The Idolmaster: Stella Stage was teased during Sony’s 2017 Tokyo Game Show presentation. Now, Bandai Namco has released more details about this upcoming installment in the series. As usual, all 13 idols at 765 Productions completely flopped after their debut, meaning players are coming in as a new producer in an attempt to make them famous. At the same time, they are attempting to put on a legendary Stella Stage concert.
Back before 961 Production and 765 Production’s presidents were such harsh competitors, they tried to create a Stella Stage concert that would have been huge and starred the biggest idols. It never happened, but there is a chance you could pull it off by working with Haruka, Miki, Chihaya, Azusa, Iori, Yukiho, Takane, Ritsuko, Hibiki, Yayoi, Makoto, Ami, and Mami. However, 961 Production has an as yet unrevealed new idol who is going to be your singers’ competition. While her identity has not been revealed, she does seem to have a bow in the same place as Leon, a 961 idol who debuted in The Idolmaster: One for All.
The flow of The Idolmaster: Stella Stage seems similar to The Idolmaster: Platinum Stars. Your goal is to keep sending characters to perform concerts, which are rhythm game segments where you press the action buttons at the right moments, to succeed, as well as occasionally have them train or engage in promotional activities. New elements include a Coaching system that places characters on a board and has them move around to progress and become better, and a opportunity to give characters time off to relax and recover when they get overworked. A track listing has yet to be revealed, but one new song is “ToP!!!!!!!!!!!!!,” which was composed by Takafumi Satou and has lyrics from Yura. The characters wear the Top! Clover! outfit when performing it in the newest trailer.
The Idolmaster: Stella Stage will come to the PlayStation 4 in Japan on December 21, 2017. People who buy a digital copy before January 17, 2017 will get the Platinum Memory costume, a Toro & Koro puppet accessory for idols to wear and a theme, while people who buy a physical copy before January 17, 2017 will just get the Platinum Memory costume and free theme. A ¥12,980 (~$116) limited edition with the game, 2018 calendar, 765 Production badge and lanyard, drama CD, magazine, Another Clover costume, and special theme will also be available.
