Beginners’ skills are described with three statistics (voice, dance and presentation/charisma). We enlarge it thanks to the lessons, which were realized in the form of three rhythmic mini-games. The acquired skills are tested during auditions during which we perform a selected song, competing with other music groups. In a similar way, we work well during concerts and various events. Apart from voice, costumes, which influence the skills and presentation of the heroines, also turn out to be important. It is also the task of players to regularly release more singles, as well as to organize events promoting them. Successes are rewarded with an increase in the number of fans, who are the determinant of the popularity of the band.
### Technical issues
The Idolmaster 2 uses the predecessor’s own graphic engine. However, the creators have introduced a number of new graphic options without sacrificing the goal-shading style, which makes the game similar to anime. As in the first part, each song was recorded separately by all actresses, so depending on who we choose to join the band we will hear voices corresponding to different heroines.
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