I fell head over heels in love with Miss Miku years ago when she first erupted on to the Japanese idol scene. I’m sure you can see why. She’s got it all. Cute face, great body, spectacular fashion sense, and that hair. That trademark aquamarine hair. There’s just something about that design that caught my eye and the eyes of millions of others. It also helps that she’s not real. She's the world's most famous virtual idol. 

For those of you who don’t quite get the Hatsune Miku phenomenon, I’ll explain it as best as I understand it. She’s a virtual idol girl that came from software called Vocaloid. This software allows users to program the vocals for songs. She was used to promote the software but soon became insanely popular. This is partially due to user-created songs using her voice that were uploaded to Nico Nico Douga, which is like a Japanese Youtube. Some songs became very popular, getting millions of views. The biggest hits were collected and released as albums by different groups. She is one of several Vocaloids but by far the most popular. She would eventually go on to perform as a holographic idol in massive concerts. And now there is merchandise, conventions, a zillion videos, tons of music and…video games!

Actually, there have been video games for a while, but Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X is the latest one. Naturally, it’s a rhythm game. And a damn fine one at that. I'm a big rhythm game fan. Of all the video game genres, it has the best chance to put me into a zen-like state. I'll stop  thinking and become completely zoned out on the game. Usually, my brain is a popcorn popper. Thoughts are popped corn flying every direction in a chaotic frenzy. But when I play certain games, the popper is turned off and I am at peace. Good rhythm games have that effect on me and I love it. Why? There’s no time to think! I’ve got to hit the right buttons at the right time or it’s game over, man! Game over!

But in order to achieve this zen-like state I enjoy, the rhythm game has to be legit. It has to have these key features.

First, it needs solid mechanics. When it comes to rhythm games, there isn’t a lot of innovation in that department, because there doesn’t need to be. It’s gaming at is most boiled down—hit the button at the right time. In Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X, the button you're supposed to hit comes flying in from different areas of the screen and at different speeds. Once it lines up with the outline of the same button already on the screen, you have to hit the button. Usually, there’s a pattern and the button commands follow each other. Other times, they come from totally different sides, keeping players on their toes. It’s a simple system, but engaging.

The game also has to have good music. This is key in music rhythm games, no pun intended. Since the Hatsune Miku craze grew out of user-created music, there are a ton of great songs in the game. Both old jams and new. Lots of different genres too—not just cute idol girl dance-y stuff. Although there is a lot of that, as well. Musically speaking, it’s one of the better rhythm games I’ve played, and I’ve been doing this since the PaRappa the Rapper and Bust a Groove days!

Other things great rhythm games have are cool backgrounds, wacky dancing, and other fun stuff to look at while the action is happening. Although you can’t concentrate on it while you’re playing, because you have to actually play the game, it still plays an important role in the overall enjoyment of the experience. It’s window dressing, but the game would be pretty boring without it.

That’s about all it takes to make a solid rhythm game, and this one succeeds on all counts and then some. And aside from excelling at all the basics, it also has lots of extra stuff to keep you busy and involved. There are five main groups of songs to beat called Clouds, but the game also throws in requests where characters ask you to put on concerts by picking your own songs and singers. This pads the game a little in a surprisingly fun way.

The game is also full of items to collect, which you can dress up your Vocaloids to get bonuses while playing through stages. You can also earn special gifts to make them friendlier to you and even decorate their home. These little bells and whistles may not seem like much, but it adds another layer of entertainment to the game. I’ve even grown to like some of the Vocaloids I used to totally ignored before. Hope Miku doesn’t get jealous!

Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X is a tight rhythm game and a wonderful introduction to the unique world of Hatsune Miku and friends. Tons of great music, lots of fun extras, wacky skits, collectibles and other little touches make this feel like some real effort went into the game. And there is lots of free and paid DLC for this game scheduled to come out in the future! Costumes, songs, characters and more! The Hatsune Miku madness continues! 

Hint: Try on different clothes before you perform! You can stack up the bonuses fast with the right combinations!

by Urian Brown