Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX

Japanese digital idol Miku Hatsune and her idol friends star in Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX, a rhythm game for Nintendo 3DS. The game has two play modes: tapping the bottom screen using stylus or using buttons. Tapping is a little bit easier, but three difficulty levels in both modes make the game suitable for beginners and veterans. Varying in genres and singers, the track list includes 48 songs. Synthesized singing style (Vocaloid) might be odd for newcomers, but the catchy tunes will get stuck in your head. The game doesn’t offer English subtitles to the songs which is disappointing for anyone interested knowing what the songs are all about. Luckily, internet is full of fan translations.

In the game, players have a chance to hang out with the characters and become friends with them. Money gained from the rhythm game mode can be spent on different costumes, room items or snacks for playable characters. There are two minigames where players can challenge themselves solving puzzles. Though not particularly engaging, the game has also some extra activities such as a digital keyboard and an alarm clock.

As a rhythm game, Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX is a really good representation on how to do things right. The gameplay is enjoyable, customizable background videos are cute and colorful and the timing of button presses is right on the mark to the music’s rhythm. The track list is unique compared to other more commercial rhythm games and has enough variety to be played time and time again.