Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX
Developed by Sega
Published by Sega
Available on Nintendo 3DS
Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX has more content than you could shake a leek at.
Japan’s digital idol sensation Hatsune Miku is back in another rhythm game spectacular. Featuring over 40 full-length songs, the game is also packed with Hatsune Miku and friends lifestyle options to explore. While Miku and friends have made their appearances on Playstation 3 and Playstation Vita, this is the first time Nintendo fans can enjoy the rhythm game fun. The best news is that the game easily holds up to those previous incantations of the series and might be the most fully featured Hatsune Miku game yet.
The rhythm game is where a majority of time playing Project Mirai DX is spent. Like Theatrhythm Final Fantasy before it, Project Mirai DX features two different ways to follow along with its large selection of songs. Control schemes are selected before each song and range in difficulty. The two different control schemes are touch screen support or using the face buttons. Interestingly enough the touch controls seem the easier to master of the two, but either way it adds more options to complete songs. Unlike the Project Diva games, Project Mirai DX has SP Markers throughout each song. These are used to promote mastery of certain sections of songs. It isn’t as enjoyable as the payoff of the Project Diva games, but it does add to the challenge.
The song selection is seemingly endless. Fan favorites from previous titles like ‘The World is Mine’, ‘Crimson Club’, and others make a return with some surprising additions as well. Most of the selections are winners, although there is a repeat or two.
Unlocking all the songs will only reveal a fragment of the content in Project Mirai DX. Completing the songs will give players a type of currency they can use to buy new outfits, decorations, or snacks for the digital divas. The outfits can be worn during any song and while not crucial to the enjoyment of game, they add another layer of interactivity with the Miku and friends. There are no achievements to unlock this time around, but Sega has included stamps to collect that work the same way as achievements. Completing a certain number of songs or buying all of a character’s outfits will earn a stamp. The stamps unlock a new tagline variation for your customizable Player Card. Those Player Cards can then be exchanged via StreetPass.
When interacting with the Divas on the home screen, players can decorate their spaces or give them tasty snacks to enjoy. It all goes towards building friendships with each of the Divas and seeing all their unique gestures. Sega have decided to use the chibi (or tiny) versions of Miku and friends for this iteration of the franchise. It adds a new wrinkle to many interactions series veterans might be familiar with. In addition to the livestyle options, Project Mirai DX has a mode where the Divas can do custom dances to the various songs, a puzzle Puyo Puyo mini game, and unique Streetpass functionality where players can exchange different melodies.
Hatune Miku: Project Mirai DX not only brings the successful rhythm/lifestyle sim to the Nintendo console, but might be the most complete version of the franchise yet. Featuring a plethora of fantastic music selections, countless new costumes, and multiple ways to play, Project Mirai DX will have fans happy for a long time.