New BEMANI game, Otoiroha! Full report, details, and gameplay video!
At JAEPO this past weekend, KONAMI unveiled their latest music game – Otoiroha (おといろは)! A teaser site was posted last week with a short songlist.
MEGA SHAKE IT ! / キュウソネコカミ
Synchronize / Sota Fujimori
メアリー牧場の一日 / Mutsuhiko Izumi
LOTUS / dj TAKA feat. Nana Takahashi
THE OBVIOUS CHOICE CROSSOVERS:
So, what’s it look like? Let’s take a look at the cabinet!
In person, it’s pretty large. Take note of the white block sticking out over the KONAMI logo on the marquee – this space will be hold a camera in the future. One major feature being advertised is the ability to record a direct feed and player camera, and upload them somewhere online. Unfortunately this feature was not yet ready for us to try at JAEPO.
While most BEMANI games have just one type of input, Otoiroha combines two very different ones. The first is a set of four jubeat-style clear buttons on top of the game’s main display:
These feel like and function the same as jubeat buttons – when a note reaches the center of them, you press the button. The second type of input comes in the form of two vertical, track-mounted “Sliders”
These are used to hit notes that appear on the “walls” of the track, somewhat similar to the effector knobs in SOUND VOLTEX.
Take a look at the right side of the play screen. The purple track is what you have to “follow” using the sliders. Take note of the (<) on the right side. It’s not touching the purple track exactly. You can be within 3 “spaces” of the track to catch it, so it’s somewhat forgiving if you’re not perfect.
In addition, there are notes where you must pull and hold the slider into the bottom-most position, as well as notes where you quickly slide them upwards.
The gameplay track itself is fairly straightforward, as well.
The number pad is actually touch-sensitive, similar to MUSECA.
There are four difficulties,EASY, MEDIUM, HARD, and EXTREME. The difficulty level goes from 1-20, although the hardest chart is currently a level 19. Scrolling to choose your song is done with buttons A and B, while button C changes your difficulty, and button D confirms your choice. Headphone volume can be adjusted using the number pad, as seen in the lower-lefthand corner.
There are actually two kinds of clears. Score was tied to a percentage, similar to REFLEC BEAT’s clear gauge, while Groove was a typical life gauge based on hitting/missing notes increasing/decreasing life.
This is”Hinode-chan,” goddess of the sun, who is currently studying Japanese language and culture. Her faithful guardian and sidekick, Shibasaki, is seen below.
Konami also demoed a 4 person local battle mode in which everyone’s chart is unique, but during a special “SYNC TIME” they become the same.
Now for what you’ve been looking for: a full gameplay video of your favorite song, FLOWER!
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1gELkFbw68[/embedyt]
Finally, Konami issued a press/industry pamphlet with the following information, translated by Bemanistyle staff and photographer Julian:
‘A fresh single-player experience! Even more fun with friends! Connecting circles and (Japanese) harmony.’
‘It uses use two control-types to express a never-felt before sense of exhilaration!’
The cab features a circular motif. With clearpanel buttons as well as the innovative new slider system, playing the game is exciting, but just looking at it is also enjoyable.
‘Record your gameplay and share with your friends!’
You can download videos of your gameplay (direct feed+player-cam). This feature allows you to see your scoring and your hand movements on one screen.
‘The game has a ‘Modern-traditional Japanese’ theme!’
While many such songs will be added to the game, it will also feature many songs from other genres.
‘The game mode that makes playing with friends even more fun!’
The game will feature special ‘co-op-exclusive’ charts for when playing with others. Each player will have a different chart, with the music played as an ensemble. However, during a track’s ‘SYNC TIME’, everybody’s chart becomes the same. From synchronising everyone’s charts and movements, a ‘sense of unity’ can be experienced. And in battle mode, 4V4 play is possible with online matching. Through co-operating with other local players to battle people in other arcades, players will connect with each other and invigorate the community.
Release date: Unconfirmed (2016)
Players: Up to 4 (local) or 8 (online)
So, what do you think? Would you play it?
New BEMANI game, Otoiroha! Full report, details, and gameplay video! was originally published on bemanistyle ♪ Let the music motivate your mind
